Katrina: The signing statement from hell

When you're strolling down Katrina's Memory Lane, horrors lurk behind every tree. Here's one from last October. Within the homelsand security bill, congress specified qualifications for any new FEMA chief: "a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management," and not less than five years of executive leadership."

Bush signed the bill with a smile, noting specifically that it would "help our government respond to emergencies and natural disasters by strengthening the capabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency." The White House emailed that statement to reporters.

Then, quietly, the next week—anyone remember?—Bush dribbled out an 8 PM signing statement asserting that he wouldn't follow the provision because it "rules out a large portion of those persons best qualified by experience and knowledge to fill the office."

Yes: he said that the only people experienced and knowledgeable to hold an office were people who weren't experienced and knowledgeable.

Takes one to know one, I suppose.

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