Monday, September 12, 2005
Hastert was misquoted
The damage is done. The quote is already out there, and the rage has already collectively risen against Dennis Hastert. But the House Speaker was significantly misinterpreted, as Clarence Page points out:
(Hastert) also said, "It looks like a lot of that place could be bulldozed." He was roundly rebuked by Louisiana politicians, among others, although it is important to note Mr. Hastert never said he thought the place should be bulldozed.
In fact, read in context, Mr. Hastert's remarks were far more sympathetic and supportive than they sounded in most news accounts.
He was trying to be compassionate but also realistic, particularly about Congress' need to examine an important question: Precisely how do you "rebuild" a city that is 10 feet below sea level and still sinking?
"Of course, the folks from New Orleans will have their own opinion on it," Mr. Hastert said. He also declared "we are going to rebuild this city," though it is no less risky a proposition than rebuilding Los Angeles, San Francisco or other cities built "on top of earthquake fissures."
