I acknowledge the caving community for finding solutions to support each other in times of need. Those responsible for organizing this at the TCC headquarters clearly deserve to be thanked for their efforts. But I would strongly disagree with the point of view that you have proposed. If a government does provide for the safety and welfare of its citizens in a time of need; Of what benefit is it ? Our Government and constitution are clearly based on principles of freedom, democracy and collective safety. Otherwise why would the collected States unite under a Federal Government. When threatened with hostile action; we collectively respond as a nation. The basis for this action is clearly established in our constitution. When the misguided policies of an administration lead us to a war based on faulty intelligence; we PROUDLY respond as a nation. Our constitution provides a basis for that as well. When the World Trade Center was attacked; we responded as a nation. To respond differently in the event of a natural disaster and to think that it is acceptable that the people affected do not require federal assistance and aid is a slippery slope of failed reason. While I would concur that the Government should NOT develop and / or create a welfare state where all citizens feel that they are entitled to being supported. It is clearly; within the realm of responsibility of the Federal Government to respond to unforeseen incidents that affect and impact the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. This recent crisis has clearly demonstrated that the "ownership" society and compassionate conservatism proposed by the Bush Administration is clearly a failed national policy and is without integrity. In its mission to radical transform our federal government; This administration has weakened our ability to assess and respond to crisis both at home and abroad. Our government failed in its primary function; which is provide a safe stable environment in which its citizens can conduct their lives within the framework of democracy, freedom and commerce. Hurricanes happen. And the federal response was clearly unacceptable.
On 10/8/05 3:21 PM, "Mike Flannigan" <mikef...@earthlink.net> wrote: > > Yeah, a bunch of people are under that mistaken impression. > And those that receive some help from the federal government > lead the pack in those that assume this is an obligation of the > federal govt. It is not. The govt is not coming right out and > stating that fact for obvious reasons. I think that is a mistake > on their part. > > > Mike > > > TCC wrote: > >> Like most people, many Texas cavers assumed that our government would be >> there to assist when we are hit by a disaster. That is not always be the >> case. Prior to Hurricane Rita, we send word to the Greater Houston Grotto >> that we had space for cavers at the TCC Headquarters. Cave Tex was down so >> our state wide notice did not go out. Several Houston cavers stayed at the >> TCC Headquarters until Hurricane Rita moved on. Thanks to Spencer Woods for >> "making the party" that Saturday night. We should make plans to protect our >> families. I will be available at OTR to discuss such plans if thereyou are >> interested. Contact me if you want to discuss disaster plans. >> >> Today, the Texas Cave Conservancy can make the following invitation. If >> you need a place to stay during any other future disasters, you have a place >> at the TCC Headquarters in Cedar Park. If things look bad, come and be with >> friends. We can even get you underground for caving or for protection. We can >> put up 25-30 cavers and family , more if necessary. We are stockpiling food, >> water, medicine, a generator, fuel, etc. Let us know what else we should have >> to be ready to assist cavers. Let's be ready to help cavers when they need >> it. Thank you. >> >> Mike Walsh President >> >> Steve Gutting Director >> >> Donna Mosesmann Director >> >> Gordon Birkhimer Director >> >> For a map on how to get to the TCC Headquarters located at 1800 West Park, >> Cedar Park, Texas, e-mail or call us at: >> >> 512-249-2283 >> >> tcc-ca...@austin.rr.com > > > _______________________________________________ > Texascavers mailing list > Texascavers@texascavers.com > http://mail.texascavers.com/mailman/listinfo/texascavers_texascavers.com _______________________________________________ Texascavers mailing list Texascavers@texascavers.com http://mail.texascavers.com/mailman/listinfo/texascavers_texascavers.com
