I agree with you.
The public has reached into their own pockets and we have given 44 million to the Red Cross alone, should come from the people, us Americans have big hearts.
While reading what Crockett had said, I still wonder why the govenment gave so much to the victims families of 9/11.
I can answer that. None of the spineless congresscritters have the courage to stand up and say that it wasn't their role. I mean, who could be against those benefits except mean people like you and I or the enemy themselves, right?
As you accurately point out, the people can, will, and should be the ones to decide if their money goes to 'charity' of any kind. Anything else is legalized theft.