"20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."
Genesis 50:20
It's official; the federal government has told West, TX to pound sand:
This is disgraceful, but not surprising. Given his track record, it's predictable that FEMA under Barack Obama would do something like this. But there's a bigger lesson.
Texans should take this incident as a parable about Washington.
Federal 'assistance', under either party, is a trap. Money from Washington ALWAYS comes with strings. Avoiding those strings is more important than whatever pittance might eventually get through the bureaucracy.
FEMA's decision allows West to rebuild without interference from Washington. Instead of bureaucrats, our churches and civic organizations will take the lead. Instead of conforming to some arbitrary standard set 1500 miles away, we can do it right.
Obviously, it sucks that Washington gets to keep our money. But so what?!? Does anyone actually think they're going to get anything back once the money goes down the Washington D.C. rathole?!? This is a great debate point, but it doesn't help rebuild West. Groveling at the feet of Washington D.C. can only make the problem worse.
Step aside Washington; the private sector will rebuild West, TX.
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Author's Note: Personally, we think the $10 million West needs to rebuild its roads would be an appropriate use of the rainy day fund.
Author's Note II: West says they need $90 million total; I'd bet if we band together and keep the government out of things, we can do it for a fraction of that.
