Other states have seen little government assistance, and in some cases no assistance at all, after natural disasters.

The author urges the General Assembly to reject legislation to raise taxes on the so-called "top 1%" and and take a more mathematical view of RI’s long-term competitiveness.

In view of the subsequent development of our nation, Rhode Island’s reluctance has been largely vindicated, so our Statehood Day should be a day of public pride rather than ignored.