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DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kinda Fun?"

By Last Night in Little Rock, Section Huricanes Katrina and Rita
Posted on Sat Sep 10, 2005 at 06:53:59 AM EST
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by Last Night in Little Rock

Ever the lovable jokester, Rep. Tom ("The Hammer") DeLay (R-TX,22) visited (i.e., made a photo op trip) evacuees in Houston. As noted on Domeblog of the Houston Chronicle and picked on Raw Story he talked with two young boys:

While on the tour with top administration officials from Washington, including U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao and U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow, DeLay stopped to chat with three young boys resting on cots.

The congressman likened their stay to being at camp and asked, "Now tell me the truth boys, is this kind of fun?"

They nodded yes, but looked perplexed.

This is another example of Rep. DeLay's commpassion for his fellow man in time of crisis which proves his leadership.

Just kidding. Read Common Cause and Public Citizen.

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    DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kinda Fun?" | 42 comments (42 topical)
    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#1)
    by Paralegal on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:35 PM EST
    I imagine, Delay was comparing the fun to the fun he had while under criminal investigation & watching the indictments of some of his colleagues ---good times...

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:35 PM EST
    More of the Barbara Bush view of the world and --people like Kyra Phillips of CNN -who view the victims as scam artists and welfare frauds who will only benefit from this disaster - of course who knows if they really are frauds maybe they can run against Tom Delay --many of them are in Texas now --fraud seems to be a high value for Texas voters

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#3)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:35 PM EST
    et al - Now, everyone in the room who has never tried to tell their kids that doing something is fun that everyone, kids included, knew wasn't fun, please leave the room. No one leaving? Okay... You know, the ability for the Left to attack anything and everything in sight is amazing. If we could just get you guys involved in national defense... Oh wait.... I forgot. The attackee has to be a Repub... or a Demo who hasn't spoken the party line.. or a minority who has left the reservation...

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#4)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:35 PM EST
    I have to agree with Jim about the comment (although while the left is working on attacking anything and everything, we could have the right on defense. Their ability to defend any and everything from leaks, to incompetence, to the most disastrous kind of cronyism never ceases to amaze me). That said, I think this was just something stupid that slipped out. Delay doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who's really at ease with kids, especially when those kids are photogenic victims of Bush Admin. incompetence and indifference. People say stupid things to kids. All the time. I'm sure Delay wanted to smack himself in the head.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#5)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:35 PM EST
    "They nodded yes, but looked perplexed." I'm sure they were perplexed. They're experiencing the scariest, strangest moments of their young lives and some weirdo with a huge security detail asks them if they're having fun.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#6)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:35 PM EST
    the same lame excuses we always hear -- everybody does it. Hardly and it seems to be the theme of the Republicans starting with Barbara Bush -that THESE people are going to have better lives. That living a giant shelter is an improvment on their lives.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#7)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    What a load... Please....... These kids homes were destroyed by a hurricane. So yes, they are going to have a better life than if left in NO. You know, I think I know the logical extension of your moniker.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#8)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    PPJ You comment is no better than Deload's. I find it very interesting when it comes to dealing with Poor Americans the wingnuts can't help themselves but make so many freudian Slips they could open a chain of slip coverup stores! It is really to bad the administration can't seem to make things happen as fast as they can make excuses.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#9)
    by Kitt on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    et al - Now, everyone in the room who has never tried to tell their kids that doing something is fun that everyone, kids included, knew wasn't fun, please leave the room. No one leaving? Okay.. No - the room is empty...you're in your denial phase again. I'm pretty sick of those who attack & blame those who couldn't leave New Orleans and have this, now they'll be 'better off' anyway so what's their freakin' problem, attitude.
    Rabbi Hillel: "If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, then what am I? And if not now, when?"
    "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Go and study it."
    Even you, Jim - we'd save your sorry a** if push came to shove....maybe.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#10)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    Nice try Jim B Bush wasn't talking about their life after Katrina she was talking about their life in general And you have no idea where there life would be better. you have pretended to be stupid so often --your wish has become true

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#11)
    by Al on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    Now, everyone in the room who has never tried to tell their kids that doing something is fun that everyone, kids included, knew wasn't fun, please leave the room. No one leaving? Okay...
    Why, sure, Jim, you're absolutely right. I remember distinctly the day our house was demolished by the storm and we were forced to flee, although we didn't really have anywhere to go because the damn Accura was on the fritz - again - and so we just ran and somewhere along the way we must have lost Grandma because we were so intent in getting to the Dome where people said we could be safe, and I remember thinking I hope that wasn't Grandma whose body they said was lying on a street and it was being chewed on by rats, and I remember I tried not to think that if it wasn't our Grandma it must surely have been someone else's Grandma, but anyway we made it to the Dome, and the kids were kind of down, so I said to them "Now tell me the truth boys, is this kind of fun?"

