Mike “heck of a job” Brown apparently still has some insights into the Katrina fiasco that he has not yet shared. That may soon change.
Former disaster agency chief Michael Brown is indicating he is ready to reveal his correspondence with President Bush and other officials during Hurricane Katrina unless the White House forbids it and offers legal support.
Brown’s stance, in a letter obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, follows senators’ complaints that the White House is refusing to answer questions or release documents about advice given to Bush concerning the Aug. 29 storm.
Brownie apparently believes that he, as a private citizen, is not afforded the protection given to administration employees under Bush’s “presidential prerogative.” Brown’s lawyer told Harriet Miers, “Unless there is specific direction otherwise from the president, including an assurance the president will provide a legal defense to Mr. Brown if he refuses to testify as to these matters, Mr. Brown will testify if asked about particular communications.”
In other words, it’s a bit of a shakedown. Brown could keep quiet on what he knows, but to keep his silence, the White House has to pay for his legal defense and essentially order him not to talk.
At this point, Joe Lieberman is not prepared to take “no” as an answer from Brown, telling reporters that he expects Brown “to answer every question the committee puts to him truthfully.” Lieberman added, “I see no basis for him to refuse to answer any of our questions, and I hope the White House will not try to direct him not to answer our questions.”
This sets up quite a little conundrum for the White House doesn’t it? How, exactly, will they justify telling Brown to withhold relevant materials from a congressional investigation?
For that matter, what do you suppose Brown’s secret-for-now correspondence says? Inquiring minds want to know….