Now that the immediate shock from Hurricane Katrina is wearing off, America faces the impending storm of apathy. Sure we all want to help, and many of us did with a donation or bequest of some kind; but there’s still that pesky $200 billion in hurricane relief that needs paying.

For most of us, $200 billion might as well be $200 trillion – it’s just far too large a number to comprehend.

So, think of it in terms of per capita expense: that’s roughly $700 out of your budget this year.

In words of one syllable: ouch.

Yes, all of us will have to cinch the belt a little tighter this winter to offset this cost; however, there are more ways to save money than forgoing your morning latte.

Consider the novel ideas Chuck Raasch, political editor for Gannett News Service purposes:

· Get the phone numbers and e-mail addresses of your local representative and your two senators and the next time they brag about a federal grant or project you consider unnecessary, contact them and ask why your money is being spent in such a manner. And quit voting for people just because they boast about all the bacon they bring home.

· If you belong to an organization that gets federal money - and you would be surprised at how many groups, even charities, get federal grants - ask why it's necessary. Is there a better way to be locally self-sufficient?

· The estimated cost of the Katrina recovery amounts to roughly $700 for each American. Multiply that by the number of people in your state. Then challenge your local members of Congress and senators to cut that much in spending in your state. And to avoid being hypocritical, identify federal spending that directly affects you but you know you can live without.

It’s time regular Americans took the out-of-control spending pandemic into our own hands. Yes, the federal government seems to be moving in the right direction with Operation Offset, however, that isn’t enough. Do your part and get involved locally; change can only truly come from the bottom – up.