There are only 6 states, excluding California with a population larger than LA county. Yes, LA county is huge and so are the ongoing fires. But, it’s not just a California “problem,” to be critiqued. California is a behemoth. California’s economy is the fifth largest in the world behind the US, China, Germany, and Japan; number 5 out of 195 countries! Gross Domestic Product (GDP) wise, California is 14.9% of the US economy. California is number 1 for GDP in the US. The next closest state is Texas at a distant 8.55%.
Two things are in play now. There is the isolationist attitude that what goes on in California does not impact me which leads to judgment against the infotainment coverage of “celebrities” who have lost homes. There is also critique and blame for a crisis in process that is not helpful. Pretty much Monday morning quarterbacking when it is still halftime. Flamethrower mode versus firefighter.
I liken this situation to any emergency rescue. Firefighters don’t ask people their religion or beliefs before pulling them out of a burning building. Yet, some of the reactions now seem to be just that. Flamethrowers over firefighters. I recently moved to Boston after 29 years in California and I have a strong affinity for the state. Pronouncements like the fire’s are God’s punishment for California, or the brouhaha around politics have no place at this time.
California is a literal state of emergency. Smoke knows no boundaries. I reckon many people in the US have not seen a weather status of smoke on their phone as a result of a fire more than 200 miles away. More than 10,000 structures have been destroyed, more than 180,000 have been displaced.This week, consider in situations, are you a firefighter or a flame thrower?
Balancing on Unstable Surfaces 