Clark: "obvious lack of planning to deal with this catastrophe"

[Adelante]

As I think back on this past week, here on TPM Café as well as during my travels through Wisconsin and Iowa, I have been overwhelmed by the strength and resilience of our people, even in the face of national crisis like what we've seen across the Gulf Coast this week, and by their desire to move past the bumper sticker politics of Washington. Faith is not a red or blue value. Neither is love of our country or support for our troops. Neither is our common belief in the need for opportunity for all people or to invest in our schools and hospitals. These are American values, and it is past time for Democrats to reclaim them from right-wing Republicans in Washington.

What I see right now is a failure of this Administration and Congressional Republicans to go beyond their rhetoric and live up to these values. There is no strategy for real success in Iraq. There is no commitment to support our returning troops through a new GI Bill. And when disaster struck the Gulf Coast, it took President Bush days to get off his mountain bike and back to the White House. The victims of this disaster are now suffering terribly from an obvious lack of planning to deal with this catastrophe.

Over the longer term, scientists tell us that global warming could lead to more devastating hurricanes like Katrina. But, the Bush Administration continues to keep its head in the sand and pretend this problem doesn't even exist.

There is a leadership vacuum in Washington, and it is up to us to end it. Democrats can reclaim Congress and the White House, but only if we become a full-service party: strong on national security, standing up for our values, and not giving an inch to the scorched earth smear tactics of Karl Rove.

http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/9/2/11422/89786

Go Wes!!


He doesn't seem to be taking questions today, just finishing off the blogging week at TPM, but if you agree with what he says, go to TPM and say so!

[Gloria]

1. I posted a short while ago..love his "mountain bike" jab..here's my post

Re: Looking back, and looking forward (3.00 / 0) (#13)
by Gloria on Sep 02, 2005 -- 12:24:50 PM EST
Thank you, General Clark for your comments this week. Hopefully, you will return soon. Frankly, after calling the Senate offices and watching all the "thank you's" to President Bush coming from Democrats, I believe our first mission may be to transform the Democratic party. Please, General Clark, continue to speak out with your direct and INDEPENDENT thought and shake this party up. We need an opposition in this country, not a spineless bunch of rubber-stampers or else this nation will not survive. We can't have a bunch of corporatists and mercenaries running the country under the guise of "government." We need people in office who are sincerely interested in solving problems and see a role for constructive--not destructive--government in people's lives. Thank you for your continued efforts to make this happen.

[Adelante]

2. I especially appreciated the global warming remark

Love your post, Gloria. Honestly, this whole episode may be the one to drive me over the edge. I've been in this party for 38 years, and I know it's the Repukes who are responsible, who are guilty, but I want more than what we're seeing now from the Dems, I really do. :(