Observation

It's endlessly fascinating to me how Bush touts competition, democracy and free markets (most recently in his blather from his India junket, talking about the outsourcing of US jobs to India) when he himself -- and his Administration and family -- have so aggressively squelched all three.

His latest fave derogatory catchphrase is "protectionism," refuting critics of various policies as being "isolationist" and "protectionist," with the blinkered audacity of one who fails to recognize both terms apply with unerring accuracy to his every word and move throughout his Presidency.

In every imaginable manner, Bush has, since being sworn into office, refused to listen to views other than his own or his cabal's; ignored and actively subverted the methods and mechanisms of democracy when they are against his or his circle's prescribed interests; and erected an imposing (but thankfully not as effective as imagined) wall of secrecy around his actions and inactions.

The "competition of ideas" Bush touts is exactly what he has consistently avoided.
____

BTW, the Bush/Katrina story continues to evolve -- I'll stick with 'neutral' sources for the benefit of those concerned about the biases of some online venues, and simply offer this (it's on the "Crooks & Liars" site -- nevertheless, the AP video report is accessible there)

AP video report.

Keep an eye on this as it develops; the White House spin is furiously seeking to divert culpability (as they did as the storm was hammering the Gulf coast) on regional authorities, as multiple news stories yesterday and today demonstrate.

Don't forgot Bush himself took full responsibility for any failures.

Let's hold him to his words at last -- and follow through.