‘What is your obsession with the horrible humanitarian catastrophe?’

In case you missed it, The Daily Show was in rare form last night. C&L has some video, and here’s some of the transcript, via Dan Froomkin:

Ed Helms: “Jon, today, finally, a ray of hope. Eight days after Katrina came ashore, the federal government has gotten its act together, marshalling all of its resources in a desperate effort to save this beloved, and now beleaguered, president.”

Jon Stewart: “President? I thought you were talking about New Orleans.”

Helms: “No, that place is [expletive]. But many here believe with quick action, George W. Bush’s reputation can still be saved. …

“The main thing is, in a very reassuring sight, the federal government has finally brought in the heavy machinery: The Rove. Many believe he’s the one man who can fix the gaping breach in the president’s approval ratings.”

Stewart: “But what impact will that have on the actual rescue effort?”

Helms: “The actual rescue effort? What is your obsession with the horrible humanitarian catastrophe?”

I’m really surprised that no one has made a reference to the
scene in the film version of Catch 22 where Milo Minderbinder is
casually discussing his management philosophy with and increasingly
incredulous Yossarian as he details the workings of the
M and M enterprises during the war.
Perhaps you recall the scene when Milo cooly replies to Yossarian
when he asks what will ( the mortally wounded) Private Snowden’s
parents say when they find out their son was allowed to die when
the medical supplies on the plane he was serving on had been replaced with a coupon from M and M enterprises.
“Then they’ll understand.”
Shareholder value, man, that’s what it’s all about riiiiiight!?

  • I loved the Daily Show skit. In fact the whole show was fantastic. Watch it today at 8:00 PM on Comedy Central (check local listings) to catch the replay.

    The best part is when John Stewart asks if the conservatives are right about it being the wrong time to seek accountability for the systemic failures of FEMA and the Adminsitration. Answer: “NO”.

    Great show.

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