IT JUST ISN'T RIGHT
The destruction in LA from the fires is vast and will affect thousands of people adversely. The most affected will be those who depended upon the wealthy to employ them tending their residences when they themselves are out and about in the world doing whatever they do when out and about in the world.
A house or what is left of it, the rubble and debris, is toxic. The rubble and debris, the soil it sits on, the air surrounding it, the water flowing into the Pacific, are all toxic. It is a poisonous environment not fit for human habitation. And, of those who have lost their homes, the question is surely "How did this happen to me?"
We, in the Christian world, have adopted the ancient Hebrew vision that the world was made for us. We, the human species, are the reason there is a world in the first place. We screwed up the works by eating an apple, but nevertheless the main premise did not change - - the world and all that is in it, is here for our benefit.
So, when a major catastrophe occurs, such as the fires in LA, it is contrary to the way things ought to be. It just isn't right. Now if you are not involved in the catastrophe, but looking at it from a distance, unharmed yourself, one possible explanation, the usual one, is that those losing their homes are being punished. This line of thought has a magnificent and lengthy career in the history of mankind. Unfortunately, it has no basis in fact nor did it ever.
The pile of rubble left after the fire is the result of the person or persons who constructed the edifice and accumulated the fixtures and artifacts for their own personal satisfaction. If the rubble is present, the people who owned the objects which became the rubble, are responsible. This is not punishment; you don't get punished for wanting and building a really great residence in a fabulous neighborhood, with interesting neighbors and amenities, but you are responsible for the debris that is left behind. It is your debris; you are the reason for the toxic environment that now exists rather than the idyllic environment it once was.
In addition, it is not the fault of the city or county governments; it is not the fault of the state or federal governments. If you had not built or purchased a house where you did, you may very well still have a house. It is no one's obligation to protect you from your own decisions. I feel bad for you, but I don't feel responsible for your loss.
Richard E H Phelps II
Mingo
