The Lesson Of Lahaina, Hawaii and Hurricane Helene

The lesson is simple and the same for both crises: no one is coming to save you; it is up to us—We the People.

Working with individuals from the diverse states affected by Hurricane Helene, I am continually amazed by the resilience and determination of the citizen army. Pilots, first responders, donors, churches, and businesses, both small and large, are tirelessly working to rescue as many as possible. They transport supplies by air, vehicle, horse, and pack mule. The spread of Starlink systems in the region, with Elon Musk generously allowing them to be activated and run at no cost, is a testament to their resourcefulness and dedication. Nationwide, people use social media to coordinate legitimate donation stations and send money or supplies.

Citizens are also disregarding the attempts of some inept government agents to shut down support and are moving forward regardless. Seeing the good brings tears to the eyes; it brings something else to mind when confronted by those who pursue evil, intentionally obstruct, or do nothing at all. When government talking heads complain about the citizen army, they must be reminded that the government is generally corrupt, inefficient, and untrustworthy, as proven by their actions - or inaction. They must also be reminded they work FOR US. We are the boss. (There are good people in the agencies; we must also recognize that.)

The crucial lesson we must all take from the experiences of Lahaina and Hurricane Helene is the power of community action. We cannot simply TRUST the plans of FEMA or other federal agencies; we must BE the plan. We have the power to reject the petty dictates of those who obstruct. When local, state, and federal agencies are making a positive impact, we stand with them. When they hinder us, we work around them.

• The Secretary of Transportation says you can’t fly drones? Fly them anyway. (As a helicopter pilot, I would fly in this scenario and not worry about drones.)

• Have you been told you can’t fly your private helicopter? Do it regardless.

• Are “agents” threatening the confiscation of weapons? Don’t give in; Hurricane Katrina taught us that.

This is why we at Restore Liberty started our County Guardian program. We have known for a long time that it is up to us to solve our biggest problems. We will work alongside local, state, and federal agencies when they do what is right. We will continue to provide critical leadership and support despite them when they are wrong. Our team is proving that our plan works. They are helping coordinate relief efforts in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and North Carolina. Many more teams are involved than us, but we are happy to do our part.

We want to express our heartfelt thanks to our team and all those who bravely support people in dire need. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and we recognize and value every one of you.

Finally, a concern is spreading throughout the nation that these areas will not be rebuilt but will become something else.

This cannot happen. Every town and community must be rebuilt for the people who live there. After all, we are Americans, and we do hard things.

Let’s stop funding Ukraine and rebuild Asheville, Boone, and Mountain City.

Stop funding the illegal alien invasion while claiming to be out of money.

Our agencies must stop lying to Americans and do what we hire them to do.

Our government is in breach of contract.