[katya8]

This would not be happening if the United States, this wealthiest nation on earth, had a DEFENSE DEPARTMENT and a WHITE HOUSE that had cared enough about the American people to make sure there was a NATIONAL FIRE-FIGHTING FORCE equipped to protect us, which is what our government's number one obligation is supposed to be.

Instead, they're using OUR money to protect the people of Iraq.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Really?

[John H K]

This would not be happening if the United States, this wealthiest nation on earth, had a DEFENSE DEPARTMENT and a WHITE HOUSE that had cared enough about the American people to make sure there was a NATIONAL FIRE-FIGHTING FORCE equipped to protect us, which is what our government's number one obligation is supposed to be.

Has more to do with people wanting to live in a scrub-chaparral environment and unfortunate weather conditions than the absence of some sort of "National Fire-Fighting Force."

And (donning flame-resistant suit) why should people that don't live in such fire-prone environments pay for such a force, any more than people that don't live on barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic should pay for sea walls/jetties/beach replacement/replacing homes of those that do?

[LenS]

It's sad. This never would have happened under the Clintons. Why when Billary was President, not a single home burned down anywhere in the US. </sarcasm>

[Diddle E. Squat]

Oh slap yourself and shut up.

[LaraCroft]

Yeah, I'm kind of confused as to why Iraq, a country with extensive oil reserves needs our GRANT money. A loan maybe, but the President doesn't want to appear like we did it for money.

Like the Liberals will ever give him credit for anything. When will the Republicans learn?

[Pukin Dog]

Oh will you please shut up?

I'm right here in Mira Mesa, and things will be okay in time. Fires are a fact of nature, and there are times when there is nothing you can do about them, regardless of how many resources are available. Your rant is ridiculous, but I guess we all have our moments. Just calm down.

[Grampa Dave]

I wondered when some whacked out third party whiner would blame us for this. I think you are the first!

[gcruse]

NATIONAL FIRE-FIGHTING FORCE

LOL Conservatives, the party of national government when it suits them.

[lonestar]

Do you know how stupid you are?

[LibertarianLiz]

This would not be happening if the United States, this wealthiest nation on earth, had a DEFENSE DEPARTMENT and a WHITE HOUSE that had cared enough about the American people to make sure there was a NATIONAL FIRE-FIGHTING FORCE

Actually, IMHO, this wouldn't be happening if we were'nt so afraid of the enviromental lobbyists that we accepted their cure for everything in nature, which is to leave it alone and don't touch it.

How many years has the brush in this area been allowed to lay and accumulate, die and dry out? If CA had been able to go in and clear out the dead brush, and thin out the rest, on an annual basis, would this fire be this bad? I'm only asking.

[qwert]

Instead, they're using OUR money to protect the people of Iraq. Excuse me moron..... maybe you should take care of your own stinkin fires as well as your own state. For the last 10 years the leftest have run your state, and you can see the fine job that has been done, a NATIONAL FIRE-FIGHTING FORCE give me a break I refuse to pay for your 10 years of stupidity....go back under the rock you came from...

[thathamiltonwoman]

No offense but doesn't California have fires every year?

[rwfromkansas]

Are you serious?

If so, you take the stupidest Freeper award.

You chose to live in a tinderbox, so shut the hell up moron.

[doug from upland]

Unbelievable bonehead remark.

[Spunky]

Oh! I am so sorry if you lost your house, but I see you saved your computer. :-)

[Jorge]

This is a joke right? Tell me you're not serious.

[Mo1]

This would not be happening if the United States, this wealthiest nation on earth, had a DEFENSE DEPARTMENT and a WHITE HOUSE that had cared enough about the American people to make sure there was a NATIONAL FIRE-FIGHTING FORCE equipped to protect us, which is what our government's number one obligation is supposed to be.

Anything else you care to blame on Bush???

[MEG33]

Piffle.

[The Duke]

Hey, I wonder how much of these fires could be extinguised for $87 billion?

[Ditto]

"This would not be happening if the United States, this wealthiest nation on earth, had a DEFENSE DEPARTMENT and a WHITE HOUSE that had cared enough about the American people to make sure there was a NATIONAL FIRE-FIGHTING FORCE equipped to protect us..."

Oh goodie. A Federal Fire Department! Do they fight fires, or start them?