IRENE AGAIN – AT 9:44 A.M. ET:  We expressed our skepticism earlier about the overhyping of Hurricane Irene.  Certainly some of the end-of-the-world predictions turned out to be ridiculous.

But we must acknowledge the flooding that the storm left in its wake.  It is very severe in parts of New Jersey and Vermont.   The damage is not in areas that were predicted to be hard hit, but that doesn't lessen our concern for those communities.  Irene turned out to be a horrible storm, just not in ways that were foreseen. 

At the same time, discussion about Irene has, naturally, descended into petty Washington politics.  Some ill-advised comments by Republican leaders – and they have that knack – gave the impression that they were skinflints who would hold back aid to stricken towns until the aid could be offset by savings elsewhere...not the kind of comment that works in an emergency, when people are being forced out of their homes.  Fortunately, the leaders realized their error and moved quickly to explain.  The explanation, from the office of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, is thoughtful and correct:

“People and families affected by these disasters will certainly get what they need from their federal government,” Dayspring said. “The goal should always be to find ways to pay for what is needed or to find offsets whenever possible, that is the responsible thing to do. Clearly when disasters and emergencies happen, people expect their government to treat them as national priorities and respond properly. People also expect their government to spend their dollars wisely, and to make efforts to prioritize and save when possible. They aren’t and shouldn’t be considered mutually exclusive concepts.”

That is true, but you've got to get the words right the first time.  Republicans, in my view, still don't understand the impact of a biased press, and how that press will once again do its job for its favorite president.  Any foolish statements by Republicans will be broadcast to every hall closet in the country.  Foolishness by the Dems will be overlooked.  That bias has got to be worth points in an election, and, I believe, had much to do with Obama's victory in 2008. 

Think before you speak, fellas.

August 31, 2011