You're doing a heck of a job, Brownie. Now get out.

One week ago, President Bush insulted everyone's intelligence by telling FEMA director Mike Brown during a news conference that he was "doing a heck of a job," complete with sycophantic applause in the background. Now Brown's appears to be out of his job.

He was relieved of his duties as director of FEMA's Katrina relief operations and was replaced by Coast Guard Vice Admiral Thad Allen. He was sent back to Washington to pack up his desk.

Just kidding! So far as I know. Director of Homeland Insecurity Michael Chertoff said he was going back to Washington to resume day-to-day administration of FEMA and get ready in case we have another emergency. God help us.

Earlier today, Time magazine reported that Brown exaggerated his experience on his resume, saying he was in charge of emergency management in Edmond, OK as an assistant city manager. In fact, the magazine reported, he was an assistant to the city manager. He was, in effect, a glorified intern with no emergency management responsibilities. The only emergencies he responded to were office coffee shortages.

Most of the political analysts on the three major cable news channels (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC) all equate Brown's removal with the first step of his resignation or firing, which is expected this weekend, when most newsies are watching football and not paying attention. The Fox analyst was particularly harsh, saying "Mike Brown was fired today. We'll never see him again."

For New Orleans, this move came two weeks too late.