NationStates Jolt Archive

The feds are handing out (http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18686) $2000 debit cards to hurricane victims.

Question: Why is a victim of Hurricane Katrina more entitled to a $2000 debit card from the American taxpayers than would be a woman in Kalamazoo, who's home was destroyed by fire last week?

Just what is the role of private insurance here?

How do you prove you were a hurricane victim?

What's to stop the lady from Kalamazoo turning up and asking for a card?

They're desparate to make the badness go away. If you think about it, $2k to each of half a million people is only a billion dollars. They're willing to spend that, to shut people up for the short term, while the media are watching.

They're desparate to make the badness go away. If you think about it, $2k to each of half a million people is only a billion dollars. They're willing to spend that, to shut people up for the short term, while the media are watching.
I just get irritated at the idea that victims of a popular/tragic disaster are more deserving of my money than victims of less well-known tragedies.

That started with the huge payouts after the 9/11 attacks. The survivors of a car-crash victim in Omaha are just as hurt by that tragedy as any survivor of a victim killed in the WTC attacks.

Let's hope they aren't expected to pay it back when the disaster is over under some dodgy law.

Let's hope they aren't expected to pay it back when the disaster is over under some dodgy law.

I would probably almost count on it!!!!

I would probably almost count on it!!!!

With some insane interest rate as well probably.

i am a hurricane katrina victim, and i see homeless people who werent homeless before the storm with no access to an ATM to get $$. the cards help alot.

i am a hurricane katrina victim, and i see homeless people who werent homeless before the storm with no access to an ATM to get $$. the cards help alot.
I'm sure they do help. Maybe this is the answer I was looking for. Maybe not. Katrina victims are, by and large, homeless. But so is a victim of a house fire. Both have lost all their material possessions. Maybe a family member, too.

What's the difference that entitles a large scale natural disaster victim to taxpayer-funded relief, while the small scale disaster victim has to rely on insurance?

What's the difference that entitles a large scale natural disaster victim to taxpayer-funded relief, while the small scale disaster victim has to rely on insurance?

1. The difference is it's large scale. You can always tell a little old lady whose house has burned down, "Get a job you old bag!" But there aren't many places to get jobs at the moment in New Orleans.

2. It is insurance. You are a citizen of the United States, you get help from the federal government in a major disaster. You pay for it by existing. It's why we have governments. To serve and protect their citizens.

3. It's an effective way to help the economy recover. It's hard to get a job when you keep turning up for interviews covered in mud and smelling like sewage. The little old lady whose house burned down could hopefully get help from friends, familly, social clubs, etc. But in New Orleans most peoples familly, friends, social clubs etc. are in big trouble too and may in fact be dead.

4. I think victims of small disasters often need help too. It might be a good idea to work out some guidelines. Famillies of people who died in 9/11 got a lot of money. I doubt the people who lost familly members in New Orleans will get that much.

It seems to me that this is a bit bigger than a house burning down.

I mean, if my house burns down, that's one house out of thousands the insurance company has covered, they can process my claim quickly as they aren't backlogged by thousands of people making claims. My job is still there, so I can stay in a hotel and still go to work, my car might be alright et c.

These people have lost everything, plus the insurance companies must be terribly backlogged by this whole thing, you would have millions of policy holders calling them up asking for their money, they don't have a place to work anymore, they can't even start to rebuild their homes yet. I think $2000 to tide them over is the least anyone can do for them.

I just get irritated at the idea that victims of a popular/tragic disaster are more deserving of my money than victims of less well-known tragedies.

That started with the huge payouts after the 9/11 attacks. The survivors of a car-crash victim in Omaha are just as hurt by that tragedy as any survivor of a victim killed in the WTC attacks.
IMHO, this is just a smoke screen by you.You have consistently demonstrated that money is more important to you than people, especially the people of New Orleans?

Maybe you just don’t want to see your money going to “those people (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9555722&postcount=240)”, or that it might be given to some “dreadlocked goon (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9555722&postcount=240)”?

