Conversations with Peter Boghossian Burn Baby Burn: LA’s Fire Department, As the People Willed It
Jun 19, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Scott Scheall, an Associate Professor of Philosophy & Economics at UATX, dives into the troubling intersection of ideology and governance, particularly within California's fire services. He and Peter explore how prioritizing diversity over competence has jeopardized public safety. They critique leaders obsessed with optics rather than effectiveness and illuminate the psychological traps that accompany ignorance. The conversation touches on informed democracy, the challenges of critical thinking, and the impact of national debt on public perception.
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Ideology Distracts Policymakers
- Ideology often distracts policymakers from their primary mission.
- This leads to neglect in essential services like fire prevention and response.
The Danger of Unknown Unknowns
- Policymakers act based on what they think they know, even if it's false.
- Ignorance of their own ignorance leads to bad decisions with serious consequences.
Fire Department Misprioritization
- California fire departments focused on diversity over firefighting skills.
- This caused failures like empty reservoirs and unprepared trucks during fires.
