Biden’s Lazy Response To Catastrophes Like Hawaii Fire Proves He Is A Liability
Biden’s Maui visit shows Americans that he doesn’t just deliberately neglect them, but he also scoffs at their suffering.Biden’s Maui visit shows Americans that he doesn’t just deliberately neglect them, but he also scoffs at their suffering.Biden finally addresses the historic devastation in Maui but at times appears unable to recall the island's name: 'Not the one where you see on television all the time'
President Joe Biden, who has reportedly spent over a year of his presidency on vacation, was recently lambasted for idling on a beach in Delaware while historic wildfires raged in Maui, Hawaii, claiming the lives of at least 106 people and torching over 2,100 acres.
When Biden finally returned to his post, he prompted outrage again, declining to comment on the tragedy.
On Tuesday, the Democratic octogenarian broke his silence on Maui, but appeared at times unable to name the island on the minds and lips of many Americans, including the former Democratic state representative official who has called him out despite having previously campaigned for him.
Speaking to a crowd of roughly 150 workers and supporters at the Ingeteam Inc. electrical engineering factory in Milwaukee, Biden focused primarily on hyping his so-called "Bidenomics" plan, claiming that it was "working," notwithstanding rising inflation, dwindling hourly earnings, failing banks, runaway spending, and rising mortgage rates.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel indicated that the visit was of strategic importance, as Biden wanted to set the tone ahead of the GOP presidential primary debate in Milwaukee on Aug. 23.
When Biden came around to discussing the Hawaii wildfires, he prefaced his remarks with an apology for going over time with his speech.
With the aid of teleprompters, he initially invoked Maui by name, indicating that 500 federal personnel had been deployed to the island to "help communities and survivors get back on their feet." However, in the 44-minute speech, he would only speak the name "Maui" once more.
After remarking upon the damage done and the misery left in the wake of the fires, Biden indicated that he and Jill Biden would soon be traveling to Hawaii, then proceeded to detail the efforts of the Coast Guard and Navy to support search and rescue operations.
The Daily Mail reported that Biden appeared to struggle to name Maui, stating, "The Army helicopters helped fire suppression efforts on the Big Island because there's still some burning on the Big Island — not the one that, not the one where you see on television all the time."
Biden's seeming memory lapse regarding the American region burning under his watch does not appear to have prompted nearly as much outrage as his refusal to speak about the tragedy for four days or his offer of a one-time payment of $700 per household in emergency aid to victims of the wildfires, which Newsweek reported critics have set in contrast to the billions of dollars in aid sent to foreign nations.
The White House has intimated that its actions speak more loudly than the words Biden can recall, citing the provision of 50,000 meals, 75,000 liters of water, 5,000 cots, and 10,000 blankets by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to victims of the wildfires, along with the response efforts by the Coast Guard, the Navy's Third Fleet, and the Marines, reported NBC News.
While the Biden administration has taken action, residents on the "Big Island" have indicated that volunteers have provided for more support than the government, according to a New York Times report.
Concerning criticism of Biden's response to the tragedy, White House spokesman Andrew Bates stated, "We won't be lectured by Republican officials in Washington who are doubling denial of the climate crisis that is devastating red and blue states."
Various other Democrats have insinuated or claimed outright that the specter of anthropogenic climate change is responsible for the fires, whereas the Times has indicated the unchecked weeds and other highly flammable invasive plants that took over Hawaii's derelict farms predisposed the state to burn.
With the Wisconsin speech and double mention of Maui behind him, Biden is reportedly headed to Lake Tahoe for a week-long vacation.
President Biden vows Hawaii will have 'everything it needs' for tackling wildfiresyoutu.be
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Historic church spared by the Maui fires towers above ash and rubble: 'It's like a miracle'
The wildfires that ravaged the Hawaii island of Maui are the deadliest in over a century, having claimed at least 96 lives. Authorities expect the death toll to rise.
Thousands of acres of land have been torched along with the historic Lahaina area, which KHON-TV reported will cost well over $5.5 billion to rebuild.
In downtown Lahaina, there appears to have been at least one historic structure the fires could not claim, now standing defiantly amid the ash and ruin.
Maria Lanakila (Our Lady of Victory) Catholic Church, established by Fr. Aubert of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Mary and Jesus in 1846, appears to have been spared from the worst of the smoke and flame.
Viral footage taken out front of the church pans from side to side, showing the largely untouched church surrounded by smoldering verges, collapsed buildings, and immolated trees.
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USA Today reported that the original structure comprised an adobe building with grass hut chapels. The modern stone structure that stands today was completed in 1873.
The church, which serves between 700 and 800 families, contains artwork rumored to be gifts from King Kalakaua or his sister, Queen Liliuokalani.
Msgr. Terrence Watanabe, pastor of St. Anthony’s, told the Pillar, "Basically what we know is the fact that all of Lahaina Town has been consumed by fire. It’s all gone. The church, Maria Lanakila [Our Lady of Victory], is still standing."
