For those who have not received the email, Kerry's speech this afternoon

[Mass]

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/speeches/spc_2005_09_19.html

A pointed attack against the incompetence of the administration, and the good news is that he announces more initiative to come on the different issues.

...
And that's what I've come to talk with you about today. The incompetence of Katrina's response is not reserved to a hurricane. There's an enormous gap between Americans' daily expectations and government's daily performance. And the gap is growing between the enduring strength of the American people -- their values, their spirit, their imagination, their ingenuity, and their willingness to serve and sacrifice -- and the shocking weakness of the American government in contending with our country's urgent challenges. On the Gulf Coast during the last two weeks, the depth and breadth of that gap has been exposed for all to see and we have to address it now before it is obscured again by hurricane force spin and deception.

Katrina stripped away any image of competence and exposed to all the true heart and nature of this administration. The truth is that for four and a half years, real life choices have been replaced by ideological agenda, substance replaced by spin, governance second place always to politics. Yes, they can run a good campaign -- I can attest to that -- but America needs more than a campaign. If 12 year-old Boy Scouts can be prepared, Americans have a right to expect the same from their 59 year-old President of the United States.

...

And the rush now to camouflage their misjudgments and inaction with money doesn’t mean they are suddenly listening. It's still politics as usual. The plan they’re designing for the Gulf Coast turns the region into a vast laboratory for right wing ideological experiments. They’re already talking about private school vouchers, abandonment of environmental regulations, abolition of wage standards, subsidies for big industries - and believe it or not yet another big round of tax cuts for the wealthiest among us!

The administration is recycling all their failed policies and shipping them to Louisiana. After four years of ideological excess, these Washington Republicans have a bad hangover -- and they can't think of anything to offer the Gulf Coast but the hair of the dog that bit them.

And amazingly -- or perhaps not given who we’re dealing with -- this massive reconstruction project will be overseen not by a team of experienced city planners or developers, but according to the New York Times, by the Chief of Politics in the White House and Republican Party, none other than Karl Rove -- barring of course that he is indicted for "outing" an undercover CIA intelligence officer.

...

This is the Katrina administration.

It has consistently squandered time, tax dollars, political capital, and even risked American lives on sideshow adventures: A war of choice in Iraq against someone who had nothing to do with 9/11; a full scale presidential assault on Social Security when everyone knows the real crisis is in health care - Medicare and Medicaid. And that's before you get to willful denial on global warming; avoidance on competitiveness; complicity in the loss and refusal of health care to millions.
...
Today, let’s you and I acknowledge what’s really going on in this country. The truth is that this week, as a result of Katrina, many children languishing in shelters are getting vaccinations for the first time. Thousands of adults are seeing a doctor after going without a check-up for years. Illnesses lingering long before Katrina will be treated by a healthcare system that just weeks ago was indifferent, and will soon be indifferent again.
...

[babylonsister]

1. Oooh, that man can speak! Thanks, Mass; I saw this on

the latest page and headed here immediately! Let 'er rip, Senator Kerry!

[sandnsea]

2. Thanks, I've been doing the election commission

Haven't checked my email. Thanks for the heads up.

[Mass]

3. I think I will avoid GDP today

critics are already there. I guess criticism is cheap.

[karynnj]

7. What on earth are they criticising

They spent the last 3 weeks complaining that no one is speaking out - Kerry certainly is. What he is saying is also true.

[Mass]

8. Some have totally utopian views of what can be done AND be efficient

MOst common criticism is no call for impeachment, as if it made any sense for Kerry to call for impeachment. It would kill the speech and make it sound like sour grapes.

[karynnj]

10. But no one else is calling for impeachment

also incompetence is not sufficient grounds. If this were posted as a Wes Clark speech or a Dean speech they would be in heaven

[politicasista]

14. I agree 100%

As long as it's ABK, they're ok with that. :argh: I checked out blm's thread in GD and it's not bad at least not yet.

[sandnsea]

12. Are you serious???

What the fuck? While everybody else is playing kissy face with Bush, Kerry delivers THIS speech, and they still aren't happy?

:banghead:

:argh:

[Mass]

15. Most of them like the speech, but there are still a few that complain

My Ignore list had been added a couple of names.

a newbie from yesterday made my ignore list - a record, I guess.

[Mass]

19. I guess you saw by yourself

I tried to give the newbie another chance, but unfortunately, it did not get better (now we are entering Rovian talking points about Kerry not being charismatic and Clinton being so).

[whometense]

25. TayTay sent me

a pile of articles from 1999-2000 about how charismatic Kerry was - to Gore's detriment. Just further proof that all that garbage is just that - GARBAGE.

