The Red Cross and FEMA and Free Cash.

The local morning talk radio shows are buzzing about the $2000 mastercards given out by FEMA and the $1600 ones given out by the Red Cross. There have been all sorts of stories about people using their cards to buy $600 designer purses and DVD players and the like. I didn't know FEMA and the Red Cross could track purchases, but maybe they can. Let me know if you information on that.

One volunteer at the Astrodome who helped the Red Cross give out the $2000 cards heard groups talking about how you can just go to the ATM machines and get cash. A bank employee called and said that she had helped them at the ATM machines and that you could get cash easily. She wondered why the government can allow you to only buy certain food items with food stamps, but can't do the same with these cards. This money is, after all, the taxpayers hard earned money. Much of it given as charity.

The volunteer who was helping with the cards went to the Red Cross director because she heard a group saying that they were going to car pool to Dallas to get some cards there. (in other words defraud the government) The Red Cross director said "you don't know if they were joking or not." When the volunteer mentioned the fact that the people could buy liquor and cigarettes with their Mastercard, the RedCross director said, "No one tells you what your needs are." Whaaattt?????

I hope to God that this kind of fraud is limited. (I am believing it is) Because if it turns out that FEMA and the Red Cross are just letting people use this money to buy anything their heart desires instead of it's purpose, to help people get necessities, then Americans will never want to be this generous again.

I gave my money to Catholic Charities exactly because of something like this. If you want to help out the Red Cross, then do what I did and give your TIME, but not your money. This is totally irresponsible in my opinion. Church organizations don't hand out mastercards, but give things needed and with a loving hand.

And the other really bad thing that is happening here in Houston is that people who were displaced who are living in housing now are FIGHTING with long time residents who seem to be jealous of the cash and free housing the refugees are receiving. They videotaped one of the arguments and it was on the news the other night and it was embarrassing to watch.

Btw, did I mention there is a hurricane heading our way? You better believe I am ready.