Wednesday 28 September 2005

BROWN BOMBSHELL!
FEMA USED CRYSTAL METH TO AID EVACUATION

Not Sure How Many Used Drug; Says It "Breaks Down Dysfunction"

In a day of heated testimony, former FEMA Director Michael Brown dropped a bombshell, telling the Committee on Government Reform investigating the failures of the governments' response to Hurricane Katrina, that FEMA used the drug crystal methamphetamine to aid in the evacuations.

This was the second news of the day involving crystal meth, as earlier, in a soon-to-be-published memoir, Atlanta hostage Ashley Smith revealed in an interview with Anna Weinberg of The Book Standard, that she gave Atlanta Courthouse shooter Brian Williams her supply of the drug during her time as his captive. Previously, Ms. Smith stated that she helped persuade Williams to surrender by reading from spiritual best seller "The Purpose-Driven Life."

Brown disclosed the use of crystal meth in the hurricane relief shortly after telling the committee that "My biggest mistake was not recognizing by Saturday that Louisiana was dysfunctional."

In follow-up questioning, Brown related how FEMA began using crystal meth in their relief packages last year, during the four-hurricane barrage in Florida.

"We had some studies that showed it cut through dysfunction," said the disgraced director. "We implemented it in Florida and we had good results with it."

Brown defended his actions throughout the hearing

"It's my belief that FEMA did a good job in the Gulf states," Mr. Brown said at one point. "We could do things better. We could improve them."

Governor Blanco, when informed of Brown's testimony, stated that it "clearly demonstrates the appalling degree to which Mr. Brown is either out of touch with the truth or reality."

"Perhaps Mr. Brown, and the rest of FEMA, has been doing alittle too much crystal meth themselves."

Brown couldn't tell the committee who used, or how much crystal meth was used during the relief and evacuations in New Orleans.

"That's not an issue with me." He went on to say that "I didn't have a problem with evacuations in Mississippi or Alabama," adding, "They were doing it."

With President Bush distant and aloof during the hurricane, Brown was asked if the President was using the crystal meth.

"I have no knowledge of that." was his responses.

The committee noted, for the record, that the President has, subsequently, made seven trips to the Gulf Region.

The Committee on Government Reform, headed by Representative Tom Davis, Republican of Virginia, is primarily made up of Republicans. The Democratic leadership is boycotting the hearings and calling for an independent, outside inquiry. Democrats William Jefferson and Charlie Melancon of Louisiana and Gene Taylor of Mississippi participated at the request of Mr. Davis out of the importance to their districts.

Despite being told by President Bush that "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job", Brown was soon removed from directing the Katrina recovery effort and days later, resigned his post as the director of FEMA. It was announced shortly before his appearance before the special committee that Brown has been retained by FEMA as a consultant, primarily to aid in the transition to the new director and investigation of FEMA's failures.

Brown could not state to the committee if FEMA intends to continue using the drug, crystal methamphetamine, in future aid packages. Davis indicated he may subpoena others in FEMA, as well as former hostage Ashley Smith, to substantiate Brown's claims.

There are rumors and unconfirmed reports that Rick Warren, author of the "The Purpose-Driven Life" is collaborating with Smith to pen a new book, 'The Crystal Meth Driven Purpose."













Evoking memories of President Lyndon Johnson, Vice President Dick Cheney offerd to show President Bush and the First Lady his scars from his recent surgery this past weekend

News In Brief - Follow-up

White House Backtracks To Include '24' President

Haysbert Hastily Invited To Talks; Card Says 'Thought He Was The 'Good Hands' Guy

Already under fire, from black congressional and spiritual leaders, for the lack of response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, as well as the governments polices towards the poor and disadvantage, the White House hastily reached out and invited actor Dennis Haysbert, who is African-American, to the upcoming conference with President Bush, and other actors who portray presidents on television and in movies.

As The Garlic exclusively reported this week, Chief of Staff Andy Card has invited Martin Sheen, Gena Davis and Michael Douglas to meet with President Bush so the President can 'pick their brains' as to how they would handle certains criseses in their fictional roles as president.

Haysbert, who has played President David Palmer of the hit Fox Channel program, '24', was not initially invited by the White House. Executives of '24', and fans of the show, flooded the White House with telephone calls and emails over the omission.

In a statement released by White House, Card apologizes for the oversight, indicating that "he has not watched the program".

"I know he's an actor," Card stated, "But I only associated him as the 'Good Hands' guy … The All State commericals."