Fuel to the Flames

Anyone outside of California who wants to understand what victims of the wildfires are facing should listen to Hugh Hewitt's podcast today. Hewitt was a land-use lawyer for decades in Southern California, and about 16 minutes into today's Highly Concentrated Hugh, he gives a thoroughly detailed, chilling outline of the vast bureaucratic nightmare awaiting each and every resident who tries to rebuild their home. 

This morning we're learning that the Pacific Palisades reservoir was "offline and empty." Hmm. Could that be a contributing factor to empty fire hydrants? And by the way, where are our new reservoirs, approved by California voters in Proposition 1, the Water, Quality Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014? Nowhere to be found. Maybe the funds needed to be diverted to the free drug kits California is supplying to the addicts living (and defecating) on the streets.

Not to be overlooked are California's environmental regulation strangleholds on clearing overgrown brush, vegetation, and forests. Even England has recognized that screwup.

As mentioned in the last post, there are many reasons that contribute to why this massive conflagration happened. The rage of Los Angeles citizens against the governmental powers that be is already strong. The dismissive buck-passing of politicians and city officials is fanning residents' ire as fiercely as a high wind to the worst wildfire. The destruction is so overwhelming that public outrage will be such that maybe, just maybe, this time the top tier politicians and officials will be held responsible. Nothing will ever change in California until that happens.

The Los Angeles Wildfires rage on - January 10, 2025

Fired Up

The immense devastation wrought by the Los Angeles wildfires this week is almost incomprehensible. Even one familiar with the affected areas has trouble visualizing the destruction.

There are many factors contributing to these infernos flaring the way they did. Unusually high winds, extremely low humidity, vegetation as dry as tinder due to a half year without any significant rainfall. Add in large, densely populated zones with limited routes in and out of neighborhoods and you have quite a recipe for fiery disaster. But there are other, more staggering reasons why Los Angeles is burning; there is human error.

Four dams were destroyed this year in California. I'm happy for the now free-swimming salmon, but very sad for the thousands of human fire victims. I'm no expert, but in hindsight it appears that releasing "billions of gallons of water" to maintain a certain level in a reservoir is overlooking a better solution: maybe build additional reservoirs to hold the excess water, which will certainly be needed? Oh well, what do I know.

Gavin Newsom is passing the buck to local governments on the subject of waterless fire hydrants, reported by firefighters. Excuse me, but you are the governor. Adequate water supply to major California cities--especially in fire emergencies--should have been on your checklist.

It's worth mentioning that $17.6 million was cut from the Los Angeles Fire Department budget this year. Smart move, Mayor Bass. Hope you enjoyed your trip to Africa.

Other excuses being tossed out by various Los Angeles officials are infuriating. You geniuses should know that air support might not be possible in Santa Ana winds. If you need to adjust water supplies and pressure, do it. If you don't have enough hydrants to handle a wildfire, add them. If more access roads are needed, build them. Too bad about the hit to DEI training, illegal immigrant gift cards, and homeless housing budgets, but do it. It's your job. 

The favored talking point about climate change does not fit this disaster. I've lived in SoCal since 1979, and the fires erupt every year when the Santa Ana winds blow. During my early years in the state, they were called "brush fires" because that's what they usually were--chaparral burning on undeveloped land. After the area exploded with housing development, the description changed to "wildfires." Now there is a lot more fuel in the form of homes and businesses of all kinds, in addition to millions more people to protect. Aging infrastructure just won't do.

One would think our brilliant California politicians might be able to figure all this out in advance. One would be wrong. There will be a rough road to recovery ahead. Stay strong, Los Angeles. 

Pacific Palisades fire - January 7, 2025

Insuring Backlash

We are merely hours into 2025, yet Allstate CEO Tom Wilson already has given the most obnoxiously offensive statement of the year.

I'm not going to quote him--what he said is too repulsive. You can look it up; it's everywhere online. But the immediate outrage resulting from Wilson's misplaced morality lecture tells us that Wilson is woke and clueless about America. 

What happened in New Orleans on New Year's Day is not our fault. Speak for yourself when you figuratively wag your finger about being negative or divisive. Stay focused on condemning the terrorist attack and save your completely inappropriate DEI talking points for Allstate's board room.

Wilson can issue all the damage control amendments he wants, but I think Allstate will pay a Bud Light-like price. In fact, at the moment I kind of wish I had Allstate insurance, just for the pleasure of canceling it.

Counting the Days

Good things come to those who wait. 

