We at the Hayride are not fans of Michael Brown, President George W. Bush’s FEMA director who was cashiered amid the failed federal response during Katrina. Brown deserved what he got, and he was a classic example of a political appointment based on connections rather than experience – or put another way he was lucky to have been appointed to head FEMA in the first place. Brown was a signature example of Milton Friedman’s famous indictment of political appointments made on the basis of political clout rather than virtue.

We’re not interested in rehabilitating Brown, so this post is offered as nothing more than a conversation piece.

But in light of this week’s events, and particularly the White House’s assault on offshore oil drilling yesterday, maybe it’s worth listening to what Brown said four weeks ago in a new light…

…and on another program…

Draw your own conclusions.