The elements

If it weren't for the tragedy, we'd enjoy the respite from politics presented by the storm Sandy. Finally, after many months of static cacophony from politicians and media's self-proclaimed pundits, the weather has blown away the noise, and offered its own, real intrusion. It forced focus on immediate needs and common problems.

But it provided politicians the opportunity to manage public affairs and talk about something else besides their noisy notions of what nostrum is good for us citizens. Governors can govern. Mayors can manage local affairs. The federal government, under such a blizzard of complaints last year, can do what we all need it to do — to provide for the public welfare when its interposition is required. Perhaps we can rethink the dangers of climate change, so ridiculed by so many un-scientists.

When the storm subsides, as it will eventually, one hopes good citizenship will continue and bipartisanship will return.

But don't count on it.

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