The American President

Three images of Dubya stand out most in my mind. The first was when an aide leaned over to tell him the twin towers had been bombed by terrorists. Dubya had been reading to a group of school children. His face went blank, as if wondering how to react. He finished reading the story, then left. The second was his expression of earnestness when telling a carefully orchestrated public gathering that they were going to invade Iraq. And the third... most telling of all... was his interview on American television that he had not forgotten New Orleans and that help would be on its way. Why is this an image of import? Because he had humour in his eyes.

I found nothing funny about the situation, nor his total lack of compassion or empathy.

Dubya is a man who has never gone hungry, nor thirsty, has always had shelter, has money out the wazoo and if all else fails, has his Daddy to protect him.

It's as if he feels nothing for these people; has no responsibility. 9/11 was managed by New York's mayor, Rudolph Guiliani; the so called 'war on terror' is managed by the armed forces. Colin Powell advised against such an action and offered to resign. He changed his mind because he felt if he was in charge of such a foolhardy action, at least he could moderate the damage. Now we have New Orleans. And where is he? Holding press conferences. He didn't dare land in the city, he went to a smaller town, where he knew he would be safe; among white amercians. Press the flesh, apologise, say everything will be alright; but no direct action. That's left to the National Guard who were ordered in much too late.

How is it that journalists can fly in but without supplies? How is it mandatory evacuation is ordered but no one bothers to help the poor and destitute out of the city? Worse, not make sure there are enough supplies for them? How can this go on for five days!

The richest country in the world is managed by a failed business man who cares nothing for the poor of the nation and knows nothing about crisis management; has failed on numerous occasions. As long as he feels good about himself - hence the smile on television - everything is alright with the world; his staff can deal with it.

There is only one good thing to come out of his current presidency: it will be his last. Then, maybe, the Americans will have the Government the rest of the world needs: competent, compassionate, intelligent.