October 30, 2003
Homeland security money doesn't match
Homeland security money doesn't match terror threat
"At issue is how to divide the biggest grant for homeland security: $2 billion a year to help equip and train firefighters, police officers and other emergency workers. In keeping with how Washington often spreads the wealth — whether for highways, education or emergency preparedness — Congress last year instructed Ridge's department to guarantee every state a share. That allows members of Congress to boast about bringing home the bacon. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who insisted on the formula, touts his small state's haul: more than $20 million for emergency workers, rising to $37 million by the end of 2004."
There's $5.05 of federal funds for each New Yorker devoted to the prevention of and reaction to terrorism in New York state. There's $35.51 of federal funds per resident doing the same in W(h)yoming.
"A new USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll reveals that while 68% of Americans think a terrorist attack is likely in the USA during the next year, only 17% think it's likely in their community."
Like nuclear power plants, people seem to have a NIMBY mentality about terrorism. Not in my back yard. Sure, it's a little different... "I don't mind a power plant, but not in my back yard." You never hear, "A little terrorism never hurt, but just not in my back yard." But you catch my drift.
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General
posted by at October 30, 2003 11:34 PM
