But Wait... There's More!

Our vice president is M.I.A., as usual, but in case you're wondering where our dutiful Secretary of State was all last week, prepare to lose your lunch, courtesy of the NY Daily News:

"On Wednesday night, Secretary Rice was booed by some audience members at Spamalot!, the Monty Python musical at the Shubert, when the lights went up after the performance.

Yesterday, Rice went shopping at Ferragamo on Fifth Ave. According to... www.Gawker.com, she bought "several thousand dollars' worth of shoes" at the pricey leather-goods boutique.

A fellow shopper shouted, "How dare you shop for shoes while thousands are dying and homeless!" - presumably referring to Louisiana and Mississippi."

Naturally, that shopper was promptly removed from the store by security because we all know what happens when anyone dares criticize this administration. Besides, couldn't she see Condi had important purchases to make? Someone as important as the freaking Secretary of State can't possibly be expected to concern herself with catastrophic natural disasters when there are shoes that need buying!

If that wasn't enough, the NY Post reported Condi spent Thursday morning playing some tennis with Monica Seles. "La-di-da, Monica, let's lob a few while people are dying under my watch! Won't that be a hoot?"

When spokesman Sean McCormack was asked by a journalist whether Rice was involved with hurricane relief efforts, he responded, "She's in contact with the department as appropriate." Hmm... I see. To this administration, "appropriate" behavior apparently means not allowing a goddamn thing to interrupt your vacation, well-earned or not.

Still, as slow as our government has been to respond, it's heartwarming to see the outpouring of support and assistance from Americans and others. Cynical as I am, I do believe the vast majority of humans are compassionate and charitable at their core and that's what keeps us all moving ahead.

Posted by ayelet at September 4, 2005 11:48 AM