Let Them Eat Rice

So, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has been on vacation this week too. Do her official functions require that she cut it short and scurry back to Washington in the face of a national disaster? Perhaps, perhaps not. After all, her boss didn't quite feel any urgency either, so we understand her reluctance to forego a well-deserved spree in New York City. (Comedians know that "timing is everything", but cabinet secretaries are apparently able to waive the class that covers that topic.)

Some New Yorkers disagreed.

First, Condi attended the Wednesday night performance of "Spamalot" on Broadway, and was booed by some audience members when the lights came up after the show. OK, I'm still willing to cut her a little slack here, and I'm not saying that because I like or admire her. I don't.

But how does one excuse this incident from the following day, as reported by Gawker:

Just moments ago at the Ferragamo on 5th Avenue, Condoleeza [sic] Rice was seen spending several thousands of dollars on some nice, new shoes... A fellow shopper, unable to fathom the absurdity of Rice’s timing, went up to the Secretary and reportedly shouted, “How dare you shop for shoes while thousands are dying and homeless!” Never one to have her fashion choices questioned, Rice had security PHYSICALLY REMOVE the woman.