Last year during the primary debates Mitt Romney apparently stated we should turn over the responsibility of FEMA to the states and private industry. I don't even remember the comment nor do I want to make that the focus of this blog. What I do want to talk about is the fact that Romney's view isn't unique. There are other people who feel the same way.

James Pethokoukis of the American Enterprise Institute says federal response to disasters was once a rare response and says it's now being over-used. He says the number of federal emergencies has soared and that state and private resources are often overlooked.

James Lee Witt, a former head of FEMA disagrees. He says when a state is overwhelmed or when the disaster involves several states, FEMA supports, but never replaces the local response.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate George Allen. The former Virginia Governor says FEMA is the best positioned to fund disaster relief efforts. He calls the current system in which the Federal Government takes the lead, a good collaborative approach to getting people back on their feet.

I agree. Imagine Louisiana being required to go it alone after Hurricane Katrina or Florida after Andrew. The resources of the state just aren't large enough to facilitate that. It takes Uncle Sam stepping in with a helping hand and a big wallet to help fund the recovery.

It's like a lot of things we say about America. It may not be perfect, but it's the best thing out there. There have been calls to turn a lot of things back over to the states. Major disaster relief, I believe, isn't one of them.