Michael Brown, the embattled director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has resigned. His resignation likely was asked for as the first of what will probably be several Bush Administration officials sent to the wood shed as punishment and scapegoat.
Brown's replacement, R. David Paulison, is a 30-year veteran of emergency management in Florida's Miami-Dade County area who will serve as acting director.
The disaster relief efforts in New Orleans have been coordinated for a few days by the Coast Guard's chief of staff, Vice Admiral Thad Allen, a noted leader in managing crises.
Today's moves mark the first correct steps toward getting the rebuilding underway in an efficient and practical way. If the Bushies are to look decisive, if the administration is to convince people that it can protect the homeland, then more reorganization is necessary. President Bush has visited New Orleans three times since the hurricane, and there weren't even any fundraisers or campaign rallies -- the usual reason he makes a repeat visit to a small Southern state. In his fifth year of being president, he is again acting presidential. Meanwhile, the presiden't approval ratings have dropped to an all-time low, especially among blacks. Bush must be glad he does not face re-election this year.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
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