"... I went to Florida a few days after President Bush did to observe the damage from Hurricane Andrew. I had dealt with a lot of natural disasters as governor, including floods, droughts, and tornadoes, but I had never seen anything like this.
I was surprised to hear complaints from both local officials and residents about how the Federal Emergency Management Agency was handling the aftermath of the hurricane.
Traditionally, the job of FEMA director was given to a political supporter of the President who wanted some plum position but who had no experience with emergencies. I made a mental note to avoid that mistake if I won. Voters don't chose a President based on how he'll handle disasters, but if they're faced with one themselves, it quickly becomes the most important issue in their lives." Bill Clinton, My Life (p. 428)
Bush's FEMA (USA Today Editorial)
Over the past four years, the Bush administration has replaced competent leaders with people long on political connections but short on disaster management expertise. At the same time, the war on terrorism has drained the agency's resources and reduced its effectiveness.
[Michael Brown] had almost no experience in disaster work before he was appointed in 2003 by President Bush, and confirmed by the Senate, to lead the agency.
James Lee Witt, the Clinton-era FEMA director who earned rare bipartisan praise for lifting the agency from scandal-prone backwater to a professional operation, says “it's like a stake has been driven through the heart of emergency management.”
Meanwhile FEMA Chief Michael Brown is back in Washington planning for the next hurricane or possible terrorist attack.
Hurricane Ophelia is expected to hit the Atlantic Coast Tuesday.
Ah, but let's not point the finger of blame. Plenty of time to do that after the next disaster hits. I'm just hoping that next time, Brownie turns on the TV.
"Getting truth on the ground in New Orleans was very difficult," a White House aide told The Times's Elisabeth Bumiller. Not if you had a TV. --Maureen Dowd
Katrina Clinton Bush FEMA Michael Brown
