Faith and Tim give it to Bush

[SoFlaJet]

Entertainment
Friday, March 10, 2006
McGraw, Hill Blast Katrina Cleanup Efforts


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tim McGraw and Faith Hill met with
reporters to talk about their upcoming tour, but ended up venting
their frustration with the cleanup efforts along the Gulf Coast in
the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Hill, who grew up in Jackson, Miss., and McGraw, a native of
Delhi, La., have spent time in the devastated areas helping with
relief efforts and raising money for victims.
When asked by reporters during Wednesday's round table about the
government's slow progress, Hill, 38, said, ``It's wrong. It's
embarrassing. It really gets us fired up. That's our homeland.''
McGraw blamed state and federal politics for hampering efforts
to get adequate shelter, food and supplies to victims.
The 38-year-old country singer also criticized President Bush,
who visited the devastated Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans on
Wednesday.
``There's no reason why someone can't go down there - who's
supposed to be the leader of the free world - and say, `I'm giving
you a job to do and I'm not leaving here until it's done. And
you're held accountable,''' he said.
Later in the news conference, McGraw let out a stream of
frustration, growling, ``I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take
it anymore.''
The couple were married in 1996.
When asked what their fans could do to help, McGraw said:
``Vote.''
The Associated Press obtained a recording of the round table,
which was held for radio media to promote their upcoming
``Soul2Soul II'' tour.
Earlier in the day, the Academy of Country Music announced Hill
and McGraw's nomination for vocal event of the year for their duet
``Like We Never Loved at All.''
On the Net:
http://www.timmcgraw.com /
http://www.faithhill.com /