Ted Cruz wrong to ask for federal aid

To the editor:

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz's demanding federal aid for Texas flooding is so hypocritical.

When a far worse disaster hit the east coast (Hurricane Sandy), Cruz, Sen. Chuck Grassley and most of their party voted against providing aid. It's another disturbing example of politicians being compassionate only when it benefits themselves or their own. Are Republicans being compassionate when they insist on eliminating affordable health care or when they are willing to risk more horrible catastrophes by refusing to act on, or even acknowledge, human caused climate change?

The best answer in this conservative state is for Republicans to show everyone how well pure capitalism can work. Instead of demanding federal help, Texans should ask Republican mega-funders like Koch Industries and the petroleum industry (who benefit from carbon pollution)) to donate the billions Texas needs. It should be easy for these businesses since Texas collects no corporate taxes. Conservatives should use this perfect opportunity to prove their belief that we don't need a caring and cooperative federal government. Let them prove that the Republican alternatives of laissez-faire government and corporate greed are all that Americans need when things go really badly. Don't be hypocrites - make your case in Texas.

Rob Johnson

Cedar Rapids