It’s impossible to turn on any news or social media platform and NOT see truly horrifying footage of the fires in Los Angeles. The level and scale of the destruction is historic.
MOST people react to these images and stories with sympathy for the people who have lost their homes, their businesses, their employment, their pets, friends, and/ or family members. Many people (myself included) have sought out ways to donate money to organizations that are working tirelessly to aid the survivors. Some people have even taken it a step further and have gone to LA to assist in person. There are firefighters from several states, Canada and Mexico working along side local teams to push back the flames. There are volunteers from all over staffing evacuation shelters and aid stations.
But, because this is the world we live in, there are the other people. The ones who, to paraphrase Dr. Seuss, have hearts that are two sizes too small. These people (and I use that term loosely) have decided that instead of asking how they can help their fellow citizens, they would rather laugh at them, or worse yet, actively insult them with hate speech and unhinged falsehoods.
Some of the horrifying things I’ve seen:
#1 The fires are only impacting people people who have lots of money- screw them! First, that’s not true. Second, ask anyone who has lost a home to a fire or other natural disaster the most devastating thing they lost. It’s won’t be the front door or the sofa. It’s Grandma’s sweater. It’s the kids’ art projects. It’s the corner of the living room you took family photos in front of every year since 1984. No amount of money can replace those.
#2 The fires are the result of DEI/ diversity hires. Some people just don’t want to see anyone other a straight, white cis male firefighter. That’s disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourself.
#3 The fires are the result of the failures of the Democratic party. See #2
#3 The Fires are the result of the Church of Satan, the Illuminati, the Freemasons, etc. etc. etc. I haven’t seen anyone blame them on Taylor Swift, but someone probably has. If you subscribe to any of these insane “theories” please go back to crafting your tinfoil hat and get away from the rest of us.
And while we’re on this topic- There will be plenty of time for qualified people to research and determine the cause of the fires. This will take months and can’t get going in earnest until the fires are put out. Those folks won’t need or want the opinions of someone on their couch in the Midwest parroting something their read online any more than the victims do today. Do better.