Random Library Book

Scientific randomness in the universe goes beyond particles at the molecular level and can extend to everything we encounter in our lives. Random Library Book is a series of my walks down different library aisles and I randomly pick out a book. I bring light to books that might otherwise get lost in the large repetitive physical aisles of a library. 

​The Government Publications section of the library intrigued me today. Of all the books I went passed, I randomly picked up:

After Katrina: The Role of the Department of Justice Katrina Fraud Task Force and Agency Inspectors General in Preventing Waste, Fraud and Abuse

What a hefty title I first thought to myself. Browsing the pages, I began to think that if we need to have an agency that oversees fraud when dealing with disasters such as Katrina, then what a shame. It’s bad enough we have a natural disaster that changes many people’s lives forever, but then we are confronted with the perils of fraud as well, all while the government is trying to provide help to those in need. This is a perfect example of the balance that naturally comes when good is being done. 

The US Government knowing this, formed a Committee on Government Reform to scope out the details of the fraud and abuse that took place during our response to Katrina. Some examples of fraud noted in the book include bribery, issues with debris removal contracts, FEMA hotel rooms not used for evacuees, and much more. This book goes into detail about their findings as its content is the hearing notes before the subcommittee on Government Management, Finance and Accountability in May of 2006.  

An interesting read of 114 pages for those interested in political science and anyone curious about the type of fraud schemes that can be developed by man.