In an earlier post, I sounded like a Democratic partisan. Well, to balance out that impression, I should mention that I’m particularly fond of one dimension of Bush’s funding rhetoric — the idea that government funding should only go towards effective programs. If a program works, continue funding it. If it doesn’t, find a better use for the money. (That’s the theory, at least.)
On the AP wires this morning was one example of that philosophy being put into action:
Congress has promised Louisiana a $12 million flood-control study, with one catch: The state must first take control of the levee system in and around New Orleans.
Now, lawmakers are debating a handful of proposals designed to satisfy the requirement and access the money.[...]
Critics say the boards are fiefdoms of nepotism, incompetence and corruption. They blame board members for failing to properly inspect the levees, leading to the failures that left the city submerged in floodwaters during Hurricane Katrina.
In other words, Congress has promised to fund a necessary study, but only if competent agencies are in place to act upon the results.
What’s troubling is that it sounds like some in Louisiana seem to be seeking ways around Congress’ caveat, rather than seeking to move administration of a necessary part of public safety infrastructure into the hands of professionals, rather than bureaucrats and legislators’ kin.
Gotta love Louisiana politics.