(SNN Washington) US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told a Senate panel today that he is responsible for the federal government's failures in responding to Hurricane Katrina. Chertoff promised never to cause a massive national disaster ever again.

Chertoff promised never to cause a massive national disaster ever again.

Some of Chertoff's problems have resulted from the fact that he had no idea of what capability his agency actually had. "I was astonished to see that we don't have the capabilities most 21st century corporations have,'' he said.

Chertoff claims that he only realized FEMA director Mike Brown needed to be replaced days after the hurricane struck. Brown is, of course, notorious for making the mistake of going straight to the president to resolve problems, a mistake which ultimately forced him to resign.

Brown is notorious for making the mistake of going straight to the president.

The devastation caused by hurricane Katrina forced 770,000 people from their homes. This is the greatest displacement of Americans since the Dust Bowl. More importantly, the front porch of Trent Lott's house was destroyed, leaving President Bush nowhere to play his banjo.

While Chertoff claims he is taking responsibility for the federal government's failure, he says that he is going to "fix what's wrong" with this department. The surprises many people who thought that the person responsible would be "fired" and hopefully "kicked in the nuts."

posted by NewsBlog 5000  # Wednesday, February 15, 2006