My repub coworker finally sees the light...is this what it takes?

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

My conversation with her focused on the disastrous results of Katrina.

She was genuinely horrified that the situation evolved into one of such horrific proportions.

Now, she is someone who has contingency plans for contingency plans.

So, it was beyond belief for her that there were no plans of any kind in place to manage a generally foreseeable result of a Cat 5 hitting the Gulf Coast near NOLA.

I told her, can you imagine if this was a terrorist attack... and with this disaster, unlike an attack, we knew it was coming.

She is in shock. And she said to me something I never thought I'd hear,"I don't think bush is doing his job."

It seems minor, I know, but this was a hard-core W disciple.

So, thousands died and he became the "great leader". I guess thousands have to die, again, for him to lose the title. MKJ


BTW, I have such contempt for him that I don't know if I'll be able to nominally contain it anymore.

[ThoughtCriminal]

1. Probably

:banghead:

[babylonsister]

2. Progress, but at what cost?

This is not the first personal transformation I've read about today. Good to know they might just be waking up.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

5. I would have thought it would be a wonderful thing to see someone

who gave undying support to gwb turn on him.

But, it's kind of numbing that our country and its poorest citizens had to endure this kind horrific misery for it to occur. MKJ

[CrispyQ]

3. The repukes could have a very difficult time in '06.

You know they will remember in the south, but let's hope everyone else's memories are that long.

[huskerlaw]

4. I had a similar conversation with my mother.

We were discussing the lack of National Guard deployment and all around lack of leadership at the federal level. I was arguing that it was Bush's job, ultimately, to make sure that Louisiana and Mississippi get whatever they need...and fast.

At first she tried to defend him...sort of...and then she gave up entirely, and quietly said "you're right."

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

14. I hope this is a trend...at least among TRUE compassionate

conservatives.

My co worker is a kind, yet horribly misguided, person, who is overwhelmed by the human cost of this disaster.

Hugs to you and your mom. MKJ

:pals:

[tulsakatz]

6. they've never had a plan!!

this has always been one of my earliest problems with this administration after 9/11!

Yes, we all agree a terrorist attack would be terrible but what is the plan here? The most they've ever been able to come up with is duct tape and the color coded threat levels.

Ok, so we know when the threat is getting better or worse but if it is the worst, what do we do? No one has ever been able to answer that or even suggest a reasonable plan of action!

Still, after what we've seen happen in Iraq, I suppose we shouldn't be too surprised that these people will never have a plan about anything..........unless it involves making more money!

[babylonsister]

7. So true; their continual ineptness is showing. nt

[leesa]

23. And the only reason they came up with duct tape was for Home Depot.

[jackstraw45]

8. She'll love him again by Friday....

I'll bet you.

KKKarl Rove's propaganda will win her back in no time.

Sad, but true.

Might want to tell her about FEMA funding cuts, Bush's guitar strumming/birthday cake party yesterday, etc.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

17. Actually, she and I are both nurses. We are both nurse managers.

She is a planner for anything and everything. She's also a very caring person, so, of course, it's always driven me crazy that she
thinks gwb is so great.

I've never understood how she could support gwb. I've made up that it is because she isn't very well versed in the workings of our government. And, she seems to be doing the anti Clinton thing, too.

MKJ

[jsamuel]

9. ... sigh

[Usrename]

10. Devastating post - kick

I realise that this disaster may help bring the south back into the fold as blue states.

It's still a disgusting thing to say and I apologize for saying it.

This is why I pray.

For my own soul.

how selfish - sorry again

[Eloriel]

15. I think you're confused -- let me help you out

1. The hurricane was no one's doing (tho global warming could be part of its ferocity, but that's another subject) -- and therefore was basically inevitable.

2. Bush and his administration did MANY things that made the aftermath much worse. And there may have been things they could've done in preparation to mitigate the disaster as well (e.g., offer military vehicles for evacuation of more people). BUSH, therefore, IS culpable. No argument whatsoever. There are several drop-dead serious articles written over the last several years outlining the stupidity of what was going on. Here are several:

MUST READ: When the levee breaks
http://www.pnionline.com/dnblog/attytood/archives/002331.html

Disaster in the Making#
http://www.sfbg.com/38/52/news_fema.html

Must read from Salon: "Warning, What Warning?" Unf*cking believable!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2047833
Link: http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/index.html?blog=/politics/war_room/2005/08/31/warnings/index.html

