Just when I think that politics and government in North Carolina can't get any more corrupt, any more appallingly wasteful, I get hit by another article that utterly disgusts me. U.S. Rep. David Price secured $10 million to help deployed soldiers of the National Guard and Army Reserves (news story, Sept. 25). I shouldn't be surprised, but it seems that not a dime of the $7.3 million spent so far has helped one soldier. Instead it has lined the pockets of UNC-Chapel Hill, consultants and over-paid directors.
I am fortunate to be involved in a private program to help deployed soldiers. I have gotten to know a few of them and their families quite well. The sacrifices they make for all of us are huge. If you can even get these soldiers to tell you what they would like you to send (these are justifiably proud people), they ask for things like pillows and shoes. Shoes! And then I read this.
Everyone involved in this so-called Citizen Soldier Support Program should be ashamed! This waste is an outrage, and I could not be more saddened by it. For shame.
