BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Michael Brown, former director of US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), already denounced by lawmakers for his handling of Hurricane Katrina, were betrayed by his unflattering e-mails and may be coming in for more criticism.

    A House panel investigating the government's sluggish response to the storm released 23 pages of internal e-mail. The e-mails, dating from the time Katrina hit, show that Brown was preoccupied with how he came across on television.

    The e-mails show that, while the Gulf region of the United States was reeling in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Brown exchanged e-mails with several of his coworkers about other pressing issues-namely, fashion.

    On the day the hurricane hit, FEMA's deputy director of public affairs, Cindy Taylor, wrote to Brown that he looked "fabulous." Brown replied, "I got it at Nordstroms...Are you proud of me?" then added, "Are you proud of me? Can I quit now? Can I go home?"

    The exchange is just one of a handful on the topic of men's shirtwear in the days surrounding the catastrophic storm.

    In another e-mail shortly after, Brown proclaimed himself a "fashion god".

    Some lawmakers immediately decried the e-mails. Louisiana Democrat Charlie Melancon said they "depict a leader who seemed overwhelmed and rarely made key decisions."

    (Agencies)