Posted by
EWRoss on Thursday, February 11, 2010 7:00:00 AM
This week's column (Obama’s War on Terror) was
delayed by the historic blizzard that hit the Washington, DC,
metropolitan area beginning Friday evening, February 5. It's still snowing as I
write this on February 10 from a second major storm. Total accumulation outside
is around 35 inches. Our power has been back on for about 42 hours after 41
hours without it.
To people from places that
routinely get this much snow, 35 inches is no big deal. To those of us who are
long-time residents of the National Capital Region, however, this is, as
President Obama and others have phrased it, "snowmaggedon."
Residents of this area have a
reputation for panic at the first signs of the smallest snowfall. Drivers struggle to control their vehicles, as snow
tires and chains are a rarity. Supermarket shelves are emptied for fear
of days without access to them. This time their panic was justified.
As with all natural catastrophes,
however, the men and women who must respond to this situation, as usual, have
done a magnificent job. Snowplow drivers, power-company employees, policemen,
and fire fighters are working long and difficult shifts. I salute them.
Forty-one hours in the 19th century gives one a renewed appreciation for them.
Looking on the bright side, the
federal government has been closed for three days. It likely will be closed
tomorrow and even Friday. Perhaps administration officials, senators and
congressmen will take this time off to consider how much better off we all
would be with a little less government.
Read this week’s and Sidebar at http://ewross.com
Read Previous EWRoss at http://ewross.com/Sidebar.htm
Read Previous EWRoss weekly columns at http://ewross.com/archive.htm