Public Services Help Convention Goers Weather the Storm

by Joye Barksdale  |  August 28, 2012

Mother Nature has a way of turning even the most diehard small-government advocates into big believers in public services. For proof, look to the Republican National Convention in Tampa,  Fla.

Forecasts by government scientists and meteorologists alerted the Republican National Committee about Hurricane Isaac developments, predicting that high wind and heavy rain would impact convention activities. Erring on the side of caution, the Republicans postponed the start of the convention. (They didn’t seem to agree with their own standard bearer Rush Limbaugh, who blustered that President Obama was controlling the hurricane’s predicted path to interrupt the convention.)

“The safety of those in Isaac’s path is of the utmost importance,” tweeted Mitt Romney, who is scheduled to be officially nominated for President by the Republicans tonight.  “I applaud those in Tampa for making the appropriate schedule changes.”

Florida Gov. Rick Scott used his governmental authority to declare a state of emergency. “I have made Governor Romney and RNC officials aware of the resources our state can provide in the chance Tampa is affected,” Scott said. The declaration means that all state government agencies, including the Florida National Guard, are available to provide assistance to communities throughout the state.

State government maintains a website, www.FloridaDisaster.org, which provides updated information about the weather and advises precautions to take. The government has established emergency centers throughout Florida where families can seek refuge.

And before, during and after a disaster like Isaac, public employees – government workers – are out keeping their communities safe, dispatching for and rescuing those stranded, cleaning up damage and helping residents cope with the physical and emotional impact of the storm. They often do it while putting their own homes and safety second to the people they serve.

Government can’t do everything. But it should do the most important things – like helping citizens weather the storm.