Rush Limbaugh Stands by Haiti Comments

[Appaholic]

Controversial conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh is defending earlier comments in which he accused President Obama of using the disaster in Haiti for political gain.

"I do believe that everything is political to this president," Limbaugh said on his radio show yesterday. "Everything this president sees is a political opportunity, including Haiti, and he will use it to burnish his credentials with minorities in this country and around the world, and to accuse Republicans of having no compassion."

President Obama has dedicated $100 million for immediate relief efforts in Haiti, calling it a "top priority." The president has not politicized the matter or criticized Republicans' response to the disaster. Republicans, in fact, have largely expressed their support for the president's efforts.

The conservative magazine the National Review defended a portion of Limbaugh's original comments in which he questioned the effectiveness of giving aid to Haiti via the government.

"On the facts, Rush is right," writes Jim Geraghty. "The tale of U.S. foreign aid to Haiti is maddening, as well-meaning Americans dump more and more money to alleviate suffering, only to see little or no actual improvement in the living conditions on the ground."

Geraghty points to a Reuters article outlining a history of corrupt and weak civil services in Haiti that has slowed the distribution of American aid. Now, in the aftermath of this giant earthquake, the biggest challenge for government and private relief efforts alike is the lack of infrastructure available to move supplies.
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/01/15 ... 0434.shtml

[dbackjon]

What an ass

[hank scorpio]

Just don't look.

[OSBF]

But if a repuke had done the exact same thing, it would be the best thing ever, or at least the best thing since finding another doc willing to write you a 'script for pain meds.

[BlueHen86]

I guess Limbaugh preferred the way Bush chose not to use Katrina for political gain.

[CID1990]

Considering that his chief of staff is known for saying that no crisis should go to waste, I don't find it surprising that someone would suggest this.

[ASUMountaineer]

I guess it's only appropriate to use the earthquake in Haiti for monetary gain, as Limbaugh is. What a toolbag...

[houndawg]

I guess Limbaugh preferred the way Bush chose not to use Katrina for political gain.