I guess compassion would never come to mind?

Personally, I'm divided here as to if this is a good idea or not.

On the one hand, you've got how many displaced people, who need money to begin starting their lives back up, to provide for food, shelter, clothing, and give them a basic sense of normalicy.

On the other hand, you've got some people who were displaced by themselves (those that drove outta the state under their own power, using their own vehicles, and had a place to go set up in advance) and others that were displaced by rescue forces (those in shelters, the ones from rooftops, etc). If all of the people are getting those cards, then I can't agree to it. If they've got a car, then they have some money, and aren't nearly as bad off as those that had to be pulled from somewhere in the city and now find themselves sleeping on a cot in the astrodome.

Also, as stated by others, what's to stop people from just showing up and asking for a card?

Then I think, 'what the hell is $2k really gonna do for a family of four? what's it honestly gonna do for a family of one?'. $2k is about 2 months worth of paychecks for a senior citizen, so they might be able to start their lives over on this. But for a family of 4, that's gonna get them an apartment for one month, and get each of them one new outfit. No food, no car, no gas, and no real hope for their start at a new life.

So, those that still have, should be getting maybe $1k, and those completely without, should get maybe $4k... because, as sorry as I am to say this, some of the people displaced by this disaster are people with a bachelors degree, an SUV, and most of their clothes. $1k gets them a roof, and they can be working in under a month. Some of these people don't even have their high school diploma, a bunch of kids, no car, and nothing but their shirts off their back. They might need a little more help.

1. The difference is it's large scale. You can always tell a little old lady whose house has burned down, "Get a job you old bag!" But there aren't many places to get jobs at the moment in New Orleans.

2. It is insurance. You are a citizen of the United States, you get help from the federal government in a major disaster. It's why we have governments. To serve and protect their citizens.
Having a job after a disaster doesn't equate with a private insurance company providing 'loss of use' benefits to a homeless person.

The government doesn't provide insurance. Not in this example, anyway. They provide relief. Why shouldn't that relief be equally available to any citizen suffering a loss of some pre-determined magnitude?

The government doesn't provide insurance. Not in this example, anyway. They provide relief. Why shouldn't that relief be equally available to any citizen suffering a loss of some pre-determined magnitude?

I dunno. I do know that I'd be better off if just my house was destroyed as compared to my house and the entire town being destroyed. Like, I can't stay at my friend's house if the whole town is gone. As I suggested, maybe you coul develop some guidelines for getting help from the federal government. I'm sure people on NS will help. Then you can try to get it through congress. It could be called the NS Big and Small Disaster Relief Slash Insurance bill.

IMHO, this is just a smoke screen by you.You have consistently demonstrated that money is more important to you than people, especially the people of New Orleans?

Maybe you just don’t want to see your money going to “those people (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9555722&postcount=240)”, or that it might be given to some “dreadlocked goon (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9555722&postcount=240)”?

I guess compassion would never come to mind?
So what? Is it fair?

I'll accept the "goon" quote, because he was one. But show me where I ever said "those people".

IMHO, this is just a smoke screen by you.You have consistently demonstrated that money is more important to you than people, especially the people of New Orleans?

Maybe you just don’t want to see your money going to “those people (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9555722&postcount=240)”, or that it might be given to some “dreadlocked goon (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9555722&postcount=240)”?

I guess compassion would never come to mind?
And why should we be less compassionate with our tax dollars when it comes to the single family that lost a home?

(posted 31-8-2005)These people haven't been oppressed by society. If anything has oppressed these criminals it is their own culture; a culture that eschews education and hard work, and a culture that tolerates, if not encourages, predatory violence. These people actually don't see anything wrong with what they are doing. They believe themselves to be entitled.

that's where you said 'those people'.. well, actually, you said 'these people' but it's the same thing, basically. you can argue it if you want, but honestly, you did say it.

