Apropos Lew’s article today, Newsview: Politicians Failed Storm Victims:
Just last year, the Army Corps of Engineers sought $105 million for hurricane and flood programs in New Orleans. The White House slashed the request to about $40 million. Congress finally approved $42.2 million, less than half of the agency’s request. Yet the lawmakers and Bush agreed to a $286.4 billion pork-laden highway bill that included more than 6,000 pet projects for lawmakers. Congress spent money on dust control for Arkansas roads, a warehouse on the Erie Canal and a $231 million bridge to a small, uninhabited Alaskan island. How could Washington spend $231 million on a bridge to nowhere - and not find $42 million for hurricane and flood projects in New Orleans? It’s a matter of power and politics.
One of my roommates is a bus driver on campus and he volunteered his night and weekend to drive with a 10-bus caravan from College Station last night to Kelly AFB to assist the Red Cross and the refugees they are flying in from New Orleans.
Note: Texas A&M and many other schools are now housing many of the displaced students, faculty and even animals from the affected regions. If you want to help financially assist call the Association of Former Students center at (888) 440-7345.
