Brownie Out

After Days of Criticism, Emergency Director Resigns

Three days after being stripped of his duties overseeing the post-hurricane relief effort, Michael D. Brown resigned on Monday as director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, saying that he wanted to avoid distracting the agency at a time when it faces a major challenge.

The White House quickly named R. David Paulison to succeed Mr. Brown on an acting basis. Mr. Paulison, a former firefighter, has been director of the agency's preparedness division for the past two years.

Sheesh, is George Bush genetically capable of firing anyone for screwing up as badly as Brown has? Suddenly that last question posed to Bush at the first debate with Kerry is taking on a surreal feel to it.