Isn't it just one more crime for the endless collection of crimes perpetrated by this criminal administration? All is connected. I am not surprised at all!! Simone On Oct 27, 2007, at 9:16 AM, Gorelick, Steve wrote: > The New York Times > > October 27, 2007 > Fake News Briefing by FEMA Draws Official Rebukes > By ERIC LIPTON > > WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency staged a > fake news conference this week, with agency staff officials, > pretending > to be reporters, peppering one of their own bosses with decidedly > friendly questions about the response to the California fires, the > Department of Homeland Security acknowledged Friday. > > The action, first reported on Friday in The Washington Post, drew a > rebuke from the White House and Homeland Security Secretary Michael > Chertoff, and an apology from the agency official who was at the > lectern, Harvey E. Johnson, the deputy director. > > "We have made it clear that such a stunt will never be tolerated or > repeated," a spokeswoman for the department, Laura C. Keehner, said on > behalf of Mr. Chertoff. > > The questions from the staff were posed after FEMA gave reporters only > 15 minutes notice for a news conference on Tuesday, meaning that other > than television camera crews, no reporters showed up before > questioning > began. A toll-free telephone line was provided so reporters could > listen > in, but it was not set up to allow questions. > > As a result, staff members asked Mr. Johnson a series of friendly > questions like, "Are you happy with FEMA's response so far?" and, > "What > lessons learned from Katrina have been applied?" > > Mr. Johnson gave no indication that the questions came from his own > staff. > > "I'm very happy with FEMA's response so far," Mr. Johnson said in > response to one question, according to a transcript. > > Dana Perino, the White House spokeswoman, said the event was > mishandled. > "It's not something I would have condoned," she said. "And they - I'm > sure - will not do it again."