Houston, we have a compassion problem...

With the GOP, image isn't everything--it's the only thing.

Chron.com | Perry staffers' e-mail recorded Katrina turmoil

AUSTIN - As desperate people fled hurricane-ravaged New Orleans in search of food and shelter last fall, Gov. Rick Perry publicly welcomed them to Texas with the open arms of a caring neighbor.

But behind the scenes, Perry's administration quickly began discussing how to quell the flood of humanity pouring into the state while protecting the governor's image, according to e-mail released to the Houston Chronicle under the state's Public Information Act.

"Question between you and I," Perry's communications director, Eric Bearse, wrote Sept. 1, "at what point do we go from being compassionate to being taken advantage of (meaning, are they sending us folks they don't want?). Please erase when done reading."

"Excelent point," Texas Homeland Security Director Steve McCraw responded. "We will soon hit that mark and will (be) able to push off to other states without appearing dispassionate. We just need to make sure the Feds fund all of the short term and long term costs consider it erased."

Granted, there are legitimate logistical concerns involved in providing emergency shelter for thousands on short notice. But the GOP calculus was all about how little they could get away with doing without appearing heartless.

Plus they could use a good spelling and grammar checker for their e-mail software.

Hat tip to First Draft.

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