Governor Kathleen Blanco Says: Let them Eat Cake (or Beignets)

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Governor Kathleen Blanco Says: Let them Eat Cake (or Beignets)
by Dave Gibson, Columnist

January 18, 2006

Dave Gibson Governor Kathleen Blanco (D-LA) The images of Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco (right) paralyzed with fear and indecision in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina spoke to the fact that she was not only unprepared for a natural disaster, but unprepared for the duties of governor as well. Blanco's post-Katrina actions suggest that in addition to lacking the basic abilities to handle the her job, she also lacks a moral compass.

As tens of thousands of New Orleans' residents still lack permanent housing and the once beautiful city lies in ruins, Gov. Blanco went on a spending spree at the expense of the Louisiana taxpayers. While thousands of homes is New Orleans sat rotting, Blanco ordered an extravagant renovation project inside the State Capitol which cost taxpayers $564,838.

Blanco's offices received a luxury makeover with flat screen televisions, walnut paneling, frosted glass doors, and Swedish granite countertops. Blanco authorized these unnecessary expenses amid her own calls for laying off 20 percent of her state's workers.

Apparently, the much maligned Gov. Blanco subscribes to the notion that living well is the best revenge.

While corruption and ineptitude have a long history in Louisiana politics, citizens now have the benefit of being armed with detailed information on their useless elected officials. Gov. Blanco's incredible dereliction of duty and her misuse of taxpayer funds have not gone un-noticed by the people of Louisiana.

St. Martinsville, Louisiana resident Kat Landry filed a recall petition against Gov. Blanco last Tuesday. Shortly after filing the necessary papers, Landry told the press: "It has become painfully obvious to us that our governor is not capable of fulfilling the duties of her office."

In order to bring about a recall election, the petition drive must yield one-third of the state's current registered voters.

If ever there was a governor who deserved to be recalled it is Louisiana's modern-day Marie Antoinette. Gov. Blanco has proven herself to be both inept and corrupt. ***

Photo of Dave Gibson courtesy of staff files