Rogan and Gibson Ignite Firestorm of Criticism Against Newsom's "Apocalyptic" Wildfire Mismanagement
Paul Riverbank, 1/11/2025Influential voices like Joe Rogan and Mel Gibson lambast Governor Newsom's inaction on wildfires, highlighting California's crumbling leadership amidst a catastrophic crisis.
The catastrophic wildfires raging through Los Angeles have exposed the utter failure of Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic leadership to adequately prepare for and mitigate the crisis. As homes and lives are consumed by the relentless flames, the voices of criticism grow louder, echoing across the charred landscape.
In a scathing rebuke, podcast powerhouse Joe Rogan and acclaimed director-actor Mel Gibson lambasted Newsom's inaction. "We were just talking about the wildfire situation and how crazy it is that they spent $24 billion last year on the homeless, and what did they spend on preventing these wildfires?" Rogan asked, to which Gibson bluntly replied, "Zero."
The duo's frustration was palpable as they recounted Newsom's unfulfilled promise from 2019 to "take care of the forest and maintain the forest." Gibson added, "He didn't do anything." Rogan further underscored the mismanagement, noting, "On top of that, they cut the water off."
With a sardonic quip, Gibson mused, "I think all our tax dollars probably went to Gavin's hair gel." The Braveheart star's words cut deep, reflecting the sentiment of many Californians who feel betrayed by their leadership's apparent disregard for public safety.
Rogan's exasperation was evident as he exclaimed, "And then [Newsom] gets on TV and pretends like everything's great, [saying], 'California is the best state, we have the most amazing economy,' and I'm like, you're out of your fucking mind, dude. You've ruined this state -- personally ruined it."
The criticism didn't stop there. Gibson drew parallels between the Democratic leadership in Los Angeles and the disastrous policies that have plagued San Francisco, describing the once-vibrant city as "kind of like apocalyptic now."
Rogan's disbelief was palpable as he remarked, "It's just unbelievable that society can crumble that quickly," to which Gibson solemnly responded, "It doesn't take long." The actor-director referenced Jared Diamond's book "Collapse," which outlines the precursors to societal collapse -- precursors that Gibson believes are alarmingly present in our time.
As the fires continue to rage, the toll mounts. Five fatalities have been confirmed, including 66-year-old Victor Shaw, who died trying to defend his family's home of nearly 55 years. The human cost, coupled with the displacement of tens of thousands, underscores the gravity of the crisis.
While Governor Newsom bizarrely thanked Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass -- who was in Africa -- for her "leadership in absentia," the reality on the ground paints a far grimmer picture. With five active wildfires ablaze simultaneously, the Palisades, Eaton, and Sunset fires remain at zero percent contained, while the Hurst Fire is only 10 percent contained, and the Lidia Fire at 40 percent.
As the flames continue to devour homes and lives, the scathing critiques from influential voices like Rogan and Gibson serve as a searing indictment of the failed leadership that has left California -- and its citizens -- to burn.
