Keith Olbermann: The city of Louisiana

[MidnightWind]

Tonight's briliant Rant: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6210240

Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff said it all, starting his news briefing Saturday afternoon: "Louisiana is a city that is largely underwater..." Well there's your problem right there. If ever a slip-of-the-tongue defined a government's response to a crisis, this was it.

The seeming definition of our time and our leaders had been their insistence on slashing federal budgets for projects that might’ve saved New Orleans. The seeming characterization of our government that it was on vacation when the city was lost, and could barely tear itself away from commemorating V.J. Day and watching Monty Python's Flying Circus, to at least pretend to get back to work. The seeming identification of these hapless bureaucrats: their pathetic use of the future tense in terms of relief they could’ve brought last Monday and Tuesday — like the President, whose statements have looked like they’re being transmitted to us by some kind of four-day tape-delay.

But no. The incompetence and the ludicrous prioritization will forever be symbolized by one gaffe by of the head of what is ironically called “The Department of Homeland Security”: “Louisiana is a city…”

Politician after politician — Republican and Democrat alike — has paraded before us, unwilling or unable to shut off the "I-Me" switch in their heads, condescendingly telling us about how moved they were or how devastated they were — congenitally incapable of telling the difference between the destruction of a city and the opening of a supermarket. . . .

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6210240

[Dogmudgeon]

1. It was a sublime moment in TV history

One of the best pieces of editorial ever on TV news.

Keith Olbermann ought to win some kind of prize for it. I think the Pulitzer is the appropriate one.

--p!

[FightingIrish]

2. We had no voice at the ballot box. Keith Olbermann has now

spoken for us and for many who will now join us.

[JanusAscending]

5. MY GUY KEITH!!

Love that man!! Actually, he's the only newscaster that stayed on the "STEALING OF THE PRESIDENCY"! I looked forward to his blogs every weeknight after the election, and he always added a news "tidbit" for a few months. Just know that he will jump on it again as soon as things in Ohio begin to surface. He has no use for phonys,(fellow newscasters included)!! He will also be a good source for the real story when the Prosecuter finishes up with the "plame case" GO KEITH!!!!!

[bleever]

6. Welcome to DU, belatedly, discerning christian!

Many of us here are admirers of KO's unique (in these times) journalistic excellence.

[blue sky at night]

3. Yo...MidnightWind......

welcome, welcome to Democratic Underground! Great to hear from you and I love the Name...I am a sailor and I have always liked the Wind...MY Handle has been Nightwind for years and years!! My DU nickname is from the old Sailors Warning!! Great Post and and keep up the good work.

[MidnightWind]

4. I grew up on the coast and have spent many a happy hour

at sea thanks to my sailor Dad from whom I inherited my own love of the water from. Love your handle too! :hi:

[Captain Hilts]

7. I want to have his baby. (nt)

[Catchawave]

9. Get in line....lol

:hi:

[texpatriot2004]

8. I (still) love Keef. Thank you Keef. You're the best. n/t

[Catchawave]

10. This is powerful

"For many of this country's citizens, the mantra has been — as we were taught in Social Studies it should always be — whether or not I voted for this President — he is still my President. I suspect anybody who had to give him that benefit of the doubt stopped doing so last week."

Keith.has.cajones.:loveya:

[texpatriot2004]

11. Very powerful...Go Keith! n/t

[katty]

12. THE BEST on Cam Commentary

[Orion The Hunter]

13. The money line from his rant

"It has just proved that it cannot save its citizens from a biological weapon called standing water." - Keith Olbermann