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Michael Shellenberger Exposes Who’s to Blame for the LA Fire Disaster

whatshot 9 snips

Jan 17, 2025

Guest

Michael Shellenberger

In this insightful discussion, journalist Michael Shellenberger, known for his works like "Apocalypse Never," breaks down the LA fire disaster and points a critical finger at local leadership. He reveals how a neglected firefighting budget, worsened by the homeless crisis, contributes to disaster responses. Shellenberger also critiques Hollywood's elitist politics and how they lead to systemic failures. Plus, he shares eye-opening thoughts on the impact of identity politics on voter behavior and the urgent need for accountable governance in California.

01:41:12

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ANECDOTE

Mayor's Trip to Ghana

Mayor Karen Bass visited Ghana despite promising not to travel abroad if elected.
This was her sixth international trip, neglecting her mayoral duties during fire warnings.

insights

INSIGHT

Preemptive Mobilization

Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass should have mobilized resources preemptively, like the National Guard and fire trucks.
Positioning resources in advance is key, as rapid response is crucial.

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

Fire Prevention Basics

Study existing fire prevention knowledge and experience.
Prioritize preemptive mobilization even if it means sometimes deploying resources unnecessarily.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Fire Management Crisis in Los Angeles

02:22 • 13min

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Wildfire Funding and Homelessness Crisis

15:03 • 22min

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Radical Ideologies and Hollywood's Disconnect

36:33 • 16min

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Swing Voter Dynamics in Los Angeles

52:34 • 7min

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Firefighting in Focus: Balancing DEI and Meritocracy

59:21 • 7min

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Grooming Gangs and Societal Decay

01:06:00 • 6min

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California's Environmental Complexities

01:12:11 • 10min

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The Vital Role of Energy in Global Development

01:22:10 • 3min

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Navigating Climate Anxiety and Cultural Shifts

01:25:36 • 16min

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Michael Shellenberger

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This book provides a detailed and panoramic account of the development of the atomic bomb, starting from the early 19th-century discoveries in physics to the culmination of the Manhattan Project during World War II. It includes the contributions of key scientists such as Niels Bohr, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Leo Szilard, and others, and explores the scientific, political, and human aspects that led to the creation and use of the atomic bomb. The book won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award for its rigorous scholarship and compelling narrative.

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In *City of Quartz*, Mike Davis delves into the complex history of Los Angeles, exploring how the city has been influenced by various powerful groups, including real estate boosters, the Protestant elite, Jewish Westside elites, homeowner groups, and the Los Angeles Police Department. The book critiques the city's development, highlighting issues of racial tension, economic inequality, and the transformation of Los Angeles into a 'fortress city' characterized by fear and surveillance. Davis also examines the impact of market forces on urban design and the lives of different classes, concluding with a study of the de-industrialized town of Fontana, which he terms a 'junkyard of dreams'.

I sat down with Michael Shellenberger, journalist and author of “Apocalypse Never,” “San Fransicko,” and the upcoming “Pathocracy,” to unpack the true story of the LA fire disaster and what it reveals about California’s leadership crisis. Ever since the fires broke out, Michael has been on the case exposing the numerous failures of Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass. California’s entrenched political elite have neglected the basic functions of government, creating the perfect conditions for recurring catastrophes. A seemingly hypnotized voter base has allowed the problem to worsen with each election cycle, but perhaps this time around, the undeniable facts on the ground can trigger a renaissance in common-sense governance.

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Follow Michael on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/shellenberger

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Outline:

[0:00] Unpacking the official narrative lies

[12:39] LA’s systemic failure isn’t just one big coincidence

[17:35] The homeless crisis drained the firefighting budget

[27:02] Forest management failures aren’t the main story

[31:24] Why leftist radicals want to let Malibu burn

[42:43] Hollywood elites elected their own oppressors

[52:34] White voters in LA are hypnotized by identity politics

[59:25] Is the DEI criticism fair or just right-wing opportunism?

[1:05:59] Western civilization is sacrificing itself

[1:13:32] Did climate change play a role in the fires?

[1:22:15] Climate hysteria is a symptom of privilege

[1:28:19] Is the woke reign of terror truly over?

[1:33:22] Hazing matter for emergency preparedness

[1:38:34] Why Michael is optimistic for the future

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Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z4JjmzuycRo

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