Washing Away
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4526424&mesg_id=4526424
Link (WSJ): http://online.wsj.com/public/article/0,,SB112543860068627059-6Sq1cBFORPnJqv8o85gyZbCPVdE_20060831,00.html?mod=blogs
Link (Times-Picayne 5-part Series): http://www.nola.com/hurricane/?/washingaway/

Gone With the Water (Natl Geogr, Oct 04)
http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0410/feature5/

CNN/New Orleans:"Mayor blasts failure to patch levee breeches" and that's (many links)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4523783

BUSH IS DISMANTLING FEMA
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x151912
Link: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/opinion/12521521.htm


3. It stands to reason whan a leader screws up, it's a political liability. And this one has done nothing BUT screw up for years, but more people who don't routinely pay attention are finally catching on.

4. Being glad for the well-deserved political fallout after a tragedy that couldn't have been avoided but COULD HAVE BEEN reduced, isn't the same thing as being glad for the tragedy. Not at all, not even close.

Even so, it would be heartless, cruel, insensitive and just plain wrong to rejoice at a time like this, I think a little dignified, quiet Schadenfreude is definitely allowable. Finally, finally, Bush may be held somewhat accountable, after all these years and all these scandals, and all these crimes.

[babylonsister]

18. Kick ass post, Eloriel! nt

[Kurovski]

35. Agreed.

And important links worth keeping on hand.

[Usrename]

21. Yes, I was, but now I'm not.

Thank you for a very enlightening reply. Feel much better now.

Schadenfreude. This is absolutly correct! Before the storm it was more like being caught between a dog and a lampost. Why should't I enjoy watching the same dog urinate on himself?

:pals:

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

24. Amen to that. It's impossible to celebrate the fact that

this corrupt administration is being exposed for its ineptness and apathy to suffering. Because the human suffering is overwhelming.

I will support unequivocally any and all legal actions brought against this administration.

MKJ

[wli]

30. Thanks for taking this up. n/t

[kenny blankenship]

11. And just think, it could have been an even worse initial strike--they had

no reason to think it wouldn't be. Imagine this: Category 5 all the way onto shore. And maybe even more of a direct hit on the densest population centers with 150mph winds.

Where would we be now with Wee Georgie at the helm? TOTALLY FUCKED that's where.

[bvar22]

28. The original forecast had the "Storm Surge" topping the levees.

Topping the levee system in New Orleans would have been magnitudes worse than the "Levee Breeches" that occurred.

They are able to stage rescue boats from areas of New Orleans and Metairie that were on the "dry" side of the breeches. Had the levee system been "topped", there would be nowhere from which to stage rescues.

[grytpype]

12. Recommended... WE KNEW IT WAS COMING!

Isn't this just another case of Bush getting warnings of a coming disaster, and partying on? What did Bush do prior to the disaster?

This is worse than 9/11. Way, way worse.

[Cleita]

13. Too bad these people are so thick skulled that it takes

a really big disaster to make them see the light. Even before Bush was selected, I tried to point out to people what things had been like during the Reagan/Bush years and how we didn't want to go back to that, but it seems they all got amnesia.

I wouldn't care but it seems that the people who should be suffering for their bad decisions aren't. Instead it's the poorest of people like usual.

[Eloriel]

16. A few more Conversion Stories

I like to collect them (and add them to every Conversion Post I see):

OMG. I just spoke to my W loving boss about N.O. and he said..
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4525757&mesg_id=4525757

Hard core neo-con hawk re-thinking W vote
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4422941

A conservative friend comes over to our side.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2016077&mesg_id=2016077

Republicans Jumping Ship
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4358932&mesg_id=4358932

We have to reach across the aisle...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2006940&mesg_id=2006940

At least one Repub moderate getting scared.
(sees parallels to Nazi Germany)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2002674

I heard a gaggle of Republican women dissing Bush this morning...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4110293&mesg_id=4110293

Independents Are Having Buyer's Remorse
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=1627590&mesg_id=1627590
Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_29/c3943060_mz013.htm

Heard some astonishing info today from a friend.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1920600

"As of today, after 25 years, I am no longer a Republican."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1890603
also: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1907487
Link: http://www.registerguard.com/news/2005/06/26/ed.col.chaney.0626.html

I'm seeing a lot of changed minds about Iraq and Chimpy McCokespoon.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3939527

Pa. GOP honcho blasts right wing, switches parties
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1825375
Link: http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-06022005-497208.html

Republican says his party has been taken over by "a bunch of kooks"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1811231

Are we witnessing the collapse of the Republican Party?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3732175

The Good Republicans (Plaid Adder)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3729680#3733287

Post in this thread:
Voinovich is in tears on Senate floor!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1809081&mesg_id=1809207

A Voter Switches Party Affiliation
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1803102&mesg_id=1803102

Something in the air? Lots of converted Repubs....
(links to the following three threads)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3654563

New to DU by reformedrepub (14 posts at the time)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1780575

OMG - my parents LEAVE the Republican Party!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3652906

Hi, my name is Stacy, and I'm a recovering Republican...................
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3651186&mesg_id=3651186&page=

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

19. Beautiful...

I hope this grows by leaps and bounds over the next days/weeks/months.

