Anybody know what the vote was on Mike Brown's confirmation via the Senate? (Vanity)

None | September 7, 2005 | Me

[Chicos_Bail_Bonds]

Anybody know what the vote was on Mike Brown's confirmation via the Senate? I've been trying to find this out. I think this guy will be the fall guy but that's not really why I'm asking. A lot of my liberal "colleagues" are screaming about cronyism and my guess is that this guy was confirmed by the entire Senate or damn close.

Can't seem to find the information, however.

[PhilipFreneau]

>>>... if they overstepped their authority. I believe, however, that taking a quicker more pro-active position would have been well within their authority. I also believe that they are now doing a credible job.<<<

I am still waiting for anyone to post exactly what FEMA should have done differently in the earlier days of the disaster, other than "Me thinks they shoulda done it quicker".

>>>[Cronyism] was covered in another FR Thread in a report by the NY Daily News.<<<

Covered? No, it was not covered. The NY Daily News article was just another in a long history of Bush hit pieces put out by the so-called "News". Check out this named 'source' for the article:

"The Bush administration has apparently transformed FEMA from a professional, world-class emergency responder into a dumping ground for former campaign staff and political hacks," said Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan).

I get it, Bush should have hired his political enemies for top government positions, like Clinton did (Or did he? I forget.)

Ok, I am being facetious. So be fair to the NY Daily New article, there were the also unnamed "government sources".

In all this debate, the one point that keeps being swept under the rug (and will continue to be if the MSM gets its way) is that Brown had handled 164 declared federal disasters during his term as head of FEMA, included two monster hurricanes in Florida (Ivan and Charley), and three smaller, but destructive hurricanes (Frances, Dennis, and Jeanne). Now, tell me, who has more experience in handling hurricane disasters than Michael Brown? No one.

You are full of yourself, infocats.

[infocats]

Until I get the chance to respond to your posts, you might want to mull over C.F.R. TITLE 44 VOL. 1 CHAP. 1 PARTS 0 - 399 regulating F.E.M.A.

[cjshapi]

I'm not going to bash Mike Brown and his work at FEMA. This was an unprecedented event.

However I have been a member of IAHA (now AHA) for the past 25 years. During Mr. Brown's tenure at that organization he was supposed to raised the educational and ethical standards of the accredited judges of our breed. He spent money like a drunken sailor, to the point of the organization being in real trouble. To add insult to injury the standard of judging actually got worse instead of better.

I'm not sure how he was able to step from the IAHA postion to FEMA in a logical manner. Overseeing the ethics and standards of judging for a horse breed assocation of less than a quarter of a million people is small beans compared to running a large federal agency.

[Palladin]

Seems like Mr. Brown has some ethical shortcomings.

Birds of a feather?

[cjshapi]

Below is the official press release of his former employer. The new president is a great leader and working very hard for the organization. It does not suprise me that it is all positive. It's my personal belief that Mr. Brown did not leave the organization a better (or more solvent) place when he resigned.

---

FYI - just released:

---

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 07, 2005
Contact: AHA
303-696-4500

Former International Arabian Horse Association Judges & Stewards Commissioner, Michael Brown

The International Arabian Horse Association (IAHA) was merged in 2003 with the Arabian Horse Registry of America to form what is now the Arabian Horse Association, the largest single breed affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation, the national governing body for equestrian sport from the grassroots up through Olympic Competition. The Arabian Horse Association’s operations include an Arabian horse Registry, the Office of Judges and Stewards Commissioner, the production of six National Championship events, breed promotion and diverse membership programs for its 45,000 members in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

DENVER, COLORADO --- The Arabian Horse Association, based in Denver, is responding to inquiries concerning a former employee of the association, Michael Brown. From September 1991 through January 2001, Mr. Brown served as Judges & Stewards Commissioner of the International Arabian Horse Association which is now the Arabian Horse Association.

"As Commissioner, he was charged with responsibilities including managing the education, appointment and evaluation of judges and stewards for competitions that come under the jurisdiction of the IAHA," stated Myron Krause, current president of the Arabian Horse Association. "He was also responsible for the investigation of complaints related to rule adherence in those competitions, recommending action based on complaint investigations, and taking action consistent with association rules. He also coordinated and supervised the activities of the association’s Education-Evaluation Commission, Judges and Stewards Steering Committee, and the Judges and Stewards Selection Committee."

