Criticism dogs 'feel-good' relief efforts
Published: Dec. 31, 2006 at 7:08 PM
MIAMI, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Efforts by Florida officials to use federal disaster aid to produce entertaining activities as a means of recovery has gotten federal criticism.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Florida's efforts, such as a puppet show and salsa dancing for senior citizens, to help people recover from disasters has been criticized by members of Congress.
But the newspaper said the practice is relatively common in a number of states.
Previously, California officials got bad publicity for using relief money connected to the 1994 Northridge earthquake to fund puppet shows, as well as poster contests.
Virginia also felt a political backlash after its officials used Sept. 11, 2001, funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for various workshops and classes oriented towards psychological improvement.
"This sort of spending is exactly the opposite of what Americans expect the government's response to a disaster should be," U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Fla., said. "This is a national, systemic problem."
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Florida's efforts, such as a puppet show and salsa dancing for senior citizens, to help people recover from disasters has been criticized by members of Congress.
But the newspaper said the practice is relatively common in a number of states.
Previously, California officials got bad publicity for using relief money connected to the 1994 Northridge earthquake to fund puppet shows, as well as poster contests.
Virginia also felt a political backlash after its officials used Sept. 11, 2001, funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for various workshops and classes oriented towards psychological improvement.
"This sort of spending is exactly the opposite of what Americans expect the government's response to a disaster should be," U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Fla., said. "This is a national, systemic problem."
© 2006 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
» Next in Top News:
Argentina: 'Dirty War' witness returns
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (R) visits a military academy in Kostroma, some 300 km (188 miles) northeast of Moscow, on May 15, 2008. Medvedev promised on Thursday to provide the necessary funding for Russian nuclear forces to counter global threats. (UPI Photo/Anatoli Zhdanov)
Russian President Medvedev visits a military academy in the city of Kostroma
Full Photo
| Slideshow
Latest Headlines
Most Popular