I've been pondering how and where to present it in the most effective way. Any ideas welcome.

[politicasista]

13. Interesting

One saying that there is no message. It's all just whining. Whatever.

[whometense]

4. Thanks!

Wow.

[sandnsea]

5. OH MY GOD

Are you guys reading this!!! It's a freakin' BARNBURNER!! Floaty hearts, floaty hearts, :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

Check THIS:

"Katrina is a symbol of all this administration does and doesn't do. Michael Brown -- or Brownie as the President so famously thanked him for doing a heck of a job - Brownie is to Katrina what Paul Bremer is to peace in Iraq; what George Tenet is to slam dunk intelligence; what Paul Wolfowitz is to parades paved with flowers in Baghdad; what Dick Cheney is to visionary energy policy; what Donald Rumsfeld is to basic war planning; what Tom Delay is to ethics; and what George Bush is to “Mission Accomplished” and "Wanted Dead or Alive." The bottom line is simple: The "we'll do whatever it takes" administration doesn't have what it takes to get the job done."

[whometense]

6. I had to read it in small bites-

it kept taking my breath away. I'll echo your floaty hearts: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

[karynnj]

9. I guess Kerry 1971 isn't hiding inside any more

I guess the strong short comments were just the tip of the ice berg

[whometense]

18. I love the intro

And I love the way he refers to us as the "johnkerry.com community."

In the wake of Katrina's destruction, more than ever we must say the things that must be said if we're going to do the things that must be done.

Natural and human calamity have stripped away the spin machine, creating a rare moment of accountability, not just for the Bush Administration, but for all of us to take stock of the direction of our country and do what we can to change it. That's our job -- to turn this moment from a frenzied expression of guilt into a national reversal of direction.

We've seen America at its best and our government at its worst. Millions of Americans are beginning to realize where they fit in our democracy under Republican governance: nowhere.

I believe that it is well past time to speak to the heart of the problem and to propose what we must do as a country in the aftermath of Katrina.

If the president won't stand up and provide Americans with answers, then we must be willing to stand up and propose our own solution.

While I'm speaking directly to the administration's handling of the disaster, I also believe that the fundamental questions of honesty, competence, and the choice of philosophy have been laid bare in the last few weeks. The debate between the ideology of "what's in it for me?" versus a belief in shared sacrifice that asks "what's in it for all of us?" is long overdue. We need real solutions to the big challenges before us, real answers so we never suffer a "Katrina moment" on energy independence, the economy, poverty, competitiveness, health care, or national security.

It's time for a fundamental debate about the choices we are making as a nation. It's time for each and every one of us to say what needs to be said, with the full force of our convictions with nothing held back.

That's what I tried to do on a college campus in Rhode Island -- just to talk about where we need to go and how we need to get there. This speech is from my heart - about our best hopes and our worst fears. I hope you'll read it and I hope you'll stand with me. Your response to this call to action will define the work of the johnkerry.com community far into the future. I know I can count on you to help as America takes on this new challenge.

[karynnj]

21. He is absolutely amazing

Tay Tay will really see a speech that will be one of his best. It's amazing how he combines devastating comments that spell out what the Bush administration is trying to do, with a message that there are alternatives that are better. I'm sorry, but all his charisma aside, this makes Clinton pale in comparison. After all is there any line of any Clinton speech that people remember as much as Kerry's from 1971.

Didn't Alex go to Brown?

[Sick_of_Rethuggery]

11. Aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrgh....

You people gotta cut this out -- now I am listening/watching to the Kerry archives from C-SPAN (right now, it is the Philly rally with Clinton) -- and prey, who is going to do my work?

I went through the same with Gore in 2001 and now with Kerry it is even worse because even though I think Gore is the better Presidential material (just in the head-to-head comparison -- I know, I know, I am committing heresy here }( ) Kerry is much more pleasing both personally and poetically (Gore is too cereberally poetic :9)

I love his references to science and scientific possibilities most of all!

I think I have listened to his convention acceptance speech a thousand times by now...:cry:

[pinkflower21]

33. I loved his acceptance speech

Wasn't there some criticism about that line, John Kerry reporting for duty. I seem to recall John McCann saying something about that line. I liked that line though.

[Sick_of_Rethuggery]

45. In fact,

that opening "reporting for duty" was the line that I most loved of the whole speech, even though I loved almost all parts of that speech tremendously -- God, what great and lovely opportunities this country has lost in the recent past! What utter grace he displayed then and all through that campaign! How gently and deliciously he jabbed at even the idiot opponent!

