2 weeks Ago By [email protected](KoreaTimes)
By Shin Freedman The southern Los Angeles area has endured devastating wildfires since the start of the year, a calamity almost beyond comprehension. Losing everything in the blink of an eye at the outset of a new year is a pain that defies solace. What words can truly comfort those enduring such a natural disaster? Media reports detail how strong, uncontrollable winds have continued to fuel these fires, exacerbating the destruction.
Tragically, the death toll rises daily. Historically, the response to such crises has been fraught with neglect. During the previous Donald Trump administration, a Los Angeles fire and the broader climate crisis were dismissed and ridiculed.
Now, faced with an even larger and longer-lasting wildfire, the stakes are higher. This neglect is not only disheartening but dangerous, leaving many of us deeply worried about the future. Adding to the stress is the political turmoil dominating national conversations.
Watching confirmation hearings for Trump’s cabinet nominees has been a grueling experience. Many of these appointees appear woefully unprepared and professionally incompetent, a reflection of a presidency driven by personal loyalty over qualifications. For instance, the secretary of defense nominee faced criticism for a lack of defense policy expertise, raising concerns about national security.
Similarly, the nominee for secretary of energy had minimal background in energy policy but significant ties to the fossil fuel industry, highlighting potential conflicts of interest. These hearings have showcased an alarming trend of prioritizing political allegiance over capability, leaving the public dismayed by the lack of accountability. The Trump administration’s agenda, reminiscent of mafia-style intimidation, includes pressuring lawmakers, whistleblowers and concerned citizens to align with his agenda.
This abuse of power — leveraging threats and fear to achieve political goals — is alarming. Who can halt this madness? It is a question that leaves many of us feeling helpless. Personal experiences, too, reflect this atmosphere of chaos and recklessness.
Driving on a major highway the other day, my husband and I narrowly avoided a disastrous accident when a black pickup truck recklessly darted into our lane without warning. The incident left us shaken, pondering what compels such reckless behavior. Meanwhile, Trump’s actions since his return to power have only deepened concerns.
On his first day after inauguration, he pardoned more than 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the Capitol insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, including those who assaulted police officers and destroyed government property. When questioned by the media, his justification was that these were "political prisoners wrongly convicted.
" Such blatant abuse of power is troubling. The newly assembled Trump 2.0 administration appears to be driven by oligarchic interests.
Billionaires within his inner circle seek personal gain, while lawmakers are paralyzed by fear of retaliation. This atmosphere stifles dissent and enables a leadership style that prioritizes personal ambition over public welfare. The prospect of a misogynistic politician, convicted felon and opponent of women’s reproductive rights occupying the White House again is deeply unsettling.
When our basic dignity and safety are compromised — whether by wildfires, reckless drivers or self-serving politicians — it is natural to feel distraught. These fragile moments underscore the precariousness of our lives. On this frigid winter morning, I find myself worried about the days ahead, yearning for stability in an increasingly uncertain world.
Shin Freedman ([email protected]) is an author, a writer and an educator..
