Congressman Can't Get Bush on the Line (Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-La)

[Sapphire Blue]

Congressman Can't Get Bush on the Line
By DAVID PACE
Associated Press Writer

September 2, 2005, 10:38 PM EDT


WASHINGTON -- Thousands of people stranded in two swamped parishes south of New Orleans are just as desperate for supplies as those trapped in the city but can't get the attention of federal disaster relief officials, their congressman said Friday.

And to make matters worse, says Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-La., he was unable to deliver that message to President Bush during his visit to New Orleans because the president's security detail couldn't clear him to board Air Force One.

After waiting 90 minutes Friday while a U.S. marshal using a satellite phone repeatedly tried, and failed, to contact Bush's plane -- located just 300 yards away at New Orleans' Armstrong airport -- a disgusted Melancon left.

<snip>

"I thank the president for his visit today, but it was more show than substance," Melancon said. "Frankly, we needed action days ago."

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-katrina-congressman,0,2167810.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

[Lin]

1. napping? gameboy?eating? --must..not..bother..boy..king (eom)

[Neecy]

3. boozing?

[JohnnyRingo]

2. I recall reading that Gov. Blanco (D) had a similar

"communication problem" with the White House a couple days ago.

Apparently, the white house phone screeners are trained to note political affiliation before patching in calls to the president.

"Uniter, not a divider"

[Fleshdancer]

4. now how is he suppose to get on with his life if Reps keep bugging him?

:grr:

Just when I think I can't be any more disgusted with that man....