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#12)
    by Che's Lounge on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    Jim, Now you try to sell us that their lives will be better? Maybe for a few lucky recipients. But just enough for you to make your ridiculous points. But I do know that some american lives are definitely going to improve as a result of this catastrophe. Three guesses who.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#13)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    What a load writes:
    B Bush wasn't talking about their life after Katrina she was talking about their life in general And you have no idea where there life would be better.
    Uh, you do understand that their life in general and specifically, is after Katrina. I mean like, you know, Katrina was in the past... And Katrina was not speculation, it really happened. And yes, they are better off now than if they had been let in NO. Stupid is as stupid does, eh? Che - If you mean their life will be worse, or better, if Katrina had never happened, who knows? Mrs Bush was speaking post Katrina. But, hey, keep attacking. It makes you feel good and the general public shake their heads in amusement. That's a win-win. Al - Like it or not, these folks have to move on. Telling them how bad things won't help a bit. Kitt - Psycho babble again? You write:
    I'm pretty sick of those who attack & blame
    The only attacking and blaming I see is the Left attacking anything the Repubs do. And that's just silly. c-law writes:
    when those kids are photogenic victims of Bush Admin. incompetence and indifference.
    Now let me see. The Governor waits until it is less than 24 hours to order a mandatory evacuation. The Mayor ignores the 600 city and scholl busses he could have used to get the people out. Instead he sends them to the dome, and then doesn't provide food, water or police protection. All three of which were available in plentiful quantities at the time he put them in the dome. Now. Who did what??? And BTW - Who wouldn't let the Red Cross in to NO to go to the dome with food and water immediately after the hurricane? Can you spell the LA Homeland Security? And who does the LA Homeland Security report to? Can you say: Democratic Governor Blanco? Come on c-law. I thought better of you than a meaningless inaccurate rant that was so obviously incorrect. Ed B - I read your comment twice, and all I can figure out is that you hate Bush.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#14)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    PPJ The only stupid thing I've done recently is to engage you in a discussion. Much the Republican leadership has made remarks about the disaster victims that imply the Hurricane will provide them with better lives -starting with Barbara Bush. And for you to apologize or excuse it or worse defend it -once again proves what a parrot of rightwing crap you are

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#15)
    by glanton on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    Now, everyone in the room who thinks Tom Delay gives a rat's petutty (sp?) about these kids, please leave the room. No one leaving? Okay...

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#16)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    You're right Jim. Appointing an incompetent to head up FEMA didn't hurt these kids at all. I really shouldn't criticize Bush. Also, you're pretending that we just let states take care of natural disasters on their own. We don't (well, we did here but we shouldn't have). One of the points of having a federal government is so when big, disastrous things happen, someone is there to maintain order and keep people safe. The Bush administration failed utterly in this regard. And if you can't admit that...

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#17)
    by Primus on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    Now let me see. The Governor waits until it is less than 24 hours to order a mandatory evacuation.
    Timeline, Jim. Timeline.
    Friday, August 26: 5 PM: the National Hurricane Center issues an advisory forecasting that Katrina would soon be a Category 3 hurricane. ... Saturday, August 27: 5pm: Mayor Nagin declares a State of Emergency and issues a voluntary evacuation order, saying he is having his legal team determine if he can order a mandatory evacuation without exposing the city to legal liability for the closure of hotels and other businesses. ... Sunday, August 28: 2 AM: Katrina is declared a Category 4 storm. 8 AM: Katrina is declared a Category 5 storm, the highest possible rating. 10 AM: New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin orders mandatory evacuations of the city. ... Monday, August 29: 6:10 AM: Katrina, a Category 4 hurricane with 145 mph winds, makes initial landfall near Buras, La.
    Please note that Katrina was not a Category 5 hurricane until two hours before Mayor Nagin issued the mandatory evacuation order, and 22 hours before it hit land. At the time Mayor Nagin issued the voluntary evacuation order, Katrina was still Category 3.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#18)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    ppj: "Now, everyone in the room who has never tried to tell their kids that doing something is fun that everyone, kids included, knew wasn't fun, please leave the room. No one leaving? Okay..." I still don't understand why Jim wants me to leave the room...

