Michael Brown

Federal Emergency Management Agency chief Michael Brown is no longer the man in charge of the Hurricane Katrina federal relief effort.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Friday named Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thad Allen to replace Brown. He said Brown would report back to Washington.

However, for the time being, Michael Brown is still the Director of FEMA.

Ohhhhh....I feel safer already......

Ohhhhh....I feel safer already......

IMHO all of those guys are pinheads and didn't/don't have friggin clue. No offense to anyone but the government folks at all levels local, state and Fed were asleep at the switch and they all should feel guilty on some level. Bush looked the fool as he applauded the guy on camera when everyone knew things were not going well at best. The reporters and the scientists all told the govt types on all levels that a cat 4 or 5 was going to hit someday and when it does the levee and pump systems were going to fail and 10,000s would drown, 100,000s would be displaced and 10s of billions of $$ of damage was going to happen.

It would have cost single digit billions to shore up the levee systems and pumps and they said it was not "worth it" in their risk analysis but now it is going to be 100s of billions of restoration costs and economic/ecological damage.

Noone wanted to believe them. Denial is a very pervasive and powerful psychological barrier to action. The LSU scientist and hurricane expert was almost in tears last night on TV talking about it. Noone would believe him and the scoffed at him including the FEMA folks. Sad.

Unfrigginbelievable

On Thursday I saw Senator Mary Landrieu, daughter of former NOLA mayor Moon Landrieu, speaking in front of the U.S. Senate. She said that it?s ridiculous that NOLA wasn?t prepared for the hurricane when even Mr. Bill (you know, from Saturday Night Live) warned of it. Check out the video at http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2678951?htv=12 . You have to wait through a short (usually) US Army commercial, but it's worth it.

It?s not funny at this point in time.

:?(

On Thursday I saw Senator Mary Landrieu, daughter of former NOLA mayor Moon Landrieu, speaking in front of the U.S. Senate. She said that it?s ridiculous that NOLA wasn?t prepared for the hurricane when even Mr. Bill (you know, from Saturday Night Live) warned of it. Check out the video at http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2678951?htv=12 . You have to wait through short (usually) US Army commercial, but it's worth it.

It?s not funny at this point in time.

:?(

WOW. That was from 2004. That was from a campaign to save the wetlands that help save NOLA from storms and floods.

WOW. That was from 2004. That was from a campaign to save the wetlands that help save NOLA from storms and floods.

Exactly.

"DENIAL AIN'T JUST A RIVER IN EGYPT"! Personally, I recognized a passive person, the first time I ever saw him. When Bush was commending him on TV, you could tell that he knew that he was undeserving!! He was obviously, uncomfortable with it all. I really believe that what has happened, such be investigated as a CRIMINAL matter! People have suffered, are missing and died, largely due to inexcusible ignorance! :nono1:

IMHO all of those guys are pinheads and didn't/don't have friggin clue. No offense to anyone but the government folks at all levels local, state and Fed were asleep at the switch and they all should feel guilty on some level. Bush looked the fool as he applauded the guy on camera when everyone knew things were not going well at best. The reporters and the scientists all told the govt types on all levels that a cat 4 or 5 was going to hit someday and when it does the levee and pump systems were going to fail and 10,000s would drown, 100,000s would be displaced and 10s of billions of $$ of damage was going to happen.

It would have cost single digit billions to shore up the levee systems and pumps and they said it was not "worth it" in their risk analysis but now it is going to be 100s of billions of restoration costs and economic/ecological damage.

Noone wanted to believe them. Denial is a very pervasive and powerful psychological barrier to action. The LSU scientist and hurricane expert was almost in tears last night on TV talking about it. Noone would believe him and the scoffed at him including the FEMA folks. Sad.

Unfrigginbelievable

Evacuee purchases Designer Handbag with Redcross Donation!

News reports last night, indicated that an evacuee recieving $2000 Debit Card, purchased a Designer Handbag. Purchase was made in ATL and for $800! The store knew that it was a donation, but said that they couldn't legally prevent it. Hmm... seems to me, that someone has some splaining to do! :nono1: :nono1: :nono1: Both in the donors(IF FOOD STAMPS CAN PREVENT SPECIFIC ITEMS, SO CAN THEY!), as well as the ***** MAKING THE PURCHASE! :nono1: :nono1: :nono1:

Re: Evacuee purchases Designer Handbag with Redcross Donation!

News reports last night, indicated that an evacuee recieving $2000 Debit Card, purchased a Designer Handbag. Purchase was made in ATL and for $800! The store knew that it was a donation, but said that they couldn't legally prevent it. Hmm... seems to me, that someone has some splaining to do! :nono1: :nono1: :nono1: Both in the donors(IF FOOD STAMPS CAN PREVENT SPECIFIC ITEMS, SO CAN THEY!), as well as the ***** MAKING THE PURCHASE! :nono1: :nono1: :nono1:

As of a few days ago, they stopped giving out the cards. I thought it was a bad idea the 1st time I heard about it. The FED just continues to look clueless. I guess they (the FED) just don't expect people to be criminals in the face of desperation. They just don't have a clue nor are the cynical. They are trying to help as quickly as possible but they are not thinking thru things IMHO.

