Reason Magazine
- reason.com
- reason.tv
- reason.org
- Donate
- Site Search:
Reason on Facebook
Reason on Twitter
Reason on YouTube
Reason RSSGet Reason E-mail Updates!
Manage your Reason e-mail list subscriptionsadvertisements
Inside Brownie's Mind
Or at least his outbox:
Former Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Brown discussed his appearance, his dog and his public image as the government's relief effort unraveled after Hurricane Katrina, based on e-mails released yesterday.
"If you'll look at my lovely FEMA attire you'll really vomit,"' Brown wrote to colleagues the morning of Aug. 29, the day the storm hit the Gulf Coast. "I am a fashion god."'
In an e-mail early on Aug. 29, Brown acknowledged a colleague's compliment about his clothing. "Are you proud of me?'' he wrote. "Can I quit now? Can I go home?'"
|11.3.05 @ 11:34AM|#
Ditto Fyodor's comment. When a Hit and Run poster feels the need to tell you to quit dicking around and start paying attention to your job. . . .
|11.3.05 @ 11:41AM|#
How unfair is it to invade this guys emails to take stuff out of context... Wow, he dared to make a joke when he should have been doing something!
|11.3.05 @ 11:42AM|#
I'm just sayin', Smacky. I mean, it's like Hitler telling you
you should be more tolerant of minorities--just how fucked up do
you have to be to get to that point--where I, Jennifer,
the Lady-of-a-Thousand-Workday-Posts, can honestly and
non-hypocritically tell someone: Stop screwing around on the
Internet and get to work, you schmuck.
It's sad. It's pathetic. It almost qualifies as an auxiliary
apocalyptic horseman. I mean, there were actual lives at
stake!
|11.3.05 @ 11:53AM|#
Jennifer,
Whoa! I wasn't criticizing you. That *cough* was directed at
myself. I really thought your comment was funny. Cause it's
true.
fyodor|11.3.05 @ 11:58AM|#
lol!!!
I think we're all doing a heck of a job here, and
especially me as my company benefited from the passing of
Referendum C here in Colorado!!
But then, I've often said, although not here so much, that I'm a
libertarian second and an existentialist first....
I don't think I'd hire me as head of FEMA.
|11.3.05 @ 12:02PM|#
By the way, Smacky, are you going to Thoreau's get-together next weekend? I am, and after having seen your picture I must say: all joking aside, if you and I got together on Libertarian Girls Gone Wild we would make a goddamned fortune.
|11.3.05 @ 12:05PM|#
How unfair is it to invade this guys emails to take stuff
out of context... Wow, he dared to make a joke when he should have
been doing something!
Toxic,
It's one thing for someone to nudge off a workday post - or even a
thousand - if you're a low-to-mid-level flunky with a moderate
(well below six-figure) income and little-to-no-responsibility over
high dollar projects or (God forbid) actions where people lives and
property calculated in the 100s of billions is at stake.
But when it's MY tax dollars paying YOUR salary and peoples lives
are in the balance, then you'd better have your head in the fucking
game. And not screwing off and worrying about your clothes.
The guy was an incompetent loser who stands as an icon of the Peter
Principle.
|11.3.05 @ 12:10PM|#
Steven Crane--
Ah-ha! I knew it! Thoreau was a tad concerned about the lack of
response and I told him "Chances are it's because people
don't know about it."
|11.3.05 @ 12:11PM|#
By the way, Smacky, are you going to Thoreau's get-together
next weekend? I am, and after having seen your picture I must say:
all joking aside, if you and I got together on Libertarian Girls
Gone Wild we would make a goddamned fortune.
Should I send my credit card number now, or later?
|11.3.05 @ 12:12PM|#
Oops. I forgot to change my name back from "Nero." And now I
have to wait several dozen seconds before posting, so I don't get
that annoying "Comment Submission Error" page.
Wait wait wait. . . .
By the way, Brownie really needed to stop screwing around on the
Internet and get back to work. . .I feel no hypocrisy in saying
this because nobody is in danger due to my inactions. .
.
|11.3.05 @ 12:14PM|#
They weren't posted, Phil. Only members of the In Crowd, like me, got to see them. Nyaah nyaah nyaah.
|11.3.05 @ 12:14PM|#
Forget his attire, the guy needs an entire face lift. He looks like the actor who played the child molester in "Happiness."
|11.3.05 @ 12:16PM|#
By the way, Smacky, are you going to Thoreau's get-together
next weekend? I am, and after having seen your picture I must say:
all joking aside, if you and I got together on Libertarian Girls
Gone Wild we would make a goddamned fortune.
Aww, that's sweet of you to say, Jennifer. I bet we would.