Barbara Burck, executive vice president and chief administrator of the association added that "Mr. Brown had a long and successful career with IAHA and was regarded as upholding the highest standards of integrity and demanding excellence in all areas under his jurisdiction. His legal background and management skills enabled him to accomplish the rigors of the job with professionalism."

"He dealt with issues related to enforcement of rules and regulations that often generated passionate dispute by advocates on both sides of his decisions,” she added. “Several of those enforcement issues resulted in litigation. Due to the nature of Mr. Brown’s duties as commissioner, he set up his own Legal Defense Fund Trust to supplement the IAHA Legal Defense Fund. Following his departure from the IAHA, the entire sum in the Michael D. Brown Legal Defense Fund Trust was transferred to the IAHA Legal Defense Fund."

President Myron Krause stated, "Brown’s contract was not terminated by IAHA, he resigned. Furthermore, there was no due cause to terminate his contract. An amicable separation agreement was reached in 2001when he left the employment of IAHA. Following his departure, Brown was retained for a time as a consultant to assist IAHA on an as-needed basis."

Please note: IAHA, now the Arabian Horse Association, will not field any further press calls or inquiries regarding this issue.

The Arabian Horse Association applauds the efforts of all individuals and organizations working to provide relief to those devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We encourage those who want to help horses and their owners to contact the United States Equestrian Federation and support the USEF Hurricane Relief Fund, referral veterinary services and local horse shelters. See: http://www.usef.org/relief


AHA is a 46,000 member equine association that registers and maintains a database of more then one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses. It administers more than $4 million in annual prize money, produces national events, maintains official event records, recognizes more than 400 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit http://www.ArabianHorses.org.

[Palladin]

Mike Brown Fiddled While Louisiana Drowned:


"They Let Them Die on Their Roofs and They Let Them Die in the Water"

CNN has finally got camera crews into St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes, and the news and images are devastating.

Last night, Gary Tuchman reported that the lower two-thirds of Plaquemines is underwater. As of last night's report, the only rescue and relief workers the people there had seen were members of the New Mexico National Guard.

Now there's this account, from more of Katrina's forgotten in St. Bernard and Plaquemines:

Homes were chopped open, a Baptist church's steeple ripped off. Water gurgles and spurts in places from leaking natural gas.

"I can't even imagine trying to rebuild this," said Kevin Cobble, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife officer from Las Cruces, New Mexico, who has been looking for survivors.

As relief efforts sputtered in the days after the storm, Verlyn Davis Jr., an out-of-work electrician, took charge. He transformed his parents' bar and seafood restaurant, Lehrmann's, into a shelter where he dispatches people to clear roads, hook up generators and help in the disaster relief process.

About 20 people have been staying there these days. On a boarded-up window out front is a blue spray-painted sign: "ABOUT TIME BUSH!"

"The governor and the president let thousands of people die and they let them die on their roofs and they let them die in the water," said Davis, 45. "We got left. They didn't care."

[untrained skeptic]

Gack! That's a huge document. Thanks for sending it my way. I'll take a look at it.

[untrained skeptic]

Here's the policy on federal disaster assistence. Bolded emphasis added by me.

TITLE 44--EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND ASSISTANCE

CHAPTER I--FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

PART 206_FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR DISASTERS DECLARED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 23, 1988--Table of Contents

Subpart A_General

Sec. 206.3 Policy.

It is the policy of FEMA to provide an orderly and continuing means of assistance by the Federal Government to State and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to alleviate the suffering and damage that result from major disasters and emergencies by:

(a) Providing Federal assistance programs for public and private losses and needs sustained in disasters;

(b) Encouraging the development of comprehensive disaster preparedness and assistance plans, programs, capabilities, and organizations by the States and local governments;

(c) Achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of disaster preparedness and relief programs;

(d) Encouraging individuals, States, and local governments to obtain insurance coverage and thereby reduce their dependence on governmental assistance; and

(e) Encouraging hazard mitigation measures, such as development of land-use and construction regulations, floodplain management, protection of wetlands, and environmental planning, to reduce losses from disasters.

