Homeland Security

And Snow Removal

To the Editor:

Are terrorists behind the blast of frigid air and Nor’easters besieging Newtown this winter?

A quick read of your front-page article last week — “Finance Board Shores Up Snow Removal Account” — might give one that impression.

Perhaps Tom Ridge, homeland security secretary, has CIA “intelligence” that Osama and al Qaeda have conspired with the elements. Why else would Newtown snow removal qualify for a big grant from the gigantic, new Bush super agency, the US Department of Homeland Security?

If not Osama, is there another explanation? Yes, it turns out that federal emergency relief funds are now dispensed from the sprawling homeland security department and its huge $40.3 billion budget.

Doling out federal homeland security money — even for snow removal — is a patriotic way to win friends. It keeps our local taxes down and our federal deficit up. Plus, we are kept mindful of our security and the vigilance of President Bush.

Charles Fulkerson, Jr

8 Currituck Road, Newtown                                    February 2, 2004