Morning Brief 2022-07-19

July 19, 2022

BOTTOM OF HOUR 1

GUEST: Rep. Ronny Jackson
TOPIC: Former White House physician, Rep. Ronny Jackson, thinks Biden's cognitive skills may be getting worse.

BOTTOM OF HOUR 3
GUEST: Tommy Robinson
TOPIC: Police in Telford, England have not investigated cases of rape involving "Asian" men over fear that it would "inflame racial tensions."

CB, RR, JB, SK, BM

Domestic News...

22-Year-Old Who Killed Indiana Mass Shooter Was Armed Because of ‘Constitutional Carry’
The attacker entered the mall just before 5 pm and went into the bathroom where he put his cell phone in a toilet and readied his guns. He exited the bathroom and began firing at 5:56 pm. At 5:57 pm, Elisjsha Dicken, shot at the attacker, hitting him as he fled back to the bathroom.

The Indy Star Star Got Something Very Wrong in 10-Year-Old Rape Victim Story
This story is a perfect example of media bias and lazy or corrupt journalism. The Indy Star had a narrative to push and pushed it without care for the victim, the facts, or the fallout.

Leftwing group, ShutDownDC, promises to “disrupt” the congressional baseball game
In an obvious nod to the Bernie Bro who attempted to kill the entire house GOP leadership at a practice for the game in 2017, the group behind the harassment of Kavanaugh promised to 'disrupt' the 2022 game.

Minneapolis again displays the brain rot of the Black Lives Matter movement
Andrew “Tekle” Sundberg, a black man, was shot and killed by police. This is all that Black Lives Matter activists care about. Protests began, as did a sympathetic write-up of the activists in the Star Tribune.

In rebuke to Biden, Homeland Security advisory panel finds no need for disinformation board
"We have concluded that there is no need for a Disinformation Governance Board”

Homeland Security records show 'shocking' use of phone data, ACLU says
The civil liberties group released documents showing new details about how agencies had purchased information on people's movements throughout North America.

Major crime skyrockets 37% in NYC, NYPD data shows
Grand larceny has shot up 49%. Auto theft has spiked by 46.2%. Robbery is up 39.2% and burglaries increased by 32.9%. Felonious assault rose by 18.6% and rapes saw an 11% increase so far this year over 2021 .

If you're ‘afraid’ of your husband because of Roe, it signals a much deeper problem
"I'm a 42-year-old woman now afraid I'll get pregnant from my husband of 20 years," Elena told USA Today.

Man pulls gun on women who didn’t thank him for holding door
“A witness reported that the suspect was upset that two woman did not say thank you to him for holding a door open for them,” cops said.

Politics...

CNN Poll: Most Americans are discontented with Biden, the economy and the state of the country
75% call inflation and the cost of living the most important economic problem facing their family. Last summer, that figure stood at 43%.

CNBC POLL: Biden’s Economic Approval Sinks To New Low
The economy appears to be affecting voters’ behavior too: 65% of respondents said they were trying to spend less on entertainment, 61% are driving less and 54% are cutting back on travel, the poll found.

CNN: "Vulnerable Democrats" suddenly very concerned over "inflation crisis"
For the past year, the same Senate Democrats cited in CNN’s report voted in lockstep for Biden’s inflationary American Rescue Plan.

Manchin: Biden's 'Build Back Better' agenda is a 'complete social realignment'
"I was very clear when the president and I talked, I said, ‘Mr. President, this piece of legislation is going to change our country from when John Kennedy said ask not what your country can do for you, what you can do for your country, that piece of legislation will change us to how much more can my country do for me'"

Biden is a gaffe-ingstock: The decline of the prez - and the presidency
Trump’s words might not have carried much weight, but his populist preference for lightning displays of might over long-term entanglements did. Biden, by contrast, is a captive of transnational progressivism, where red lines are just preliminaries to new red lines, and talking is an end in and of itself.

Jill complains about Joe's unpopular presidency in speech on glam island
Jill lamented Joe having had "so many hopes and plans for things he wanted to do" but instead saw his agenda constantly scuttled by domestic and international crises.

Harris, Newsom engage with donors as possible 2024 bids loom if Biden doesn’t run
Party donors have been scrambling to figure out whether Biden is going to run or if someone else could lead the party in 2024.

