Like Gollum grabbing for the Ring even as he is consumed by lava

The Rovian White House attempts to smear Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS) for her criticism of Bush's gutting of the National Guard in her state even as the Neocon agenda and the Bush administration goes up in flames.





Think Progress:

Now the Bush administration is exacting revenge:

Bush administration officials, stung by complaints from Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius that National Guard heavy equipment needed by tornado-stricken Greensburg, Kan., is in Iraq, are putting out word that she was two days late at the disaster scene because she was attending a jazz festival in New Orleans.

But according to a report in today’s Wichita Eagle, the Bush rumor is completely false:

Yes, Sebelius was in New Orleans with her family when the tornado hit that Friday evening. But she was notified that night about the tornado, and she and her staff in Kansas immediately began trying to assess the damage. When the scope of the disaster became clear, they began making arrangements for her return.

Sebelius didn’t attend any of the jazz festival and left her family in New Orleans, flying back Saturday afternoon using a plane arranged by Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco.

Karl, just remember where the ring and Gollum ended up. If there is any justice....

The Compassionator flies in

To put his comfort on folks:

GREENSBURG, Kan., May 9 President Bush flew to Kansas Wednesday to survey tornado damage and buoy victims' spirits.

The president said the reality on the ground in Greensburg, Kan., far surpassed what people see in pictures of the devastation. The Friday night storm claimed a dozen lives and leveled 95 percent of the town's housing, CNN reported.

Bush said fortunately most people found shelter and "lived to see another day." "Unfortunately, too many died, and we offer our prayers and condolences," he said. The president lauded the "strength of character of the people who live on the plains." "They are people who refuse to have their spirit affected by this storm; as a matter of fact are willing to do what it takes to do it in a better way," he said. "Our role as government officials is to work with the state and local folks to get whatever help is appropriate here. My mission today though is to lift people's spirits as best as I can."

No mention of monetary assistance, is there, Georgie?

Greensburg, Kansas

Is gone. Holy crap.


( Jaime Oppenheimer/The Wichita Eagle)

Bryan at Why Now? shares the link to Jeff Masters' weather site, where these pictures were found. Jeff Masters discusses the aftermath of the storms:

The severe storm action finally quieted down yesterday in Kansas and the Plains; only 11 reports of tornadoes were received, compared to 93 on Saturday and 33 on Friday. The severe weather action should stay at a slow simmer through Wednesday over the Plains; the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has portions of the region under its "Slight Risk" area for severe weather through Wednesday. Flooding is a major concern now; most of eastern Kansas, plus large portions of Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota are under flood warnings. More heavy thunderstorm rains during the week are expected to add to the problem.

I think I'll stay in earthquake country....