A recent survey released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that 76 percent of the 215 cities surveyed have yet to receive any of the $1.5 billion in federal homeland security funds designated for “first responder” teams such as police and fire departments.

More frightening, however, is that cities in the survey ranged from small cities with populations just over 12,000, to large cities such as New York City.

As Sept. 11, 2001, proved, having well trained police and fire departments is invaluable. The New York City police and fire departments helped save thousands of lives, and many paid the ultimate price.

If the government wants citizens to remain calm and go about their daily lives throughout the constant fluctuation of the terror-threat level, then we, the citizens, must be assured that the government is doing all it can to ensure our security.

Instead of appropriating billions of dollars for space stations and inter-planetary missions, why not dedicate money to adequately protecting American cities?

If our mayors need more money to help protect their cities, give it to them. Mars can wait; it’s not going anywhere.

This money is not, and should not be considered a gift either. It is a privelege and a testament to modern technology that humans are able to investigate the universe. However, it is an absolute necessity that we protect our cities.

By not providing American cities with the proper funds to finance well trained responder teams, the government has unnecessarily put lives at risk. While members of the governement have re-iterated time and time again that protecting the homeland is a top priority, their failure to properly fund cities shows their promises are nothing more than words.