For everything there is a season

and when a natural disaster is consuming three states and the attention of the nation and the world, is that really the best time to go shopping for $300 shoes, if you're the Secretary of State? According to Gawker:

Just moments ago at the Ferragamo on 5th Avenue, Condoleeza Rice was seen spending several thousands of dollars on some nice, new shoes.

Perhaps she's reverting to Bush's post 9/11 advice to go on as usual. But it's an incredibly insensitive thing for a' national leader' to do at such a time. Condi, if you REALLY need new shoes this week, send a flunky, so that at least the appearance of compassion is preserved.