Homeland Security grants spent on clowns and gyms!!

Fire departments are using Homeland Security grants to buy gym equipment, sponsor puppet and clown shows, and turn first responders into fitness trainers.

The spending choices are allowable under the guidelines of the Assistance to Firefighters grant administered by the Homeland Security Department, which has awarded nearly 250 grants since February totaling more than $25 million out of the current spending pot of $545 million.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff vowed to redirect grant spending based on risk of a terrorist attack, but Congress has ignored his pleas, federal officials say.

"The administration has not supported the funding for physical fitness equipment as part of the fire grant program," says Marc Short, Homeland Security spokesman. "Physical fitness is an individual responsibility."

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20060420-110852-8296r.htm

This whole Bush era has the makings of a really bizarre Tim Burton movie, doesn't it?

:sarcasm:

But seriously, we all know if there's money to steal, there's plenty of crooks out there to steal it. I say make them pay back every dime.

The Homeland Security Department "absorbed" quite a few other agencies... it is possible that these grants used to come from another agency that is now part of DHS. Reason #237 why the whole DHS concept is poorly implemented at best, and grossly mismanaged at worse.

As for gym equipment for first responders, I fail to see the problem. Why wouldn't I want my firemen to work out while waiting for an emergency? If it isn't allowed by the funds, maybe it should be.