Initially, I wasn't planning on going. BUT (and this is a big but
-- much like mine), I did get myself a new car this weekend, so I
can no longer use lack of reliable transportation as an excuse for
not attending.
Is it already coming up next weekend? I thought the gathering was
the weekend after that. Nope, your right, my email says the 12th.
Huh.
The hamster wheel in my head is spinning.
|11.3.05 @ 12:17PM|#
Also, I am in all likelihood going next weekend, even though I
HATE HATE HATE driving into Maryland because everyone there is an
idiot*. At least when they're behind the wheel.
*No chauvinism implied here; everyone in NoVa is an idiot, too,
behind the wheel. It's just that the stretch of the Beltway between
the American Legion bridge and the 95 merge is like a special level
of hell.
|11.3.05 @ 12:20PM|#
He looks like the actor who played the child molester in
"Happiness."
Hey!
It's That Guy!
|11.3.05 @ 12:20PM|#
It'll be fun, Smacky. DC is cool to visit as a tourist anyway,
so you've got the whole two-birds-with-one-stone thing going
on.
I mean, if the get-together were someplace like Delaware I
might have qualms. But DC's pretty cool. Hell, some of us were
thinking of regulating some interstate commerce and doing the
classic tourist itinerary next day.
TallDave|11.3.05 @ 12:21PM|#
I'm still baffled as to why everyone blames FEMA rather than state and local authorities.
|11.3.05 @ 12:23PM|#
Does it really matter? As a refugee, I'd have to say that this is a day late and a dollar short. It's no big secret that the guy is incompetent, but if no one's going to ring him up on criminal charges instead of hiring him as a consultant, then why even bring it up? Or is it a surprise to some people that this kind of thing happens every single day at every government agency? Sometimes I wish that the electronic records of Congress would be laid bare just for a minute so the rest of us plebs could see what really goes on behind the scenes in terms of sheer ignorance and what laws were deemed too draconian even for them. I'm betting on some real gems from Sensenbrenner and Santorum.
|11.3.05 @ 12:26PM|#
I hope none of you just gave away a spoiler for
Happiness. I clicked on the Hey!It's That Guy! link and
averted my eyes only after reading a sentence about his role in
Happiness. I bought that movie a few months ago and still
have to watch it.
Jennifer,
I really like touring D.C. I love the subway system there. I am
going to look into a possible trip down there that weekend, for
sure.
|11.3.05 @ 12:29PM|#
I'm still baffled as to why everyone blames FEMA rather than
state and local authorities.
I have plenty of outrage left for them too.
|11.3.05 @ 12:30PM|#
I think the statute of limitations on spoilers is only a year.
Besides, the movie doesn't pull any punches, not even early on, so
it's hardly something secret.
(PS: It's a sled. And she's a guy. :P )
|11.3.05 @ 12:31PM|#
I found Dr. T's e-mail and here's an excerpt, since the doctor
himself is apparently busy and can't post here right now:
Jeff (Mr. Nice Guy) and I have considered the very limited feedback
that we got. We have decided to have it at the Rock Bottom
Restaurant and Brewery in Bethesda. Bethesda is just outside DC,
the restaurant is close to a Metro Stop as well as abundant
parking, and the place is a nice, casual bar and restaurant. Only
problem: Just like at the NYC gathering, you'll have to smoke
outside.
The address of the restaurant is: 7900 Norfolk Avenue, Bethesda, MD
20814
The web site is: www.rockbottombethesda.com.
We'll be there at 6:30, come on in whenever you can. Once I have a
head count I'll see about reserving a table.>
|11.3.05 @ 12:34PM|#
TallDave,
There is plenty of outrage to go around. But five days after the
storm hit, it wasn't the state or locals' jobs to airlift tons of
food and water to the starving in the Convention Center. They
aren't capable of such a thing. Only FEMA is. And FEMA didn't get
the job done.
|11.3.05 @ 12:36PM|#
Since the discussion has shifted a bit to get-togethers... isn't it about time for another Chicago-area shindig? I can think of a number of quality North Side watering holes/eateries to patronize (and possibly watch a Bears game at). Also, might as well get another few in before the City Council passes a smoking ban...
TallDave|11.3.05 @ 12:56PM|#
it wasn't the state or locals' jobs to airlift tons of food
and water to the starving in the Convention Center.
Yes, actually it was their job to deliver that. Unfortunately, the
local police were looting or deserting, and the state was telling
the Red Cross NOT to deliver food and water on the grounds it would
encourage people to stay.
FEMA's job is basically to write checks and coordinate with state
and local resources. They aren't some kind of relief army.
