Spending Priorities

Is it just me, or does Congress seem to be going backwards as far as public policy is concerned? The point of all public policy is to determine the best solution to the public's needs.  Well, after the national disaster and government humiliation of Hurricane Katrina, you'd think that the federal government would be doing everything possible to ensure that those affected by the storm in 2005 aren't suffering nearly three years later.  

But in its infinite wisdom, Congress is leaning towards allocating money for Iraqi refugees instead of those displaced by Hurricane Katrina.  One homeless New Orleans resident puts it nicely:

[Patrick Clark] said the government was all too willing to increase the debt with war spending but is turning its back on those most in need of help after Katrina.

While I have nothing against helping Iraqi refugees in a mess that we created, you'd think that as the richest country in the world, the least we could do is help the homeless population created by the equally-poorly handled disaster of Katrina.   What really gets me is that the $73 million planned for mentally disabled Katrina victims is probably going to be scratched over $150 million in funding for Jordan and Mexico's militaries.  Sure, let's promote military forces abroad while not paying attention to the long-term ramifications of 12,000 homeless people - seeing as how it is the government's responsibility to protect the well-being of its citizens.