We all know the stories of government waste, like these quoted in Monday's USA Today article, "Some Say Congress Going Overboard on Aid." Groups (like Congress) have a harder time being disciplined than individuals (like heads of agencies) do. There will always be this kind of over-reaction. The important thing is to prepare ahead of time so that the incidents that lead to it are minimized.
"The federal government has a long record of responding quickly to disasters, only to see money diverted for questionable uses that have little or nothing to do with its intended purpose.
"For example, Ervin's successor, acting DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner, is investigating why the government bought new clothing, furniture and appliances after last year's Florida hurricanes for residents of Miami-Dade County, which mostly escaped damage.
"There was waste, as well, in money spent after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to improve security. Small business loans meant to help recovery from the attacks went to a day care center, a veterinarian's office and a golf course hundreds of miles away in Georgia, the Associated Press found. Grand Forks, N.D., got more biochemical protective suits than it has police officers. And a contractor hired to help find airport screeners drew $5.4 million for nine months' work, according to a federal audit."
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