Obama’s damage response garners praise

Superstorm Sandy’s devastation precedes the 2012 election. President Obama left campaigning to lead reparations. He is working tirelessly with state governors. His collaboration with Republican Gov. Chris Christie to help the millions who are suffering is inspiring.

Hurricane Sandy illuminates issues. On the right, some demand a minuscule government. Yet when such a disaster strikes, we see the collective benefit of a strong, effective federal government. United we stand.

However, in 2011 Romney stated he’d defund the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), assigning relief to the states and to private businesses that would profit from disasters. Post-Sandy, Romney refuses to discuss his previous FEMA statements.

Obama has responded effectively and compassionately, unlike the Bush administration’s disastrous response to Hurricane Katrina.

In 2008, Obama inherited the worst national financial crisis since the Great Depression. Furthermore, congressional Republicans immediately vowed to oppose him. Their intransigence harmed the citizenry.

Despite relentless opposition, President Obama repaired much of the damage he inherited, accomplishing a great deal. He passed health-care reform, the economy is improving, the auto industry is thriving, Osama bin Laden is dead, consumer confidence is up, and we are out of Iraq and will soon leave Afghanistan. Imagine what he could do with increased cooperation. Re-elect Obama.

— Bambi Lin Litchman, Tacoma