11.03.2005

'Brownie' Emails Show Administration's Level of Concern

Casual responses at a critical time
On Aug. 31, FEMA official Marty Bahamonde sent Brown a desperate e-mail from New Orleans, calling the situation “past critical.” Describing patients in temporary emergency shelters, Bahamonde wrote, “Estimates are many will die within hours.”

He also wrote, “We are out of food and running out of water at the dome, plans in works to address the critical need.”

Brown’s reply to the e-mail was: “Thanks for the update. Anything specific I need to do or tweak?”

A few days after Katrina’s devastation, FEMA aide Sharon Worthy sent an e-mail to Brown suggesting he roll up his sleeves when making television appearances.

“Even the President rolled up his sleeves to just below the elbow,” the e-mail reads. “In these crises and on TV you just need to look more hard-working.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9912186/

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