Romney has come out with a new position on FEMA.  But it’s important for us to characterize this for what it is and what it isn’t.  This isn’t the real Romney throwing off the chains of a conservative primary finally able to be the real Mitt.  No.  Not even close.  This is a Mitt Romney who the Economist described as “willing to do or say just about anything to get elected” (source).  In other words – he’s lying.  At the core of it – we can’t afford to fund FEMA when we’re passing tax cuts worth trillions for millionaires; it’s one or the other but not both.  Tough call …

I don’t like having to say the man has no integrity; it brings me no pleasure in doing so.  In politics – we can disagree without being disagreeable.  A spade is a spade; he is the most dishonest politician in modern history trying to etch-a-sketch his way into the White House; if Romney can win with such blatant lies – what do you think he would do as President?

Let’s look at Romney’s timeline on FEMA …

June 13, 2011 – Romney says clear as day that he favors turning FEMA over to the states and potentially privatizing it (source).

November 5, 2011 – Romney proposes huge cuts to government spending (source); studies concludes this would cut FEMA by 40% (source) and (source).

August 31, 2012 – Romney tells Hurricane victims to call FEMA for help (source).

October 30, 2012 – Romney is asked on 14 different occasions about what his plans for FEMA are and he refuses to answer (source).

Absorb that … and then reconcile all of that with Romney’s newest statement on FEMA.  Romney said this:

“I believe that FEMA plays a key role in working with states and localities to prepare for and respond to natural disasters.  As president, I will ensure FEMA has the funding it needs to fulfill its mission, while directing maximum resources to the first responders who work tirelessly to help those in need, because states and localities are in the best position to get aid to the individuals and communities affected by natural disasters.”

Buyer beware.  And if you had any doubt … just remember what Eric Cantor(R-VA) – the House Majority Leader said as he was touring damage in his congressional district from Hurricane Irene last year.  Salon reminds us HERE:

But instead of acting quickly to approve the funds, congressional Republicans, led by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, took a principled stand against disaster funding, saying it was more important to prevent the deficit from growing than to supply the needed money. They insisted on offsetting cuts for new aid, most of which would have come from discretionary social welfare programs, like food stamps. Even as he was touring earthquake damage in his own district, Cantor refused to budge. “All of us know that the federal government is busy spending money it doesn’t have,” he said while inspecting damaged buildings.

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