Staff Reports
As the aftermath of Hurricane Helene unfolds, a shocking picture of governmental negligence is emerging, particularly from the Biden administration. While American citizens in North Carolina find themselves stranded and in need of urgent assistance, military resources sit idle due to a lack of action from Washington. Congressman Michael Walz is raising alarms about military helicopters that could be saving lives but are conspicuously absent from the rescue efforts. This disparity raises a serious question: why is the administration so slow to respond when able-bodied military resources are ready and waiting just down the road?
Military assets at Fort Bragg, known for its robustness, are reportedly stashed away while folks are left stranded in the mountains. This begs the question—how many lives could be saved if the President and Vice President would just give the go-ahead? Meanwhile, civilian volunteers like Cory Mills, who have decided to spend their own money and time to help out, are stepping up where the government is failing. It is a classic case of “the government can’t do it, so the people will,” proving once again that when it comes to crises, the cavalry expected from Washington is nowhere to be found.
People are DYING stranded in the mountains of North Carolina.
Civilian volunteers are stepping in where they can but why hasn’t Biden-Harris authorized the DOZENS of active duty helicopters sitting at Ft. Bragg (Liberty) just down the road to go help? https://t.co/WjJIo2nZLU
— Rep. Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) October 2, 2024
The scale of destruction being reported is alarming. Comparisons to Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans nearly two decades ago, are not made lightly. The devastation in North Carolina is reminiscent of a delayed response, echoing the slow trickle of information that haunted the response to Katrina. It raises the haunting concern that citizens in Western North Carolina are facing a similar fate, left in the dark while officials twiddle their thumbs.
On a practical level, the lack of coordination is nothing short of disappointing. Requests for Title 10 orders, which would allow military personnel to engage in Defense Support of Civil Authorities, are being stalled. Those familiar with military protocol are shaking their heads at the lack of proactive planning and preparedness that could have mitigated the current crisis. When citizens are in dire need, expecting effective governmental action is akin to using a flip phone in an iPhone world—ineffective and outdated.
The underground volunteer network is making great strides, sending in supplies to those in need. Yet, with hundreds still unaccounted for and basic amenities like clean drinking water and cell service out of reach, the federal government’s failure to act swiftly stands in stark contrast to the resilience and determination demonstrated by individual Americans. In moments of crisis, it is the spirit of the people that shines through, while government can often be a cumbersome obstacle. The administration’s sluggishness could endanger even more lives as the clock ticks on, leaving many to ask: when will help arrive?