MKJ

[Arugula Latte]

26. Here's a brand new one:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4538661

[tlsmith1963]

20. Some of my co-workers are surprising me...

...I thought they were total Bush supporters, but even they are upset with Bush. Maybe it really *is* the beginning of the end for him & those neocon f***s. They are tricky, though--let's watch them closely & make sure they don't find a way out of this one. The NO situation is deeply shameful. I want Bush & the others to pay for this.

Tammy

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

22. Me too, tlsmith1963 The best of this awful situation

is that gwb has been awol for the last two days, while the Gulf coast and NOLA were drowning, and it's evident that the US Government didn't have a clue or resources to deal with something they had almost a week's warning about. And everyone knows it.

gwb will be eventually be known as the prez who lost NOLA (and the twin towers). MKJ

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

25. 49,999,999 more to go.

[electron_blue]

27. You put it in the best way

to sway her - saying we knew it was coming, and still, look what happened.

When Katrina clipped south Florida on the way over to the Gulf, it took the Natl Guard 2 days to get down there to respond. I was appalled and said, my God if it took 2 days to get there, then why aren't they already heading toward La/Miss. knowing that for sure by the time they mobilize and get there, disaster will be waiting? I said this on Saturday, and Natl Guard units weren't called up until *after* landfall. WTF? Did they think Katrina was going to just "bounce" off the coast and go away?

[faithnotgreed]

32. good points electron blue - care to take over as president

we surely could use someone with sense
and humanity would be really nice too

[KelleyKramer]

29. He was on a 5 WEEK vacation!?!

But it took a terrible hurricane on the last fews days of that 5 week vacation for her to figure out he wasnt 'doing his job'.

DUH!

Better late than never I suppose.

Maybe she will now figure out that when they are 'on the job' they are very busy screwing everything up on epic proportions.

[TransitJohn]

31. The rig I'm working on now

(I'm a geologist at home in Wyoming) is crewed by lots of southerners...good folk from Texas and Louisiana and Oklahoma...and these guys are flat out PISSED at the mishandling of this one.....PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE let this be a watershed event in the collective consciuosness of my great country.

[blue neen]

33. Whew, that says something.

How sad that it took a disaster of this magnitude for them to see the light.

[ocd liberal]

34. Unfortunately, yes

This IS what it takes, but I am SO afraid it still isn't enough...
I think people are addicted to Bush and have to hit rock bottom to first. With the repubs I know, I really think Bush would have to use a small child to shield himself from a bullet before the REAL eye-opening starts.

[Kurovski]

37. Welcome aboard the USS DU, ocd liberal!

Welcome.

[seabeyond]

36. I'll be able to nominally contain it anymore.

i hear you. me too. and..... i am a nice person

talking to a mother of four sons in military, one has already been blown up and is being sent again. she wanted to show off her sons baby to me. all kinds of problems. need kidney transplant and is just 18 months. miracle he has survived

you know what caused it. govt fessed up. that damn anthrax shot the father got right before heading out. the couple wanted her preg in case he died

i blew up. told her, sorry, i am just pissed right now. really pissed

[FourStarDemocrat]

38. I notice MSM playing him up again tho as "coming back to monitor crisis"

Cable news-CNN mostly seems to constantly repeat the lines "Bush is returning to DC and overseeing everything" blah blah blah.. No mention of him playing guitar and having cake with McCain yesterday while NOLA flooded. I wonder if people will see through this utter hype.

[1democracy]

40. We need someone to show the leadership he doesn't have...

If Repubs start hating *ush and the Dems don't have alternate leadership, they'll elevate one of the Bush-hating Repugs to take over and the Dems will NEVER have a chance to get in the discussion with Democratic ideas, values, etc.

[caligirl]

39. hand her a copy of the Editor and Publisher article on * cuts to the

levee work etc.

[FreedomAngel82]

41. Wow

I wonder if she'll turn back to him after this is over though.