Rant, just for Uncle Rico

In a report released by the government's GAO, it is reported that the government "mishandled" money sent to the US from other countries for assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The report says that our government agencies in receipt of the funds were unaccustomed to receiving donations from other countries so large - and that much of the money was misspent, lost, or mishandled. This is our own government saying this - not just your humble Super Bongo.

So, I'm thinking -- wow! How much money are we talking about here? $126 million dollars. Yes, $126 million dollars.

Let me give you some perspective.

By April 2004, the Bush Re-election campaign had spent $126 million.

In 1999/2000, NBA player Kevin Garnett signed a contract for 6 years and $126 million in pay.

In the three years PRIOR to 9/11, the feds spent $126 million improving security around the capital.

In 1998, a horse breeder paid $126 million to purchase the Santa Anita Track

In 2004, the feds allocated $126 million to repair hurricane damages to Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

In Arizona, their state parks generate $126 million in revenue for the state.

So, $126 million is a lot of money -- but not so much that it boggles all forms of accounting and accountability. The cynic in Super Bongo has to wonder how much of the money that was mishandled or "lost" ended up being devoted to the war?