Nice Place to Visit, But...

It may be hard for you to see, but from when I first came here to today, New Orleans is reminding me of the city I used to come to visit. It's a heck of a place to bring your family. It's a great place to find some of the greatest food in the world and some wonderful fun. And I'm glad you got your infrastructure back on its feet. I know you're beginning to welcome citizens from all around the country here to New Orleans.
—Pres. Bush

Except maybe for welcoming citizens from New Orleans...

Rude Pundit has already jumped on this one, so read his post, and be sure to visit his 5-part report of photos and interviews from New Orleans that started on January 2nd.

A sobering antidote to these delusional Chamber-of-Commerce-isms.

I have no problem with Bush trying to drum up a little tourist business for a desperate city, but not when he's ignoring what's really behind the scenes.

This is his idea of bold action. Show up and give a speech, as he did back in September.

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. So let us restore all that we have cherished from yesterday, and let us rise above the legacy of inequality. When the streets are rebuilt, there should be many new businesses, including minority-owned businesses, along those streets. When the houses are rebuilt, more families should own, not rent, those houses. When the regional economy revives, local people should be prepared for the jobs being created...

I know that when you sit on the steps of a porch where a home once stood, or sleep on a cot in a crowded shelter, it is hard to imagine a bright future. But that future will come.

He knows. Like all of us, he's seen it on television.