14 September 2005

A storm created by a conservative ideology that, consciously or not, leads to contempt and indifference toward those not seen as society’s winners

What Katrina Tells Us About Mr. Bush's Philosophy of Government — an excellent article by Leonard Steinhorn.
Years from now, historians will likely see the Bush administration's initially callous and indifferent response to hurricane Katrina as a parable for the type of conservatism this president and his party currently represent.

From the Roosevelt years through the Seventies, we defined the American Dream as a good job, a piece of the rock, and the ability to take care of one's family. Those who lived paycheck to paycheck earned our respect, because hard work and determination were deemed virtuous. These were the people who built America.

Today, however, the conservative movement has redefined success and worth in America. Because some of us succeed, conservatives say, there must be something flawed in those who don't. The American Dream has been redefined as striking it rich, and falling short just isn't good enough.

It’s a worldview coded into the Bush and Reagan tax cuts, which showered money on the super wealthy under the assumption that these are the real people who know how to build America. Those with money, in other words, contribute more to our nation’s health than those who merely work. They have wisdom and virtue.

Compassionate conservatism at its finest. Or perhaps it's just that Bush surrounds himself with so many yes-men, that it has a paralyzing effect.

Comments

Strongly disagree with this story. In fact, coming from a very simple man who is proud to be a working soldier, rather than a bumbling, ignorant academe with no respect for real labor-I find the conservative ideology respects the simple man much more than the liberal, progressive ideology.
Sound like I have my goggles on? Maybe so, but I wouldn't be far off in suggesting that most hard working men with hard hats, blisters, sweat and tears are conservative minded.

How could Katrina reveal this shit, considering for 40 years, a democratic REGIME has run the city of New Orleans and is responsible for the pathetic non-actions and overall contempt for the poor. More blame game bullshit IMV. Another attempt by the left to cover up their faults and failures under the Great Society. Nice try, but only the Left will find this article excellent.
Have a nice day.