AL GORE.
I have seen a number of "independent" investigations over the years, from Watergate to WMD. And I am tired of seeing Democrats and liberal causes having to be investigated by Republicans (such as Kenneth Starr) in order to not appear partisan, and Republicans having to be investigated by, uh, Republicans (such as Thomas Kean) in order to not appear partisan. The horrendous events in New Orleans require someone genuinely independent, with experience in the executive branch and who knows how it works.
Former Vice-President Al Gore is the perfect man for the job. Decades of Washington experience in Congress and the White House make him singularly qualified to serve in this capacity. Gore headed the "Re-Inventing Government" initiative, and even wrote a neglected book about it, revealing his deep knowledge of Washington bureaucracy. He is just the kind of "wonk", if you will, whom the dead and dying in Louisiana deserve to rectify the incompetence of our officials.
We need more than just another political whitewash this time around. We do not need another third-tier political hack to make the usual tired excuses. This event was unprecedented in our lifetimes. Its uniqueness requires a unique approach. The fact that Gore won the popular vote in 2000 shows that tens of millions of Americans trust him to do a thorough job.
The idea that President Bush should head an investigation is laughable if not perverse. And if former presidents Bush and Clinton can come together to raise aid for New Orleans, and put aside their partisanship, then surely our other most recently serving executive branch member is worthy to bring out the truth of what happened at New Orleans. President Bush should put aside his partisanship and call for Al Gore to head a truly independent investigation of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.