TallDave|11.3.05 @ 1:00PM|#
What's really scary is that because of all the misguided
criticism, people are now trying to make FEMA a
relief army, and essentially throw out posse comitatus and state
and local control over disaster response.
Be careful what you ask for, cause you might get it.
|11.3.05 @ 1:17PM|#
Steven Crane,
I'll actually be in Chicago for Thanksgiving weekend. Maybe
"Reason: the Gathering II" then?
Timothy,
Perhaps Reason gatherings hate Texas, but I luuurve me some Texas!
Remember the Alamo.
|11.3.05 @ 1:17PM|#
FEMA's job is basically to write checks and coordinate with
state and local resources. They aren't some kind of relief
army.
That's all fine, but then don't get in the goddamn way when the
relief army arrives. There's numerous stories of FEMA turning away
help and resources from citizens willing to assist. FEMA turned
away hundreds of airboats from Florida and the Gulf South until
they approved their paperwork. They stopped independent doctors
from operating at makeshift hospitals for fear of litigation, even
after both parties agreed to sign waivers. There are enough stories
of private citizens from around the country who came to the area
with busses, food, transportation, medication, and other aid and
were all stopped by the Feds so they could verify documentation and
whatever other nonsense protocol bullshit that they could come up
with. I know what FEMA's actual purpose is, but when real citizens
who aren't concerned with what they have on are coming to risk
their lives to help their fellow citizens in need, then either get
on the ball or get the fuck out of the way.
|11.3.05 @ 1:20PM|#
smacky: excellent idea.
If I was a bigger nerd, and had photoshop skillz, I'd make Magic:
The Gathering cards for regular posters.
|11.3.05 @ 1:35PM|#
The photos are here.
http://www.sfsmith.com/blog/archives/2005_10.html
Unless they're faked.
And, no, I am not the blogger and Jennifer still can't join the
club.
|11.3.05 @ 2:03PM|#
It makes perfect sense that a discussion of an incompetent
political appointee would devolve into a discussion of a DC area
get-together.
Smacky, you and I can hang out outside and smoke. It will be like
high school again except we have more money and our own
vehicles.
|11.3.05 @ 2:18PM|#
You ain't kidding, biologist. And pictures don't do half the
justice.
All of the women here are beautiful and intelligent.. all three of
them (grrrrrrrr)..
|11.3.05 @ 2:21PM|#
There are more than three... we still have seen no photographic
evidence of Serafina.
Any chance we can get any of the Liberty Belles to become regular
commenters?
Timothy|11.3.05 @ 2:23PM|#
smacky,
How can I forget the Alamo, I work five blocks from the goddamn
thing. Personally, I wonder why the German immigrants ever thought
taking this place from the Spaniards was a good idea. Their
insolence spawned Tejano music, a crime which can never be
forgiven.
|11.3.05 @ 2:29PM|#
Timothy,
San Antonio rules!
Steven Crane,
You're a sellout. But I still want us to be friends.
I bet Serafina is very attractive, judging by what I've read in her
posts.
biologist and Mr. Nice Guy,
Thanks for the compliments! *beaming*
mk,
Presuming my sinus infection is gone by then...
|11.3.05 @ 2:35PM|#
Where did I sell out?! I am merely pointing out there are,
surprisingly, more than three females that post at H&R. Mona
doesn't count.
Perhaps we need to discuss this while cruising around in YOUR NEW
BLACK WALNUT PEARL CAR.
|11.3.05 @ 2:38PM|#
Steven Crane,
There's nothing wrong with admiring other Hit and Run chicks. It
was the Liberty Belles comment that got my panties in a bunch.
You're forgetting the commandment, "Thou Shalt Not Covet
Non-Reasonoid Libertarian Bloggettes".
|11.3.05 @ 2:46PM|#
Yes, but once we have them here, then they ARE Reasonoid
Libertarian Bloggettes.
We co-opt them, you see.
But the original Reasonoid Libertarian Bloggettes are of course
first in our hearts.
Timothy|11.3.05 @ 3:09PM|#
San Antonio rules something, all right, my speculation is the little-known 10th circle of hell.
|11.3.05 @ 3:24PM|#
I am not the blogger and Jennifer still can't join the
club.
This, Apostate, explains why your people have been so historically
unpopular--the AV Club of humanity, if you will.
|11.3.05 @ 3:37PM|#
I'm just wondering why someone else didn't find the pictures
first?
