Bush rejects accusations of racism over Katrina

reuters ^ | Wed Nov 3, 2010 | Steve Holland

[JoeProBono]

Former President George W. Bush says criticism from some, including prominent rapper Kanye West, that his handling of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina showed he did not care about black people represented "an all-time low."

In his memoir, "Decision Points," to be released next Tuesday, Bush writes that charges flung at him that he was a racist during the Katrina crisis "was the worst moment of my presidency."

In excerpts of an interview of Bush by NBC's "Today" show, the former president was asked about West's comment that "George Bush doesn't care about black people." The accusation arose because many blacks were affected by the hurricane that ravaged Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states, and Bush came under sharp criticism for his handling of the calamity.

Bush, whose Today show interview is to be aired next Monday, said West's charge was tantamount to being called a racist. "And I didn't appreciate it then. I don't appreciate it now.......

[JoeProBono]

"Hip-hop star Kanye West refuses to enter into arguments with other rappers because he thinks he is clever than all of them."

[LottieDah]

It’s about time.

[Heavyrunner]

I normally don’t wish harm on anyone, but Kanye would do us all a favor by following in Tupac’s footsteps.

[SMARTY]

Why would anyone credit this idiot’s point of view? Since when is stupidity is point of view

[dfwgator]

Under “No-Talent Ass Clown” in the Dictionary, you see Kanye’s picture.

[dfwgator]

The problem is that the Black Community hailed Kanye as a hero for making that statement.

[JoeProBono]

[353FMG]

He probably is.

[brytlea]

Exactly right.

[theDentist]

I agree the insult was disgusting and unwarranted. But to give it any notice also gives credence to West.

[bereanway]

West is a nobody. Why would Bush give one whit about what he said? Of course the charges of racism were coming from many corners.

[FrankR]

The entire Katrina ordeal was nothing more than an entrapment of George W. Bush.

The Louisiana governor waiting days before calling out the National guard while the N.O. mayor let buses sit idle.

FEMA responded immediately AFTER the governor finally contacted DC and permitted them in.

All of this racism crap is just more whining from those who didn't get enough money from FEMA to satisfy them. They know any whining to DC - especially with the racist president we now have in place - will result in payouts, bailouts, and shoutouts.

Katrina is beating a dead horse, it's long since been over and most of the city has been rebuilt; money was handed out harem-scarem and spent on alcohol, drugs and porno.

Many of the residents left La. and never returned anyway.

If I was Bush I wouldn't even bother responding to them...it'll just start them and the media up again.

At least Bush didn't sit on his ass for 40 days like obama did and wait for BP to come in a clean it up for him.

[HHFi]

One of the few things Obama has ever said that I’ve agreed with him on: “Kanye West is a jackass.”

[Maverick68]

Katrina was as much a failure of the GOVERNED as it was a failure of the government...
These Rats have no problem hotwiring an Escalade for a joyride, but were too busy stealing beer and shoes to load any one of the hundreds of buses sitting around with their elderly neighbors....

[SMARTY]

African Americans systematically and consistently selects role models and hero's with feet of clay.

They seem to have some innate aversion for authenticity and integrity.

I have never understood why hopelessly flawed, flakey and near-idiot criminals are the very individuals they idolize. Oh well, some things NEVER change.

[BenLurkin]

Who would take that guy seriously?

[dfwgator]

Blank-Oh got her marching orders from DNC Headquarters during the whole thing.

[JoeProBono]

Incumbent Gov. Kathleen Blanco, a Democrat, declined to run for a second term after seeing her approval ratings fall through the floor following Hurricane Katrina

[dfwgator]

West is a nobody

Not in the Black Community, I remember all of the people calling into the black radio stations afterwards and praising Kanye for what he said.

[Roccus]

In his memoir, "Decision Points," to be released next Tuesday, Bush writes that charges flung at him that he was a racist during the Katrina crisis "was the worst moment of my presidency."

This MUST be a misquote or taken out of context.