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#19)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    Jim, it's Tom Delay. Your rationalization makes about as much sense as trying to cheer kids up with a guy in a Jason mask and a chainsaw.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#20)
    by TomStewart on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    It's a pretty thoughtless, and callous remark. I think a nervous DeLay said it to have something to say to a couple of kids. It does show little sympathy on his part, tho', and really adds to a series of remarks made by people who should know better. Right or wrong, it shows a disconnect with the poor and those who have been through a horrible experience.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#21)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    O.K. Every one PPJ has gotten all the negative attention he deserves. So lets get a rolled up newspaper, give him a tap on the nose and put him back in his Crate. Bad dog, no puppy chow until you stop howling and yipping all that noise. Now isnt that better, that the room is rid of the bad doggie and we can get back to a civil intelligent discussion of the issues.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#22)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    Jim -- I might be more forgiving of such a comment if it weren't for the fact that these kids have been TRAUMATIZED by fear, loss, etc. The fact that Lott, an adult who comes int he role of authority and power, essentially ignores that fact is invalidating their experience and will probably add to their sense of shame.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#23)
    by Che's Lounge on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    So yes, they are going to have a better life than if left in NO. If you mean their life will be worse, or better, if Katrina had never happened, who knows? That about sums it up for me for today folks.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#24)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    Jim, I don't know why I am bothering to write this because I think you will defend anything a conservative does no matter what, but I think you are intentionally misunderstanding Barbara Bush's comment. She says something to the effect of (I don't have the exact quote in front of me) "So many of them were underprivledged to begin with, so this [the charity they are receiving] is working out pretty good for them". When you look at the full quote (and also her little chuckle in the middle of it, it is pretty clear that she is saying that life in the astrodome is a step up on their PRE-Katrina life in New Orleans. And it is sort of implied that the poor people are taking advantage of the generosity of Texans.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#25)
    by Kitt on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:37 PM EST
    Attack & blame those caught in New Orleans who didn't have the means necessary to escape or leave is what I meant. That so-called 'blame game' or "holding responsible" - it's actually a smoke screen because these stupid f*ck-ups are in charge and don't know what the hell they're doing. It's not assessing blame for Chris'sakes; it's ACCOUNTABILITY. What a bunch of sissies you all are, Jim. Whining when you're caught and held culpable. Wankers....wankers. And speaking of wankers - is there a reason the president, any of his cabinet or staff have not gone to NO? Did I miss that?

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#26)
    by Kitt on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:37 PM EST
    About the category ratings of hurricane. Other than the Weather Channel, programs on Discovery, etc., and general reading, I can honestly say I don't know alot about them. One thing I do know is the power of nature and I personally have a great respect for it. We have a clinic in Pompano Beach that sustained heavy damage when Hurricane Katrina hit Florida before hitting NO and the Mississippi & Alabama coastlines. It was a Category I when it hit Florida. Other hurricanes have hit at a Category 2, Category 3 and we've seen the damage done with these. When that damn thing was ramped up to a Category 5, I knew it was BAD, even dropping to a Category 4 - still BAD... I mean, I was scared and I'm nowhere near that part of the country.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#27)
    by Al on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:37 PM EST
    They have to move on, Jim? You seriously believe you're going to convince us that what DeLay was doing was to help those kids move on? Jim, I am certain that you are a paid shill. (And if you're not getting paid, you're dumber than I thought). You monitor this site regularly, and systematically try to justify your bosses no matter what they do or say. Fine. I'll just make two observations. First, like your bosses, you are pathologically lacking in normal human emotions. You see everything in terms of political strategy. I have yet to see you write anything that is not merely combative. You have nothing constructive to say. Nothing. Ever. How sad.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#28)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:37 PM EST
    Al:
    ...systematically try to justify your bosses no matter what they do or say...
    ------ “See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda.” —George W. Bush, May 24, 2005

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#29)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:37 PM EST
    They, too, will also have to live under the heel of their own monstrous creation. The propaganda that will not be spared is what can create consensual reality, if not countered by an equally infectious and rapidly spreading meme that needs to be developed and spread by free thinkers. That is what we do here daily, and that consensual reality is what is at stake... ------ “See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda.” —George W. Bush, May 24, 2005

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#30)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:37 PM EST
    I was just listening to The Beatles:
    Day after day alone on the hill, The man with the foolish grin is keeping perfectly still, But nobody wants to know him, They can see that he’s just a fool, And he never gives an answer, But the fool on the hill Sees the sun going down, And the eyes in his head, See the world spinning around. Well on his way his head in a cloud, The man of a thousand voices talking perfectly loud But nobody ever hears him, Or the sound he appears to make, And he never seems to notice, But the fool on the hill . . . Sees the sun going down, And the eyes in his head, See the world spinning around. Nobody seems to like him They can tell what he wants to do. And he never shows his feelings, But the fool on the hill . . . Sees the sun going down, And the eyes in his head, See the world spinning around.


