the all searching eye

This CNN article exposing the misuse of $1 Billion of Katrina aid cites may officials who huffily express their disgust with what happened. For example, one Representative remarked

“…that is no excuse for the lack of preparation, the lack of internal controls and the lack of decisive and professional leadership”

Another Congressman observed:

This is an affront to the American taxpayer, who has been fleeced by the actions of these criminals and the lack of FEMA fraud prevention.

I share these Congressmen’s anger and frustration. My anger, however, is not directed towards “mismanagement” or a “lack of fraud prevention.” My anger is directed at the recipients of the aid. Granted many people used the government’s help legitimately, they were not entitled to it to begin with. And the fact that fraud and misuse existed on such a large scale reflects very poorly on the communities that received large amounts of money.

Unfortunately, instead of point the scorn where it belongs, Congressmen content themselves with political posturing and finger pointing. What they should have said is “We are sorry that so many classless Americans abused the tax payers’ magnanimity when so many hands were extended–demanded prompt and lavish aid only to abuse it. Next time the government will be much slower to shower hand outs. And perhaps, generous individuals will be much more cautious and slow to respond.”

I’m at work doing some research, and I came across a case where a prison inmate raped a female prison guard. The facts went thus:

“Appellant, a 29 year old male inmate at a state prison, raped the victim, a 25 year old, 94 pound female guard, in a bathroom adjoining the cell-block day room. The rape was accomplished by superior physical strength and the use of a sharp screwdriver-type weapon held against the victim’s throat.”

All this time, I’m wondering how the 94 lb female became a prison guard…