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The Disaster That Is FEMA

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 31, 2007

Just when it looked like FEMA was finding its footing, the agency went and did it again - this time staging a fake news conference where staffers, not real reporters, asked questions about the California wildfires.
FEMA seems to reinforce its Keystone Cops-image every time the pressure is one, a disastrous trait for an agency created to handle emergencies.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has called for disciplinary action against those who misled the public. FEMA Director David Paulison also expressed outrage at his staff. But to demonstrate the agency's values, more than words are needed to address those who created the deception.

Pat Philbin, the director of external affairs, rightly lost a job offer from National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell.

But Philbin did not act alone.

The agency's second-in-command - Vice Admiral Harvey Johnson - also stood at the podium and fielded softball questions from his public relations staff, calling at least one staffer by name. Johnson not only hurt the agency, he marred his integrity by failing to call an end to the charade.

Until it fills its ranks with leaders who believe credibility and transparency matter, FEMA will continue to be its own kind of disaster.

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