Disgraced political figure Michael D. Brown

Aside from the horrible plight of the thousands of people who lost their homes and jobs due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005,one of the most pathetic sights of that time was President George W. Bush complimenting Michael Brown for his FEMA management, saying with total cluelessness, "You're doin' a heck of a job, Brownie."

At that time, Brown, a political appointee, was the federal government's head of FEMA response under Homeland Security.

Brown's lack of awareness was such that he admitted to CNN that, despite constant reporting, he did not realize that many of the storm's displaced persons were being quartered in the New Orleans Convention Center awaiting food, water and other help.

Embarrased, Homeland Security head Michael Chertoff relieved "Brownie" of his Gulf Coast duties a few days later. In turn, Brown placed the blame on New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco.

Interestingly, Brown is now an executive for a consulting firm, specializing in disaster recovery.