We Zionist apostates are better known for being good with guns, not
google.
|11.3.05 @ 4:18PM|#
I didn't find the pictures, Apostate; they were given to me. In other words, I didn't earn them in a meritocratic fashion, but instead took advantage of connections to get things I don't necessarily deserve. Which is, of course, yet another example of how I'd be totally perfect to join the secret Jewish run-the-world conspiracy, if you'd just lighten the fuck up and let me in your club!!
|11.3.05 @ 4:25PM|#
Steven Crane,
That's right -- don't you have a shirt that says "Nice Jewish Boy"
or something along those lines?
|11.3.05 @ 4:25PM|#
Thank you, Steven. I assume "Crane" is short for
"Kranowitz," hmmm?
See, Apostate? Shiksabelle doesn't need you anyway.
|11.3.05 @ 6:48PM|#
OK, first, this publicly funded scientist was busy all day. Just
felt like saying that in a thread about Mike Brown's email
habits.
Second, in regard to the gathering, I'd like to thank Jennifer for
plugging it in this thread. For the purpose of reserving some
space, it would be good if those who haven't RSVPed to me write to
me. The email address listed here is real, if you take out the part
about spam. Also, if anybody is interested in getting together
during the day to go to a shooting range, let me know. Sooner
rather than later.
|11.3.05 @ 6:53PM|#
This has nothing to do with this particular post. It?s just that
I?ve had a couple of cocktails and I?m feeling a bit,
?I luv you, Man.?
I read left-wing and right-wing blogs and I find myself coming back
to reason magazine. And I have to say, reason is the perfect name
for you guys.
REASON
REASON
REASON
Be reasonable, people.
Keep up the good work.
Thanx.
Jason Sonenshein|11.3.05 @ 8:27PM|#
DC is cool to visit as a tourist anyway, so you've got the
whole two-birds-with-one-stone thing going on.
I mean, if the get-together were someplace like Delaware I might
have qualms. But DC's pretty cool.
If I go, I'd like to stop in Gettysburg on the way, so that I can
walk around the battlefield and imagine what it would have been
like to serve in the 20th Maine. (:
|11.4.05 @ 10:01AM|#
Comrade Kranowitz can say he'll let you into the club, but I
don't think the rabbinate will agree.
Of course, once your in, you can never resign ... trust me on that
one.
|11.4.05 @ 10:07AM|#
Comrade Kranowitz can say he'll let you into the club, but I
don't think the rabbinate will agree.
Shiksabelle can be very persuasive.
|11.4.05 @ 10:20AM|#
Steven--
I'll get right to it, just as soon as I finish my
ham-and-milk-gravy breakfast.
|11.4.05 @ 10:24AM|#
How very....southern.
Do you have scattered, smothered, and covered hash browns as
well?
|11.4.05 @ 10:33AM|#
That depends, Steven. Is "hash browns" code for some sex thing? Because in that case, probably.
|11.4.05 @ 10:35AM|#
No, sometimes hash browns is just hash browns, as Col. Bluford J. Freud once said.
|11.4.05 @ 10:46AM|#
It's still early in the morning! My capacity for vague innuendo
isn't at its peak yet. I'm sure Herr Darkly could do better.
Good thing I'm younger and better looking. ;)
|11.4.05 @ 11:08AM|#
Steven--
So long as that'll let me join the secret Jewish run-the-world
cabal, you're on.
|11.4.05 @ 11:19AM|#
Hakluyt,
I suggest you patronize a Waffle House before you embarrass
yourself further.
|11.4.05 @ 11:51AM|#
There is only one reason for eating at Waffle House:
It's 2am and you're fucking smashed.
In which case, Scattered, Smothered, Covered, and you may as well
have them drizzle waffle batter on top of it, too.
|11.4.05 @ 3:29PM|#
Smacky,
You are one fine looking little lady. If we set up and H&R bull
session in Texas, will you drive your new auto to visit us?
Oh, I forgot the main subject of this thread. Fuck Mike Brown and
the horse he rode in on.
|11.4.05 @ 4:06PM|#
Steven Crane--
Serious request, all Shiksa-sex-jokes aside: could you drop either
me or Thoreau an e-mail if you have the chance? My address is real,
as is Thoreau's if you take out the "no spam" part.
|11.4.05 @ 5:14PM|#
The address wasn't real in most of this thread. I only post the real one here and there. Now it's real.
|11.4.05 @ 6:20PM|#
Comrade Kranowitz, you are selling out. Ms. Jennifer, please
stop trying to break our phalanx of orthodoxy. Next thing you know,
there'll be Jews for Jesus ...
(Pay no attention to the fact that my wife is a lapsed Catholic. At
least we know we'll spend eternity together - in Hell.)
Site comments/questions:
Media Inquiries and Reprint Permissions:
(310) 367-6109
Editorial & Production Offices:
3415 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 391-2245