Although the rectory is reported to have suffered some damage, it appears to have fared better than the nearby Sacred Hearts School, which had its roof torn off.
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"For us, it’s like a miracle," Watanabe told the Star Advertiser. "When we saw the news and saw the church steeple rise above the town, it was a great sight to see."
"May She be the beacon of hope…to help the rest of the community," said parishioner Jeffrey Chang, reported the New York Post.
The pastor of the church, Fr. Kuriakose Nadooparambil, indicated all of his staff escaped the fire and found temporary residence with members of the Catholic community in Central Maui.
The Waiola Church, home of a United Church of Christ congregation and Hawaii's first Christian cemetery, was not so fortunate, having been razed in the inferno.
Lay minister Anela Rosa told USA Today, "It's gone, the social hall, the sanctuary, the annex, all of it."
The Waiola Church celebrated its 200th anniversary in May and is the final resting place of the Kingdom of Hawaii's royal family, according to the church's website.
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‘Empathizer-In-Chief’ Biden Offers Hawaiians Devastated By Wildfire ‘No Comment’ From His Beach Chair
The deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history deserves more attention, not just from the media but also from the White House.At least 36 dead in Hawaii fires, which have displaced thousands, reduced a historic town to ash, and chased some into the ocean
Wildfires have transformed parts of Maui, Hawaii, into infernos, killing at least 36 and reducing much of one centuries-old coastal town to ash and cinders.
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Dora passed far south of the islands; however, the strong pressure gradient between the storm and high pressure to the north generated powerful wind gusts of up to 60 mph and dry weather conditions, which helped set the stage for the blazes that have since spread across several islands and all but encircled Maui.
The Haiwaii Tourism Authority indicated Wednesday evening that fires were still affecting Lahaina, Kihei, and Upcountry Maui — all on Maui — as well as Hawaii Island, particularly the Mauna Kea Resort area.
The islands of Kauai, Lanai, and Oahu remain unaffected.
Maui County reported that 36 total fatalities had been discovered as of late Wednesday. Officials have indicated the death toll could rise.
Lahaina, among the municipalities hit hardest, was left in ruins by the fires.
In the town's historic district, homes and businesses were razed to the ground. In other areas, the blanched skeletons of buildings appear to be all that remain standing.
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Air Maui helicopter pilot Richie Olsten described the scene at Lahaina thusly: "It looked like a war zone, like an area that had just been bombed. … And, it's just, I can't even put it in words, what, what we saw. So many people, hundreds of homes burned to the ground. People displaced, the whole Front Street of Lahaina. … The businesses, the historic area, burned to the ground. Gone.
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) noted on Twitter, "Lahaina Town on Maui is almost totally burnt to the ground. Firefighters are still trying to get the fires under control, and our first responders are in search and rescue mode."
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One plane passenger caught some of the destruction on tape.
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Additional footage of Lahaina's coastline shows the immolated remains of vehicles and ash-strewn streets.
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Dozens of people rescued by the Coast Guard had leaped into the ocean to avoid the flames, reported the Weather Channel.
Capt. Aja L. Kirksey, Sector Commander of Coast Guard Sector Honolulu said in a statement, "On behalf of the US Coast Guard, I wish to convey my sincere condolences to the communities who have been tragically affected by the fires in Maui," reported Maui Now.
"Our collaboration with partner agencies and neighboring jurisdictions remains steadfast, as we unite our resources, knowledge, and equipment to ensure responder and public safety and amplify the impact of our response efforts," added Kirksey.
Gov. Josh Green's office indicated that over 2,000 acres of state and private land had been torched.
As of late Wednesday, around 100 Maui firefighters had been battling the flames around the clock, including 11 from state airport firefighting and rescue personnel, according to authorities.
Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke emphasized, "This is not a safe place to be. ... On certain parts of Maui we have shelters that are overrun. We have resources that are being taxed. We are doing whatever we can and the state is providing whatever support that we can to give support to both Maui and to the Big Island."
Various shelters for the citizens displaced by the blazes are operating at capacity. The Kahului Airport on Maui is reportedly sheltering people, including an estimated 2,000 stranded visitors.
The Associated Press reported that 11,000 visitors managed to fly out of Maui on Wednesday.
As of Thursday morning, Maui County had opened additional emergency evacuation shelters at King's Cathedral Maui and at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, both in Kahului.
The HTA further noted that thousands of residents and visitors have been evacuated and multiple roads have been closed.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said in a video statement, "We are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time. ... In the days ahead, we will be stronger as a ‘kaiaulu,’ or community, as we rebuild with resilience and aloha."
