California Wildfires

I have been watching the reports of the wildfires in California, and I find myself quite distressed by the devastation these fires have caused.  As I look around my own home and see, just within a couple of feet of where I set many belongings and photographs that mean so much to me, and then I try to imagine how it would feel if suddenly it was all gone.  It is hard to imagine that I could not reach for a photograph, a favorite book, that special suit I wear on special occasions, and more.  What if it was all gone, with no hopes of ever replacing it? Some have said that they are only possessions which can be replaced, but not always.

I find it quite distressing that those in control think the first question to be answered is who should be blamed.  In my opinion, the first question should be what can be done to save lives, help the thousands who are devastated by this tragedy, and what can be done to be better prepared should it happen again, and it will. The last thing those victims need are excuses.  They need results, aid, and assistance, and they need it now.  I find the fact that the Mayor of Los Angeles felt the need to donate a bunch of taxpayers’ dollars to the Wildlife Foundation beyond ridiculous.  Really?  That is what is inpoortant? I am truly an animal lover, and I am a realist.  Wildlife has been dealing with forest fires since time began, and wildlife continues to exist.  Wildlife will take care of itself over time.  The animals will repopulate, the trees will grow anew, and nature will persevere.  That should not be a priority.

Instead, let’s look at what can be done to help the humans, cats, dogs, and others and all who are most impacted.  As sad as it is to see a crow fall from the sky, it is minor in comparison to the person who is devastated by the effects of this fire, not to mention the rising death toll. Even the cause of the fire is insignificant compared to the immediate needs of the victims. Does it really matter at this point whether the fire is the result of a homeless encampment, a careless smoker, or an unattended campfire? That all becomes important later, after the fires are out, the victims have been attended to, and the rebuilding begins.  It does not really matter what the cause was at this point; only the recovery is important.

It has been said that we all have something to give in times like this, whether it be our treasure, talent, or time.  If you are religious, take the time to pray to the Almighty God. If you are of means, donate to the relief efforts. And if you have a talent or gift that you can use to help in the relief effort, consider those possibilities.  We do not need to know anything about the victims— not their ethnicity, their politics,  or their background.  We only need to know that they are Americans in need of help from other Americans.

I must address the concept of looting.  These low-life forms of dog excrement need to be dealt with in the harshest of terms.  There should be no liberal forms of justice when it comes to dealing with this scum.  They deserve no consideration of mercy or leniency, just harsh punishment. I realize I am rambling here.  I find it more difficult to write this with the images of the fires in my head.  But it is those images that compel me to sit here and reach out to you.  John Bradford, an English reformer, is attributed with the quote “There, but for the grace of God,go  I. It is as true today as it was in the 16th century.