Some Things Transcend Politics
They tried to turn the hurricane into a political issue. But any attempts fell flat, as they should have.
Those on the left shouted about how this was another example of climate change…until the weather scientists pointed out that Ian had nothing to do with climate change, and that there were more major hurricanes a half century ago than now.
Those on the right crowed that the president refused to call the Republican governor of Florida and instead only talked by phone with Democrat mayors of large cities. The governor’s office had already been in contact with the White House so there was no point to a call, but I’m told the governor’s office pressed for a quick call to help put any backbenching to rest…and there was a president-to-governor call before Ian made it ashore.
Because this is a natural disaster, one of massive proportions…loss of life, property destroyed, landscape forever changed. Just because it didn’t land directly into Tampa Bay doesn’t mean it wasn’t major…because that actual landfall led to a host of other concerns including statewide flooding.
This is no time for red-vs-blue partisanship. Do you really think Ron DeSantis and Joe Biden want to talk, much less work together on anything? Not likely. But they will, or cause for things to get done through others, because that’s how our republic works. States have rights and sovereignty, but the federal government is organized to help states handle things that uniquely require it. Often, that’s due to foreign incursions, such as wars. But it also applies to natural disasters just like this.
Sure, it would be better if these partisans got along on a regular basis…but that’s not our current situation. Thank goodness, though, it appears despite our horribly fractured political system the tone of one’s politics will not get in the way of helping citizens who are in true need through no fault of their own. Because if we ever lose that, we’ve truly lost the republic.
