but does he not count the FEMA head of flood-insurance and hazard-migration programs as FEMA leadership? Or is Anthony Lowe one of those doesn’t-count-as-black, maybe-because-he-was-appointed-by-Bush types in Jesse Jackson’s eyes? I’m told Lowe recently left FEMA, but his appointment in 2002 and tenure seems to stand as a little quick evidence Bush hasn’t “locked [blacks] out of the leadership” there–which is otherwise now seeping into the conventional-wisdom bloodstream. (Though I suppose The Rev might just call him a token and continue his ranting. And, before you e-mail–you know who you are–spare me the house slave e-mails, I get that enough every time I mention Condi Rice in any context.)

Again, this is ridiculous and I have no idea how many blacks are in the FEMA leadership ranks, but if I were Lowe (who I don’t know–maybe Jesse Jackson is his godfather and he hates the president, I have no idea) I might be slightly peeved as this self-appointed black leader. As if Lowe needs Jackson speaking for him anymore than I need Eleanor Smeal speaking for me (whose plans, oh by the way, Katrina totally destroyed; and you should care, because Katrina is really all about Ms. Smeal). But this is about more than that. It’s about the Left race-baiting and at the least appropriate time (as if there ever is an appropriate time for such a thing–there’s not).