Environmental (Commonwealth Union)_ The devastating wildfires consuming vast swaths of California have become more than just a tragic natural disaster; they’ve become a political battleground. Newsmax host Rob Finnerty opened his Wednesday program, blaming the infernos on the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. His comments were directed at the Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley, calling her promotion emblematic of “death by DEI” and suggesting that inclusivity initiatives have led to deadly incompetence.
High winds, record-breaking drought, and extreme heat, all worsened by climate change, have been blamed for the wildfires by some; however, the Newsmax host extended his criticism beyond the California wildfires, comparing them to a recent New Orleans terror attack, which he also attributed to DEI practices. Finnerty blamed New Orleans Police Chief Ann Kirkpatrick, labeling her a “DEI hire” who failed to prevent the incident due to a perceived lack of competence.
Crowley’s qualifications have been in focus. She previously served as the city’s fire marshal and scored in the top tier of firefighter candidates during her entry exam. Crowley’s tenure began under challenging circumstances. Her predecessor, Ralph Terrazas, faced criticism for failing to address systemic racism and sexism within the department. Crowley has since worked to rebuild trust and promote equity while maintaining operational effectiveness, a balancing act made even more difficult by natural disasters like the current wildfires.
Conservative media figures quickly rallied around Finnerty’s incendiary rhetoric. Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly accused Crowley of prioritizing DEI initiatives over essential firefighting duties, railing against her perceived incompetence in profane terms. Kelly’s remarks. Water shortages impacting firefighters have been in focus with many questions.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump joined the chorus, asserting that the fires were exacerbated by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s failure to sign a “water restoration declaration”.
The focus on DEI as a root cause of such crises has highlighted its divisive nature within the nation.
The debate surrounding the Los Angeles wildfires exemplifies a broader trend in media discourse. Tragedies are no longer just moments for reflection or problem-solving; they are opportunities for political point-scoring.
As California battles these catastrophic fires, the focus should remain on the immediate needs of the affected communities and the long-term strategies required to prevent future disasters. However, something all sides would agree on is that firefighters, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, are risking their lives to protect lives and property.
