Harvey will show why we need "big" gov't [View all]

[nadine_mn]

Conservative idiots and Ayn Rand fanatics love to ho on and on about how we don't need government. Everything can be solved by capitalism.

But this huge ass storm is a big fuck you to all those who think pesky regulations and govt agencies are unnecessary.

It isn't just the need for FEMA, it is the need for improvements in infrastructure, coordinated emergency response, public transportation, etc. Long after the rains stop, there will still be power outages, thousands of people (and pets) in need of shelter, food and medical care. Standing pools of water are going to be a haven for mosquitoes and disease outbreaks, groundwater will likely be contaminated, remaining structures will need to be inspected and repaired, sick and the dead will need to be cared for, people will have lost employment, savings (if any), I mean it just goes on and on.

Many remember the devastation of Katrina, but it is clear that we as a nation didn't learn much from it. These "freak" storms are going to become the norm and we are not prepared.

So while that idiot is tweeting about how this is the biggest storm ever - with the same ridiculous fervor that he talks about his crowd sizes - the impact of Harvey is going to last long after the headlines disappear.

We need a strong government in times like this...you cannot privatize humanitarian and environmental crises. Loosening regulations and cutting taxes for the rich does nothing when millions of people's lives are affected by tragedy.

As usual, the hardest hit will be those the least able to speak out and ask for help.