This past week was the 19^th anniversary of the attacks on our country. September 11^th will forever be a harrowing event that younger generations will only learn about but many of us experienced. It reminds me of my youth and learning about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the beginning of our entry into World War II. We sent our military without hesitation both times into harm's way. Why though are we not doing the patriotic sacrifice that make us invincible and sending aid to California and Oregon during the worse wildfire storms know to history?

Well, I am going to answer my own question. There are way too many people in this country that still don't believe in climate change and global warming. Then there is the politics of this. These two states that are burning to the ground are run by Democratic governors, and we have a "Republican" president.

This is not a national conversation that the president wants to have. Actually a few weeks back he made a comment that it was the state of California's responsibility to clean up their forests, "clean their floors," was the term he used. However, what the president did not realize was those forests are on federal land and his administration is responsible for them.

No, this isn't a blue and red issue, nor is it a have or have not issue. It isn't even a religious issue. It is pure science, and for what it is worth, the president does understand. Yet, he just wants to please that base of people that don't believe it is anything but the will of their god. What baffles me is why this president does not hesitate to call military militia to harass and injure peaceful protesters or guard the borders of Mexico, spending millions of taxpayer's dollars for photo ops or political gain.

At this same time wildfires are happening in the west coast, the citizens in the east coast are holding their breath and waiting to see what they are going to have to deal with as there are six tropical storms moving ominously towards the United States. This hurricane season has been a remarkable one, breaking old stats and carving new ones. My fear is this is our new normal.

At the beginning of the pandemic, I concluded that mother nature was doing what she needed to clean up her planet. Right now, I think she is angry with the humans that are taking her for granted. The pandemic was just the tip of the iceberg, now she is burning down her beautiful forests before the science deniers abuse them. As for the storms in the Atlantic, she is just getting started, she might be gunning for the president and once he is voted out of office and retires to south Florida, she might have her way with him. Here's hoping….

Most of us have families who are affected by either the fires in the west coast, the early snow season in the mid-west, or the tropical storms on the east coast. So, you must understand it is everyone's responsibility to clean up our world, make it right. Not only for our lives but for the future of our children.