Federal Aid? Or Federal Threat?

Many of you have probably heard of the Greensburg Tornado. Just a few days ago a tornado ripped through this small Kansas town and leveled it completely. Of the 1,500 residents at least ten were killed and many others wounded. The causalities are only expected to rise. It is estimated that the town sustained between 95-100% damage. It is truly a disaster area.

As I was reading the Wichita Eagle today I saw an article by Pat Roberts, the junior Republican senator from Kansas. Here is a quote from that article:

“After touring the devastation, I went east to visit with the victims of the killer tornado at shelters in Haviland, 10 miles away. We spent an hour sharing shock, grief and prayer. The last person I visited with, an elderly gentleman who only had the clothes on his back, sat staring into nothingness, sitting on a cot. He simply looked at me and said, “Senator, thanks for coming; I just don’t know how I will get my life and home back.” That is when I decided we had to cut the red tape that usually is involved in getting a federal disaster declaration and critical assistance to local officials and to homeless residents.”

He goes on to tell of calling the President and receiving the federal disaster aid he and the other Kansas representatives had requested. Most people, including many of my readers probably applaud his decision and concern. It’s also true that most people, including many of my readers are going to be upset and confused when I say this: I could not disagree with that decision more. Allow me to explain.

There are a number of things that keep me from supporting this decision, the lack of Constitutional authorization, the support of government intervention, and the ineffectiveness of federal aid are all things that could be discussed. While most people today support the use of federal funds in disaster situations there is a strong historical precedent against government intervention. Over the next couple of posts I want to look at some historical and Constitutional arguments against the administration of Federal aid and welfare.