FEMA Rant

[Epidemic]

Not FEMA seems like a really nice idea. Help people when they are down to keep entire areas from going belly up and destroying the economy of entire regions. The infusion of federal moneys spent on reconstructing an area are probably beneficial to all in the long run.

However, when I hear about FEMA advertising all the ways you can get money it really pisses me off. I have heard hour long info-mercials describing all the things you can get in the hurricane lottery. Where the representative basically says to the callers

~"Oh don't try to think if it is covered, you might be surprised what FEMA will provide. Just call and see where it leads you"

I have heard about people getting re-embursed for generators used to keep their fridges running and sattellite TV working.

Now I bought my generator before the storm knowing that the storm would come one day. procrastinators who waited until power was out to pick up a generator which is now their personal property should not be re-imburst.

That asside If you have been devastated by the storm you do not need program length FEMA commercials. If you are so motivated by the destruction of your property I am sure you will be able to contact the authorities. Perhaps A nice Blurb on the news with FEMA's number is all I think they should put out.

This is my fricking money they are spending here they should not be trying to give it away. Wait until people come to you before you go begging to spend my money. Geeeeeeze!

Telling the population all the wonderful prizes you can win for a simple call to FEMA is just sick.

Back to the generator thing, Any fixed assets not essential to the property in question should be collected by fema for the next disaster. No one should come out better then they started after a visit from FEMA. My thoughts are that FEMA's goal should be to restore what was there and get you over the hump. Assistance fixing your roof (OK), tree removal (fine), Carpets and temporary shelter (no problem). But generators??? I bought my generator in preparation years in advance. The schmoe who failed to prepare is due nothing more then temporary power IMO. If FEMA re-emburses you for a generator. That is all of our generator not the unprepared foo!!!

In closing DO not make my money look like a lottery for people. It is better to allow those who think stuff is not covered to fix it themselves. Those who can't fix it themselves will seek help. You do not need to fricking advertise it. Arrrrrrgggggggggggggggggg!

So I gather that you're angry about something, Ep. Would you like to talk about it?

Seriously though, there are people that need FEMA's help, and then there are people that abuse it. Should we (watch out, bleeding heart liberal comming at you) cut it out from everyone then because some people abuse it?

[Epidemic]

No the point of my rant is that you should not make it seem like the lottery to attract the abusers. People should have to seek it out. At best they should be describing their service (as providing basic assistance) and providing a phone number.

I can almost hear them now:

FEMA- "Ok, sir how may we help you today"
Victim - " Well I heard you were here to help, I have a tree down. Guess I was spared alot here"
FEMA - "OOOOO don't be too sure about it. You would be surprised at the things we cover"
Victim - "Well when the tree came down we lost power"
FEMA - "Great, that means you are up for our tree removal service as well as a bonus generator"
Victim - "Well I already have a generator"
FEMA - "let me talk to my manager,,,mumble mumble mumble,,, well now don't give up hope. hmmmmm, I got it. Go up and get yourself a newer bigger unit"
Victim - "Sound good"
FEMA - " Does your car need a paint job?"
Victim - "What???"
FEMA - "Well if your car was damaged by the tree falling you can get a new MAACO paint job on us and........"
Victim - "well no my car was not damaged"
FEMA - "I wish you had not said that, now you can't pretend the damage was from the tree. Lets see what else could we find wrong? Think hard because it is your lucky day."
Victim - "Gee thanks"
FEMA - "Hey do you know anyone else who we can give money to??? If so can I have their number? If not make sure they call us."

[desmocat]

yet again," the something for nothing" society at it's best..

[Epidemic]

I do not even blame people for taking em up on it.

People are generally greedy and kinda feel that they are due anything they can get.

That is why I am offended by my government aggressively trying to give away my money.

You will notice that each disaster costs more and more. Some of this is inflation. I wonder what portion of it is the government finding new ways to push the money on people.