Homeowners Ask Why Feds Have Billions for Spy Programs and Syria but No Money for Firefighting

[n2doc]

JACQUELINE MARCUS FOR BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT

Former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden has leaked a new top-secret document that for the first time ever publicly discloses how the United States spends tens of billions of dollars annually on clandestine spy programs.

The Washington Post revealed the so-called "black budget" on Thursday and reports that $52.6 billion was set aside for operations in fiscal year 2013.

Call it a "war on terrorism" and the White House will instantly allocate billions of tax dollars. Call it a "war on wildfires" and, well, you're flat out of luck...

While the president signs off on more surveillance-drone contracts, vast acres of forests through the western states of Idaho, Colorado, Oregon, and California are going up in flames. Watch this video of Colorado's raging fires. And Yosemite Fire Threatens San Francisco Water and Power.

As of last week, 51 uncontained fires spread uncontrollably, making demands on fire crews extremely challenging primarily because the feds are running out of money to fight wildfires at the peak of the season. The U.S. Forest Service is diverting $600 million from timber, recreation and other areas to fill the gap. $50 million is only enough to pay for a few days.

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http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/item/18177-homeowners-ask-spy-programs-syria-wildfires

[warrant46]

1. They need to protect corporate interests

[DirkGently]

2. Trees obviously don't pay their lobbyists enough.

[Isoldeblue]

3. Many repub governors

have refused any federal funds for many programs. So you can't put state's needs not being provided for, all on the WH or the POTUS.....

I do agree that a great deal less should be spent on the NSA and defense.

[Scuba]

4. If we can't afford to educate our children, to heal our sick or care for our elderly ...

... then just what is it the defense budget is defending?

[Harmony Blue]

9. Exactly +1

That is a very insightful way to view the U.S. priorities.

[Jefferson23]

5. Pathetic, but we do know why. n/t

[bluestate10]

6. Ask those homeowners why do they think it is the Federal government's responsibility

to save their homes when they knowingly move to lightly populated areas to "get away from it all"? Those homeowners assumed risk when they set up their homes in wilderness regions that have limited or no firefighting capability.

[bettyellen]

7. They move because they don't want to pay taxes....

And they wonder why they have shitty schools, police depts and services. Fools.

[rustydog]

8. Duhhh, priorities silly

We don't want people expecting firefighters to suckle at the teat of Amurika do ya?