(posted 31-8-2005)These people haven't been oppressed by society. If anything has oppressed these criminals it is their own culture; a culture that eschews education and hard work, and a culture that tolerates, if not encourages, predatory violence. These people actually don't see anything wrong with what they are doing. They believe themselves to be entitled.

that's where you said 'those people'.. well, actually, you said 'these people' but it's the same thing, basically. you can argue it if you want, but honestly, you did say it.
I was very clearly referring to the lawless with both phrases.

But what the heck, why should we discuss something when we can call each other names, instead.

[edit]
And I absolutely do not want my money going to the folks that I described as predators, criminals, and goons in my other post.

So what? Is it fair?

I'll accept the "goon" quote, because he was one. But show me where I ever said "those people".
Actually, you didn't say "those people", you said "these people".

These people haven't been oppressed by society. If anything has oppressed these criminals it is their own culture; a culture that eschews education and hard work, and a culture that tolerates, if not encourages, predatory violence. These people actually don't see anything wrong with what they are doing.

The above when combined with your other words "dreadlocked goon", seem to indicate a certain disdain for "those people", and hence your reluctance to show any kind of compassion for "these people".

Your bias is showing?

And why should we be less compassionate with our tax dollars when it comes to the single family that lost a home?
I think those concerns were adequately covered in Posts 10 & 11 in this thread?

Most of the people have lost their homes and many have lost their jobs, and their way of life. If the US can squander $200 Billion in Iraq, I am sure that $2,000 for displaced people is not inappropriate?

The above when combined with your other words "dreadlocked goon", seem to indicate a certain disdain for "those people", and hence your reluctance to show any kind of compassion for "these people".

Your bias is showing?
What, you mean he might have a bias against criminals?

OH NO3S!!!1!1!1 SOM3ON3 DO35N'7 L13K L0073RS!!!!!1!shift+1!!1! 0R 7H13V35!!!11!!!1:sniper::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: OMFGZ!!!!!11

Or are you reading your own racist beliefs into the statement and assuming that since he said "dreadlocked goon" he must be talking about black people? Dreadlocks aren't just a black thing, right now there is a guy sitting two terminals away, white as snow and with some rather impressive dreadlocks.

The feds are handing out (http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18686) $2000 debit cards to hurricane victims.

Question: Why is a victim of Hurricane Katrina more entitled to a $2000 debit card from the American taxpayers than would be a woman in Kalamazoo, who's home was destroyed by fire last week?

Just what is the role of private insurance here?

:rolleyes:

Actually, you didn't say "those people", you said "these people".



The above when combined with your other words "dreadlocked goon", seem to indicate a certain disdain for "those people", and hence your reluctance to show any kind of compassion for "these people".

Your bias is showing?
You're right. I don't like criminals.

What, you mean he might have a bias against criminals?

OH NO3S!!!1!1!1 SOM3ON3 DO35N'7 L13K L0073RS!!!!!1!shift+1!!1! 0R 7H13V35!!!11!!!1:sniper::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: OMFGZ!!!!!11

Or are you reading your own racist beliefs into the statement and assuming that since he said "dreadlocked goon" he must be talking about black people? Dreadlocks aren't just a black thing, right now there is a guy sitting two terminals away, white as snow and with some rather impressive dreadlocks.
First of all, I question your defence of Myrmidonisia. Secondly, there is only one race and that is the human race. Suggesting that I have racist beliefs is laughable.

If you look closely at the words of Myrmidonisia's post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9555722&postcount=240), certain words jump out at you, such as "these people", "their culture", and "dreadlocked goon".

You can take it for what you want, but I see it for what it is.

If you look closely at the words of Myrmidonisia's post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9555722&postcount=240), certain words jump out at you, such as "these people", "their culture", and "dreadlocked goon"..

