Was Sandy a good thing?

but it may force some changes that have been needed but never implemented. Unfortunately, the cost of retrofitting upgrades is often prohibited not just by cost but also by convenience. It's easier and cheaper to simply replace overhead power lines than to place them underground.What NYC will see is that some taxis will be newer and really that's about it.But your second question "What is the proper role of government in a disaster?" and that I think is important."The Government" whether State, Local or Federal is simply a clearinghouse and proxy for each of us. It is in reality nothing but an agent of each individual citizen and the proper question is not whether the "Government" should do anything but rather whether I as a Texan should help those living in NYC, NJ, MD, VA, IN, ...Would I want the rest of my fellow citizens to help if my neighborhood was struck by flood or tornado or hurricane?

Right now as a Texan first.

Because right now I am living in Texas. I have also been a Virginian, a Marylander, a Arizonian, a Californian, a North and South Carolinian, a Georgian ...

Too funny. Have you ever thought to trying comedy?Did you actually read the posts where I said I was a Texan or where I listed other designations I have applied to my identity in the past?

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but it may force some changes that have been needed but never implemented. Unfortunately, the cost of retrofitting upgrades is often prohibited not just by cost but also by convenience. It's easier and cheaper to simply replace overhead power lines than to place them underground.

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What NYC will see is that some taxis will be newer and really that's about it.

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But your second question "What is the proper role of government in a disaster?" and that I think is important.

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"The Government" whether State, Local or Federal is simply a clearinghouse and proxy for each of us. It is in reality nothing but an agent of each individual citizen and the proper question is not whether the "Government" should do anything but rather whether I as a Texan should help those living in NYC, NJ, MD, VA, IN, ...

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Would I want the rest of my fellow citizens to help if my neighborhood was struck by flood or tornado or hurricane?

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It is not a matter of allegiance but rather an identification of where I live at the time. As I said in Message 9, "I have also been a Virginian, a Marylander, a Arizonian, a Californian, a North and South Carolinian, a Georgian ..."I also lived in PA and for relatively short periods in other states. The point was that government is simply an agent for all of us and even though Texas was not involved in this disaster I can use my agent, the government, to provide aid to those NOT in Texas.

Note the qualifier "right now" in my reply to you found in Message 9.The reason to mention that I am a Texan was to point out that I was NOT speaking in this case as someone who needed the help, rather as someone outside.

Taxes are good and in the US we certainly do not tax like we should. The problem is again a matter of education. The US sucks when it comes to actually educating people.