Comments on: Homeland Security Boondoggle

A Congressional Investigation Calls Into Question How Federal Money Is Being Spent

[donbl1]

Having done some driving here in Texas, I suspect a chunk of Homeland Security money has been spent on local law enforcement to increase speeding revenue for the local regions. Seems like there have never been so many police on the freeway and they are ALL looking for speeders.

[sparkylafs]

Reporting practices by CBS over the Homeland Security Boondoggle may end my lifelong relationship with CBS News. CBS has filtered the report to appear scandalous for the entertainment factor. I work with Fire and Police Departments across the country that use %u201Cedutainment%u201D as a teaching medium for safety education. This includes, puppets, clowns, magic, songs, skits. More research would have revealed that teaching children using these skills have proven results in retention of messages reflected in reduced injuries and fatalities. There are many more children hurt and killed by fires, guns, lack of helmets and seatbelts than there are Acts of Terrorism in this country. The puppet/clown monies in question are actually part of the FIRE ACT GRANT, which has been in place long before 9/11. Administrating this fund was moved from US Fire Administration to Homeland Security. This money was never intended to be used for Anti-Terrorism in the first place. Get your facts correct before you report. Another interesting note, in the past year, the CBS Morning News reported a heart-warming story about a 5-year-old girl who saved her mother%u2019s life because of the firefighters who recorded music and performed puppet/clown programs in their schools in Colorado Springs. A positive on the CBS Morning News becomes negative on the CBS Evening News. Contradicting their own reporting. Just reiterates what we%u2019ve always known, don%u2019t believe what you hear on the news!

[wackykaky]

I am just mortified that Ms. Couric and crew think that purchasing vests for our canine officers is a waste of money. I, too, will be waiting for a retraction on the comments made towards our furry friends helping to keep us safe not only in our home towns but airports, bus stations, etc.
What were you thinking??????

[sharilari]

I am not a regular viewer of CBS Evening News and only just found out about this story from a co-worker. I WILL tune in tonight to hear Ms. Couric's apology to all public service personnell, their K-9 partners and animal lovers in general for the thoughtless comments about spending money for their protection. A more fitting and sincere apology would be for CBS AND Ms. Couric to get the checkbook out and personally outfit K-9 officers across the United States with the gear they need for their continued safety.

[csmith1948]

Don't shoot the messenger! Not seeing the Kouric report (can't stand her), but reading the story, I don't think any news organization has an option to agree or not with a point of view. It's called reporting! The story is about waste! We do not need another pork barrell apparatus. The dogs and the clowns are in Washington. BTW, dogs don't devote their lives to criminal investigation, they are tools. Let's protect more human lives by spending Homeland Security money more effectively!

[j-whitman]

HSD has a long way to go yet,,, According to thier own reporting & investigations, HSD keeping America safer for the 1st 4 years was mostly HYPE. They are still wasting billions.

[teresac6]

I was extremely disappointed and digusted with your comments of how it was wasteful to provide protection to canine police officers. How dare you say that about these animals? Search and Rescue dogs as well as police dogs are vital to public safety and deserve any protective equipment we can give them. You have just lost me as a fan, both professionally and personally. I suggest that you get a dog and maybe that will spark a tiny bit of compassion from you toward these wonderful creatures who would die to protect and to serve.

[teresac6]

I was extremely disappointed and digusted with your comments of how it was wasteful to provide protection to canine police officers. How dare you say that about these animals? Search and Rescue dogs as well as police dogs are vital to public safety and deserve any protective equipment we can give them. You have just lost me as a fan, both professionally and personally. I suggest that you get a dog and maybe that will spark a tiny bit of compassion from you toward these wonderful creatures who would die to protect and to serve.

[keta5]

One last thing, forgot to tell you I will no longer be seeking CBS as my news source, whether you think so or not there has been alot of discussion about this comment made by you, Ms. Couric and reponses I have heard her at work are of the same opinion as mine, they will not longer seek your news station for informaion either. And as for you and the few others, Canine officers are VERY important for Homeland security as they are for everyday security. Shame on you Ms. Couric and CBS, I will be watching ABC awaiting them to report your apology that is certainly due to our Canine Officers.

[lbartlett3]

I, too, think that $7000 to protect police and fire dogs is reasonable. Could your reporter think of no questions to ask regarding this money? How many vests and how much per vest? Does Ohio have an unusually high number of service dogs? I believe the Ohio prison system has inmates training dogs; does this cause any troubles for the police departments?

Indianspolis recently had a police dog shot and killed and local school children raise money for vests for other police dogs. Maybe Steve Hartman should take a look at this issue.