FEMA needed: Leaders better make sure this part works

There are times when government should be there for its citizens.

And just like most Americans would like to help those in need who are facing crisis situations beyond their control, now, too, is a time when there should be a reasonable expectation that Washington is going to work hard for its citizens.

And that means programs like FEMA need to have the funding they need to help individual families and communities who are facing devastating consequences from Hurricane Irene.

Rather than make-work just to keep companies busy, the problems that are waiting to be solved along the East Coast will generate jobs, opportunities and income for a variety of workers. At the same time, these same projects will begin to put back together the lives that have been unraveled by the hurricane.

That is the kind of spending Americans want to see.

All we need to do now is to find a way to pay for it.

The truth is that we do need to cut back on unnecessary or wasteful spending -- and trying to do that before we drop a billion more dollars into FEMA's coffers isn't such a bad idea. However, there are people who are hurting now. So, both parties need to set aside their differences and get the job done.

This is a time when we need our government.

And our leaders had better make sure it works.

Published in Editorials on August 31, 2011 10:45 AM