After running out of fresh faces, the Republicans tapped Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal to give the “Republican response” to Obama’s “not quite the state of the union” address to congress this week.

In his speech, Jindal cited the government response to Katrina as an example of why govenment is bad.   It floors me that no one in the Republican party thought that bringing up the Katrina debacle might be a bad idea.  Apparently Jindal thought it was a good idea.

But apparently not good enough, because now it appears the cute little anecdote that he used in his speech…you know, the one about the Sherriff yelling over the phone in frustration because the “bureaucrats” wouldn’t let people launch their rescue boats without proof of insurance?

Well, turns out it wasn’t true.

What goes on in these Republican meetings?   Srusly

TPMMuckraker | Talking Points Memo | Jindal Admits Katrina Story Was False.

Today was an historic day, and one that writers and poets more eloquent than I will comment on, so I’m just going post a couple of my favorite parts of Obama’s Inaugural speech.

“To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

And this part as well…

“As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.”

National security and the rule of law should never be traded for one another. True security is strengthened by the rule of law, never weakened.