How come?

Michael Moore and, in a sub rosa kind of way, the MSM made much of Mr. Bush's seven minute delay in rushing from a classroom in Florida as the events of 9/11/01 unfolded.

Now the MSM is beginning to be heard on Mr. Bush's response to the South Asia Tsunami crisis - too little aid, too slow in coming, too arrogant in organizing a coordinated response (by yet another coalition of the willing).

Where is the outrage at Mr. Annan's three-day Jackson Hole, Wyoming ski vacation absence from his post as that same crisis developed? Where are the questions about why the UN will be convening a meeting on January 11 (some 17 days after the event) to plan its response? By that time, those who will survive will mostly have already done so (in many cases with the help of the programs put in place by the US, Australia, Japan and India). By that time, those who will have perished will be beyond anyone's help.

And yet the UN, whose one area of expertise seems to be in just these types of crises, is noticeably absent. How come no insightful reportage from the scene at Turtle Bay? How come no angry questions of Mr. Annan and his staff at prime time press conferences? How come no discussion of the paltry contributions and delaying tactics of the EU?

Mr. Bush is to be applauded for his quick and decisive action to make the lives of those affected by this event more bearable and to attempt to use the might of the US military and its adjuncts to bring mercy to those who have suffered. I have no doubt, nor should you, that had we gone through the UN on this matter, it would have cost us billions more, been far less effective and garnered us nothing in terms of goodwill for the sacrifices we, as Americans, make almost without thought for the cost.

The UN has cast its own die in dealing with the US. Our President, in his own way has quietly stated his future use for that organization. From here on in, it will not be a pretty picture for the diplomats of Turtle Bay. The party is over......