Kamala: Black Families Are Boosting Home Values By Hanging Up Pictures Of White People
“...you’ve heard the stories about how they’ll then encourage friends of the family — a white family — to come in. And then the white family will put the pictures up of their family. And then that appraisal gets done, and it’s for a much higher value...”

House Democrats push bill to add four seats to Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is "making decisions that usurp the power of the legislative and executive branches," said Rep. Hank Johnson.

Ted Cruz Explains Why Supreme Court Is Unlikely To Overturn Gay Marriage Decision
“And had the Court not ruled in Obergefell, the democratic process would have continued to operate; if you believed gay marriage was a good idea, the way the Constitution set up for you to advance that position is to convince your fellow citizens,” Cruz explained.

CNN Edits Clip Of Cruz Saying Gay Marriage Ruling Was ‘Clearly Wrong’
CNN excluded a portion of a clip Monday in which Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz outlined the consequences of overturning the right to same-sex marriage.

Is Liz Cheney toast?
Cheney's Ahab-like fixation on getting Trump is unpopular in a state where so many voters have a favorable view of the former president.

History in Kentucky as GOP voters overtake Dems
A decade ago, Democrats held the majority of voters and a nearly 525,000 edge in registrations.

Rand Paul unloads on Mitch McConnell and his 'secret deal' with Democrats on judge
“Senator McConnell — he thought it was beneath himself to actually talk to me. Senator McConnell sabotaged this by doing it in secret.”

Nancy Pelosi's team responds to uproar over computer chip stock purchase by husband
"The Speaker does not own any stocks. As you can see from the required disclosures, with which the Speaker fully cooperates, these transactions are marked 'SP' for Spouse."

Economy...

White House Won’t Say Whether U.S. Is Entering a Recession
“I think we can confidently say based on consumer spending, based on payroll employment based on where the unemployment rate is, I think we can confidently say that these numbers that we are posting are very much inconsistent with a recessionary call given where we are now”

White House takes victory lap on sinking gasoline prices
Biden had been blaming Putin and the oil companies for rising prices, but takes full credit for falling prices... BTW, the average gallon of gas is still $4.50.

Border...

Biden’s illegals surge swamps DC
...this brings the total number of illegals caught and released into the U.S. on Biden’s watch to 1,335,959. That is a population larger than nine states.

WAR News...

Price cap on Russian oil is a ‘ridiculous idea’ and could push oil to $140, says energy research group
The Biden administration wants to put a cap on Russia’s oil prices. “That’s not how the oil market works,” Gal Luft said. “This is a very sophisticated market, you cannot force the prices down.”

The food security crisis could kill more people than COVID has, says Senegal minister at G-20
Urged the global food industry not to boycott the trade of Russian and Ukrainian food products as the food crisis rages on in vulnerable countries.

Zelensky fires top security chief, prosecutor over alleged treason
Fires the country’s security service chief and prosecutor general while accusing dozens of their employees of collaborating with Russia.

Pentagon and Lockheed reach deal to build 375 F-35 fighter jets
The F-35A, the most common version of the jet, currently costs the United States about $79 million, but prices are expected to increase.

COVID-19...

Politico: Fauci wants to put Covid’s politicization behind him
Fauci says he’s prepared for the onslaught of attacks that could come in a Republican-controlled House or Senate next year. “They’re going to try and come after me..."

Commie Update...

China holdings of U.S. debt fall below $1 trillion for the first time since 2010
Japan is now the leading holder of U.S. debt with $1.2 trillion.

Cuba: Pregnant Woman Hospitalized After Police Beatings in Communist Food Line Brawl
A chaotic brawl on a ration line to buy chicken resulted in Cuban state security officials brutalizing civilians and left a pregnant woman hospitalized.

FBI and DHS confirm they are buying Chinese drones despite security concerns
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are purchasing and using Chinese-made drones from a company with close links to the Chinese government.

Entertainment...

Federal prosecutors drop charges against Colbert team members arrested at Capitol
"We do not believe it is probable that the Office would be able to obtain and sustain convictions on these charges. The defendants no longer will be required to appear for a scheduled hearing in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on July 20, 2022."

Sesame Place accused of racism, facing backlash over viral video
The footage shows the Muppet appearing to high-five and hug the other kids around them, but skipping the young black children.

Prince Harry said that he knew Meghan Markle was his “soulmate” in Africa
Harry said Africa is where he’s “found peace and healing time and time again.”

Andrew Schulz’s ‘Infamous’ Offers Crash Course in Taboo Comedy
Renegade comic will joke about anything.

