For most, Hurricane Irene is a somewhat distant memory. A non-event that came and went. To others, like Save Jerseyans in Patterson, NJ, Irene is still lingering around and making their lives miserable. With power finally back on, and most roads finally open again, life is some of New Jersey’s worst hit cities and towns are finally returning to normalcy.
And now President Obama decides to make an appearance…
The President is clearly trying to cover his bases after the game has ended. Governor Christie utilized the media to urge the federal government to act in places like Patterson, wanting the President to come and for aid to reach citizens in need. For a while we heard nothing. Then finally, Secretary Napolitano was here, and she commented that New Jersey was among the worst she had seen when it came to the effects of the storm, but even that was not enough to get the President moving on his response. And now, days later, Obama is here.
Will this make a difference? No probably not. The state and local authorities have been working tirelessly with the Governor’s office to restore power (which they did) and to get everything functioning again (which is almost done). FEMA is already on the ground with its loan program to help affected families and businesses. After sending Napolitano in his place, this is nothing more than a photo op to try and rehabilitate the President’s sagging poll numbers in a state he counts on for electoral votes in 2012. Joining in on the photo op will be Senators Menendez and Lautenberg, and Congressmen Rothman and Pascrell. Lone rational being and adult, Governor Christie, will also be there as the President finally surveys week old damage. Maybe while he is here he can give a speech to a joint session of the state legislature and think it might actually turn the situation around…oh wait.
