Hurricane Helene underlines partisan divide over how to help

Two visions of America are clashing in parts of the country that were ravaged by Hurricane Helene. One is voluntary, Tocquevillian, and community-based, with animated private relief efforts. The other, led by FEMA, relies on the government.

Republicans hold up voluntarism as the best way to do things collectively. Those on the Left insist that the government is not only the best option but should often be the only option. Even our religious divide is reflected in this clash. The private relief effort is guided not only by Americans’ predilection for little platoons but often also by faith.