Con Men?

A report on ABC world news tonight talked about the massive amount of Katrina aid money that has been swindled away through fraudulent claims and other schemes. As much as $1.4 billion in federal aid was handed out to scam artists by FEMA. False names and addresses were used to obtain housing aid and compensation for damages that never occurred. A large portion of the free debit cards that were handed out were also to given to people who were not Katrina victims. The money was used for things like vacations, NFL tickets, pornography and even a sex change.

What I found most humorous about the story was when the anchor asked the profound question, "but just who are these con men who got their hands on YOUR MONEY?" ABC interviewed a supposedly "outraged" member of congress about the issue. He demanded an investigation and that someone be held responsible for robbing the American taxpayer. I agree. Someone should be held responsible. They're called congress, the President and the IRS. It wasn't "con men" that got their hands on our money. It was taken by thugs with badges and long-winded titles. That money was wasted long before it ever left FEMA’s hands. No con was necessary, just threats and guns. On second thought, perhaps the biggest con of all is the idea that tax dollars are somehow still our money and that the crooks in Washington will be held accountable for how they use them.