Myrmidonisia was most likely referring to a specific, and fairly large segment of the American black culture that refuses to work, avoids education, and goes through life expecting that the government owes them something. This idea of entitlement has slowly but surely devastated the black community and has reduced them to economic levels that aren't really much better than indirect segregation.

Giving them an unspecified amount of money without any kind of supervision is very dangerous, and I fully agree that they shouldn't just hand out money. It hasn't worked, and it won't work now.

Myrmidonisia was most likely referring to a specific, and fairly large segment of the American black culture that refuses to work, avoids education, and goes through life expecting that the government owes them something. This idea of entitlement has slowly but surely devastated the black community and has reduced them to economic levels that aren't really much better than indirect segregation.

Giving them an unspecified amount of money without any kind of supervision is very dangerous, and I fully agree that they shouldn't just hand out money. It hasn't worked, and it won't work now.
Luckily though, most black people can turn out mega-selling rap albums. If they only had the motivation to get down to the studio.

Luckily though, most black people can turn out mega-selling rap albums. If they only had the motivation to get down to the studio.

Yes, the 8 or 9% of African American males that are unemployed would love to have that opportunity.

First of all, I question your defence of Myrmidonisia. Secondly, there is only one race and that is the human race. Suggesting that I have racist beliefs is laughable.

If you look closely at the words of Myrmidonisia's post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9555722&postcount=240), certain words jump out at you, such as "these people", "their culture", and "dreadlocked goon".

You can take it for what you want, but I see it for what it is.
If I am that objectionable, hit the kill button and filter out my posts.

Myrmidonisia was most likely referring to a specific, and fairly large segment of the American black culture that refuses to work, avoids education, and goes through life expecting that the government owes them something.
Well if that is the case, that he was "referring to a specific, and fairly large segment of the American black culture", it is even more troublesome, because in that thread, he wanted the National Guard to hand out lead and certainly not money.

This idea of entitlement has slowly but surely devastated the black community and has reduced them to economic levels that aren't really much better than indirect segregation.

Giving them an unspecified amount of money without any kind of supervision is very dangerous, and I fully agree that they shouldn't just hand out money. It hasn't worked, and it won't work now.
And now that they have lost their city, you want to make a stand against any kind of "entitlement"? Excellent time to make a stand. :rolleyes:

How is this "black culture" ever going to be an integral part of society? The gap between whites, blacks, and Hispanics has not changed despite affirmative action? The devestation of New Orleans presents an incredible opportunity for people to bury their differences and demonstrate some human kindness, and compassion. From a lot of these threads, all I can see is intollerance and even hatred. It is kind of sad to say the least.

Well if that is the case, that he was "referring to a specific, and fairly large segment of the American black culture", it is even more troublesome, because in that thread, he wanted the National Guard to hand out lead and certainly not money.

Tell me, is English your first language? You are certainly having some problems with understanding what I wrote. The large segment of the population that I referred to are the criminals that ran rampant in New Orleans. The segment of the population that I wanted shot were looters and predators. This might have been more interesting in the thread where I made those comments.

If this is easier for you than discussing the topic at hand, that's fine. We all need to know our limitations. It's going to take a lot more than an anonymous antagonist to upset me. Have fun.

If I am that objectionable, hit the kill button and filter out my posts.
I have never used the ignore option here and I don't intend to start now. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, whether they be right, wrong, or indifferent. If I block your posts, I just might miss one of those rare moments, when I see eye to eye with you.

BTW, this thread is not one of those moments.

I have never used the ignore option here and I don't intend to start now. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, whether they be right, wrong, or indifferent. If I block your posts, I just might miss one of those rare moments, when I see eye to eye with you.

BTW, this thread is not one of those moments.
No kidding...LOL. I doubt there are many of the other kind.

I am appalled that this discussion even swayed into the realms of racism.

I believe the original question was why do larger tragedies deserve more then the smaller ones? My opinion, when a tragedy strikes an individual or small amount of individuals they have a community to seek assistance. The large scale disasters such as Katrina, it is the community it self that needs the assistance. Is one more deserving then the other for assistance? No, just different methods are put into place.

