Media Mess

The media's coverage of the Gulf's destruction has provided some dramatic images. But it has also proven to be the absolute most disgraceful display of mindless Bush-bashing. The Democrats have long since crossed the line of decency and respectful restraint. John Hinderaker at Powerline writes the following:

The mainstream media's handling of Hurricane Katrina and the disasters in New Orleans is a disgrace, possibly the worst instance yet of media bias. Insane claims by left-wing nuts that President Bush botched the recovery effort on purpose so as to kill black people are repeated by the MSM in a chin-stroking mode, as if to say, "It's an interesting question--they might be on to something." Meanwhile, no one points out that it was President Bush who implored Governor Blanco to issue a first-ever mandatory evacuation order for the city, an action by the President that probably saved tens of thousands of lives.

Similarly, the media yammmer on and on about the allegedly slow federal response to the hurricane, without noting that the Governor of Louisiana has the power to call out the National Guard. Accusations that lawlessness and looting in New Orleans are somehow the federal government's fault are repeated endlessly; hardly anyone bothers to criticize the looters and other criminals themselves. And where is the outrage that should be directed toward the New Orleans Police Department? They were the authorities on the scene, and they, under the direction of the city's Mayor--who had an emergency plan in place, but apparently made no attempt to implement it--had the responsibility to maintain law and order. Yet some policemen reportedly joined in the looting, while a great many others turned tail and abandoned their responsibilities.

I couldn't agree more.

He goes on to argue that the Bush adminstration needs to begin passionately refuting all the baseless attacks being leveled at it before they become irrepairably mired in a public relations nightmare from which they won't ever awake. Again, I couldn't agree more.

Finally, Mr. Hinderaker's post linked to this article in which Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu (a Democrat) physically threatened President Bush:

"If one person criticizes our sheriffs, or says one more thing, including the President of the United States, he will hear from me - one more word about it after this show airs and I - I might likely have to punch him - literally," says Landrieu.

"The President came here yesterday for a photo-op, he got his photo-op but we are never going to get this fixed if he does not send us help now."

The people of the Gulf need action and cooperation. Not hysteria. Any reasonable person would expect those still stranded and suffering to be hysterical--and for good reason. But our society can't afford for our leaders to respond as such.