Media...

Pulitzer Prize Defends Award To 2018 Russia Hoaxers
On Sunday, the board released a statement saying the organization stood by its 2018 presentations after years of criticism provoked an “independent” review.

Broken and distrusting: why Americans are pulling away from the daily news
A Reuters Institute survey found that a rising number of people are avoiding the news or just don’t believe it

Man In Underwear Sneaks Through Background Of CNBC Live Shot While Dogs Barking
During a live shot on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” from the home of asset manager Karen Firestone, dogs were barking continuously followed by an unidentified man in his underwear walking through the background.

Europe...

Europe Encouraged To Ration Gas Supplies Ahead Of Winter
The International Energy Agency is calling for widespread energy rationing across Europe due to the continent’s ongoing fuel crisis the agency predicts will be exacerbated by the coming winter months.

Middle East...

Biden’s Plan To ‘Embarrass’ Saudi Arabia Into Getting Green-Pilled Totally Backfired
Biden’s strategy to coax Saudi Arabia into embracing climate-friendly policies backfired during his visit to the region Friday and Saturday.

Fuming families rip Biden, say he did nothing to free US citizen ‘hostages’ in Saudi Arabia
The cases aren’t well-known because the families opted to work quietly with the US government ahead of Biden’s visit.

Environment...

Senate Democrats Urge Biden to Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’
“This ... frees up the president to use the full powers of the executive branch. And those full powers certainly include a climate emergency.”

Sri Lanka Is Just The First To Topple In Globalists’ Green Energy House Of Cards
Riots, famines, societal collapse, and cultural invasion — the globalist agenda has created the perfect storm for national instability.

Paper: Plants Create Their Own Pain Medicine When Stressed
New research from a California university shows that plants create salicylic acid, also known as aspirin, when faced with environmental stress.

Movie Review: Crack in the World (1965)
Scientist use a thermonuclear missile (they launch the missile upside down, into the Earth) to break the crust in order to release magma, which will lead to a future of unlimited green energy!

LGBTQIA2S+...

Feds misquoted SCOTUS to require states to let boys in girls' restrooms, judge says
Purported "guidance" isn't optional for states that risk federal funding by waiting for agencies to "drop the hammer" on them for protecting women's sports, restroom privacy, court says.

Trans Biden Official Wants To ‘Empower’ Kids To Get Sex Changes
Levine said transgender youths are threatened by mental health issues, bullying and political attacks, and that treatment of these youths should affirm their perceived gender identity and empower them to get sex change treatments.

Russia ridicules Biden's trans and non-binary appointees
"Keep going that way, our dear American ex-partners! I don’t think we even need any long-term strategies to counter your malicious role in the world - you are doing the right thing yourselves!"

LGBTQ Nation: “Parental Rights in Education” laws are a form of child abuse
At least 12 other state legislatures are now appropriating the Florida model and are considering similar “Don’t Say Gay” laws.

Who was James Webb? And why do scientists want to rename the James Webb Space Telescope?
Webb was undersecretary of state during the Truman administration when the federal government systematically purged its ranks of LGBTQ employees.

Education...

Planned Parenthood clinic to open in high school if school board approves deal
A California school district board will vote on allowing Planned Parenthood Los Angeles to open and operate a clinic at John Glenn High School in Norwalk.

Black scholar predicts 30 years to erase 'big lie' of '1619' victimhood
“The real story of America is the story of American blacks, not American blacks exclusively, but American blacks as exemplary of what the American promise is,” said William Allen.

Health...

Simple blood test could predict schizophrenia, psychotic attacks - study
Researchers have discovered that brain cells die in a psychotic attack and a simple blood test could make it possible to predict such an event and treat it.

Technology...

GoFundMe allows page for Minnesota gunman after axing one for NYC bodega clerk
GoFundMe is allowing a small fortune to be collected for kin of the Minneapolis gunman fatally shot by cops after he fired at neighbors, while hard-working Manhattan bodega clerk Jose Alba’s fund got the ax.

Poll: Social media makes nearly half of Gen Z and millennials feel negatively about their finances
More than 1 in 3 U.S. adults who have social media say they have felt negatively about their finances after seeing others’ posts. Those feelings included jealousy, inadequacy, anxiety, shame and anger.

Shirtless Elon Musk vacations in Mykonos on luxury yacht
He might want to spend a few dollars on a tanning bed, or just wear a shirt while in the water.

