Bérubé, Michael. “Bush offers ‘no-wage’ contracts for Katrina cleanup.” Michael Bérubé online, September 12, 2005.

Summary: President Bush, feeling the inadequacy of his executive order allowing companies that participate in the reconstruction of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast areas to pay workers less than the prevailing wage, has issued a second order, this time authorizing those companies to acquire the labor of hurricane and flood victims in exchange for food and shelter.

“America has a long and proud tradition of coming together to enable certain groups of employees to work for their room and board,” Bush said today while touring the Gulf Coast. “With these ‘no-wage’ contracts, America can get moving again. The good news is -- and it's hard for some to see it now -- that out of these ‘no-wage’ contracts Trent Lott is going to get himself a fantastic house. And I'm still looking forward to sitting on the porch.”

“Old times there are not forgotten,” replied a beaming Lott.