This solution is simply putting a band aid over a bullet wound. It is going to fix anything? Nope, but it will assist in the healing/survival process for the moment. It is a quick fix to a very large problem. Should everyone affected receive 2K? I don't think so; I think the individual situations should be evaluated. Families who left town, and emptied their bank accounts just incase, though homeless and suffering a great loss are better off then someone who, not by choice was stuck in the city. However evaluation of individual situations is a daunting task to say the least and simply an idealistic way of thinking. It's not going to happen, so at least something is being done in general.

I have to speak with survivors of Katrina on a daily basis through work. Do I think some people are more deserving then other? No, not deserving... but more in need then others. It has nothing to do with color or race I can't tell that over the phone when I hear their voices, it has to do with their particular situation at that moment in time.

I am appalled that this discussion even swayed into the realms of racism.

I believe the original question was why do larger tragedies more deserve then the smaller ones? My opinion, when a tragedy strikes an individual or small amount of individuals they have a community to seek assistance. The large scale disasters such as Katrina, it is the community it self that needs the assistance. Is one more deserving then the other for assistance? No, just different methods are put into place.

This solution is simply putting a band aid over a bullet wound. It is going to fix anything? Nope, but it will assist in the healing/survival process for the moment. It is a quick fix to a very large problem. Should everyone affected receive 2K? I don't think so; I think the individual situations should be evaluated. Families who left town, and emptied their bank accounts just incase, though homeless and suffering a great loss are better off then someone who, not by choice was stuck in the city. However evaluation of individual situations is a daunting task to say the least and simply an idealistic way of thinking. It's not going to happen, so at least something is being done in general.

I have to speak with survivors of Katrina on a daily basis through work. Do I think some people are more deserving then other? No, not deserving... but more in need then others. It has nothing to do with color or race I can't tell that over the phone when I hear their voices, it has to do with their particular situation at that moment in time.

I like the way you put this.

In my small town it is customary to help people who have lost their home through fire by opening a home to them and giving them food, clothes, and money. Neighborhoods will even take up a cash collection for recent widows.

I hope that Katrina will re-kindle some of the generosity we are capable of in the US. I'd rather see this as responding to needs than as entitlement. Obviously those who need more should get more, and vice versa - there should be a flexible scale for needs, pending financial evaluation.

How about short-term loans for those capable of repayment? They could help families relocate quickly for reasons of employment, and could be repayed when the property insurance checks come in. Practical concerns may make this impossible, but I'd like to think we would consider it.

According to Michael Moore's online blog... and I can practically here the knives being sharpened as I type this, but I'll just go on: according to Michael Moore's online blog ( http://michaelmoore.com/words/blog/index.php ), no-one's actually getting these 2K-charged debit cards. Anyone have any solid info regarding this? Apart from the FEMA news release?

According to Michael Moore's online blog... and I can practically here the knives being sharpened as I type this, but I'll just go on: according to Michael Moore's online blog ( http://michaelmoore.com/words/blog/index.php ), no-one's actually getting these 2K-charged debit cards. Anyone have any solid info regarding this? Apart from the FEMA news release?

There was just some blather on CNN about it, I only heard it with one ear. A woman from the government was giving phone numbers to call regarding the card. I got the impression it is happening, but we'll see.

According to Michael Moore's online blog... and I can practically here the knives being sharpened as I type this, but I'll just go on: according to Michael Moore's online blog ( http://michaelmoore.com/words/blog/index.php ), no-one's actually getting these 2K-charged debit cards. Anyone have any solid info regarding this? Apart from the FEMA news release?
Actually the only debit cards I've seen in someone's hands are the ones that the Red Cross provides. And those are funded by my donations. I like that.

Actually the only debit cards I've seen in someone's hands are the ones that the Red Cross provides. And those are funded by my donations. I like that.

