Looters and Looters

There were reports of burglary in the early morning hours to some of the houses on my street. On the first night of the evacuation, after the flames had turned away, the anxious and exhausted spectators had given in to a couple hours of sleep. The police and firefighters were focused on the flames leaving the ripe unguarded homes to those contemptible people who would take advantage of such an occasion. We can all agree that those people will burn.
Tuesday an even sadder letter was circulated around our stake. Our stake presidency felt it necessary to deliver a warning or reprimand to members who have or are in the process of taking advantage of the generosity flowing in the aftermath.
I was surprised by the letter. I was even more surprised to learn of some of the gross exaggerations of claims submitted by friends, neighbors, and members of my community. Clearly there are those with legitimate expenses who should rightfully receive restitution. I’m referring to others who view this accident as a vehicle to get something more.
The national guard has taken full responsibility for the accident. They are making extremely generous restitution to any and all individuals affected.
-Tangent/Soapbox- This is the fatal problem with socialism! Nothing is free. Who do you think is funding this generous and excessive restitution? Thank you, the American taxpayer. When the government set itself up as a welfare agent, it removed the responsibility for charity from individuals to itself. Charity faileth. I, the individual, know that the government has and will step in and pour money into the pockets of those affected. I, the individual, pay my taxes tight-fistedly with no knowledge weather the beneficiary is deserving or looting the system. Do we have faith in the American public to heal our own in times of tragedy? We should. But instead, we let the government handle it. We have lost the opportunity to show love for each other through charity and service. I feel sorry to the tune of $5.
Back to the story at hand. The temptation is ENORMOUS. The national guard is welcoming, palms open, reimbursement checks signed. They want to give us hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars. Why? We were slightly inconvenienced. It was an ACCIDENT! I teach my preschoolers when they accidentally injure each other to apologize, try to make it better, and forgive each other. The national guard has apologized, but then, when they try to make it better, some people have taken great advantage of the situation. Where is the forgiveness in that? Again, I am not talking about people who had Legitimate claims. Sadly, I believe these new looters will also burn. It reminds me of wheat and tares.