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U.S. Forest Service Sparked New Mexico Wildfire
A series of prescribed burns led to a number of runaway wildfires that burned down thousands of acres in New Mexico.California man arrested on suspicion of starting fire that destroyed nearly 200 buildings, forced 6,000 people to flee, burned 19,000 acres
A California man was arrested on Friday on suspicion of starting a forest fire that destroyed nearly 200 buildings, according to authorities. The suspect faces multiple felony charges.
Edward Fredrick Wackerman – a 71-year-old man from Mariposa, California – was arrested on suspicion of aggravated arson, arson that causes great bodily injury, and arson causing damage or destruction of inhabited structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as Cal Fire.
The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office said in a statement: "Through an extensive investigation Wackerman, a local Mariposa resident, was identified as the suspect responsible for igniting the Oak Fiire in July 2022."
"The arrest and comprehensive investigation were a collaborative effort between multiple agencies consisting of CAL FIRE Law Enforcement, Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Forest Service (USFS) Law Enforcement, National Park Service Law Enforcement, Madera County District Attorney Investigators, Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office, California Department of Justice Attorney General’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)," the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office stated.
\u201cCAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers arrested 71-year-old Edward Fredrick Wackerman in connection to the destructive Oak Fire last year that burned over 19,000 acres. \nMore: https://t.co/hVyNW3lTBl\n(Photo: MCSO)\u201d— FOX26 News (@FOX26 News) 1686978900
The Oak Fire started in the Sierra Nevada – a mountain range spanning 400 miles between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin.
"A combination of heat, low humidity and parched vegetation bedeviled firefighters battling the inferno that spread through the Sierra Nevada foothills, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency for Mariposa County," the Los Angeles Times said. "The blaze burned until early August before being fully contained with more than 2,000 firefighters battling the flames at its height."
The Associated Press reported, "The fire injured three firefighters, burned 19,244 acres (30 square miles, 77 square kilometers) of land, and destroyed 127 homes and 66 outbuildings, Cal Fire said."
"At its height, some 6,000 people were told to flee their homes after the blaze erupted near the community of Midpines," according to CBS News.
There were no fatalities in the wildfire.
A Mariposa resident told KFSN-TV, "Why? Why did he do it? Why did he feel he had to do that and destroy so many people's lives? It's sad. To deliberately start and set that fire is absolutely appalling, and what's worse is I think I've actually seen him around the town."
The Mariposa County district attorney said in a statement that an "investigation is under review by our office."
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Washington Is Choking On Wildfire Smoke. Now Maybe They Will Listen To Western Grievances
More than 61 million residents up and down the east coast got a rude education this week to the experience western Americans face every year.Federal Incompetence Is Responsible For New Mexico’s Largest Wildfire
The acknowledgement of government culpability came a full week after the Forest Service announced a 90-day suspension of prescribed burns.Today's top stories
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Biden’s tone-deafness reverberates as Hawaiians search for survivors
As stories featuring heroes who risked their own lives to save friends, family, and strangers from the fate of the flames in Maui continue to flood the media, President Biden continues to reflect an inability to grasp — or at least be sympathetic to — what has happened.
Biden claimed, while wearing a lei, that he and Jill have a “little sense” of “what it's like to lose a home,” as their home was once struck by lightning. He also loudly complained that the ground was hot while visiting the ashes of a once-beautiful city.
Mark Levin, who despises the president’s reaction to the wildfires, sheds light on the stories of devastation and hope that Biden has confirmed he is incapable of understanding.
One story features a young man, Benny Reinicke, who carried Sincerity Mirkovich, a total stranger, for miles in order to get Mirkovich and her daughter, Lani Williams, to safety.
The mother-daughter duo had jumped in their car to escape as wildfires began to ravage the town they have lived in for most of their lives. As they sat in standstill traffic, the two found that embers were already falling down on them.
"Then we see another fire on the side of us, a whole house. We're in the car and a whole tree is on fire, and I was like, 'Oh my God, we're going to die,’” Williams told "Good Morning America."
The two decided the best course of action was to seek shelter in the water. However, their escape route proved too difficult, as Mirkovich uses a walker for assistance.
That’s when Benny Reinicke came in.
The man saw the women struggling and told Mirkovich to lean on his back so he could carry her over the seawall and into the water.
Reinicke got them to safety and then stayed with them for over eight hours until the fires subsided.
The trio had not seen each other since the rescue, but they were brought together for a heartwarming reunion on "Good Morning America."
Levin is convinced that it was the Biden-led government that let people like Mirkovich and Williams down — and the government still refuses to acknowledge that obvious fact.
“You can’t prevent every fire and you can’t prevent these high winds in the middle of the Pacific, but to keep blaming climate change for something that obviously had nothing to do with climate change,” Levin comments.
“Then I have this fraud of a president, dementia, no dementia, who has to be told he needs to get there and he has to break off from his second vacation [in] Lake Tahoe, where he constantly is mooching off billionaires and foreign governments and so forth and so on,” he adds.
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