the president vacations as 10,000 die

[synthia]

that's the president of france that is who has finally returned from a three week vacation in Canada.


'Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Mr. Chirac — back tanned and fresh from a three-week vacation in Canada — promised an inquiry into the way the disaster was handled, as well as additional measures for France's elderly, who formed the bulk of the heat wave victims.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/stories/2003082203181300.htm

[mlawson]

1. Sounds like something Dumbya would do.

But we can't call HIM "President". 'Cause he ain't!!!!!!

[Kellanved]

2. He is a conservative

People tend to forget that. However a vacation in August is OK in Europe. Especially so in France.

[radwriter0555]

3. what was he gonna do? run around and fan everyone individually?

what on earth could a president do about something like this? it's WEATHER.

how STUPID.

[rooboy]

4. How dare Chirac go on holiday...

without controlling the weather for the people of France?

To see this on an American messageboard is quite ironic considering the vacationing records set by the naked emperor.

[sham]

8. exactly...

While vacationing during this time may not have been the brightest thing that Chirac has ever done, and he could have gone home to try and do something for these people, this doesn't even compare to Crusader Bunnypants.

Bunnypants and his merry band of thieves are the CAUSE of our woes in America. Chirac has no control over the weather in France.

[synthia]

11. well........if an inquiry is needed into how it was handled,

perhaps, if he'd been there, he might have insured it was handled properly. it also says he will start programs for the elderly. it seems a little late for the thousands that died.

we knew about the dying weeks ago. it was discussed here at DU.

i can't believe anyone would defend this level of callosness.

[NYC]

5. I think he should have returned to France as an expression

of concern. At the very least, he should have been available in case there was anything he could do.

I think it shows a lack of compassion to stay on vacation while so many are dying.

[Kellanved]

7. He's back already

And from what I'm hearing the gravity of the situation is just beginning to show. There are first reports of more deaths than usual here in Germany as well.

Spain and Italy have already reported numbers almost as grim, as the French.

[NYC]

9. What kind of numbers are you hearing in Germany?

I was speaking to someone about Germany's heat Tuesday, but no numbers.

(In my post above, I meant that Chirac should have returned to France sooner. I just think it shows a lack of concern.)

[Kellanved]

10. No numbers yet

The news reported that there will be such numbers soon. And that they will be grim.


Edit: The Netherlands reported 500 to 1000 and their care system is among the best.

2. Edit: Remeber that France has a Prime Minister as well. This looks more like a job for him.

[cthrumatrix]

6. he's probably voting at Taco Bell every day......

after golf of course.