~ English proverb

There are 18 days to President-elect Donald Trump's Inauguration Day. In the wake of the New Year's Day terror activity, I hope the country makes it there in one piece. Looking back at the wreckage of the current administration, I have no confidence that Joe Biden won't do more serious damage to the country before he shuffles off stage.

Congress needs to get Trump's national security choices confirmed ASAP. With only a one-term window, there is no luxury of time. Any one of Trump's Cabinet selections could not possibly do worse than the clown show we have suffered through for the past four years. Approve them and let the new president get down to business, fast.

The clock is ticking loudly, and nervous Americans (such as I am) are counting the days.

Merry Christmas

At Christmas I no more desire a rose
Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled shows.

~ Wm. Shakespeare, Love's Labour's Lost

What It's All About

From: A Charlie Brown Christmas ~ 1965

But--What About Evil?

It's been chilling to watch and listen to the discussions about the assassination of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson. What is frightening is the often-sympathetic tone towards the cold-blooded murderer.

If one understands right from wrong and good from evil, then there are no "buts" in this conversation. Shooting a man dead--in the back, no less--is wrong. Period. There is no "but" after that declaration. The fact that so many people can equivocate on this is a sad testimony to the sorry state of our moral condition.

The father of two young boys has been murdered in the street, and that is evil. Period. There is no "but..." There is no appropriate launching point within that tragedy for discourse on the failings of the American healthcare system.

The case of Daniel Penny, who was cleared of all charges in the death of a threatening subway rider he was subduing to protect his fellow passengers, is another example of the ailing soul of our nation. In legacy media, Penny is often granted reluctant credit for "doing the right thing, but..." No. There is no "but." Daniel Penny did the right thing. Period.

It's not complicated. There is a right, and there is a wrong. There is good, and there is evil. Period. There are no "buts" about it.

Up from the Ashes

The bricks have fallen down,
But we will rebuild with smooth stones;
The sycamores have been cut down,
But we will replace them with cedars.

 ~ Isaiah 9:10

The historic and beautiful cathedral of Notre Dame reopened in Paris, France, this weekend. It displays the triumph of human spirit, skill, and determination over the raging flames that nearly wrought total destruction upon this iconic religious, cultural, and architectural treasure in 2019.

World leaders gathered for the inaugural Mass inside Notre Dame, including President-Elect Donald Trump. The photos show a brightly gleaming restoration that highlights the beauty of the cathedral's interior. The ceremonies included recognition of the Paris firefighters who risked their lives to save France's ancient and beloved landmark. That worthy tribute was especially heartwarming to see.

Paris Firefighters stand at attention ~ Notre Dame Cathedral

Thanksgiving

It's time once again for that purely American holiday, Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day was founded by President George Washington in 1789. Down through the generations since that proclamation, the holiday has evolved into a festive occasion for food, family, fun, and football. In a healthy country, there is no room for political squabbles on such a special day.

Yet many families are fraught with ideological disagreements in the wake of the November 5 election. This is sad; worse, it is stupid. It is pure folly that political differences be given the power to rend a family or friendship. These close personal relationships are far more precious and important than opposing political views and should be nurtured and protected beyond any differing opinion. At least, that's my belief.

Certainly, I'm not alone in the sad reality that I've lost friends over politics. I'm always open to the return of people who have estranged themselves because we vote differently. But it appears their ideology will not allow a reconciliation, at least up to now. I'll still be here if they change their minds.

Meanwhile, I'm grateful for all my countless blessings and for the many wonderful family and friends I remain close to. And let's not forget to thank what Washington called "that great and glorious Being"-- 

...for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

 

Return to Ireland

At Christmas time in 2006, my grown children and I visited Ireland. It was a return trip for both of them, but it was my first time on the "Ould Sod." We spent close to two magical weeks in the western and southern regions of Ireland, exploring such wonders as the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and Blarney Castle. 

In late October, I returned to Ireland for a family event. This time I was on the east coast, spending several exciting days in the capital city of Dublin and then continuing south to County Wicklow for the festivities and a subsequent vacation with family and friends.

This is not our grandparents' Ireland. Dublin is truly an international city now, bustling with industrial development and people from all over the world. In our whirlwind travels around town, we had cab drivers from Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as Irishmen. The hotel coffee shop was staffed by a Polish manager and a French barista. Everyone we met and talked with was warm, welcoming, and interesting.

The countryside of County Wicklow is stunning in its natural beauty. In two widely differing visits to the land of my ancestors over the expanse of two decades, I reached the same conclusion both times--Ireland remains magical.

View from Tinakilly Country House - Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Town of Howth - North Dublin

Powerscourt Gardens - Co. Wicklow, Ireland