Editorial: Promises made are to be kept

Friday, Nov. 16, 2001 | 9:57 a.m.

The Red Cross created the Liberty Fund, which has raised $534 million in donations, ostensibly to aid victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. But the Red Cross received sharp criticism after it decided to set aside $200 million of the donations for other uses: future terrorist attacks, a phone system upgrade and the creation of a blood reserve. The Red Cross' former director, who resigned two weeks ago in part over the controversy, contended that people understood their money might be spent on other uses, but that was news to all the donors. The Red Cross did the right thing this week, then, when it reversed its earlier decision and said that all the money earmarked for the Liberty Fund will be used to support the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

While we're on the subject of promises being kept, members of New York's congressional delegation are upset that President Bush hasn't honored a commitment to send New York half of the $40 billion emergency package that Congress approved soon after the terrorist attacks. So far slightly less than $10 billion has been directed to New York. "In New York, a promise is a promise," Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., said.

On Wednesday there was an attempt in the House Appropriations Committee to make sure that the promised amount actually is sent to New York. But the measure providing for an immediate delivery of $9.7 billion was defeated 33-31 after heavy lobbying by Vice President Dick Cheney, who emerged from his hiding place long enough to do some last-minute arm-twisting. All the Republicans, except the two GOP members from New York on the committee, sided with the White House, which has said it will veto any new spending bills this year beyond the $40 billion already approved for anti-terrorism measures and recovery efforts in New York. Bush says there is enough money set aside and that no further action will be needed until next year. The problem with this logic, however, is that the administration isn't following through on its end of the bargain and delivering the money pledged to New York this year.

The president would be wise to take a page from the Red Cross and follow through on his earlier commitment. The administration should send the full $20 billion to help New Yorkers, who have been devastated by the events of Sept. 11.