    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#31)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:37 PM EST
    Al - Your problem is when you do the "I thought" thing. I didn't say Delay said that, I said anyone telling them how awful things are is doing them harm. That wasn't Mrs. Bush or Tom Delay. They can see how bad things are. What they need is for people to be telling them that things can get better. To look to the future. Unlike the Left, the kids and parents have no vested interest in bad things happening they can blame on Bush. kitt - Show me where I have blamed anyone. I have pointed out some rather stupid actions..... j.b. - Since you can provide the quote, and since you choose to analyze based, no on the quote, but your memory, why should I pay attention? Now. If you can link us to the full quote, in context, we will discuss. Otherwise I just put it down to another Leftie attack.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#32)
    by Kitt on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:37 PM EST
    kitt - Show me where I have blamed anyone. I have pointed out some rather stupid actions.....
    Jim - I didn't say you did. This is why I don't usually respond to your comments. You go in circles and every thread deteriorates. How many remember this thread is about that jacka** Tom Delay?

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#33)
    by glanton on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:37 PM EST
    Jim pretends he doesn't know there's an entire thread, very recently posted, that produces Bar's quote verbatim. He also pretends that Delay cares about these kids. But then, who can blame him, and is anyone surprised? The Repubs and their shills never exactly traded in substance.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#34)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:38 PM EST
    glanton - Well, since you know so much, bring the link up. Otherwise, why should I accept your analysis? Kitt - My very, very, very sincere apology for thinking that you were attacking me. I must have totally misunderstood this:
    What a bunch of sissies you all are, Jim. Whining when you're caught and held culpable. Wankers....wankers.
    BTW - My original comment was directly about Delay's comment. You may read the comments after that that brought up Mrs. Bush, poor people, Repub whiners, (Ooops, sorry that was you, wasn't it?) Hurricane rating, (Ooops again, dear Kitt), a discussion on past and present versus future conditions and finally this:
    And speaking of wankers - is there a reason the president, any of his cabinet or staff have not gone to NO? Did I miss that?
    Yes, you did. Just as you missed the content spread, and who did the spreading.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#35)
    by Kitt on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:38 PM EST
    Oh, that's right - Bush did go into NO...my bad. Oh yeah...forgot:
    But what he experienced of the crisis there was mostly by air. He avoided the lawless parts of New Orleans, where looting has become common and snipers have fired on hospital evacuations. He visited only the airport and the ruptured 17th Street levee where huge sandbags were being dropped by helicopter into the water flowing through the 300-foot breach.
    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#36)
    by glanton on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:38 PM EST
    Here it is spin away baby!

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#37)
    by glanton on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:38 PM EST
    This is what happens when GOP leaders stupidly open their mouths about poverty: Bar, Santorum, Delay, Dubya-- they're like the committee of the damned. :-O

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#38)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:38 PM EST
    "It is NOT about the "team", it IS about the "leader". And mummy... ;-)

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#39)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:39 PM EST
    glanton - No, your link is to an editorial, not to an actual transcript of the comments. Somewhat of a difference, don't ya know? Come to think of it, no, you don't know.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#40)
    by glanton on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:39 PM EST
    Yes, Jim, it is an editorial and yet, magically, it also contains direct quotes from the transcript. And we both know it is not taken out of context. But it really doesn't matter, that hag's comments need neither your approval nor reproach.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#41)
    by Che's Lounge on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:39 PM EST
    So yes, they are going to have a better life than if left in NO. If you mean their life will be worse, or better, if Katrina had never happened, who knows? Look people, it is futile to debate with someone who takes both sides at their convenience.

    Re: DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kin (none / 0) (#42)
    by glanton on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:39 PM EST
    Yes, Che, I see that. It's just very annoying to see these quotes get spun or ignored, when any decent human being would simply condemn them, at the very least, as stupidly insensitive and at the worst as typical Delay/Bush/Santorum. "What I'm hearing, which is sort of scary, is they all want to stay in Texas." Can anyone imagine even a fabricated "context" in which this statement is acceptable? Again, someone should tell these people to keep their pie-holes shut when it comes to the poor. They've never been poor, they've done anything to help the poor, they don't know anyone who's poor: on what authority do they speak?

    DeLay to Evacuee Kids in Houston: "Is This Kinda Fun?" | 42 comments (42 topical)