Lesson I've learned from the Socal Fires [View All]

[tired_old_fireman]

I've seen lots of forest fires in my lifetime. I've seen lots of finger pointing at who is to blame for the devastation. Usually, the blame is aimed at politicians. Sometimes, the blame is spread to the homeowners. I've even seen a senile politician named Conrad Burns blame the firefighters themselves for being lazy.

I've never seen a public reaction like the one being displayed now. As I've searched the internet for information on the fires, I've been bombarded by hate speech in comments on websites that are supposed to be liberal like the San Francisco Gate and Democratic Underground.
So called liberals express a hatred for Socalers for being rich. Conservatives express a hatred for Socalers for being liberal. There are some really ignorant, hateful people out there. I know they don't represent everyone, but their hate is a presence. I know that one should not take comments on internet sights seriously, but it has even pervaded radio. Glenn Beck said " handful of people who hate America ... are losing their homes in a forest fire today" Did Beck get any reprimand or make an apology for his comments? No. Is he still on the air? Yes.

I think back to 9/11 and the way this country united around New York and DC. It was a time when politics were not a factor. Now, I'm not saying the loss of property in anyone compares to the massive loss of life on 9/11. I am saying that this country used to have compassion that when beyond geographical and political boundaries. We don't have that anymore. What happened to our country?

Ironically, I've never been one to mourn for people who lose property in a fire. Property can be rebuilt and replaced. This time, I mourn for all these people who are losing their houses while around the country, people are dancing on the ashes.

I don't even know why I'm writing and posting this. It seems self indulgent. I just want to tell anyone who is evacuated or sitting in their homes near the paths of fires and scouring the internet for information that my heart is with you. I don't care who you voted for last election or who you plan to vote for this election. I don't care if you are rich or poor. My heart is with you.