[PhilipFreneau]

>> Until I get the chance to respond to your posts, you might want to mull over C.F.R. TITLE 44 VOL. 1 CHAP. 1 PARTS 0 - 399 regulating F.E.M.A.

Is there any particular part(s) you want me to read, or do you want to tie me up for a few days?

[PhilipFreneau]

>>> He spent money like a drunken sailor, to the point of the organization being in real trouble.<<<

I read that the money he spent was in defense of the rules. Is there any truth to that? I do know he had some defenders.

>>> I'm not sure how he was able to step from the IAHA postion to FEMA in a logical manner. Overseeing the ethics and standards of judging for a horse breed assocation of less than a quarter of a million people is small beans compared to running a large federal agency. <<<

You are falling for the spin of the MSM. Mike Brown did not jump from the Commissioner of the IAHA to the head of FEMA. He initially took a lower post at FEMA in 2001, and was promoted the Under Secretary position a few years later. Someone posted that the U.S. Senate confirmation vote for Brown was 98-0. You can bet that someone on the left in the Senate would have noticed his 'poor' resume, if there was one.

As for his experience since becoming the director, he has directed the emergency response in 164 federal disasters, including two major hurricanes (Ivan and Charley), and three other damaging ones (Frances, Dennis and Jeanne). I would guess that Brown has more experience in hurricane disaster relief organization and management than anyone on the planet.

[infocats]

"Is there any particular part(s) you want me to read, or do you want to tie me up for a few days?"

Because I'm such a nice guy, I am going to try to make it over to the law library this morning and read (in print) the CFR covering both Homeland Security and FEMA. I guess what I specifically want to find out is whether or not FEMA is allowed by law, to be proactive in its approach to disaster mitigation, and if so to what extent.

If FEMA is not allowed to be proactive (especially at the local level), then my position on Mike Brown has been in error because I totally misunderstood the role of FEMA...and I will duly make my humble apologies forthwith.

But if FEMA is allowed to be proactive to prevent a disaster from happening in the first instance, some heads must roll for gross malfeasance, costing the taxpayer $60 billion and counting.

P.S. - As the information keeps rolling in, it looks like Brown misrepresented his qualifications as to emergency management in at least one instance on his resume. - this comes from a former co-worker in Oaklahoma City who stated (and I paraphrase) that his position and expertise were little more than that of an entry level trainee.

[cjshapi]

Look, am not here to bash him, but I can tell you things at IAHA did not improve under his tenure. Yes, he spent money trying to uphold the rules. However, the end result was a new batch of judges who are no better educated, do not judge classes by the written rules, and regularly curry favor with each other because they take turns judging each other. This does not happen in all cases but it does in a great majority.

Many of the older, very well respected horsemen who had judges cards turned them in in disgust over what was occurring because they did not want to participate.

Yes, he also successfully proscecuted one of the biggest name trainers in the business for a rules infraction. It spent millions of dollars and caused the association to literally go begging to it's members for more money in order to continue the legal case. While I do not condone what the trainer did, there are more than a few others out there who have done the same thing whom he did not go after.

As I stated in my original post...Mr. Brown's time at IAHA was fairly dismal. However, the job put before him and FEMA is monumental and they are doing a good job.

[infocats]

From the NY Times this am (based upon a report in the Chicago Tribune - no leftist publication).

"....................Michael Brown was made the director after he was asked to resign from the International Arabian Horse Association, and the other top officials at FEMA don't exactly have impressive résumés in emergency management either. The Chicago Tribune reported on Wednesday that neither the acting deputy director, Patrick Rhode, nor the acting deputy chief of staff, Brooks Altshuler, came to FEMA with any previous experience in disaster management. Ditto for Scott Morris, the third in command until May............................." ref.

[PhilipFreneau]

>>> As the information keeps rolling in, it looks like Brown misrepresented his qualifications as to emergency management in at least one instance on his resume. - this comes from a former co-worker in Oaklahoma City who stated (and I paraphrase) that his position and expertise were little more than that of an entry level trainee. <<<

I see that you bought into the Time's hit piece on Brown hook, line and sinker. Did you read:

http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/2005/tr20050831-3842.html

[PhilipFreneau]

>>> "Michael Brown was made the director after he was asked to resign from the International Arabian Horse Association <<

That single statement contains both spin and a lie. Exposing the spin: Mike Brown was asked to resign from the IAHA because he enforced the rules in a good-old-boy organization with a tradition to bending the rules. Exposing the lie: Mike Brown was made the director in 2003 after serving in various subordinate positions within FEMA, beginning in 2001.

