Years ago when in the AF I got called up to go to Florida for help and rescue after a bad hurricane. We were reminded over and over again that beneath those ponds of water where a street or back yard might be would be or could be snakes and alligators which are very hungry and will go after anything that moves.
To those poor souls waiting for help and to those on the way to help them, those snakes and alligators are also waiting too.
It's bad no matter which way you look at it.
"The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers it can bribe the public with the public's own money.
- Alexis de Toqueville, 1835