A man hauls debris away from a pizza restaurant that was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian at Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022.
A man hauls debris away from a pizza restaurant that was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian at Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. Credit: AP PHOTO/JAY REEVES

The U.S. has provided many billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s war against Russia. Most Americans agree with this policy. They desperately need our help.

Unfortunately, many victims of hurricane Ian also desperately need help to overcome the devastation to their lives and property. The vast majority of affected homeowners had no flood insurance to even partially cover their losses. I think it would surprise most homeowners to discover their standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage.

If the U.S. government can justify sending tremendous monetary support to foreign governments; pickup the tab for billions of dollars of student loans; provide expensive military support for the arrogant, unappreciative Saudis; can’t we find a way to quickly provide significant much needed aid to Americans suffering life-changing, whopping losses beyond their control due to the hurricane?

If there ever was a time to set aside politics and get help into the hands of our own citizens, this is it. Can the leaders of this country do that?

Paul Gallo

Barre