Tuesday, September 13, 2005

FEMA Director Finally Resigns.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Brown resigned Monday after two weeks of criticism aimed at FEMA for their inaction in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Brown said in a news release, “As I told the president, it is important that I leave now to avoid further distraction from the ongoing mission of FEMA.”

President Bush chose David Paulison, FEMA’s preparedness division director, as interim director of FEMA. The resignation came three days after Brown was recalled to Washington by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, and replaced by Vice Adm. Thad Allen, the Coast Guard’s chief of staff, to head the Katrina relief efforts.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) said he was not surprised by the move, while Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) said to CNN, “I think it is clearly in the country’s interest.” President Bush, who just 11 days ago said, “Brownie, you’re doing a heck of a job”, was asked about the resignation as he toured the devastation in Gulfport, Mississippi. Bush said he had not talked to Chertoff and could not comment on it.

Correction:
Bush did have a comment for a reporter. According to Democracy Now! when Bush was asked for comment from a reporter he said,“Maybe you know something I don’t know.”

Was this a public jab at his staff who neglected to deliver him with the bad news of Katrina?

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