In a pathetic display of bureaucratic incompetence, FEMA has once again fumbled their response to a major natural disaster, leaving vulnerable communities in the lurch.

Following Hurricane Helene, the total devastation in places like the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina is a stark reminder of what's at stake.

Source: NOAA
Helene’s ‘Hurricane Alley’

Although Congress recently threw $20 billion at the agency's disaster relief fund, the head of FEMA — Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas — claims the agency will run out of money before hurricane season ends in November.

If that's true, it's a damning indictment…

Of a Congress in recess until after the election, leaving affected communities to fend for themselves.

Of so-called “public servants” too busy campaigning to be bothered with actually helping citizens.

And of Beltway snakes who’ve given freebies to non-citizens while turning a blind eye to desperate Americans.

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Your Rundown for Monday, October 7, 2024...

America LAST

Some Republicans, for instance, have blasted FEMA for using disaster relief funds to assist migrants.

• “While FEMA [has] given more than $1 billion since the start of 2023 to communities that are taking in migrants, that’s been through the agency’s Shelter and Services Program, a totally different funding pot than the Disaster Relief Fund used to respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters,” Forbes says.

At this point, who’s quibbling over $1 billion? That’s chump change!

Here’s what sticks in my craw…

Before families in swaths of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia were plunged into a living nightmare…

There was Ukraine.

“Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has become far and away the top recipient of U.S. foreign aid,” says the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).

In the intervening two-plus years, Congress has approved five aid bills for Ukraine — authorizing a total of $175 billion.

How are your tax dollars being spent in Ukraine?

And make no mistake: The vast majority of U.S. foreign aid is American tax dollars.

• “Individual income taxes make up around 77% of the tax money the government takes in that it can actually spend however it wants,” NPR says.

We repeat: How are your tax dollars being spent?

“The historic sums are helping a broad set of Ukrainian people and institutions, including refugees, law enforcement, and independent radio broadcasters, though most of the aid has been military-related,” CFR says.

I seriously have no words.

Given the choice between using my tax dollars to help friggin’ radio broadcasters in back-of-beyond Ukraine… or my fellow Americans who are currently dying in the dark, cut off from civilization?

There’s just no contest. And I don’t care which party you ascribe to, you should feel the same way.

Unfortunately, Congress decides how to spend $0.77 of every dollar you and I reluctantly hand over. Then agencies like FEMA decide.

As we reflect on the failures of FEMA, it’s increasingly clear that our leaders must prioritize the well-being of American citizens over foreign entanglements.

The stark contrast between the billions allocated to foreign aid and the inadequate support for disaster-stricken communities is sickening.

I think it’s about time our duly elected — or appointed — public servants make America a priority. THE priority.

Ukraine? Move to the back of the line…

Market Rundown for Monday, Oct. 7, 2024

S&P 500 futures are down 0.35% to 5,775.

Oil is up 1.85% to $75.79 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is up 0.10% to $2,670 per ounce.

And Bitcoin is up 0.45% to $63,000.

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