Why Is This Man Smiling?

For some reason, conservative Republicans in Congress have taken great solace in their "ability" to remain united against the recovery package. In fact, it seems to be a point of pride, as if they have actually accomplished something positive. But as Ruth Marcus points out, the Obama Administration is about to win an unprecedented vistory...

John Dickerson seems to think that addressing the American people and the press as if they could think and parse complex topics might be a mistake: "If the president's job is to persuade, can it be done through patient instruction with only a few hints of harangue?"

What Dickerson found collegial, Rush Limbaugh described as "rambling incoherence." Oddly, Limbaugh has adopted John Edwards' rhetorical device of two Americas, in this case -- presumably -- the informed America and the uninformed America (i.e., his listenership)... 

However you heard him, Obama is bigger than American Idol...

Don't miss the rest Tawnee Lynne's Krewe du Vieux photos here...

For the record, Limbaugh is a college dropout. (According to his mother, "he flunked everything", even a modern ballroom dancing class)... 

Angels and people: A photographic record of life in New Orleans...

The $15,000 mortgage credit is great for people who don't need it: 

Low-income people will not benefit, said Linda Couch, deputy director of the National Low Income Housing Coalition."The bill is focusing a lot more of its resources on higher-income households and home ownership than it is on the lowest-income people and people really teetering on the edge of homelessness"...

Just the facts, m'am...

Foxessa writes of the potentially disastrous impact of flooding on our knowledge of our own past:

The people of New Orleans and the history of the city contain vital information and clues to our past, and our present got to be what it is, in so many, many areas. Those who work in these fields are terrified that everything will disappear before we've re-learned what was lost or never noticed or deliberately suspressed in the first place...

Can you spot the difference in these two pictures? Look closely...

Weekly Address: Moving Forward

In his weekly address, President Barack Obama addressed the latest economic news and urged the passing of an America Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. He also announced that Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is preparing a new strategy for reviving our financial system -- which will not only ensure that CEOs aren't abusing taxpayer dollars, but also get credit flowing and lower mortgage costs.

Rarely in history has our country faced economic problems as devastating as this crisis. But the strength of the American people compels us to come together. The road ahead will be long, but I promise you that every day that I go to work in the Oval Office I carry with me your stories, and my administration is dedicated to alleviating your struggles and advancing your dreams. You are calling for action. Now is the time for those of us in Washington to live up to our responsibilities.

The Republican response so far is to do anything but come together: Both the recovery plan and the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act passed the House along party lines. My Congressman, supposed Republican moderate Dave Reichert, voted "nay" on both bills. I sent him the following emails, first regarding the recovery plan:

I wish to express my extreme disappoint that you chose to oppose the economic recovery package supported by President Obama.

Our country's economy is in serious condition. The rigidities of ideological laissez-faire conservatism have not only failed, they have led the country into its present situation. In the past, you have shown an admirable independence from the hard-core right wing of your party and voted as a true moderate. I am surprised and disappointed that your independent values failed you on this critical issue. Simply put, it appears that you voted to obstruct because you are more committed to opposing the President than you are to working across party lines to face down the recession.

You will have another opportunity to support the recovery package when it emerges from conference committee. Please put country ahead of party and support economic recovery.

Regarding the Ledbetter Act:

It is beyond me why you voted against the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. The intent of the act is a matter of simple fair play and decency; by opposing the legislation you allied yourself with the most reactionary elements of your party. I for one am not willing to see the 8th District become synonymous with the politics of Deep South Republicans. Shame on you.

Mardi Gras Parades have started! The New Orleans Daily Photo has a picture of last year's Bacchus Parade here. Go here for a complete schedule of this year's parades...

Cajun Country celebrates Mardi Gras in its own way:

Eunice, in St. Landry Parish, is typical of many Cajun communities that hold Mardi Gras “runs,” known as Courir de Mardi Gras. Revelers don homemade costumes and painted wire-screen masks, and they ride through the countryside on horseback or flatbed trucks, “begging” from their neighbors...

It's time for MR-GO to go!:

Carlton Dufrechou, executive director of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, flew over the work Friday afternoon and was ecstatic.

"This is a bright doggone day for the coast, " he said. "It's one little rinky-dink project in the grand scope of things, but this will start to restore the natural hydrology, the natural plumbing.

"The coast finally has a chance to start healing itself."