Staff Reports
Hurricane Helene, a storm that was a whopping 400 miles wide, made its sullen debut in Florida, leaving behind a path of destruction that has now led to its downgrade to a tropical storm status. But don’t be fooled by the downgrade; the damage is real, and the effects are anything but minimal. In the wake of this natural disaster, one resonating theme from the Biden administration has emerged: “We’ve given all that we can in relief funds.” This line, igniting frustration among countless hurricane victims, raised eyebrows across the nation, especially considering the billions that have been directed towards Ukraine or handed over to illegal immigrants at the southern border.
As the people of Valdosta, Georgia; Perry and Tampa, Florida; Boone and Asheville, North Carolina, grapple with the aftermath, it appears they’re being told to fend for themselves. Reports have come in detailing how President Biden’s response could be summed up as an apathetic shrug, leaving citizens questioning where to turn for help. When asked for words of comfort for hurricane victims, his response lacked warmth and urgency, sending many into a state of disbelief. Quite the comforting sentiment from a president when his constituents need him most.
Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse Snaps Into Action as Biden Says No Additional Resources for Helene Victims via @WestJournalism https://t.co/rcJimADizV Joe Biden doesn't know the meaning of caring for the pain and loss caused by Hurricane Helena. "There was no heroism in his…
— JohnathanHuntington12345 (@Hunti1Johnathan) September 30, 2024
By now, it’s clear that for Biden, “going above and beyond” might only apply to non-citizens and those evading the law. His administration’s lack of action has been glaring to those dealing with the wreckage of Helene. One has to wonder what goes through the minds of those waiting for assistance: did they accidentally elect a president dedicated more to foreign matters and social experiments than to American citizens in need? A cold, hard statement from Biden was reminiscent of a dismissive friend saying, “Good luck with that,” right before heading off to a gala.
Enter Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse, the shining example of what true leadership looks like in a time of crisis. While the Biden administration appeared to hang up their relief hat, Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organization with over five decades of experience helping those in distress, sprang into action. They understood that people were not merely seeking financial aid but real compassion, physical help, and above all, hope. The storm caused an estimated $95 to $110 billion in damages, but the emotional and spiritual toll was immeasurable.
In stark contrast to the commander-in-chief’s chilly reception, Samaritan’s Purse wasted no time setting up ground operations, announcing initiatives such as oxygen clinics for those without power and a damage assessment hotline. They made it clear: “We see you, and we are in this with you.” This is the kind of potential leadership Americans expect when disaster strikes, not the dispassionate bureaucratic red tape often associated with government relief efforts.
The attentiveness of Samaritan’s Purse should make anyone reconsider who embodies true compassion during these hard times. As communities pick up the shattered pieces left in the wake of Hurricane Helene, many are reminded of a government that appears indifferent. The Biden administration’s response has opened a window for undecided voters to seriously assess the monumental failure of their elected officials. If Vice President Kamala Harris is any indication of what the future holds, it looks grim—more of the same lackluster assistance just when Americans need it most. The question remains: when the next disaster strikes, who will rise to the occasion, and who will continue to pass the buck?
