Bush Reward: Knife in the Back from Clinton

As a reward for helping Bill Clinton try to rebuild some sort of legacy, President Bush received plenty of criticism from Bill, who pinned the blame on Bush's policies for the poor in New Orleans:

Asked why African Americans believed race was a factor in relief efforts so far, Clinton told ABC's "This Week": "This is a matter of public policy. And whether it's race-based or not, if you give your tax cuts to the rich and hope everything works out all right, poverty goes up and it disproportionately affects black and brown people."

First, this is the second time in a week that I've heard a Democrat use the phrase "black and brown people" (Ted Kennedy used it also). I have never seen a person that is 100% black. Is it really necessary to use "black and brown." If so, maybe we should also say "it affects black, brown, mocha, coffee, and cream-colored people."

But I digress. Bush brought the criticism on himself. He gives Clinton clout by parading him out with his father on disaster relief projects, which can only bring positive press to the former President and a louder blowhorn. Bush also made a point last week of saying that the federal government must address the inequality among rich and poor:

``As we clear away the debris of a hurricane, let us also clear away the legacy of inequality," Bush said. ``As we rebuild homes and businesses, we will renew our promise as a land of equality and decency and one day Americans will look back at the response to Hurricane Katrina and say that our country grew not only in prosperity but in character and justice.''

I'm afraid that Bush's method of addressing the inequality is closer to Bill Clinton and Ted Kennedy than conservatives would prefer: a redistribution of wealth based on preferences of the federal government. Goodbye any chance of extending the tax cuts due to expire in a few years. Be worried - be very worried.