Mitt Romney, a rising ocean can sink families

In his speech at the Republican National Convention accepting his party’s presidential nomination, Mitt Romney chastised President Obama for promising “to begin to slow the rise of the oceans.” In direct contrast, Mr. Romney promised “to help you and your family.”

It was fitting that, a day after that curious comparison, Mr. Romney visited Louisiana communities where lives, cultures and economies were severely damaged by the storm surge from Hurricane Isaac.

One hopes that Mr. Romney now realizes that, in the many U.S. communities increasingly threatened by encroaching seas, one of the most powerful ways to help families and their livelihoods is to champion policies and decisions that stem those rising tides.

Jeffrey J. Thomas, New Orleans

The writer is a member of the Orleans Parish Democratic Committee.