Acts of God?

Why do humans seek blame for disasters

Photo by Caleb Cook on Unsplash

In 2005, our area experienced an F-3 tornado that killed more than 20 people and damaged or destroyed about 500 buildings, including homes, businesses, and churches. The storm came through in November at two in the morning so people were caught off guard.

We were very lucky as the tornado hit a mile from our home. Our then 15-year-old son was camping with his Boy Scout troop at a park about ten miles away, and spent the storm in a concrete bathroom with four other Scout troops. Power and phone lines were down, so we only had a battery-powered radio to learn what was going on.

The storm had gone near where our son was, so we were never so glad when we saw our neighbor coming home pulling the Boy Scout trailer, with her son and our son in the cab, the boys full of scary stories about the storm.

Compared to what is happening in Los Angeles Countyhe, the tornado was a minor tragedy, yet we saw the kind of impact one-time devastation can have on a town with a population of 4,000 people. Many families experienced great suffering and trauma.

It’s very difficult to get our minds around the scope of tragedy out west which still is going on and may continue as long as the winds whip up.

A November tornado was unusual, and people spoke of climate change's impact. When the tornado came through, no one said that specific people were to blame. No one said that we needed more equipment or people because an event that large was unthinkable. What we did see were many examples of incredible kindness to those who were affected by the storm.

If you turn on any channel that has a news program, today you’ll hea blame of someone or something for the fires in California while they still burn. Some wild conspiracy theories are repeated. Some say the fires are the wrath of God in the same way that Sodom and Gomorrah were burned in Old Testament times. Others blame budget cuts, lack of sufficient infrastructure, the mayor’s trip to Africa, and just about everything except pissed-off aliens. And reporters say, “Why does this have to be political?” and then they discuss that for ten minutes. And of course,, there are looters.

I want to throw all that out; I suspect there will be plenty of analysis in time.

But let’s focus on the kindnesses that people have shown each other. Both Canada and Mexico, as well as dozens of western states, have sent fire departments to help.

My friend Mark reports that he and his son have been volunteering at the Garry Marshall Theater to help fire victims, as many businesses such as Costco and Target have brought in needed supplies. (Mark and his family live in Burbank between the Palisades and the Eaton fires.) Other friends have opened their home to people who have either lost a home or cannot return to their homes because of still-burning hot spots.

Churches have opened up their doors and welcomed the community. Restaurants that weren’t harmed are feeding hundreds, and of course, Jose Andreas (now a Medal of Freedom winner) has his crews feeding people all over the City of Angels.

Even some celebrities have used their platform for good. Rosanne Arquette suggested on social media that this year’s Oscars be turned into a massive fundraiser to help victims. What a great idea. Think of all the money spent on that event that could be used (one time only) for the greater good.

Thousands of Americans have contributed to charities that support recovery efforts.

While each of us has a choice regarding how to respond in support or criticism of the event, many have stepped up to help. Please consider finding a way to support the victims, even if it’s only a $25 gift to the supportive charity of choice. We’re all just one disaster away from being in the same boat as the Los Angelenos area.

Organizations that are providing support are listed in this article: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/how-to-help-victims-los-angeles-wildfires-rcna187274

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