Doesn't Grasp The Concept

In Media Notes Extra, Howard Kurtz:

What is about disasters that make public officials think they can openly scorn reporters? First it was Chertoff huffily refusing to answer a perfectly legitimate question about why he was sidelining Michael Brown (who would quit within days), and now National Review's Media Blog brings us this transcript:

"Male reporter: General Honore, we were told that Berman Stadium on the west bank would be another staging area. . . .

"Honore: Not to my knowledge. Again, the current place, I just told you one time, is the convention center. Once we complete the plan with the mayor, and is approved by the governor, then we'll start that in the next 12-24 hours. And we understand that there's a problem in getting communications out. That's where we need your help.[...]  Let's not get stuck on the last storm. You're asking last storm questions for people who are concerned about the future storm. Don't get stuck on stupid, reporters. We are moving forward. And don't confuse the people please. You are part of the public message...

"Male reporter: General, a little bit more about why that's happening this time, though, and did not have that last time. . . .

"Honore: You are stuck on stupid. I'm not going to answer that question. We are going to deal with Rita."

Yes, sir !

"Stuck on Stupid" is one hot meme, but Kurtz believes this is impertinent.

Honore was interested in saving lives and public order. The reporter wanted... something else. It's a different scenario than the Chertoff press conference, where I was fuming to myself we don't need your stinking ground rules when the DHS chief waved away questions about Brown. I don't recall exactly how urgent the situation was that day with Chertoff, but it was pretty clear during Honore's briefing that with another hurricane threatening a crippled city, the public didn't need an emergency update on what happened three weeks ago.

Comments

[Dan Kauffman]

http://www.angelfire.com/ky/kentuckydan/CommitteesofCorrespondence/index.blog?entry_id=1088203

Don't Get Stuck On Stupid
I have to say this is a refreshing change,
“You are stuck on stupid, I’m not going to answer that question”

Mind you this is not the ONLY time the Press has gotten chewed out by this man

I have a link to an earlier video where he called the press coverage BS
LT. GENERAL RUSSEL "RAGIN CAJUN" HONORE TAKES THE PRESS TO THE WOODSHED

"That's B.S. It's B.S.," Honore raged.

"I can tell you that is B.S. We have got 300 helicopters and some of the finest EMS workers in the world down there.

"You need to get on the streets of New Orleans, you can't sit back here and say what you hear from someone else."