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Why Michael Moore?
One source says it is because he has no vested interests other than exposing fraud. It is believed Moore would care that in
the flood plain of Cedar Rapids, is still devastated neighborhood. A home with a cardboard sign on the porch held
down by rocks, reads, “15 months and no buy out. They want us out of the FEMA trailers in November. Where’s our
buyout money?” He may decry that FEMA will now require homeowners in the trailers to pay $900 a month rent when New
Orleans victims were offered trailer buy out options at $1. Visiting New Orleans victims are still shocked when they visit
the Cedar Rapids flood plain and shake their heads at the unbelievable devastation.
The Cedar Rapids city government position has been: “When the federal money is on hand
it will be dispersed”. However, the city has found resources to pay out millions to “out of state consultants”
on how to develop the land and neighborhoods of the victims; millions to a New York firm alone.
Community activist and elected School Board member Lisa Kuzela declined to run for re-election to the school
board in order to champion the flood victims who lost their homes. As a flood victim her “fight”
is public, spirited and in writing to various organizations such as RIO (Rebuild Iowa Office) and LTR (Long Term Recovery).
She challenges alleged “misinformation” regarding arbitrary “deadlines for help” for victims. Ms.
Kuzela advocates absolute accuracy and hands on victim assistance by the organizations rather than requiring the victims to
“root” out what is available and having to inform each other. In a strong letter of admonition to the two organizations
Lisa stated, “Do you really think that a flood victim who has lost everything would not seek every possible fund if
he knew about it?” Lisa Kuzela went on to say it had been “inappropriate” for the groups to take credit
for additional victim applicants after an “artificial” deadline was set for funding help. This
left some victims confused and believing October 16, 2009 was the actual deadline for the money when according to Iowa law
(HF 64) June 30, 2010; a difference of eight months.
Michael Moore if you
are listening. Some voiceless victims of America’s fourth largest natural disaster believe you could cast some light
on their plight. In addition, if you know Ashton and Demi, you might bring them with you. These victims need help and they
have deadlines fast approaching.
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