LA Wildfires Highlight Karen Bass’s Inadequacies as Mayor — It’s Unjust Not to Acknowledge This

In the midst of the devastation caused by the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles, there appears to be a faction of Americans who prioritize safeguarding a politician’s feelings over evaluating that politician’s inability to fulfill her responsibilities.

As properties turn to rubble, cherished memories are lost in the flames, and at least 24 lives are tragically lost, the evident failure of Mayor Karen Bass is unmistakable: “You are a joke,” as reality television star Khloe Kardashian, along with numerous others, expressed.

Bass chose to travel to Africa amidst wildfire alerts, slashed the Fire Department’s budget, neglected to clear hazardous brush, and failed to maintain the city’s water infrastructure.

Nonetheless, some individuals struggle to see the backlash against Bass as anything other than racially charged.

A Change.org petition has emerged, asserting that critics of Bass’ ineffective leadership are targeting her identity as a Black woman.

“We identify the consistent, targeted attacks she faces as a Black Female Executive,” the anonymous petition creator stated.

“By supporting Mayor Bass . . . we are asserting a stance for truth, integrity, and fairness in political discussions.”

One left-leaning user on X remarked, “Karen Bass is being criticized from both sides for being a successful Black woman . . . It’s merely a campaign to vilify a Black woman.”

“They are gaslighting Karen Bass just as they did with Kamala Harris,” another vented. “We must not dismiss misogynoir.”

Actresses from Hollywood, Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley quickly came to Bass’ defense.

“She possesses an unwavering spirit and has been a Black woman in America for a long time,” Brown told TMZ.

“Stand by her, support her, because her calm demeanor is evident,” Whitley urged.

“We experience fires annually, and . . . I’ve never seen people react this way towards the mayor, blaming one individual for a natural disaster,” Brown questioned. “What’s unique about this situation?”

What’s different this time isn’t the color of the mayor’s skin; it’s the unprecedented level of destruction occurring under her leadership.

Even California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledges that these fires might represent one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in US history in terms of financial impact.

Given the severity of the destruction, the city’s leader justly faces significant criticism.

The public is not blaming her for the wildfires themselves; they are holding her accountable for her lack of preparedness and glaring incompetence.

The image of her standing silently at the airport upon returning from her unnecessary trip to Ghana, without providing answers to reporters, is an affront to those who have lost everything.

When firefighters forcibly watch a house go up in flames due to the hydrants running dry, it is only fair for them to direct their frustration at the individual in authority, irrespective of her skin color.

We should not advocate for increased representation of Black individuals in leadership roles while simultaneously denying them accountability for their shortcomings.

Equality in society encompasses not just equal praise, but equal blame as well.

This implies that the highest office in a city should entail both fair and unfair criticism regarding the issues arising during one’s tenure.

Karen Bass’ supporters embrace the notion of a Black leader but seem averse to her facing genuine leadership expectations.

They profess a desire for equality in leadership, yet when subjected to equal scrutiny, they often resort to demanding preferential treatment.

The push to safeguard Bass and downplay the multitude of reasons for seeking her resignation is anything but empowering.

Leftist ideologues tend to infantilize Black individuals, believing they should be shielded from criticism when failing to meet promises, rather than allowing them to cultivate resilience through adversity.

This unthinking reaction to excuse individuals based on immutable characteristics may have adverse effects: What voter would endorse an individual for a prestigious role who cannot tolerate criticism?

Supporters of Karen Bass seemingly doubt her ability to endure these challenging times without her race serving as a shield against the accountability which is a prerequisite for anyone in a position of executive authority.

Critiquing Karen Bass does not equate to racism. Expecting her to receive special treatment does.

Adam B. Coleman is the author of “Black Victim to Black Victor” and the founder of Wrong Speak Publishing.