In a move sure to stir up controversy in the wake of hurricane Katrina, president Bush announced the dismissal of Michael Brown as director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the appointment of Bob Cacchione to the same post.

Former director of FEMA, Michael Brown, was appointed in January 2003 by president Bush, largely due to his performance as commissioner of the International Arabian Horse Association where he organized horse shows and certified horse show judges. When he was hired president Bush offered this strong endorsement: "Michael Brown has shown his ability to organize complex events involving livestock and wealthy people, because of this comendable ability, comendablebility, I have no doubt in his abilities to handle any natural disaster that may befall this great nation."

Former director Michael Brown came under intense fire for his handling of hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. His apparent ignorance of the plight of those trapped in New Orleans and his professed preference for margeritas and sleep over doing his job led many to question whether he was qualified to be director of FEMA.

New director of FEMA, Bob Caccione, has impressive credentials, prior to this appointment he was president of the Inter-collegiate Horse Show Association. In this position he was responible for organizing horse shows and certifying judges. The fact that he was an enthusiastic Bush supporter had NOTHING to do with his appointment, according to administration spokes people. In announcing his appointment administration officials emphasized how Mr. Cacchione was more qualified than former director Micael Brown. In a short press conference president Bush said: "Bob Cacchione has shown his ability to organize complex events involving livestock and wealthy people, and their children because of this remarkable commendable ability, recomendablebility, I have no doubt in his abilities to handle any natural disaster that may befall this great nation."

The death toll continues to rise in New Orleans.