The “Good Old Boy” Network

Loads of news stations are now reporting on the outstanding r{e'}sum{e'} of the current FEMA director, Michael Brown. His r{e'}sum{e'} is outstanding – if you're a fan of Arabian Horses. Seems that prior to joining FEMA, Michael Brown was a commisioner of the International Arabian Horse Association. For nine years. I'd say that makes him perfectly capable of running FEMA. Of course, he did score a great position as legal counsel to FEMA after leaving the IAHA, “following a dispute over a contribution to the group's legal defense fund.” Seems his way in was by knowing people:

Brown's ticket to FEMA was Joe Allbaugh, President Bush's 2000 campaign manager and an old friend of Brown's in Oklahoma. Brown told several horse association officials that if Bush were elected, he'd be in line for a good job.

In his nine years as a commissioner with the International Arabian Horse Association, which has since changed its name, Brown oversaw judges in the often-controversial and high-priced world of Arabian horse competitions.

Former association board member Karl V. Hart of Florida alleges that in 2000 Brown improperly accepted a check for nearly $50,000 from a prominent breeder and put it toward his own legal defense for his work as commissioner. Board members thought this was improper because Brown already had protection, from the association's legal team, Hart said.

Because of the money dispute, Brown was asked to resign, Hart said.

The Denver Post has coverage here.


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One response to “The “Good Old Boy” Network”

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