How could FEMA abandon these areas?

When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for the government to take care of its citizens ... it shall. Maybe these words should have been added by Thomas Jefferson to the Declaration of Independence. If they were present, the Federal Emergency Management Agency would have not denied aid to the hundreds, if not thousands, of Western Pennsylvanians affected by the flooding on June 17 ("FEMA Denies Funds for Flood-Ravaged Areas," July 21). Instead, we as muddy, wet, frustrated and determined Pennsylvanians are left shaking our heads in disbelief over this decision.

One must ask why our federal government is spending millions of stimulus dollars on crazy projects, such as one that involves saving turtles? Don't get me wrong, I love turtles, but I love people more. FEMA must reconsider its decision or the commonwealth, the counties of Allegheny and Westmoreland and many local municipalities, including my own borough of Turtle Creek, are going to be stuck in the "crick" without a paddle.

If you are a caring Pennsylvanian and American and can contact FEMA, please do so. These citizens have been abandoned by FEMA, and as a true believer and teacher of democracy, I urge you to do so!

 

ADAM R. FORGIE
Mayor
Turtle Creek