Why *are* Americans (I am one!) so stupid as to not believe their own eyes? How could they have forgotten that convention capstone speech to actually fall for that horrible piece of sham in NY?

We need to secede, I tell you -- it is not possible to live with such willful ignorance and tasteless self-interest...

[pinkflower21]

29. I know, when I was reading that speech

I kept thinking, SNAP!! Kerry is giving it to them in the gut!

[JanusAscending]

38. Halleluiah!! He's so "right on"!!!

I haven't even gone on the DU news page yet. I was reading my email, and saw a letter from Kerry about his speech. Read the whole thing , and then forwarded it to everyone on our Dem. Town Committee!!! I hope those of you who saw it on GD are voting it up!!! I know I'm going to as soon as I get in there. I AM PREPARED TO DO BATTLE!!!:toast: :bounce: :party: Sorry to hear Tay didn't get in!!

[paulk]

16. I truly hope this gets broad coverage in the MSM

It's a full on broadside.

I wonder if Kerry has an inside line on the Fitzgerald investigation?
He's really going after Rove - tying him to Bush bigtime.

Maybe that's wishful thinking on my part...

Please, please - let this be on the news tonight. The American people need to hear this.

[pinkflower21]

32. It is a joke

that Rove is heading up the reconstruction in NO. It's so hard to believe really.

[whometense]

17. The speech was just posted at Raw Story,

and the trolls just STREAMED out from under their bridges, left and right. (who can tell the difference?)

Link if you feel like adding your 2 cents: http://rawstory.com/news/2005/In_sharp_address_Kerry_dubs_Bush_Katrina_administration_Says_Iraq_Social_Security_sideshow_adventures_0919.html

[Mass]

20. McClellan is being asked what he thought about Kerry's speech -

He answered that he had not read it.

[karynnj]

22. That was fast - Has Kerry even given the speech yet?

[whometense]

23. Just starting

at four. Politics moves FAST.

[fedupinBushcountry]

24. Well

that tells us one thing he sent it out to the media. Now I hope they report on it. Keep an eye out.

[whometense]

34. RNC response. Heh.

This is the strongest response they can come up with???

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/usnw/20050919/pl_usnw/rnc_statement_in_response_to_john_kerry_s_attacks_on_president_bush311_xml

46 minutes ago

To: National Desk, Political Reporter

Contact: RNC Press Office, 202-863-8614

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 /U.S. Newswire/ --
Republican National Committee (RNC) Press Secretary Tracey Schmitt issued the following statement on Senator
John Kerry's remarks at Brown University this afternoon:

"John Kerry's attacks on President Bush's efforts to assist the victims and rebuild the Gulf Coast don't come as a surprise - - armchair quarterbacking on tough issues has never been a problem for Senator Kerry. Such tactics haven't served him well in the past and today is no exception. The American people have pulled together during a difficult time and Democrats' efforts to politicize this tragedy are unsavory at best."

Paid for by the Republican National Committee. Web: http://www.gop.com. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

-0-

/© 2005 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

[paulk]

35. they always attack the messenger

make the messenger the focus
so far, the MSM has backed them up on it. Hopefully, that's changing...

The RNC statement would get deleted here on DU as a personal attack.

[whometense]

36. I guess it's easy

if you practice ALL THE TIME and have no qualms about lying. :-(

[Mass]

26. AP release - unfortunately, they could not do one for Kerry alone

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050919/ap_on_re_us/katrina_democrats;_ylt=AkUmtPnlb.NcVVBCRKyTcais0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OXIzMDMzBHNlYwM3MDM-

Kerry, Edwards Blast Bush Over Katrina

By JUAN-CARLOS RODRIGUEZ, Associated Press Writer 25 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - Two Democrats who might seek the White House again in 2008 criticized
President Bush for his response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, assailing the suspension of wage laws while urging a concerted effort to aid the poor.

Sen.
John Kerry of Massachusetts and former Sen.
John Edwards spoke separately Monday on the government's handling of the catastrophe and on the broader issue of poverty in the United States.

In a blistering critique, Kerry said former FEMA Director Michael Brown was to Hurricane Katrina "what Paul Bremer is to peace in Iraq; what George Tenet is to slam dunk intelligence ... what
George Bush is to 'Mission Accomplished' and 'Wanted Dead or Alive.' ... The bottom line is simple: The 'we'll do whatever it takes' administration doesn't have what it takes to get the job done."

In prepared remarks to be delivered at Brown University in Providence, R.I., the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee said the government's response to the disaster revealed a "broader pattern of incompetence and negligence" in the Bush administration.

