Wildfires are becoming as menacing to Western states, most notably California, as hurricanes have always been to Southern states, most notably Florida. Never mind that far too many of these fires are ignited not by Mother Nature, but by human beings.
Of course I always feel sympathy for those who lose their homes, to say nothing of the firefighters who lose their lives. But it’s becoming somewhat contrived to publish new commentaries on these annual outbreaks; a contrivance, incidentally, that is epitomized by cable news stations that cover these fires each year with Armageddon-like enthusiasm….
Therefore, I shall suffice to reprise the commentary I wrote last year as wildfires were engulfing hundreds of homes and ravaging thousands of acres in California; especially since all of the collateral issues involved are the same as they were last year.
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California burning … again
[N]o region has been more affected by the synergistic fallout from plummeting real-estate values and subprime mortgages [than California]. But these ‘apocalyptic’ fires might be a godsend for hundreds, if not thousands, of homeowners – who were facing imminent foreclosure on their McMansions. Because they can simply walk away from the charred remains and blame force majeure (i.e., an act of God) for not paying another red cent!!
[California’s fiery Katrina, The iPINIONS Journal, October 25, 2007]
Well, it’s deja vu all over again – as apocalyptic fires have returned to California.
No doubt you’ve heard about celebrities like Oprah Winfrey watching helplessly as temperamental fires threaten to burn their homes in the wealthy California enclave of Montecito to the ground.
But it is worth noting that the vast majority of the more than 800 homes that have already been destroyed belong to ordinary people in far less affluent neighborhoods.
We have never lost in recent times anything close to this number [of homes]. (Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa)
Therefore, whatever indifference (or schadenfreude) it evokes in you to see obscenely rich folks lose some of their material possessions, please bear in mind that it’s relatively poor folks who are losing everything they own….
My prayers are with all those who have been affected as well as those who remain in harm’s way….
November 17, 2008
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According to the Associated Press, this year’s wildfire has killed two firefighters, destroyed over 53 homes and is threatening thousands more; and, despite herculean efforts, it’s only 5 percent contained.
God help them…
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California’s fiery Katrina…
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