Georgie Porgie, Pudding and Pie

I was listening to Bush's speech from New Orleans on the way to work this morning, when he made a comment that struck me:

"Within the Gulf region are some of the most beautiful and historic places in America. As all of us saw on television, there's also some deep, persistent poverty in this region, as well. That poverty has roots in a history of racial discrimination, which cut off generations from the opportunity of America. We have a duty to confront this poverty with bold action. "

Huh? George Bush comprehending the concept of historical discriminatory forces exerting a modern day influence? My God. Here I always just thought he was too stupid to understand. Now that he has verbalized a comprehension of the connection, his Lex's Mind Label has been updated from "Insulated in Ignorance" to "Willing to Disregard" Also, notice how he says we have a duty to confront "poverty" not "discrimination." Shiesty.

I hate it when people conflate issues of race and poverty. I grew up poor. And white. One thing I have learned about being poor and white -- there is a big difference between being a poor white person and being a poor person of color. It's NOT the same, it's not just about socioeconomics, it's about default presumptions and the perception of how someone gets or stays poor. White people are provided much more favorable starting assumptions.

I can't wait to see what Georgie's idea of "bold action" is. Maybe he could start by awarding the majority of reconstruction contracts to local companies with a labor force in desperate need of work. The whole no-bid Bechtel/ Fluor contract thing makes his morning comments reek of insincerity.

Fuck off George Bush. Seriously.