Barbara Bush's Katrina donation ignites debate

[Catherine Vincent]

March 24, 2006, 1:30AM
Katrina donation ignites debate
HISD says focus on Neil Bush's software didn't violate policy

By JENNIFER RADCLIFFE
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

As Barbara Bush spent two hours championing her son's software company at a Houston middle school Thursday morning, a watchdog group questioned whether the former first lady should be allowed to channel a donation to Neil Bush's Ignite Learning company through Houston's Hurricane Katrina relief fund.

"It's strange that the former first lady would want to do this. If her son's having a rough time of it, couldn't she write him a check?" said Daniel Borochoff, founder of the American Institute of Philanthropy, a Chicago-based charity watchdog group. "Maybe she isn't aware that people could frown upon this."

Some critics said donations to a tax-deductible charitable fund shouldn't benefit the Bush family. Others questioned whether the Houston Independent School District violated district policy by allowing the company to host a promotional event on campus.

HISD officials said the event at Fleming Middle School, where Bush met with 40 educators and business leaders, did not violate policy.

more. . .
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/3744991.html

[Kber]

1. Well, Bush had to get his hazy ethical concepts from somewhere.

[babylonsister]

2. She really didn't have a clue this would be frowned upon?

Her head must be stuck really far up there.

[Rose Siding]

5. Her beautiful mind doesn't include limitations on her own actions

or those of her spawn.

[peacetalksforall]

3. The Bush Dynasty is above the law and above ethics. Pres. Clinton should

divorce himself from Sr. That alliance makes no sense.

The Bush Dynasty lacks good will. I never see compassion of any kind coming from this family. Ah yes, there were tears from Sr when George 'won' in '00. Was he crying from the past or looking forward?

[BlueEyedSon]

4. FYI, the Ignite! "COW"

http://www.ignitelearning.com/index.shtml

[bigscott]

6. she was voted the Days'

WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD last night by KO:bounce:

[tanyev]

8. How sweet! Neil named his product after his mother.

:spank:

Sorry, that was tacky, but I couldn't resist.

[kcass1954]

9. Great - they can outsource the teachers too. Bet this thing isn't made

in the US.

[Dhalgren]

7. This is just good, common sense among the elites.

Come on! 1) She is giving money to her son; 2) she gets a tax right off; 3) she denies the money to darkie peasants. Really people, it is all win/win/win! Can't you see it? Well, if you can't, you must be "one of those kind", if you know what I mean... :sarcasm:

[Bridget Burke]

10. From today's Houston Chronicle....

[tanyev]

11. LOL! That is great!

I hope this is big news in Houston. Not getting much airplay in DFW.