Still Crazy After all of these Years

Well, Laura and I have always said that we'll really be scared once the terrorists start to target places like Nebraska. Apparently, the NSA must have overheard that and thinks they can sway our votes.

Security Cuts for New York and Washington

NY Times
By ERIC LIPTON
Published: June 1, 2006

WASHINGTON, May 31 — After vowing to steer a greater share of antiterrorism money to the highest-risk communities, Department of Homeland Security officials on Wednesday announced 2006 grants that slashed money for New York and Washington 40 percent, while other cities including Omaha and Louisville, Ky., got a surge of new dollars.

The release of the 2006 urban area grants, which total $711 million, was immediately condemned by leaders in Washington and New York.

"When you stop a terrorist, they have a map of New York City in their pocket," Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York said. "They don't have a map of any of the other 46 or 45 places."

In Washington, Mayor Anthony Williams said: "It was very shortsighted for the federal government to gut our homeland security funding program, even more so because so many dollars continue to be spent in rural areas that are far less likely to emerge as targets."

Homeland security officials said the grants were a result of a more sophisticated evaluation process, combined with a smaller overall allocation of money from Congress.

For the first time, they said, teams of law enforcement officials from around the nation evaluated the effectiveness of the spending proposals submitted by the 46 eligible urban areas, cutting grants for cities that had shoddy or poorly articulated plans.

"We want to make sure we are not simply pushing dollars out of Washington," said Tracy Henke, assistant secretary for grants and training. "The reality is you have to understand that there is risk throughout the nation."

Ok, I get the point that the terrorists might strike anywhere, but come on. New York & Washington are still the two major targets along with LA, Chicago, and probably Dallas. While Louisville is a nice place with the Derby and baseball bats (not to mention the hq for the Presbyterian Church USA), I don't think it's on the Top 10 list of places to hit. Really, it's not.

Other articles point out that New Orleans had its funding cut, no surprise since Mother Nature already trashed the place, but Florida's magically increased significantly. Hmmmmm.... of course it increased for Charlotte down the road from me so I guess the NASCAR fans can feel safe at the races.