When FEMA chief Mike Brown was relieved of control of the federal response to Hurricane Katrina but not fired from his post, I was a bit confused. In what situation would one be qualified to run FEMA but unqualified to lead a federal cleanup effort? Apparently, the answer is never. The AP's Ron Fournier reports.

Federal Emergency Management Agency director Mike Brown said Monday he has resigned "in the best interest of the agency and best interest of the president," three days after losing his onsite command of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

"The focus has got to be on FEMA, what the people are trying to do down there," Brown told The Associated Press.

His decision was not a surprise. Brown was abruptly recalled to Washington on Friday, a clear vote of no confidence from his superiors at the White House and the Department of Homeland Security. Brown had been roundly criticized for FEMA's bearish response to the hurricane, which has caused political problem for Bush and fellow Republicans.

It's about time.