Question: If a major earthquake struck the western U.S. tomorrow...

[VolcanoJen]

... would Michael Brown still be responsible for coordinating the federal response to the disaster?

He was relieved of command for Katrina response, but he's still the head of FEMA, right?

The administration needs to clarify this for the American people immediately. By relieving him of his command only as it relates to Katrina, isn't the administration expressing its complete confidence in his ability to handle any future and sundry disasters?

[livetohike]

1. George Bush cannot bring himself to fire anyone

If he did, that would be an admission that he made a mistake in hiring the guy.

Who would be in charge? According to an article I read, the top five people in FEMA are unqualified/inexperienced.

For my sake, I hope a big earthquake doesn't happen here :-).

[tavalon]

6. No, but

he is apparently throwing out Brown nonetheless. He will be notified of his resignation in the next 24 hours, I suspect.

[longship]

2. We'd be so fucked.

n/t

[VolcanoJen]

3. See, that's what I'm thinking, and the American people...

... have a right to know that.

[fooj]

4. I don't even want to think about it...

Already survived a 7.1!

peace.

[Walt Starr]

5. Short answer, yes.

Long answer: AAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUURRRRGGGGHHHH!! THEY PUT THEM MOST INCOMPETENT BUFFOOON EVER TO HIT EMERGENCY REPSONSE IN CHARGE OF THE EARTHQUAKES RESPONSE!!!!!!!!

[VolcanoJen]

7. Well, let's just hope that political pressure forces his firing...

... before earthquakes pop up. :-)

[politicaholic]

8. No, I think he'd send his landscaper from Crawford...

Or perhaps the guy that cuts Laura's hair.