I didn't know about those. That is the right way to do it, but is there enough considering the other needs the Red Cross has to provide for? Do you have any idea of how much the RC is providing?

*stands and applauds the distinguished representative from Stuntzile*

I was discussing this issue with some friends today, and an odd thought crossed my mind: If the government hands out these cards, are they going to make the victims sign waviers (much like those of 9/11) that states that if you accept the card you cannot come back for more assistance/payment afterwords? Just curious if anyone knows the answer.

I do agree with giving this money to the victims of Katrina, well...those who are in need of it. They lost everything...not just material possesions, they lost their entire support network. These people can't go to friends or family for help, because their friends and family are either dead, missing, or sitting next to them on a cot in some sport arena.

I have friends who live in the effected area and I haven't heard from since this happened, it has been a week and I don't know if they are alive or dead. If they are alive, I would gladly give them all the money I have (which isn't much) just so they can rebuild and get on with this short life we all have.

I know that if my house burned down, within minutes, I'd have 20 offers of places to stay and people giving me clothes, food, money, whatever I needed. Small disasters are made better by the community, but when the community doesn't exist anymore...they all need help from a larger group. That group is the entire populace. Not just the US, but anyone who feels compation and wants to help out.

I didn't know about those. That is the right way to do it, but is there enough considering the other needs the Red Cross has to provide for? Do you have any idea of how much the RC is providing?
No, but they document their actions pretty well on their website. I do know that the donations are rolling in and that this time, one can target the donations toward this particular relief operation.

A person whos home is destroyed by fire, can, in most states, apply for help from the State.
In the case of Louisiana, such funds are probably way past tapped, and there simply isnt enough to go around.
Providing such debit cards to victims, will help with immediate shelter, clothing, and food.

I dont see a problem.

I'm sure they do help. Maybe this is the answer I was looking for. Maybe not. Katrina victims are, by and large, homeless. But so is a victim of a house fire. Both have lost all their material possessions. Maybe a family member, too.

What's the difference that entitles a large scale natural disaster victim to taxpayer-funded relief, while the small scale disaster victim has to rely on insurance?

Maybe we could offer the Katrina survivors of for sport, say when deer season is out you can shoot em for a 50 cent sticker ?

Good grief this country spends so much on solving the rest of the worlds woes, this is just a drop in the bucket compared.

Luckily with the internet's ananimoty and me not being a hacker I dont know who all are Americans here truly. So can continue in my daydream that my fam arent the only caring ones left when it comes to fellow americans no matter race or religion.

Maybe we could offer the Katrina survivors of for sport, say when deer season is out you can shoot em for a 50 cent sticker ?

Good grief this country spends so much on solving the rest of the worlds woes, this is just a drop in the bucket compared.

Luckily with the internet's ananimoty and me not being a hacker I dont know who all are Americans here truly. So can continue in my daydream that my fam arent the only caring ones left when it comes to fellow americans no matter race or religion.
I'd say they should cost at least as much as a duck stamp. We want to be able to fund conservation programs, you know.

Seriously, what in the world brought on that comment? The fact that I wondered what place private insurance has in large disasters? Or the fact that I think victims of small disasters are getting ignored, while they pay for all this aid?

The feds are handing out (http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18686) $2000 debit cards to hurricane victims.

Question: Why is a victim of Hurricane Katrina more entitled to a $2000 debit card from the American taxpayers than would be a woman in Kalamazoo, who's home was destroyed by fire last week?

Just what is the role of private insurance here?

Don't most insurance companies refuse to cover natural disasters?

Goddamnit, this question is so individualistc...

So maybe an individual victim of Katrina isn't more deserving than some other person who lost their home to a fire. However, society has to absorb half a million people who have lost thier home and possibly everything else, and the end result is just going to be misery on a huge scale. A lot of things are rational on an individualistic level but not on the level of society.

The feds are handing out (http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18686) $2000 debit cards to hurricane victims.