[infocats]

"I see that you bought into the Time's hit piece on Brown hook, line and sinker."

Did you mean this? I haven't bought into anything yet. My efforts will concentrate on what FEMA is allowed or not allowed (by law) to do in the prevention of Katrina like disasters, before as opposed to after the fact. My understanding is that FEMA is currently doing a good job in dealing with this crisis.

[PhilipFreneau]

>>> Did you mean this?<<<

Exactly. There is a thread on the Time's hit piece at:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1480706/posts

>>> I haven't bought into anything yet. My efforts will concentrate on what FEMA is allowed or not allowed (by law) to do in the prevention of Katrina like disasters, before as opposed to after the fact. My understanding is that FEMA is currently doing a good job in dealing with this crisis. <<<

FEMA has also performed well in 164 previous disasters under Brown's leadership.

[infocats]

Interesting piece...and is certainly what we have come to expect from our military. article. My interest in FEMA proactivity goes back much further than this, however. Specifically, I want to know whether they had the authority to seize command and control operations for the rebuilding of the levees to withstand a category 5 (as opposed to 3) hurricane, given the known deficiences at both the local and state level in Louisiana government to administer this operation because of incompetence and corruption.

I know that the concept of federal involvement in what should theoretically be a local matter, makes many uncomfortable, including myself. Unfortunately, the alternative, at least in this instance, appears to be the loss of countless lives and property at a cost to the taxpayer of perhaps $100 billion dollars if they don't do so.

Federal involvement at the local level is hardly unprecendented. If you don't believe me, try growing more than 100 pot plants and watch the fireworks!

[PhilipFreneau]

>> Look, am not here to bash him, but I can tell you things at IAHA did not improve under his tenure. <<

Hidden amid the blizzard of left-wing mags and blogs agreeing with you, there is this little line: "... a friend and lawyer of Brown's said he negotiated a settlement after withstanding numerous lawsuits against his enforcement of rules for judges and stewards."

The following is one of the causes for Brown's dismissal (one of the lawsuits):

"District Court, Arapahoe County, State of Colorado: In October, 1999, David Boggs, an IAHA member and judge who had been suspended for five (5) years for unethical conduct, sued IAHA seeking to overturn the EPRB decision and sanction by IAHA as arbitrary and capricious. Shortly after the case was filed in October, 1999, Judge Leopold denied Boggs' motion for a temporary restraining order on the grounds, among others, that IAHA had acted reasonably in its hearing of the charges against Boggs."

As usual those stinking trial lawyers were the only winners.

Read more of the reasons for Brown's dismissal (which, in a nutshell, was his enforcement of the rules) here:
http://www.bridleandbit.com/story048.htm

Maybe the president should fire Mike Brown and bring in someone more experienced in disaster relief organization. Do you know anyone more experienced? Do you know anyone who has the handled relief efforts for more than 164 federally declared disasters and five hurricanes (not counting this one)?

[untrained skeptic]

I would suggest taking a look at the Stafford Act.

http://www.fema.gov/library/stafact.shtm

They are able to be proactive to a great extent, but they are proactive in helping the states develop plans. They are proactive by helping develop early warning systems.

However, FEMA's help is intended for local communities that are impoverished and can't afford to fund such programs on their own. It's not intended for places where the local governments are unwilling to foot their share of the bill and keep being disqualified for federal matching funds because they spend their money on other things.

It is not FEMA's job to step in and fund things because the local government is unwilling to do so. Actually the opposite is true. They are responsible to not give federal funds to local governments that are not contributing and not working to implement disaster plans.

FEMA is designed to help local and state governments with problems that are too large for them to handle on their own, but the responsibility to protect their citizens lies with the local and state governments and about all FEMA can do if those governments don't do their jobs is withhold funds.

They have no authority to make the state and local governments do anything.