The Southern California fires and other topics...

As a resident of So CA, and specifically the Santiago/Mokjeska Canyon area, I was a witness to some of the devastation of the fires. I could actually see flames and the red glow in the sky as I drove to my home in Lake Forest. The smoke and ashes were with us for several days and I saw many fire-fighting vehicles pass in all directions during the first few days of the fires. The most impactful thing, however, was watching the evacuations of tens of thousands from their homes, knowing that many would have no home to return to. My comment at the time was, "Welcome to Iraq!" What did I mean by this? This certainly is not as devastating as what is going on there, but I imagine that in relative terms, it may be as shocking to some of the evacuees as what is going on in Iraq. We here in the U.S. have not really had the experience that millions in other parts of the world are having, being displaced permanently from their homes and their communities. We cannot possibly imagine how it feels because there are mechanisms in place, even though not always very efficient, that help cushion the fall from comfort and peace. I think it is a good idea to consider the plight of the displaced in our country and imagine that multiplied 100 fold, and every day, to get a taste of what we, the United States of America, are responsible for across the planet. Also consider that at least one of the fires was arson, according to experts. Arson is a deliberate act of violence perpetrated against, in this case, an unknown group of people, nature and property. Is this similar to what the military attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan are? Many who are affected are not directly engaged in acts against the U.S. military, yet their lives are no less disrupted than those supposedly targeted. What is the opportunity here? Can we now show some compassion for others whom we may not identify with, but who are experiencing something that we now have experienced to some degree here?

FEMA fakes a news conference and there is very little outrage. It is time we were passionate about what is happening around us, and call to account all whom we may view as responsible. Because, in fact, we are all responsible so by turning our passion inward, we are stirred to action in creating a world that works for all of us.