by Mike Liddell
http://educate-yourself.org/cn/whitehousepressresponse02sep05.shtml
September 2, 2005

http://mike-liddell.fromtheroots.org/

Original Title
The Katrina Cover-Up

FromTheRoots readers that have followed our Karl Rove postings will notice something strikingly similar to the way the Bush administration talks about Karl Rove and the way they are now talking about Hurricane Katrina. Instead of giving the American people straight answers, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan just refuses to say anything when confronted with simple questions about Bush's failed leadership.

As the Washington Post's Dana Milbank reports:

McClellan may have set a record yesterday for punts in a single briefing. Some excerpts:

Q: What's the latest estimates of the damage caused by the hurricane?

A: There's going to be an operational update later today by Secretary Chertoff. That might be a place to direct that question.

Q: We've heard a number of reports about crime deterring people from making rescues. . . . Can you, sort of, set the record straight on what you're hearing?

A: No, I think that the best place to ask that question is going to be at the briefing at 1:30 or the briefing later today by FEMA officials.

Q: Do you have any kind of an estimate as to how many . . . are still displaced, unsheltered?

A: No, I think, again, that might be one to direct to FEMA on the ground or the Department of Homeland Security here in Washington.

Q: Have you considered making a request for international aid?

A: Again, this is something that is probably a question best directed to the Department of Homeland Security.

Q: Do you know anything about how small towns are being responded to versus the larger communities?

A: I think those are operational details that probably are best provided . . . by FEMA or . . . by the Department of Homeland Security.

Eventually, ABC News's Jessica Yellin protested: "Message boards on the Internet are going crazy. They're frustrated that you're deflecting this to FEMA. Is the White House properly, adequately concerned?"

"Deflecting what to FEMA?" McClellan asked.

With each hot potato passed Chertoff's way, McClellan was suggesting the Homeland Security Secretary would be the one to blame if recovery efforts don't go well. The spokesman also said questions about pre-storm preparations were off-limits.

Whether it's Karl Rove or Hurricane Katrina, the Bush administration has failed its most basic responsibility of coming clean with Americans and just plain tell us the truth. President Bush has had four years since 9/11 to prepare for another catastrophe on American soil - and his response to Hurricane Katrina has been an utter failure.

It's time to explain that failure. It's time to stop covering up the mistakes. It's time to stop deflecting criticism. It's time, President Bush, to take responsibility for your actions.