WNBC: FEMA to scrap $2K debit cards

[BeyondGeography]

Just announced on local news here in NYC.

[tjdee]

1. WTF? What about those who got them? Why does this keep changing?!

Yo--Mike Brown needs to be fired TODAY.

This is bullshit.

[FormerDittoHead]

6. They're problem solvers - they solve problems..

....what have they done RIGHT?

[KingFlorez]

2. Their going to send out checks

Instead of handing out the debit cards

[geomon666]

5. oh that's great

have fun clearing those with a bank. Enjoy the lines.

[Trillo]

3. Did they give a reason why?

Anything to do with an alleged legal document needing to be signed before the cards were issued?

[NNN0LHI]

4. The victims must be unwilling to sign a waiver to get them n/t

[shadowknows69]

7. The keystone cops are still in charge

[tridim]

8. Right.. That money is Halliburton's

and nobody elses. King Bush has spoken.

[Lori Price CLG]

11. Just $500 million to Halliburton (thus far). Need 2nd American Revolution

[freemen2005]

15. dont forget the billions for "rebuilding" what they tore down in IRAQ

[Debau2005]

9. We were a minute a part in posting. Sorry for the duplicate.

[smartvoter]

10. Probably because they couldn't get it right. nt

[katinmn]

12. well, that's another mess someone else will clean up

[Debau2005]

13. FEMA to stop giving out debit cards - Just found the story on MSNBC

Hurricane victims will have to apply for aid through traditional methods

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9273033/

I like the part where they have to apply online! :sarcasm:

I am sure there are tons of internet connections in the various shelters around the country! :sarcasm:

[tjdee]

14. Oh, that will only take like, a hundred years.

Why did they even dangle this debit card thing, going so far as to say they were being given out *that day* (well, that changed a few times)??

Yeah, that's good government. :eyes:

[Debau2005]

16. Even better!!

Take a look at the FAQ's on the FEMA site, and it takes 24 hours for account activation, AND A FEMA rep can not help you set up your account. If you need help you have to call a telephone number!! Now I am sure that the elderly people will have no trouble logging on, getting signed up and getting a check!! WHATEVER...Who is running this? Oh wait, I know the answer to that...:banghead:

http://www.fema.gov/help/registration_faq_individual.shtm

[Misskittycat]

17. Many low-income people do not have bank accounts. This is stupid. n/t

[jackstraw45]

18. ANOTHER PR stunt....the PR is over so why actually give out the $$$?

They obviously started this as a PR stunt.

Now that they've gotten the PR kick, no need to actually make sure everyone gets the money.

:eyes:

[donco6]

19. Fees to cash checks.

Bush had to make sure his banks got their share! Most of these people no longer have accounts at banks (if they ever did). Now they have to cash them at one of those ubiquitous check cashing places that charge outrageous fees.

[stevedeshazer]

20. "Debit cards distributed at Astrodome" - Seattle P-I just now

Friday, September 9, 2005 · Last updated 3:08 p.m. PT

Debit cards distributed at Astrodome

By PAM EASTON
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

HOUSTON -- After two days of confusion, Katrina refugees staying at the Astrodome began receiving government-issued $2,000 debit cards Friday to help them buy the things they need to get back on their feet.

"It feels beautiful!" Marie Taylor said, waving five $20 bills in the air. "This is the first time I've had any money since the storm."

Taylor was part of a stream of refugees who headed straight for the ATMs outside the Reliant Center to convert their debit cards to cash.

An estimated 7,000 people at the Astrodome signed up for the cards, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA handed out $2,000 per household. Recipients got a card and a PIN number that can be used at ordinary cash machines to withdraw money.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apus_story.asp?category=1110&slug=Katrina%20Cards%20Issued
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So which is it? Do ANY of these guys know what the hell they're doing?