#blkgrlmgclwyr – blog

Let’s start with a simple standard: Acts of God are not, and should never be, the playground of politics. Yet, here we are, watching as the flames from the Los Angeles wildfires are being cynically politicized in ways that are not only dangerous but downright immoral. As a California civil rights attorney, I’m beyond disappointed by the callousness, the disinformation, and the unfounded assumptions that are being hurled at us while we’re in the midst of crisis.

As California’s devastating wildfires grew, so did certain voices suggesting that these fires are divine retribution for our alleged moral failings—”God is mad at us,” they say. As though the flames licking up our forests and threatening our homes and lives are some sort of cosmic punishment for, I don’t know, living in a place with a thriving economy, a diverse population, and a Hollywood export that takes over the globe. One woman even had the audacity to suggest that the fire was punishment because Californians aren’t sharing our wealth with others. Excuse me, what?!

Let’s get a couple of things straight: Los Angeles is called the “City of Angels” for a reason. Many of us know God. And the ones who don’t believe in God still try to live lives that resonate with peace, harmony, and respect—values that many so-called Christians have long neglected in favor of self-righteousness. No, this fire isn’t some metaphorical slap from the Almighty. This fire is the result of an increasingly unstable environment due to climate change, wildfires exacerbated by years of political failure to address the root causes of environmental collapse.

But that’s not the narrative we’re getting, is it? No, instead, we’re watching as right-wing media, and worse yet, individuals with more hate than sense, demonize California and its leadership. Governor Gavin Newsom, who has acted with diligence and compassion to tackle this crisis, is suddenly the target of baseless criticism rooted in lies.

There is a palpable jealousy towards California, and yes, that is part of the “heat” we’re feeling. People are jealous of California because we have the audacity to lead the world in technology, innovation, and entertainment. We’re the fifth-largest economy on the planet. People would love to see us crumble because, in their mind, the state is “too liberal” or “too progressive.” They would love to see our diversity, our wealth, our global influence, our very essence as a state get swallowed by the flames—metaphorical and literal. But it’s not just envy that’s driving this. It’s the deliberate attempt to weaponize these Acts of God as a means of dividing us, distracting us, and steering our national conversation away from the real issues: climate change, global warming, and the unchecked greed that has caused this mess.

And here’s where it gets extra sinister: weaponizing extreme weather due to global warming is not just misinformation; it’s disinformation—an intentional distortion of the truth that serves no one but the powerful. The right is using this moment to push a political agenda of fear and division, stripping us of the empathy we need to address this crisis. They want us to believe that these fires are some sort of divine reckoning, as if empathy, unity, and collective responsibility aren’t the real antidotes to these calamities.

It’s not only disgusting; it’s morally reprehensible. As an attorney, I argue that such conduct should be illegal. And there’s a special place in hell for people who use Acts of God—something beyond human control—as a pawn in their political game. We’re talking about extreme weather events that are the direct result of global warming—a crisis that has been ignored by conservative factions for years. Using these events to attack a state’s leadership and its people only furthers the divide, and it’s about time we call it what it is: tacky trash.

So, here’s a warning to California’s leadership, specifically Governor Gavin Newsom, who has responded to these fires with resilience and pragmatism: You’re going to need more than just courage to face what’s coming next. Mark my words: the upcoming Trump administration will be hostile to California. With a conservative, anti-environmental federal government at the helm, we are going to be at the mercy of a system that views California as a target—economically, politically, and culturally. It’s not just wildfires we’re fighting; it’s an existential battle for our rights, our way of life, and the safety of our marginalized communities.

Newsom, you and your team need to prepare. I predict that the upcoming administration will go after groups that are already under fire: LGBTQ+ individuals 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️, BIPOC communities, and those with disabilities. They will be in the crosshairs. And let’s be real: when an oppressive regime targets marginalized groups, they don’t stop at the ballot box—they go after the very systems that protect people from the consequences of discrimination. Trust me. I know.

It’s time for California to fortify itself—not just against fires, but against the fire that is political hostility. California needs a strong legal team, one that’s ready to fight fascism, discrimination, and federal overreach at every turn. As someone who spends their life as an attorney fighting for justice, I’m here for it. Let’s prepare for what’s coming because I can guarantee you, more extreme weather is on the horizon, and we need to be ready—not just to fight fires, but to fight for the survival of our values.

California is a beacon of progress, diversity, and inclusivity. We can’t afford to let these right-wing narratives burn us down.

Author’s Bio

Latrice Burks-Palmerio, also known by her powerful online presence as #blkgrlmgclwyr, is an expert in American politics with a deep focus on the intersection of American fascism and the decline of empire. Latrice’s academic journey began with an International Baccalaureate class on totalitarian regimes, which laid the foundation for her nuanced understanding of authoritarianism. She graduated with honors in Political Science from the College of Wooster, where her thesis examined the dynamics of Black social movements in the U.S. Further refining her expertise, Latrice earned her law degree from USC Gould School of Law, gaining invaluable insights into U.S. Constitutional law.

As an impact litigator specializing in employment law for marginalized communities and representing survivors of sex crimes, Latrice combines her legal acumen with a deep commitment to justice. She has also contributed to the public discourse through self-published articles that analyze and critique the evolving political landscape of America. Latrice’s work examines how the structures of American fascism and empire-building manifest in law, policy, and social movements, making her a critical voice in understanding the political currents shaping the nation today.