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Politics shouldn’t affect disaster recovery

Our nation has faced numerous natural disasters in the last couple of years. From tornadoes, to floods, to hurrianes, to wildfires, there isn’t much of the country that hasn’t been touched in one way or another, with millions of Americans affected as a result.

One of the things I’ve noticed over the years is the capability of the American people to typically come together in our times of need.

In 2023, four fires burned more than 17,000 acres of the island of Maui in Hawaii. More than 100 people lost their lives, and hundreds more lost their homes or their businesses.

In 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through several of our southern states, resulting in more than 200 deaths, and damages calculated to more than $63 billion according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Major damage was spread across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Containment efforts continue in the Los Angeles area, as wildfires continue to destroy parts of that city. It will still be some time before we know the full losses as a result of that tragedy.

Add to that the almost 1,800 tornadoes recorded in the United States in 2024 (including a few in our region), flooding which resulted in around 170 (possibly more) deaths with one major flooding event which hit several states in the Upper Midwest, major winter storms, and droughts.

Through it all, people pull together. Communities gather to show support for those affected. Residents of other states work to collect material and monetary donations for those experiencing some of the worst life has to offer in the hope of helping them to get back on their feet.

Last spring, I saw families and neighbors helping each other in Hancock County as a tornado wiped out several houses. They worked together to make sure everyone was safe, clear the debris and take stock of what was lost and what remained.

The same happened in our area when the Ohio River spilled over its banks, resulting in water rushing into the streets of several of our communities.

It didn’t matter our religious or political preferences, our ethnic background, our jobs, or any other metric. The people stood by each other.

Local communities gathered supplies for people of North Carolina imacted by Helene, and continue to do so as it will be a long time for the people there to rebuild.

Efforts were organized in different parts of the country to assist so many natural disaster victims, because there is still good in the world.

Isn’t it strange, then, that those who are supposed to lead us in these difficult times are making it even more difficult by playing political games?

The thought of withholding disaster relief simply because of the voting practices or political leaning of elected officials in a particular state is, to me, unconscionable.

And, yes, unfortunately, there have been such suggestions on both sides of the political aisle as it’s become more fashionable in today’s political climate to try to “own” the “other side” over providing actual leadership for the benefit of all Americans.

People are elected to public office with the expectation they will serve. It’s not to score points with a particular party or organization. It’s not to divide the people. It’s not to harm others. Yet, that’s exactly what we continue to allow these “leaders” to do with their antics.

We look at those now receiving these gifts of elected office taking our states and country into more extreme points of the political spectrum, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

It’s a sad thought that this way of thinking could continue to seep its way into the thoughts of our communities, leading to neighbors no longer willing to help each other because of their preferred candidate. Unfortunately, it’s a very real possibility, and reminds us that we need better leadership if we are to continue.

We are “One Nation.” At least, we’re supposed to be.

(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @CHowellWDT)

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