No federal rescues?

Hurricane Sandy’s arrival a week before the election should focus attention on Mitt Romney’s position on global warming and the role of government. His sole reference to global warming in the nomination acceptance speech was the laugh line, “President Obama promised to slow the rise of the oceans [pauses for audience laughter] and to heal the planet.” Hurricane Sandy certainly suggests that the planet needs healing.

With regard to the role of government, Romney summarized his position during the primary debates when he indicated that he favors shutting down the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). While he believed it appropriate for the federal government to provide $400 million to rescue the Salt Lake City Olympics, he rejects having the federal government rescue people suffering from a natural disaster.

Michael Caplow

Chapel Hill