Everybody Can Do Something

Several massive wildfires are tearing across the Los Angeles area, killing people and destroying thousands and thousands of homes and other buildings. 

I am proud that my small state of New Mexico, with a population smaller than that of Los Angeles, is sending 25 firefighters and fire engines to help battle the blaze. Canada has sent aircraft to drop water on the flames. Oregon and Washington State have sent firefighters and equipment. Mexico also has sent firefighters.

While the incoming president can do nothing more than criticize California's governor, the leaders of other states, Mexico and Canada are actually doing something to help. Imagine that. States are sending personnel to help their fellow citizens who are being devastated by these uncontrolled fires. 

This is what it means to be an American. This is what it means to be human. 

It means that we set aside our political differences and reach out to help our fellow citizens in need. It doesn't mean attacking other politicians just because they happen to be from another political party. It means reaching out to help. That is the American way. That is what we expect. If parts of the southeast are badly damaged by hurricanes or tornadoes, Americans gather to help. They prepare food for the victims. They help clear debris. They provide housing for people until they can get back on their feet. They step up to help animals, both domestic and wild, to treat animals surffering from smoke inhalation and burns. They give terrified animals a safe place to stay until they can be reunted with their families. They don't say, oh you're from a Republican state. I'm not going to help you.

Has the richest man on the planet pledged a few billion of his massive wealth to help? Of course not. All he has done is to blame California Democrats for decriminalizing looking, which he claims has encouraged looting. The governor shot back that looting is still a criminal activity. 

Seven years ago, he asked how his companies could help with the fires in southern California. This year, he cosignied wild accusations about various Democratic politicians and conspiracy theories about California’s water reserves. He even Particularly suggested that the L.A. fire department’s “racial equity plan” contributed to the devastation. Firefighters working hard to put out wind-fed blazes were faced with racial hostility from some o his more than 200 million followers on X.

Obviously Musk missed this part of his training to become a US citizen. He needs to check his misogyny and racism, which he clearly brought with him from his native South Africa, at the border. 

This is a natural disaster of the greatest magnitude. If he isn't willing to offer help and spare a few coins from his immense wealth, he needs to shut the hell up.

I have donated to both the World Central Kitchen, which is on the ground feeding victims and emergency responders, and to the Pasadena Humane Society, which is helping animals lost or injured by the fires.

I may not be a multi-billionaire or even a billionaire, but I at least know enough to do the right thing and help where I can.