Friday, September 16, 2005
The Symbolism of Bush's "Jackson Square" Speech
Bush's speech in Jackson Square, New Orleans, was obviously as carefully staged as all his public appearances are. The almost-a-work-shirt with the sleeves rolled up, as if he's actually going to do the work of Reconstruction rebuilding himself. St. Louis Cathedral in the background, a subtle reminder that "faith-based" programs are an essential part of his government.
Andy Jackson in the background —
Er.
Maybe a little too much symbolism there.
Andrew Jackson wasn't just the hero of the Battle of New Orleans. He was also the president who perpetrated one of the most shameful episodes in American history, the Trail of Tears. You remember the Trail of Tears. An entire population was driven off the land that was rightfully theirs and forcibly removed to a location not of their choosing, many of them dying along the way, so that the privileged class could take over and gentrify their land.
I'm sure it was just coincidence that the camera was angled to include that statue of President Jackson.
(I'm also sure the stopped clock in the cathedral tower wasn't meant to be symbolic.)
But the stopped clock was an accident.
After all, it's right twice a day.
Whoever said it's a statue of Stonewall Jackson was wrong.
Thus maintaining their perfect record for screwing up.
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