East Coast tragedy raises questions about government aid, global warming

Discussion

November 6, 2012

East Coast tragedy raises questions about government aid, global warming

Anonymous Rushville Republican The Rushville Republican Tue Nov 06, 2012, 11:58 AM EST

RUSHVILLE — Dear Editor:

It’s Tuesday, Oct. 30, 7:17 p.m., and I’m watching television coverage of the massive storm that has devastated the East Coast. The damage is so extensive that those on the scene must wonder where and how to even commence to clean up and rebuild.

The damage also brings a few other thoughts, in addition to those of compassion for fellow citizens suffering the direct losses. These thoughts include the effect on the global warming debate and the role of the federal government in such situations.

Those on the Republican right have devoted the past four years to preaching the need for smaller federal government with much more authority and autonomy delegated to the individual states. They have maintained this anti-big-government stance even though senators and representatives are always avidly pursuing federal funds directed to their states or districts. This is known as pork barrel spending and every politician is out to get all he can for his constituents in order that he may be reelected. Big government spending is “bad” only when it goes to some other state or district.

It would seem that given the enormous amount of damage suffered on the East Coast that the federal government will, in some manner, need to become involved. This poses a problem, to-wit:

Mitt Romney, titular head of the G.O.P., may well win election as President of the United States. He, and his cohort, are vehemently opposed to “intervention” by the federal government into state affairs. What would he do in response to the East Coast storm damage situation? Will he go against his professed core beliefs about “big government” and offer aid and assistance to those sufferers on the East Coast, or will he be adamant about any “government bail-outs” in aid of the vast area needing assistance?

I don’t know what, if anything, President Obama can do to help with the situation. I’m sure we will learn much more in that regard in coming days. I do feel that his administration would be far more inclined to offer whatever assistance the federal government could bring to bear in what is an almost unimaginable natural disaster.

This is in no way intended to be a Right vs. Left tirade. It is simply a question as to which political mindset might be more inclined to help those unfortunate East Coasters.

So, what do you think?

Also, re “Global Warming:” Almost all thinking people are coming around to the view of most scientists that we are indeed experiencing at least the beginning of an era of severe weather patterns previously unknown. Not wishing to appear one-sided in this letter, I’m merely going to say that most of those poo-pooing the idea of climate change have been arch conservatives, while most of those agreeing that a change is occurring have leaned toward the liberal side. I don’t know about you, but I get really tired of every subject these days coming down to an insoluble thought-deadlock between the right and the left sides of the political spectrum.

Regardless of who wins the presidential election, I do hope that the United States does everything in its power to aid and assist those sufferers on our East Coast.

The filthy election campaign would have you believe that the federal government is an invention of Satan, but I ask you: Do we pledge allegiance to the flag of Indiana, or Montana, or Florida - or are we still a mighty sovereign nation, the UNITED States of America.

Please think about it when you’re preaching about states’ rights and vilifying the federal government.

Best regards from a citizen of the United States, who happens to live in Indiana.

Norm Voiles

Rushville

Text Only

Letters to the Editor

Library should be county-wide
Dear Editor:
I read with interest Paul Barada’s column proposing that the Rushville Library should become a county facility.
Way back in 1990, shortly after I became publisher of the Rushville Republican, I approached the director of the library, informing her that I wished to put the entire resources of the local newspaper behind a drive to convert the city library to a county library.

May 22, 2013
RCCF thanks local business
Letter to the Editor:
We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the annual Rush County Community Foundation day at Stagg’s Dairy Treats and Restaurant on Sunday, May 5.

May 21, 2013
A grateful heart
Dear Editor:
The family of Johnny R. Tompkins would like to express our deepest gratitude to Ann Moster and Moster Mortuary for their caring and loving support in the midst of our grief and graciously assisting us with arrangements of a wonderful celebration of life for Johnny.

May 7, 2013
RPL fundraising off to good start
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Rushville Public Library, the board of trustees extends its thanks to all who supported our recent kickoff of the capital campaign, “It’s Overdue, Renew.”

May 7, 2013
Arc appreciation
Dear Editor:
The Arc of Rush County recently held a dance for Benjamin Rush students.

May 7, 2013
Class Of ’63 Reunion Committee looks for classmates
As the Rushville High School Class of 1963, continues plans for their 50th reunion, organizers are seeking the assistance of the public in locating several classmates who are listed as “lost.”

May 3, 2013
RCVA thanks BP/DOCS
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Rush County Victims Assistance, Inc. Board of Directors, this letter is to publicly acknowledge and sincerely thank local BP DOCS Shops and BP Products North America, Inc. for the third and final installment of a grant approved in 2011 to support local organizations in the community where they do business.

April 23, 2013
Giving thanks
Dear Editor:
We want to say a special thanks to the American Legion for the room and the use of everything and a special thanks to Kenny Walker for supplying the food extras and also everyone who brought food.

April 17, 2013
Thanks
Dear Editor:
Thanks to my family and friends for all the care, prayers, calls, flowers, cards, gifts, food and visits during my illness, surgery and recuperation. Thanks also to Rush Memorial and the Home Health Care Team.

April 17, 2013
Multiple acts of kindness don’t go unnoticed
Dear Editor:
My son Josh goes to Milroy Elementary. He is my special boy who is autistic. He is also the Salvation Army’s bell ringer with a big heart.

April 10, 2013
More Letters to the Editor Headlines

Letters to the Editor

Search Results

Discussion

East Coast tragedy raises questions about government aid, global warming

Site Map

Contact Us