So they aren't refugees?

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, commenting last Monday at the Houston Astrodome on those affected by the disaster, asserted that it was "racist to call American citizens refugees." This sentiment is being echoed by many people in the African-American community. Even President George W. Bush has weighed in, in agreement. Way to go, Dubya. GRRRR!

As a translator and word maven, it comes as complete news to me that the word "refugee" has any racist, classist or other derogatory or denigrating connotations whatsoever.

With all due respect, when's the last time any of these people cracked open a dictionary? I humbly submit the Merriam Webster Online entry for "refugee" for their consideration:

Main Entry: ref·u·gee
Pronunciation: "re-fyu-'jE, 're-fyu-"
Function: noun
Etymology: French réfugié, past participle of (se) réfugier, to take refuge, from Latin refugium: one that flees; especially [Nota bene - BUT NOT LIMITED TO]: a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution.

Does any of this sound racist to you? Thought so. The people who well, fled the destruction of NOLA and the Gulf Coast in the wake of the disaster are, well, refugees. End of story. Cheese and rice! Stop the race-baiting and move on, people!