Our fundamental argument is this: with the FEC about to receive a number of new members who aren't familiar with the record, and with the 2006 elections soon approaching, now is not the time to force the Federal Election Commission to start regulating in an area which caused no problems of corruption in 2004. While precisely-tailored regulations would be wonderful, the truth is that it's only through this kind of significant carve-out that anyone will feel comfortable speaking out on and supporting federal candidates through the Internet without the fear of investigation, subpoena and complaint. It is the only way to be sure that group blogs, incorporated blogs, and blogs that accept advertising from or speak with candidates are protected in their activities.

Later, on Aug. 31, Bahamonde frantically e-mailed Brown to tell him that thousands of evacuees were gathering in the streets with no food or water and that "estimates are many will die within hours."

"Sir, I know that you know the situation is past critical," Bahamonde wrote.

Less than three hours later, however, Brown's press secretary wrote colleagues to complain that the FEMA director needed more time to eat dinner at a Baton Rouge restaurant that evening. "He needs much more that (sic) 20 or 30 minutes," wrote Brown aide Sharon Worthy.

"We now have traffic to encounter to go to and from a location of his choise (sic), followed by wait service from the restaurant staff, eating, etc. Thank you."