Blogoland

There's been a quite a bit of hurrahing being heard in some quarters following the revelation that the Red Cross, in fact, was turned back by the state of Louisiana's homeland security department. Obviously, this is pretty bad stuff. Red Cross people, set to deliver water and food to those holed up in the Superdome and Convention Center, never got there. Here's the Red Cross's explanation:

Acess to New Orleans is controlled by the National Guard and local authorities and while we are in constant contact with them, we simply cannot enter New Orleans against their orders.

The state Homeland Security Department had requested--and continues to request--that the American Red Cross not come back into New Orleans following the hurricane. Our presence would keep people from evacuating and encourage others to come into the city.

But just click on the links above and notice the glee (and, I'm sensing, relief) with which this news is being delivered. Rush read the news at the top of his show, and he sounded like he'd just won the lottery. Fox News's Major Garrett looked as though he going to give Brit Hume a virtual high-five when he delivered his report, noting the "State" yes "The state, not federal" authorities turned away the Red Cross. I don't get it. It's hideous incompetence whomever is responsible.

THE STRATEGY UNFOLDS: "I don't think that Major Garrett story can be talked about enough," so says a Cornerite.