While everyone is trashing Michael Brown, why not pry into the Louisiana poitician's pasts. Regarding The Big Easy, I know of no more corrupt area of the country[save Washington D.C.city] . This type of character assasination has been tried over and over. Remember Ronald Reagan was only an actor, right? Petty politics washes over everything, just look at the Cajun general in charge. Honore is the most qualified for that post too?,,yeah sure!!!

IMHO all of those guys are pinheads and didn't/don't have friggin clue. No offense to anyone but the government folks at all levels local, state and Fed were asleep at the switch and they all should feel guilty on some level. Bush looked the fool as he applauded the guy on camera when everyone knew things were not going well at best. The reporters and the scientists all told the govt types on all levels that a cat 4 or 5 was going to hit someday and when it does the levee and pump systems were going to fail and 10,000s would drown, 100,000s would be displaced and 10s of billions of $$ of damage was going to happen.

It would have cost single digit billions to shore up the levee systems and pumps and they said it was not "worth it" in their risk analysis but now it is going to be 100s of billions of restoration costs and economic/ecological damage.

Noone wanted to believe them. Denial is a very pervasive and powerful psychological barrier to action. The LSU scientist and hurricane expert was almost in tears last night on TV talking about it. Noone would believe him and the scoffed at him including the FEMA folks. Sad.

Unfrigginbelievable

When I heard Bush cheerfully say to Michael Brown, "Brownie, I think you're doing a great job," I almost choked. I've never been a Bush fan and I'm even less so now after that remark during this catastrophe. Unfortunately, (or maybe fortunately) George Bush revealed his true colors.

What is Michael Brown guilty of? Other than, say, being a pasty white Republican. Is FEMA responsible for the levee situation? Is not the purpose of FEMA to be reactive, not proactive? State and local officials, the very people who lived with the flooding danger on a daily basis get a pass, because of what reason? Any takers here?

What is Michael Brown guilty of? Other than, say, being a pasty white Republican. Is FEMA responsible for the levee situation? Is not the purpose of FEMA to be reactive, not proactive? State and local officials, the very people who lived with the flooding danger on a daily basis get a pass, because of what reason? Any takers here?

I agree with you Bob. I think that the major problems that NOLA experienced started at the local level. It is hard to believe that politics were involved but I think that sweet lil'govner from LA didn't know her buzness, nor did the mayor.

Bob:

I already know that you are not an NPR supporter, from another thread, which I question. However that is not the issue here. I feel a lot of sympathy for Michael Brown of FEMA. I have seen many of his interviews and he is such a nice guy. In fact, at first I was really angry at the news media for being such arses to him and asking him all those really difficult questions about his emergency preparedness and response tactics. But, then I talked to some professionals that I know and respect in the fire-rescue services, and they let me know that they had been VERY concerned about the decline of FEMA in recent years. And that Brown had no credentials. I know these guys and believe what they say. They would be Bush supporters in any other way - but as far as FEMA (which is everything as far as they are concerned - it effects everyone) goes - its been poor decisions and bad leadership since Bush took office (putting FEMA under Homeland Security). They say that FEMA's heart was essentially cut out.

anyway, it's sad, but Michael Brown is guilty of being put in this position in the first place. It was not a good move. I'm sorry he was placed there to start with. He is very ncie. But not he man we needed.

Yes, exactly!! But what is Michael Brown guilty of , and what does this have to do with NPR? It is easy to throw blame around, but oh so difficult to have an original thought. I am challenging you to think out your position, not just regurgitate what you see in the media. The linking of NPR to this thread is as disjointed as is finding a scapegoat for a natural disaster.

The only thing that I agree with that the Mayor of NOLA said in the aftermath of this entire disaster was when he was asked "who failed and is to blame in this disaster...?" and he said "we all failed and are to blaim at every level".

Up and down the line it is not hard to find some level of blame, upreparedness, and/or miscalculation. IMO, there was a total lack of execution and leadership. The only thing you can say to defend FEMA and Michael Brown is that by law they are required to wait and be reactive and only jump in after many decisions and escalations are made at the local and state level. Lack of local and state leadership, quick thinking/decision making, and execution before (years and years), during, and after the storm/flood caused and significantly increased the deathtoll and damages.

I am still in disbelief that years and years before this disaster the powers that be did not heed the warnings and spend the $$ to either try and avert some of the damage or at least beef up the levee systems and the preparedness plans to do more in the event of a storm of this size/strength.

I am blaming the French for designing the city to be on the coast and below sea level. That is almost as crazy as the house built underground in Freeport, which has water damage. Go figure. Again, I say the it is the French at fault -- at least it all starts with them.

