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An editorial from the Kansas City Star:

The Star’s editorial | Federal government must not skimp in rebuilding Joplin

The people of Joplin need help in rebuilding their lives. As Kansas Citians have both a tradition of generosity and plentiful options for charitable giving, the likelihood is high that this city will do its share.

The Red Cross and Salvation Army are seeking money to support relief efforts. Heart to Heart International is seeking medical volunteers and help in putting together hygiene kits. Area businesses and churches are looking to help, as well.

But it hardly requires an expert to behold the devastation in Joplin and see that, while charitable resources are essential, private donors will not be able to fund all that is needed. Joplin needs new school buildings, a new power grid, massive work on its hospital. And that’s only the beginning.

This brings us to a rather shameful debate now taking place in, of course, Congress.

To its credit, a key House panel has approved an additional $1 billion in federal relief money to respond to a spring of natural disasters. But as soon as cries for help were heard, lawmakers pounced on the chance to make partisan points.

House Republicans are starting to demand that disaster relief funds be balanced with cuts in other areas of federal spending, essentially using human tragedy to advance their political agenda. One suggestion is that we should cut a program encouraging the production of more fuel efficient cars, a program brought about by economic and long-term national security concerns.

Here’s the big picture: If the United States is to the point at which helping disaster victims means cutting other needed programs, it’s time to rethink the way we’re running this country. Today, Americans have the lightest total tax burden they’ve had since 1958. One result of that low tax burden, and the resulting inadequate federal and state revenue, is that the Federal Emergency Management Agency faces a $3 billion shortfall. And that’s before the Joplin bills arrive.

Overly optimistic projections during good times brought us to this point. Pandering politicians agreed to tax cuts that this country could not afford. But that’s the past. Going forward, we must be able to agree it is un-American to scramble and bicker over priorities every time nature strikes.

This country was built on the ethos that we give a hand to those looking to bounce back. Helping Joplin rebuild is a shared responsibility, and adequate disaster response merits shared sacrifice.

Comments?

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Well it is a fact of public record that revenues are not the problem, it is expenditure. Our Federal revenue is somewhere around 30% of GDP which is higher than average and our actual revenue in dollars is at a record high. So maybe income really isn't the problem. Maybe it is expenditures.

http://www.usgovernmentrevenue.com/index.php

The article is very misleading and most assuredly anti-Republican. The main reason our tax burdens are so low is prolly because only about 1/2 of our population doesn't pay taxes. I also don't see why government should be giving money to profitable companies so that they can develop market items such as more fuel efficient vehicles. If there is a market for these items, then the makers should develop them privately (they are not the needed federal programs as the article tries to make them out to be).

Now after saying this, yes we should extend a helping hand somewhat, but coming from an area that is  likely to be hit by a natural disaster (Forbes ranked us near the top of the list of least safest places to live). I realize just where federal assistance money goes. Basically it is just another part of the dole system that is given to those on Federal welfare (most of which are on multiple generations of welfare reception) and it also stays in the pockets of local politicians and their supporters. Most recipients do not even use the money the way it is intended. Working class people like me never see Federal assistance. We never qualify. Red Cross is better than Federal aid.

Of course I know this post will draw people's ire, but so what. I challenge each and everyone to come here before and after a hurricane so that they can see for themselves. I also challenge them to go to NOLA today and see what good government aid did there.

Of course there is this study that people will chastise because it goes against their sensibilities:
http://www.be.wvu.edu/div/econ/work/pdf_files/06-07.pdf