... and so goes the rest of the administration.

And yet, I suppose, it is hardly surprising that, given the example their President set, the rest of the administration has shown an equal lack of compassion.

Condi Rice: Is still on her own vacation in Manhattan:

According to Drudge, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has recently enjoyed a little Broadway entertainment. And Page Six reports that she’s also working on her backhand with Monica Seles. So the Gulf Coast has gone all Mad Max, women are being raped in the Superdome, and Rice is enjoying a brief vacation in New York. We wish we were surprised.

What does surprise us: Just moments ago at the Ferragamo on 5th Avenue, Condoleeza Rice was seen spending several thousands of dollars on some nice, new shoes (we’ve confirmed this, so her new heels will surely get coverage from the WaPo’s Robin Givhan). A fellow shopper, unable to fathom the absurdity of Rice’s timing, went up to the Secretary and reportedly shouted, “How dare you shop for shoes while thousands are dying and homeless!” Never one to have her fashion choices questioned, Rice had security PHYSICALLY REMOVE the woman.

Scott McClellan tells reporters that people should just stay put, and how dare they try to get food on their own:

That's why we have a massive effort underway to continue getting food and water and ice to those who are in need. There are ways for them to get that help.

This is a statement, of course, that is contrary to the facts. This, a direct transcript (link when the MSNBC transcript is up) by MSNBC reporter Michelle Hofflan, in New Orleans:

This is the first sign of any help that anyone has gotten down here.  There appear to be some port-a-potties, and what looks like some water and some gasoline.  But, you know, everyone keeps telling the people down here, "there's help on the way. You're going to be getting supplies.  You're going to be getting some food."  I've been down here four days, and no one has seen anything at all.  And, as darkness falls, we're being told that people are going to be becoming more and more desperate, realinzing that no one is going to come...

Homeland Security Director, Michael Chertoff:

“The critical thing was to get people out of there before the disaster,” [Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff] said on NBC’s “Today” program. Some people chose not to obey that order. That was a mistake on their part.

This is a disaster, and the Administration is blaming the victims.

That is, when they can be bothered at all.

Comments

[kris]

Yes, those adults, animals, children, and the elderly really should have gotten themselves out of town sooner - ON SKATEBOARDS. Where were those hundreds of busses now taking thousands to TX prior to the storm hitting land? And how is it that we have been so skilled at dropping supplies out of airplanes over vast deserts but can't seem to do it in the middle of the asphalt? Inquiring minds want to know.