Deadly Indifference: The Perfect (Political) Storm: Hurricane Katrina, The Bush White House, and Beyond [Hardcover]

Michael D. Brown (Author), Ted Schwarz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 16, 2011

At last, former Under Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Brown—infamously praised by President George W. Bush for doing a "heckuva job" in the wake of Hurricane Katrina—tells his side of the response to one of the greatest natural disasters to occur in the United States. Without making excuses for anyone, least of all the President of the United States or himself, Brown describes in detail what ultimately turned out to be the largest federal response to a natural disaster in U.S. history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

And if you’re shaking your head that Michael “FEMA” Brown would actually have the temerity or boneheadedness to write a Katrina book called Deadly Indifference, you don’t know Brownie. (BlogOfNewOrleans.com)

An excellent additional perspective on the disaster of Katrina, and a critical examination of bungled disaster management. (Midwest Book Review)

About the Author

Michael D. Brown was Under Secretary of Homeland Security in the administration of President George W. Bush. A consultant and radio talk show host, he lives in Boulder, Colorado.

Ted Schwarz is the author of over 100 books, several of them bestsellers. He lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing (June 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589794850
• ISBN-13: 978-1589794856
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #849,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

The first Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness, and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency under President George W. Bush, Michael Brown is currently the host of The Michael Brown Show on Denver's News Radio 850KOA which is heard in 38 states, Canada and Mexico from 7-10 p.m. MST Monday through Friday. You can listen to his radio show at 850koa.com. Michael writes for the Huffington Post, the National Journal, the Daily Caller and other publications. You can read his blog at michaelbrowntoday.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book....not to miss July 28, 2011

By gail charree

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was born and reared in New Orleans and left in 1963. ALWAYS knew the levees were weak and knew it was just a matter of time when they would fail. I enjoyed reading Deadly Indifference because so much I could identify with, corrupt politicians, ignoring reality, never pass up a good meal, not listening, blaming others, talking big. I appreciated Mr Brown's honesty about his own failings. I admire him for not walking away; for his assertiveness; his being a gentleman and so much more. A great read...not to miss.
Grace.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Michael Brown -WOW!! July 3, 2011

By Craig A Nemitz

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

So if you thought you knew everything there was to know about 'Katrina', Bush and Michael Brown ... think again. Michael Brown has written the most heart-felt, honest and humbling account of what REALLY happened before, during and after the 'Katrina' disaster. This is NOT the whinings of an ex-federal employee. It is the insightful and verifiable account of his actions and the monumental stupidity he had to deal with at the State, local and Federal levels. Michael was truly the scapegoat for a flawed Presidential Administration, incompetent State government and the mindless mayor of New Orleans. Bush, his cronies and the American public owe Michael Brown a huge apology. Read this book and you will see the REAL history of 'Katrina'.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Deadly Indifference" August 22, 2011

By Chronicles of Katrina

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

For those folks who want to know the whole story, Michael Brown's "Deadly Indifference" lays out the Katrina response in a logically and accurate portrayal. It is often said that 'all disasters are local' in that emergency preparedness begins with the family and emergency response begins with your local emergency officials. It is baffling how to this day it is obvious the two biggest failures of the response did not reside with Mr. Brown but instead should have been the two local Louisiana governmental officials, Mayor Nagin for failing to order a timely evacuation and the Louisiana Governor who often appeared confused and indecisive. But as Mr. Brown pointed out in his book, the wrong decision, such as the potentially 'inconvenient' ordering an evacuation could have serious repercussions at the voting booth if the alarm were sounded but no storm came ashore. This fear alone hinders an effective local response as evidenced with Louisiana. Read the book and review the numerous studies on Katrina; compare the differences between Florida and Louisiana and you will see where politics definitely makes a difference. I was there during the recovery phase for a year and can attest to Mr. Brown's observations. With his background of over 160 disasters, (you didn't read that in the newspapers), Mr. Brown had the experience. Politics does not belong in disasters and unfortunately will only get worse in the future.

Steven Craig, CEM, MEP, MS
Author- "Chronicles of Katrina"