Question: Why is a victim of Hurricane Katrina more entitled to a $2000 debit card from the American taxpayers than would be a woman in Kalamazoo, who's home was destroyed by fire last week?

Just what is the role of private insurance here?

If its classified a natural disaster, the woman in kalamazoo is also entitled to government help. This debit card business is only novel in that it is a debit card, but there is nothing new about FEMA writing checks to people hurt by natural disasters I recieved such a check myself when I was affected by a hurricane.

Don't most insurance companies refuse to cover natural disasters?
Flooding is the main exclusion from normal homeowners policies. I would think that it is also an exclusion in renters insurance policies, too. Flood insurance is expensive in any area that is designated as a flood area. I'd think that anywhere below sea level would be prohibitive.

There is 'loss of use' insurance that is kind money that would help get you an apartment, buy groceries...the kinds of things you need right after an emergency. It's about $40 a year on my policy. It also applies after flooding, in the event my house become flooded by our little creek in the pasture.

The feds are handing out (http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18686) $2000 debit cards to hurricane victims.

Question: Why is a victim of Hurricane Katrina more entitled to a $2000 debit card from the American taxpayers than would be a woman in Kalamazoo, who's home was destroyed by fire last week?

Just what is the role of private insurance here?

i triipped and fell last week..plus i am a single dad of 2 kids..can i please have 2000.oo...please

Question: Why is a victim of Hurricane Katrina more entitled to a $2000 debit card from the American taxpayers than would be a woman in Kalamazoo, who's home was destroyed by fire last week?

I may have an unusual perspective here - I've lost houses to both bushfires and to hurricanes - but I see a great difference between the two situations.

In the fire, the woman still has a community who can help her out. She can go to a friend's house and find a place to sleep. She can go to the bank to get money, and she can go to her insurance company or the appropriate government agency to try and put her life back in order.

When you have a hurricane (particularly one the size of Katrina), those resources simply aren't there. Without fast assistance, these people can be in real trouble. $2000 isn't going to go a long way when you have nothing, but it is enough to get some basics that you need to survive.

Just what is the role of private insurance here?

Private insurance is generally too slow to help in emergencies. The company has to assess the claim, work out the value, check that the person is not underinsured, and then settle with the client. This can take months. And that's all assuming that the company is still in business after a major disaster. I guarantee you some insurance companies will simply fold and not pay for the damage.

I can understand that giving out money is good for morale. Heck, I'd love it if someone gave me $2000. I figure that if you can spend money, you can use charge cards. That's exactly what I did after Frederick. When the insurance company paid up, I paid off the bill.

Of course, I was responsible and bought insurance. I expect that most of these folks that have 'lost everything' really have lost all their material possessions. And have no hope of recovering them, short of government intervention.

Why not give them the money? After all, the folks that have 'lost everything' are the same ones that we've been supporting thus far. And they are the same folks that we will continue to support. So let's just give them a cash advance on the next PSP they need.

The feds are handing out (http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18686) $2000 debit cards to hurricane victims.

Question: Why is a victim of Hurricane Katrina more entitled to a $2000 debit card from the American taxpayers than would be a woman in Kalamazoo, who's home was destroyed by fire last week?


I may faint. I actually agree with Myrmidonisia. :P

Neither is more worthy than the other. However, there is a chance that M and I would disagree on whether both deserve public aid.

I may faint. I actually agree with Myrmidonisia. :P

Neither is more worthy than the other. However, there is a chance that M and I would disagree on whether both deserve public aid.
Let's not make things any worse than they already are.

*hands over the smelling salts*

Umm ya...this is pointless. People shouldn't build in areas like that in the first place and they should have followed the FEMA protection plan. Issuing debit cards for this is stupid and I hate the idea.

I heard FEMA just scrapped the program. And quite frankly, I'm quite glad. Most hurricane survivors have at least some money, and now that they are out of Southern Loiusianna, they can have easy acsess to an ATM.