There’s real anger bubbling up from the far corners of Connecticut over President Obama’s decision to deny federal disaster aid to individuals and businesses hurt by last month’s flooding rains.
There is no doubt the losses in Fairfield County and in southeastern communities are real and, on an individual basis, tragic. Photos of collapsed walls and water-logged furniture tell the tale of Mother Nature’s power to undo the best laid plans. Federal aid is flowing to Rhode Island residents just across the border. So why not to Connecticut?
Governor Rell is busily preparing an appeal. The congressional delegation is writing letters to the White House. Local residents are vowing political repercussions for anyone standing in the way of federal aid.
That’s all fine, well-intentioned and predictable. But it begs the most basic question: At what point does that kind of tragedy become a matter for the federal government?
Obama signed the disaster declaration providing aid to municipalities and nonprofit groups, a step toward restoring normal social services. But he balked at agreeing to the discretionary granting of further aid to individuals and businesses.
In doing so, he is sending a message about entitlements, about the role of government and about the state of the national treasury. And he’s choosing to deliver that message on the backs of supporters in a ‘blue’ state.
For years, the federal government has been saying it can’t keep stepping in and bailing out people who refuse to help themselves. The Clinton administration said it; so did the Bush administration. Floridians need to buy hurricane insurance; Californians need to buy earthquake insurance; people along the banks of the Mississippi need to stop rebuilding in areas that flood every couple of years and, yes, Connecticut residents in flood-prone areas need to buy flood insurance.
There is certainly a role for the federal government in disaster relief. When Katrina-sized disasters strike, the feds need to step in quickly and effectively. But for the normal bumps and bruises of life — and spring rains that cause localized flooding, even well-above-normal flood levels, fits in that category — Americans need to look in the mirror and recognize that we are responsible for our own well being.
Obama’s decision is certainly unpopular and we feel for those who have suffered losses. But it’s good policy, good politics and a good message.
Those Were The Days
Those hockey jerseys with the signature whale fluke keep flying off the racks. The true believers keep raising the prospect of the National Hockey League returning to Hartford. Now comes talk of a new arena to house this dream team and a new entertainment tax to pay for it.
It’s a shame to rain on the parade before it even forms but the idea of a new downtown arena seems as likely as snow in August.
Given the massive budget deficits confronting both the city and the state, there simply isn’t any money for circuses right now. There’s certainly no business case to be made for private funding. And the idea of adding even a miniscule additional tax burden is ill-timed and ill-considered.
There’s also a growing national trend away from publicly funded sports stadiums. Should Hartford buck the trend? The evidence argues loudly and clearly that we should not.
There is little doubt that Hartford and all of Connecticut would be better off if an NHL team called Hartford its home. But there’s no evidence to suggest a second iteration of the Whalers would do better than the first. And this isn’t the moment to make a high-risk gamble with public money.
Let’s remember the good days fondly, but let’s not delude ourselves into thinking we can go home again.
