By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – On Sunday afternoon, North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson visited Pittsboro as part of his campaign tour, addressing a crowd of supporters in the wake of the severe hurricane Helene that had recently devastated parts of western North Carolina. The Lieutenant Governor’s speech focused on the community’s resilience, criticized governmental responses, and underscored his commitment to the people of North Carolina.
Acknowledging the Tragedy
The recent disaster—a powerful hurricane that caused significant flooding and destruction in the western part of North Carolina—was at the forefront of Robinson’s message. He opened his remarks by acknowledging the hardships faced by many families, particularly those who had lost loved ones and homes.
“Despite the loss of life and the ongoing search for the missing, we give thanks,” Robinson said, expressing gratitude not for governmental efforts but for the ordinary citizens who have stepped up to support their neighbors. His comments highlighted instances of heroism and selflessness, where individuals who had lost everything still sought to help others in need.
Grassroots Response vs. Government Inaction
Robinson contrasted the grassroots response to the disaster with what he described as inadequate governmental action. He lauded the citizens of North Carolina who organized rescues and provided essential supplies while criticizing the state government’s response as insufficient and slow. “The Hickory airport has been run by civilians,” he stated, emphasizing the effort of locals in organizing civilian flights for rescue operations and supply deliveries.
Political Commentary on Leadership
Transitioning from personal anecdotes to political critique, Robinson took aim at Governor Roy Cooper’s actions during the storm. He highlighted Cooper’s absence during the disaster response, alleging that the governor was attending a fundraiser out of state. “While the storm raged, the governor was in New York,” Robinson said, portraying this as a failure of leadership. His remarks included calls for unity among government officials to address the needs of those affected.
Criticism of Political Dynamics
Robinson did not hold back his disdain for what he termed “politics over people,” criticizing both Republican and Democratic leaders for prioritizing political agendas over effective disaster response. “I ran for this seat to serve the people of North Carolina,” he proclaimed, asserting that his administration would work across party lines to ensure that aid reached those in need without the interference of political gamesmanship.
Policy Focus
Robinson emphasized the need for a focused and principled approach to governance, one that prioritizes policies that have proven successful in addressing economic challenges. Citing North Carolina’s transition from a $6 billion debt to a $5 billion surplus, he attributed this turnaround to conservative policies implemented since Republicans took control in 2010.
Call for Governmental Cohesion
Robinson’s vision for the future involved a call for collaboration among state leaders to tackle ongoing challenges. “Imagine if we put politics aside,” he suggested, positing that a united front in the face of adversity would serve as a powerful message to the citizens of North Carolina. He invited all elected officials, regardless of party affiliation, to join in the effort to rebuild and support the communities affected by the recent storm.
A Rallying Cry for Volunteers
Robinson’s remarks also served as a rallying cry for community members to engage actively in support efforts. He urged the crowd to continue volunteering, donating supplies, and providing assistance to their neighbors. The Lieutenant Governor made it clear that while governmental support is crucial, the heart of recovery lies within the community itself.
Personal Stories of Resilience
In his speech, Robinson shared several stories of individuals and families who had faced devastating losses yet remained hopeful and determined to assist others. He recounted meeting a young couple who had lost their only child the previous year and, despite losing their home in the recent storm, were dedicated to helping their neighbors.
The Role of Media
Robinson’s remarks also touched upon the role of media in shaping public perception. He lamented the lack of coverage regarding his efforts during the crisis, contrasting it with the media’s attention to controversies. “It’s funny how the cameras show up for one thing but ignore the real stories happening in our communities,” he stated.
A Message of Hope and Action
Mark Robinson’s speech during his campaign visit to Pittsboro called for unity, criticized political inaction, and underscored the importance of grassroots efforts in disaster response.