Having said that, I do think we need to provide some sort of short term financial money for these folks. A debit card is a pretty effective way to distribute the money.
I can't imagine loosing everything. Think about what these folks are going through. They were suddenly ripped from their home and neigborhoods. Not told where they were going until they got on the bus or plane. Many do not know if all of their families or friends are even alive. Most do not know the status of their home or other belongings. They do not know if their home is being looted or burnt to the ground while they are gone. They have lost their jobs, schools, community, churches, neighbors, friends, cars, everything. Most are now sleeping in a "large room" with thousands of other people. Sleeping on cots, with no privacy. I just cannot imagine what they are going through emotionally right now.
So lets have some compassion folks! Quit acting like the folks at DU. You don't know these 1 million folks personally. You don't know whether or not they are all hard working, decent, law abiding citizens or what. Quit letting a minority of looters, thugs, or even welfare recipients cloud your thinking. These devasated areas were their homes. I saw where 80% of LA residents were born there. Highest rate in the US. Give them the benefit of the doubt. What would Jesus do if he were here? He would minister to each and every one of these folks. Not make judgements and condemn them universally.
I actually agree with most of what you said.
The cards are not just for the people of NOLA, but those in MS and AL as well.
The fraud will be rampant with debit cards. Mark my words.
My fellow poster asked, "what would Jesus do?" He would not go to Caesar (government) for help. More likely His equivalent of "the Salvation Army" or other charity organization. JMO
I would imagine that there is a database to check the expenditures. Hopefully there will be some restrictions on what is purchased with the cards, especially restrictions on liquor or they will have more problems at the Dome because of inebriated individuals.
My company gives each of its employees a credit/debit card for medical costs that insurance doesn't cover. The debits to the card are tracked very meticulously by the company that oversees the program. If they don't believe a purchase was for a health related cost, they will ask for a receipt.
So the capability does exist to track the purchases and know what each individual is spending and on what (Big Brother for sure, but probably not a bad idea in this case...can you imagine the 2000 being spent on a gun and ammo.)
My only question has been and continues to be, the money that is donated to Bush/Clinton fund and other charities, will any of it actually get into the hands of the evacuees...I sure hope so.
You speak the truth....