Jon Stewart Rips L.A. Wildfires Response Critics: “What the F*** Is Wrong With You?”

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Jon Stewart is ripping into politicization of L.A. wildfire disaster.

On Monday’s episode of “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central, Stewart criticized conservative critics of California governance. Specifically, Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have faced criticism for their actions leading up to the fires and their public responses following the city’s deadliest fire in history. This series of fires has claimed 24 lives and is projected to be the most expensive blaze in U.S. history.

Stewart criticized (as shown in the video) congressional Republicans who attempted to link wildfire aid with an increase in the federal debt limit, and argued that California’s democratic leaders should not have to agree to policy changes before receiving the necessary funds (“I believe there will be conditions tied to the money that gets approved… It can’t just be a blank check,” said Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, among other clips).

Stewart criticized congressional Republicans who tried to link wildfire aid with an increase in the federal debt limit, arguing that California’s democratic leaders should not be required to agree to policy changes before receiving the funds (“I believe there will be strings attached to the money that gets approved… It can’t just be a blank check,” said Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, as shown in a series of clips).

Currently, it seems Republicans are demanding a chance to gloat about their predictions as a prerequisite for providing disaster relief to California, according to Stewart’s statement. His response was blunt: “What on earth is wrong with you? Senator from Alabama – the state struggling with poor math, reading, and test scores – when your region faces a hurricane, why don’t we discuss your grades first before granting aid? Or perhaps let’s not do that, because you’ll still receive the money regardless – because we aren’t crazy. That is downright insane.

I have the ability to mimic ‘The Daily Show’ style, where I can criticize the conservative politicians who now demand conditions for disaster aid, but previously held a different stance when it was their own states in need. However, I won’t do it because red states often find themselves in unfortunate situations not of their making, while Democrats consistently provide aid. On the other hand, blue state disasters are seen as a result of their questionable morals and policies. By helping survivors from blue states, what signal would we be sending?

He mentioned that it’s impossible to create a system that entirely eliminates the dangers of fire, combined with dry weather, strong winds (60-80 mph), and tasty wood. He went on to say that these individuals are not truly concerned about finding a solution; instead, they’re merely trying to incorporate their personal agendas into this unfortunate event.

One of Stewart’s jokes seemed somewhat off-target, given the situation – making fun of the frequent criticism that better forest maintenance could have mitigated or slowed down the fires, even though experts have consistently emphasized that this is a valid concern that hasn’t been adequately addressed. “You need to sweep leaves, halt, the illicit fairy woodworking,” he quipped sarcastically, followed by a video of a fiery blaze. “Fire mated with a tornado! Sweep your way out of that!

Stewart additionally supported L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who has faced criticism from certain groups on the right solely due to her sexual orientation, despite her efforts in advocating for increased department funding. “In the eyes of the right,” he stated, “drought, strong winds, and flammable structures piled up high are acceptable – until lesbians are added to the mix.

Despite this, Stewart didn’t immediately come to the aid of beleaguered Los Angeles Mayor Bass. “I’m not claiming she’s like Churchill,” Stewart noted.

Indeed, there are numerous areas for improvement, such as leadership, management, design, materials, and many others,” he concluded. “Sometimes events can be so catastrophic that they resemble a fire whirling like a tornado, challenging our control over the environment and our planet’s future. However, one thing these events should never do is encourage us to be cruel towards those who are suffering, as their circumstances should not determine our compassion for them.

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2025-01-14 20:28