Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content #399 - The Politics of Catastrophe
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Jan 27, 2025 
Sam Harris chats with Rick Caruso, philanthropist and founder of Caruso, about the devastating fires in Los Angeles. They delve into leadership failures in crisis management and the impact of outdated infrastructure. Discussions highlight the role of private firefighting and the ethical responsibilities of wealth in tackling societal issues. Caruso stresses the importance of immediate philanthropic contributions and reflects on political accountability in addressing community resilience. The conversation offers a thought-provoking look at navigating crises and the future of urban governance.
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Predictable Palisades Fire
- Rick Caruso predicted a fire like the Palisades Fire years prior after a smaller fire in the same area.
- He warned about the 40 years of accumulated brush between Brentwood and Palisades.
Politicized Departments
- Caruso criticizes the politicization of critical departments like the Department of Water and Power (DWP).
- He believes the head of such departments should be experienced engineers, not political appointees.
Crisis Preparedness
- Leaders should proactively address potential crises by reviewing protocols with department heads.
- They should demand detailed plans and ensure preparedness, especially for predictable events like fires during high-wind seasons.