Jackson Free Press

Good news: Brownie's off the case. MSNBC is reporting:

Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Brown is being removed from his role managing Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, government sources said Friday. Government sources disclosed the move but spoke on condition of anonymity because the change hadn't been officially announced. Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff was expected to announce the change at a 1:45 p.m. ET news conference. Brown will be replaced by Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thad Allen, who earlier this week was named his deputy to oversee relief and rescue efforts.

Brown is being sent back to Washington from Baton Rouge, La. He was the primary official overseeing the federal government's response to the disaster.

Previous Commentsshow

Lott's response to Brownie's transfer: WASHINGTON, D.C. ñ U.S. Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi issued the following statement on the decision to relieve FEMA director Michael Brown of his responsibilities of managing Hurricane Katrina relief efforts: ìSomething needed to be done. While I have been hesitant to publicly criticize Michael Brown, my staff and I had already concluded that FEMA was overwhelmed, undermanned and not capable of doing its job. My office has been successful in working directly with Administration officials in Washington, instead of FEMA, to bring relief to Mississippians impacted by Hurricane Katrina. And we have worked with generous corporations, businesses and charities in funneling targeted relief to Mississippians where it is needed. Something needed to happen. Michael Brown has been acting like a private, instead of a general. When youíre in the middle of a disaster, you canít stop to check the legal niceties or to review FEMA regulations before deciding to help Mississippians knocked flat on their backs. FEMA needs to just say ëyesí and get it done. Iím hopeful weíll see some changes in that direction after todayís announcement.î

DonnaLadd

Sep 9 2005

This is the damn Quote o' the Week, thanks to Sen. Lott When youíre in the middle of a disaster, you canít stop to check the legal niceties or to review FEMA regulations before deciding to help Mississippians knocked flat on their backs. Amen, brother.

DonnaLadd

Sep 9 2005