FEMA chief kicked out of New Orleans

Michael Brown was relieved today of his post-Katrina duties by Homeland Security director Michael Chertoff. He's headed back to Washington; rumor has it he'll be heading for another job fairly soon.

By many accounts Brown is a man of good character and considerable skills. We have little doubt that this is true.

But Katrina called for something more than just a good man of competency: we needed a butt-kicker and "get it done" guy. In wars or disasters, you don't necessarily want the guy who was president of the class or of the Phi Beta Kappa chapter heading up your team. You want the guy who was middle linebacker, played hurt half the season, and led the league in both tackles and personal fouls. There is a time when there is just no substitute for testerone.

Rudy had it. No one questioned Tom Ridge's ability to take command either.

Some do not have it. It is in the time of crisis that we rediscover why the selection of these officials is important, and not to be polluted with issues of political correctness.