Sports...

Dates announced for 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles
Get your COVID passport ready, because the Olympics are coming to LA. July 14-30, 2028. Plenty of good seats still available.

July 19, 2007 - Glenn battles US Attorney who put border agents Compean & Ramos behind bars... Marcus Luttrell's new book is a #1 bestseller...

July 19, 2010 - Barack says Obamacare won't increase your taxes... Obama changes 'freedom of religion' to 'freedom of worship'... Obama authorizes assassination of US citizen...

How California leadership is to blame for HORRIFIC wildfires

PATRICK T. FALLON / Contributor | Getty Images

California's progressive policies emphasize ideology over lifesaving solutions. The destruction will persist until voters hold their elected officials accountable.

America is no stranger to natural disasters. But it’s not the fires, floods, or earthquakes that are the most devastating — it’s the repeated failures to learn from them, prevent them, and take responsibility for the damage.

My heart goes out to the families who have lost homes, cherished memories, and livelihoods. But if we’re going to help California rebuild and prevent future disasters, we need to confront some uncomfortable truths about leadership, responsibility, and priorities.

California — ironically, in the name of environmentalism — continues to ignore solutions that would protect both the environment and its residents.

While Californians continue to face heart-wrenching losses, those who have the power to enact change are mired in bureaucracy, regulation, and ideologies that do nothing to protect lives or preserve the land. The result? A state that keeps burning, year after year.

Where did all the water go?

We all know that water is essential to life. When NASA searches for signs of life on other planets, it looks for water. Yet, California has spent decades neglecting its water infrastructure. The state hasn’t built a new major reservoir since 1979 — over 40 years ago. Back then, California’s population was roughly half what it is today. Despite massive population growth, the state’s water storage capacity has remained frozen in time, woefully inadequate for current needs.

Moreover, billions of gallons of rainwater flow straight into the ocean every year because no infrastructure exists to capture and store it. Imagine how different things could be if California had built reservoirs, aqueducts, and desalination plants to secure water for its dry seasons.

Water is life, but the state’s failure to prioritize this essential resource has put lives and ecosystems at risk.

Misplaced priorities and critical leadership failure

This neglect of critical infrastructure is part of a larger failure of vision, and in California, the consequences of that failure are on full display.

Consider the progressive leadership in Los Angeles, where the mayor cut the fire department’s budget to fund programs for the homeless, funneling money to NGOs with little oversight. While helping the homeless is a worthy cause, it cannot come at the expense of protecting lives and property from catastrophic fires. Leadership must put safety and well-being over political agendas, and that’s not happening in Los Angeles.

The same misplaced priorities extend to environmental policies. Progressive leaders have blocked sensible forest management practices, prioritizing dead trees over living creatures. They reject controlled burns, forest thinning, and other commonsense measures, bowing to the demands of activists rather than considering real solutions that would protect those they govern.

California’s wildfire crisis is, in many ways, a man-made disaster. Yes, factors like Southern California’s dry climate, strong Santa Ana winds, and little rain play a role, but the biggest contributing factor is poor land management.

The forests are choked with dry brush, dead trees, and vegetation that turn every spark into a potential inferno. The crisis could have been mitigated — if only the state had made forest management and fire prevention a higher priority.

Finland and Sweden, for example, understand the importance of maintaining healthy forests. These countries have perfected the art of clearing underbrush and thinning trees sustainably, turning potential fire fuel into biomass energy. This approach not only reduces the risk of wildfires, but it also creates jobs, boosts the economy, and improves the ecosystem. And yet, California — ironically, in the name of environmentalism — continues to ignore these solutions that would protect both the environment and its residents.

We need to stop pretending that something as devastating as the Palisades and Eaton fires are just “part of life” and hold leaders accountable.

Insurance rules put California residents at risk

California faces another major and often overlooked liability when it comes to natural disasters: insurance.

California’s ongoing disasters make the state an uninsurable risk. Insurance companies are pulling out because the odds of widespread devastation are just too high. This creates a vicious cycle: With private insurers gone, the government steps in to subsidize high-risk areas. This enables people to rebuild in fire-prone zones, perpetuating the destruction. The solution isn’t more government intervention; it’s better decision-making.

