I am not sure if this has been discussed yet. Not to start drama, but how does everyone feel about...

The fact that the states devastated by Katrina have to pay back what the government gives them to re-build, but Iraq does not? I was just curious about other people's opinions. Personally I think it's insane.

Re: I am not sure if this has been discussed yet. Not to start drama, but how does everyone feel about...

Ummm...I don't think the states should have to pay it back, how can they without further burdening their citizens who are already financially stressed? They are going to need their money to provide programs etc. for people displaced.

As for Iraq, we did bomb the country to smithereens and sent it into absolute anarchy...and we now own the oil....so perhaps they've paid enough.

We're all supposed to pay taxes, with the wealthy and the corporations shouldering a fair amount, so that we can pay for things that are necessary...we just haven't done that here...

Re: I am not sure if this has been discussed yet. Not to start drama, but how does everyone feel about...

What!!!!!????

Re: I am not sure if this has been discussed yet. Not to start drama, but how does everyone feel about...

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Posted by Wintersbride

The fact that the states devastated by Katrina have to pay back what the government gives them to re-build, but Iraq does not? I was just curious about other people's opinions. Personally I think it's insane.

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At the end of the day, the contractors, companies and workers that are rebuilding these areas must be paid. This rebuilding has taken the form of a public works project and with therefore be funded with public money - ie taxes. Whether it comes from state taxes or federal taxes is somewhat immaterial although it does raise the question of redistribution of wealth from states that aren't impacted to states that were impacted IF states did not have to repay the money.

Consider if you and all your neighbors put $5 a month into a collective pot as a neighborhood emergency fund. Say that one day, a bolt of lightning strikes and destroys the houses of 2 people. Do you use the funds to help those two people rebuild? Was that the intention of the neighborhood emergency fund? Do you float them the money on the expectation that they repay it? What if you were one of the two neighbors whose house was destroyed? Does it change your opinion?

Regarding Iraq, they're not American citizens, they don't pay taxes, they don't have a say in how our government operates, they didn't ask to be invaded, they shouldn't have to pay. We as a country invaded Iraq because it is in OUR best interests, thats why we pay.

Re: I am not sure if this has been discussed yet. Not to start drama, but how does everyone feel about...

I understand your point, but...isn't that we, as citizens, are contributing taxes for? Shouldn't we be able to help our own country with the money we worked hard for, instead of giving it to a country that could not care less about us? I understand your point about Iraq. It still does not sit right with me. I guess in a perfect world, both debts would be forgiven.