After all, one does not want the Secret Service paying one a visit, and this administration has already demonstrated a decided lack of appreciation for disagreement. And for all the issues that are important to the middle class. And any effort to address the systemic damage willfully inflicted on Black folks.

Race Not Factor in Aid, Bush Says
By RICHARD W. STEVENSON

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 - President Bush said Monday that the failures of the government in responding to Hurricane Katrina had nothing to do with race or class and repeated his promise to rebuild the Gulf Coast and New Orleans in particular.

Asked in an interview with NBC News whether the response would have been the same had the destruction occurred on Nantucket or in Chicago or Houston, Mr. Bush said he was aware of criticism that the government acted slowly because he was a racist, and he said such criticism was absolutely wrong.

"You can call me anything you want," Mr. Bush said. "But do not call me a racist."