In times of crisis, America has always put political biases behind and focused on helping rescue, rebuild and repair. During 9/11, I seem to recall that people put aside their political differences and backed George Bush and his efforts to quell the anxiety of the country. It was only until later that suspicions arose concerning the disaster's origins. And even through "Heck-of-a-job, Brownie," we stood by and supported the administration in its weak endeavors.
We felt we had no choice. This
is America. We don't bicker while people are hurting. We wait a decent time
until the worst is over to take sides, to criticize, to blame.
That moment of constraint evaporated during Hurricane Sandy's
onslaught. Actually, it wasn't even there
to begin with. There was no "let's stand behind the President at this
moment in crisis." There was no feeling of unity. Perhaps it was the
timing of the disaster, coming as it did at such a critical juncture of
American politics, but the lack of full support for the Obama administration's
efforts was telling: the Right still screeched its old tune, the tune that it
vowed to keep up since Jan.20, 2009:
"Always be on the attack,
no matter what Obama does. Attack the good as well as the bad. Never give up.
Never!"
New Jersey Governor Chris
Christie was roundly mocked and criticized for praising President Obama's
efforts to rescue and relieve the people of his state.
Rush Limbaugh: "Christie's
the only Republican not just praising Obama, it's a -- let's just put it this
way. Is it wrong for one man to love another man?But that man love out there is
isolated in the state of New Jersey."
Pulling together regardless of
political ideologies has always been the American way. Is now the time to
determine just who is American...and who is not?