I wouldn't say that - my house got trashed from Katrina and we were told by the mortgage and insurance company that we didn't need flood insurance. The storm surge is now a "flood" and of course, we're not covered for about $50K in losses. These articles always point out the bad stuff (like the way they do the war on terror, etc.) and everyone buys into it because they hate for thewir tax dollars to go to waste. I've been working for 38 years (24 in the Air Force) and paying taxes the whole time. What I've sen so far is that because of stories like this, FEMA has put extra red tape in the way for those of us who are really up the creek.
Is there abuse - Yes. Is that the majority of the cases - No. It's easy to make statements like yours from an unaffected area - I'll trade situations and be only too happy for you to come on down here and look forward to some more storms.
I'm sorry I offended you and for your damage. I had minor damage from a TS this summer but didn't claim it because my rates would go up and it was just a little over my deductable. My agent also tells me that I don't need flood insurance either. Why do they do that? It's not really that much and it only takes one time. I have no problem with helping people with damage like yours but abuse is happening.