This doesn’t mean abandoning people to their fate, but we must address the root of the problem: California’s inadequate disaster preparedness and poor land management. If the state continues to resist commonsense solutions like forest thinning, controlled burns, and better zoning laws, no amount of insurance or government assistance will ever be enough to mitigate the losses. The cycle will repeat until the costs — financial and human — become unbearable. It’s time to stop pretending the risk isn’t real and start making decisions that reflect the reality of California’s landscape.

What’s the solution? California’s government needs to put its people over harmful political agendas that put its residents at risk. Start by managing your forests. Implement controlled burns, remove dead trees, and clear underbrush.

But how you vote matters. California’s progressive policies have focused on political correctness and ideology instead of practical, lifesaving solutions. Until voters hold leaders accountable, the cycle of destruction will persist.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on TheBlaze.com.

Crazy enough to be true? The connection between the Cybertruck bomber and cryptic drones

WADE VANDERVORT / Contributor | Getty Images

Not knowing — and not being told — fuels distrust and speculation.

A chilling story has emerged: A whistleblower, claiming to possess knowledge of advanced military technologies and covert operations, took his own life in a shocking explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. He left behind a manifesto filled with claims so extraordinary they sound like science fiction. Yet if even a fraction of them prove true, the implications are staggering and demand immediate attention.

This whistleblower alleges that the United States and China developed “gravitic propulsion systems,” technologies that manipulate gravity itself to enable silent, undetectable flight at unimaginable speeds. According to his claims, these systems are not theoretical — they are operational, deployed both in the United States and China. If true, this would render conventional defense systems obsolete, fundamentally altering the global balance of power.

America’s founders warned us about unchecked government power. Today, their warnings feel more relevant than ever.

Imagine aircraft that defy radar, heat signatures, and missile defense systems. They carry massive payloads, conduct surveillance, and operate without a sound. If such technologies exist, they pose a national security threat unlike any we’ve faced.

But why haven’t we been told? If these claims are false, they must be debunked transparently. If true, the public has a right to know how such technologies are being used and safeguarded.

The whistleblower’s manifesto goes farther, claiming that with this technology, the United States and China developed and deployed the infamous drones that were seen across the United States starting late last year. He alleged that China launched them from submarines along the U.S. East Coast, calling them “the most dangerous threat to national security” because of their stealth, ability to evade detection, and unlimited payload capacity. He ties this advanced technology to other surveillance systems, creating a network so advanced it makes our current intelligence capabilities look primitive.

These claims may sound far-fetched, but they highlight a deeper issue: the cost of government secrecy. Not knowing — and not being told — fuels distrust and speculation. Without transparency, these incidents dangerously erode public confidence in our leaders and institutions.

The cost of secrecy

Beyond technology, the manifesto also alleges moral failures, including war crimes and deliberate cover-ups during U.S. airstrikes in Afghanistan. In one particularly harrowing claim, the whistleblower describes attacks in Afghanistan’s Nimroz Province in 2019. He alleges that 125 buildings were targeted, with 65 struck, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths in a single day. Even after civilians were spotted, he claims, the strikes continued knowingly and deliberately.

The United Nations investigated similar incidents and confirmed civilian casualties during these operations. However, the whistleblower’s accusations go farther, implicating high-ranking officials, the Department of Defense, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Central Intelligence Agency, and even top military generals in a broader pattern of deceit, eroding the moral integrity of our military and government.

Whether these specific claims hold up, they underscore a larger issue: Secrecy breeds corruption. When people in power hide their actions and evade accountability, they break trust — and everyone pays the price, not just those at the top but also the citizens and soldiers they serve.

Transparency is an imperative

America’s founders warned us about unchecked government power. Today, their warnings feel more relevant than ever. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the Capitol riot on January 6 to the potential misuse of advanced technologies, the American people have been kept in the dark for too long.

Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and sunlight is coming. Transparency must become our rallying cry. As we look to the future, we must demand accountability — not just from those we oppose politically but from all leaders entrusted with power. This isn’t about partisanship; it’s about preserving our nation from self-destruction.

As we enter a new chapter in our nation’s history, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether it’s uncovering the truth about advanced technology, holding perpetrators of corruption accountable, or seeking justice for war crimes, we must act. This isn’t just a call to action — it’s a moral imperative.

Our strength lies in our unity and our resolve. The powerful fear an informed and vocal citizenry. Let’s prove them right. By demanding transparency and accountability, we can restore trust and ensure that the government serves the people — not the other way around.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on TheBlaze.com.

Has Zuckerberg REALLY changed?