...

Kerry also criticized Bush for suspending the wage laws.
...
The
Republican National Committee said that while the country has pulled together during the crisis, "Democrats' efforts to politicize this tragedy are unsavory at best." The GOP organization said of Kerry's criticism: "Such tactics haven't served him well in the past and today is no exception."

___

Associated Press Writer Michelle R. Smith in Providence, R.I., contributed to this report.

[whometense]

27. Naturally.

However, I love the "blistering critique" part. :evilgrin:

[fedupinBushcountry]

30. Sounds like old times

from the Republicans. They are still very afraid of John Kerry.

[pinkflower21]

28. Wow that is a great speech!

His language is getting really strong too. The part about Brownie is to failing Katrina as Rumsfield is to sorry war planning and that whole paragraph is kick butt.

[MH1]

31. dailykos post

For anyone who wants to go add sweetness and light.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/9/19/145237/419

I didn't get far in it yet but it looks mostly good. And it is on reco list.

[Mass]

37. Reuters release, with a little more from Kerry's speech

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N19486007.htm

Kerry, Edwards see chance for change after Katrina
19 Sep 2005 21:21:37 GMT
Source: Reuters
By John Whitesides, Political Correspondent

WASHINGTON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - The two Democrats who challenged President George W. Bush for the White House last year said on Monday the devastation of Hurricane Katrina provided a historic chance to reevaluate government priorities and address long-neglected issues including endemic poverty.

...

"This horrifying disaster has shown Americans at their best -- and their government at its worst," Kerry said in a speech at Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island. "Katrina stripped away any image of competence and exposed to all the true heart and nature of this administration."

The Massachusetts senator and 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, who fell short in his bid to oust Bush from the White House, said the storm created "a rare accountability moment" when not just the administration but all Americans could take stock of the country's direction.

"That's our job -- to turn this moment from a frenzied expression of guilt into a national reversal of direction," Kerry said.

...

Kerry made pointed reference to the 2004 campaign several times in his speech, saying Bush's response to the hurricane was politics as usual and revealed a "betrayal of trust and abuse of power" designed to shift power to the privileged.

"The plan they are designing for the Gulf Coast turns the region into a vast laboratory for right-wing ideological experiments," Kerry said.

"They're already talking about private school vouchers, abandonment of environmental regulations, abolition of wage standards, subsidies for big industries."
...

(Additional reporting by Jason Szep in Providence)

[globalvillage]

39. I think the full text is here as well.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/091905E.shtml

This is good.

They didn't listen when Katrina approached the Gulf and every newspaper in America warned this could be "The Big One" that Louisianans had long dreaded. They didn't even abandon their vacations.

Damn, this was a great speech.

[whometense]

40. Salon printed the entire speech.

Yay, Salon!

http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2005/09/19/kerry_speech/index.html?

Just posted

"A betrayal of trust and abuse of power" Sen. John Kerry blasts Bush & Co. for their failed response to Hurricane Katrina 5:20 p.m. EDT

[Der Blaue Engel]

41. Waaaahhhh...why didn't I get mine yet?

:cry: Must be a Yahoo bulk holdup. Pooh.

I love it when I see something in my "John Kerry loves me, this I know" folder. :D

And 7 minutes later: finally got mine! :loveya:

[Pirate Smile]

42. Will there be video anywhere? I want video!

[Mass]

43. Sadly, local news could not be bothered reporting on the speech at 6pm.

They had plenty of time for Rita (which is at the other end of the country), but a major speech by their junior senator was not worth it.

(still some hope for the 11pm news, who knows?).

I wonder if the Globe will do more than copying AP releases.

[TayTay]

44. There was press there.

I saw all these people in suits filing in ahead of the college students. I think the Providence Journal got an interview. And the Globe should do a story tomorrow.

(Let me speculate: Kerry says ducks are good eating. Pisses off Duck Lobby at Dem Autmun Convention. Oh, and he gave a blistering speech attacking Bush. Now, Senator, about those ducks. Joan Vennochi chimes in on the OpEd page and moans and wails about Kerry's non-support for ducks when MA voters have clearly spoken up and support ducks and Sen. Kerry should just get with the times. Oh, and his speech was clearly in English and grammatically correct. Globe opines later on that Sen. Kerry does nice work, but we don't cover it because that would be telling. If we covered what he actually said, instead of making shit up, then, damn it, we'd have to send someone out to keep tabs on him. That's expensive. No freaking way. And he hates ducks, we just know it. Kerry, why can't you be open and hoest with us about this duck situation?)