It is unfortunate that people commit fraud. That said, even criminals should have a higher level of respect for people who have suffered from disasters...and for those who wish to prey on the unfortunate and take advantage of government assistance that they are not entitled to, the penalty should be severe.

It is The Silver Lining Foundation's position that anyone convicted of fraud in a disaster situation should receive a minimum sentence of ten years in a federal prison without the possibility of parole. By passing this type of legislation the message will be made clear to everyone:  'don't even think about it!'