Mark Zuckerberg's recent announcement to lift content moderation policies across all of Meta's platforms and end the company's reliance on third-party fact-checkers, at first glance, is an incredible left turn given the platform's long-term participation in online censorship. However, does their shift signal a genuine change of heart, or are there more selfish motivations at play?

On the Glenn Beck Program, Glenn and Stu looked at both perspectives. On the one hand, Zuckerberg's announcement, adding UFC President and avid Trump supporter Dana White to Meta's board of directors indicates major progress in America's pushback against online censorship. However, Glenn also posited that Zuckerberg's intentions are chiefly to win the good graces of the incoming Trump administration in order to maintain Meta's controversial work in virtual and augmented reality technologies (VR/AR).

There is evidence for both perspectives, and we lay it all out for you below:

Did Zuck have a genuine change of heart?

NurPhoto / Contributor | Getty Images

Zuckerberg’s bombshell announcement, at face value, suggests that Meta recognizes the greater demand for free speech on online platforms and growing discontent against content moderation that has censored non-mainstream political opinions, including Glenn and Blaze Media. Zuckerberg described this shift as an authentic attempt to return to the company’s roots of promoting free expression, acknowledging past mistakes in suppressing voices and content deemed politically controversial. Moreover, Meta's new adoption of community-driven content flags similar to X positions itself as a platform that values user input rather than the biased perspective of any single third-party "fact-checker."

Additionally, Zuckerberg’s evolving views on Donald Trump strengthen the argument that his "change of heart" is genuine. Before the 2024 election, Zuckerberg expressed admiration for Trump, even calling him a "badass" after the first assassination attempt, noting how the event changed his perspective on the then-presidential candidate. Moreover, his embrace of new board members, such as UFC President Dana White, a staunch Trump supporter, further suggests that Meta may be diversifying its leadership and welcoming a more inclusive approach to varied political opinions. In this context, Meta’s move away from fact-checking can be interpreted as a commitment to fostering an environment where free speech and diverse political perspectives are genuinely valued.

Or is it about self-preservation?

DREW ANGERER / Contributor | Getty Images

While it is tempting to view Meta’s policy change as a sincere commitment to free speech, there is also a compelling argument that the company’s motivations are rooted in self-preservation. Glenn suggested Meta’s financial interests, particularly in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies, indicate its pivot may be less about principle and more about ensuring continued government contracts and capital flow. Zuckerberg’s significant investments in VR/AR technology, which has already cost the company billions, may be driving his need to align Meta’s policies with the political climate to safeguard future funding from both the government and private sectors.

Moreover, the company’s financial projections for the coming years show a sharp increase in advertising revenue, driven primarily by Facebook’s dominance in social media. This revenue helps sustain Meta’s ambitions in the VR/AR space, where it faces significant losses. The government’s involvement in funding military and tech projects tied to VR/AR underscores the importance of maintaining favorable political relationships. For these reasons, many view Zuckerberg's policy change as an attempt to position Meta for maximum political and financial benefit.

POLL: Is GLOBAL WARMING responsible for the fires in L.A.?

Apu Gomes / Stringer | Getty Images

As wildfires sweep across California and threaten to swallow up entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles, one question is on everyone's mind: What went wrong?

So far over 45 square miles of the city have been scorched, while the intense smoke is choking out the rest of L.A. Thousands of structures, including many family homes, have been destroyed, and many more are at risk as firefighters battle the flames. Many on the left, including Senator Bernie Sanders, have been quick to point to climate change as the cause of the devastating fires, citing the chronic lack of rain in L.A.

Others, including Glenn, have pointed out another potential cause: the severe mismanagement of the forests and water supply of Los Angeles and California in general. Unlike many other states and most other forested countries, California does not clear out the dead trees and dry vegetation that builds up on the forest floor and acts as kindling, fueling the fire as it whips through the trees.

On top of this, California has neglected its water supply for decades despite its crucial role in combating fires. The state of California has not built a new major water reservoir to store and capture water since the 1970s, leading to repeat water shortages in Southern California. To top it off, Gavin Newsom personally derailed a 2020 Trump order to divert water from areas of the state with excess water to parched Southern California. Why? To save an already functionally extinct fish. Now firefighters in L.A. are running out of water as the city is engulfed in flames. At least the fish are okay...

But what do you think? Are the wildfires a product of years of mismanagement? Or a symptom of a changing climate? Let us know in the poll below:

Glenn's Show Prep