I am blaming the French for designing the city to be on the coast and below sea level. That is almost as crazy as the house built underground in Freeport, which has water damage. Go figure. Again, I say the it is the French at fault -- at least it all starts with them.

Correct you are sir!!! The French are at fault!! The proof? Levee' is frogspeak for "you are on borrowed time".

On Thursday I saw Senator Mary Landrieu, daughter of former NOLA mayor Moon Landrieu, speaking in front of the U.S. Senate. She said that it?s ridiculous that NOLA wasn?t prepared for the hurricane when even Mr. Bill (you know, from Saturday Night Live) warned of it. Check out the video at http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2678951?htv=12 . You have to wait through a short (usually) US Army commercial, but it's worth it.

It?s not funny at this point in time.

:?(

I wonder what Senator Landrieu did to prepare for or prevent this disaster?

I agree with you Bob. I think that the major problems that NOLA experienced started at the local level. It is hard to believe that politics were involved but I think that sweet lil'govner from LA didn't know her buzness, nor did the mayor.

I saw the Mayor on "Meet The Press" this morning. What a pitiful excuse for a leader.

Twas interesting that "Brownie" was doing a good job, even as hundreds of people suffered and died, until the report that he had misrepresented his former employment on his resume. Screeching halt and big meeting at this point! Ironically and cruelly, this personnel infraction has a critical path attached to it in terms of retribution, whereas the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of people, largely due to disregard and negligence does not. I think history will show that government at all levels failed the people of New Orleans. We will witness a shameless blame game debate amongst the players as they all attempt to save their political arses. We were watching the Hurricane Pam scenarios on Discovery Channel over a year ago, after all. Guess what? While we're all asking why something wasn't done in New Orleans to protect from the inevitable, there are problems just as big in other U.S. cities where funding is being diverted and cut every day by Washington. We are not investing in our country's infrastructure and that unwise action is gaining on us in terms of horrific damage and loss of life. I shudder to think of the damage CA will incur with "the big one." And we have just had a demonstration of how poorly equipped Homeland Security is despite the millions of tax dollars appropriated to that lofty ideal.

Twas interesting that "Brownie" was doing a good job, even as hundreds of people suffered and died, until the report that he had misrepresented his former employment on his resume. Screeching halt and big meeting at this point! Ironically and cruelly, this personnel infraction has a critical path attached to it in terms of retribution, whereas the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of people, largely due to disregard and negligence does not. I think history will show that government at all levels failed the people of New Orleans. We will witness a shameless blame game debate amongst the players as they all attempt to save their political arses. We were watching the Hurricane Pam scenarios on Discovery Channel over a year ago, after all. Guess what? While we're all asking why something wasn't done in New Orleans to protect from the inevitable, there are problems just as big in other U.S. cities where funding is being diverted and cut every day by Washington. We are not investing in our country's infrastructure and that unwise action is gaining on us in terms of horrific damage and loss of life. I shudder to think of the damage CA will incur with "the big one." And we have just had a demonstration of how poorly equipped Homeland Security is despite the millions of tax dollars appropriated to that lofty ideal.

I for one have to say that one has to individually have your eyes open. I posted to you about Sonoma County knowing full well that a fault line runs straight through the valley center. I own land in SoWal knowing a Cat4-5 storm could wipe out the area. The levees in NO were not
upgraded because of the already massive Federal deficits, and NO has little political clout with corrupt local officials having even less will. Today, even Democrats rant about deficits[unless the pork resides at home]. Yes, CA will eventually have "the big one", and another major city will be whacked by a hurricane. Infrastructure will not stop the ground from shaking or the wind from blowing one bit. I mean, how would you spend away the Tsunami disaster, a far, far, greater tragedy? Homeland Security can do nothing immediately for a completely flooded city the size of NO. The media scapegoated Brown, he is ruined and is guilty of what, a puffed resume?

I saw the Mayor on "Meet The Press" this morning. What a pitiful excuse for a leader.

"Get off your asses" Nagin. What a role model.

I like the way you think Bob - Society in general would be so much better off if people took personal responsibility for their actions or inactions. It needs to start at home where parents teach their children that there are consequences both good and bad for their behavior and then hold them accountable.

Back to this thread - Let's find out who is responsible for this mess and hold them accountable no matter who they are i.e. (republican, democrat, black, white, poor, rich, etc.)

Personally, I think there's plenty of blame to go around to everybody.

I lived there for a long time myself. I heard the warnings, too, and always kind of brushed them off being too concerned with my petty crap (school, finding a job, keeping a job, etc.). I never even paid much attention when the occasional hurricane did pop up, because I'd been through so many as a kid and nothing much ever happened (at least not to us...Camille and Andrew were just things on TV).

Then I moved away and it all became even more of an abstract concept. Yeah, someday California will fall into the sea, someday we'll have a big terrorist attack in New York, someday New Orleans will be blown away, etc.

Then one day, something actually does happen....