When House Rules Work Against You

Over the last couple of weeks, we have witnessed the atrocities that have wreaked havoc in Los Angeles, California. The fires that ripped through the Palisades have astonished the nation. What has truly baffled Americans had not been the fire itself but the response or lack thereof by insurers, as well as local and state government. As reports continue to pour in about much of the mismanagement that has led to 24 deaths and 35,000 acres gone up in flames, thousands are questioning how they are going to recover from the massive loss to their properties. It seems that the insurance residents look to as a safety net is now a great concern as many companies are fleeing the state. 

The mayor, Karen Bass left the country to go to Africa as the fires broke out. Prior to this disaster, the fire chief made a case that the recent budget cuts would cripple their ability to do their jobs effectively. In spite of all the flurry of flames, Kristin Crowley, the fire chief appeared to be thrown under the bus by city officials looking to pass the blame for the growing problem. Meanwhile, California governor, Gavin Newsome blames citizens for the reason there’s not enough water to fight the fires. All these things and so much more adds up to a house of cards that was waiting to fall. 

It’s almost like the house rules of those in power and everyone that the everyday citizen looks to for protection and help have stacked the deck against them and they are left holding an empty bag. It’s like a casino or race track that operates according to “house rules”. House rules are set up in such a way that no matter how savvy a player you think you are coming in to the game, you always wind up losing more than you win. In essence, the house always wins and you go home empty. Of course, there’s always the rare exception who wins, but the odds of being that person is like being the one person in millions who actually got struck by lightning twice on the same night in the same spot. 

If insurers are leaving the state, they’ve already got your money and the likelihood that you have a case of getting it back or getting the funds to cover your damages after the fire are out the window. Getting assistance from the state seems even less likely as they publicly are stating that they are seriously unprepared or lacking the resources to handle the very thing that is a known reoccurring issue. 

There is a myriad of issues plaguing California that began long before this fire and I believe that once things actually settle down after the fires subside, the people affected the most are going to have to do more than reassess the damages; they are going to have to reassess who they put their trust in and who they elect to govern them in both good times and bad. If there’s anything that has been seen in the recent 2024 presidential election is that there has been an indictment on the type of leadership that the nation is looking to. This same indictment is being charged on a state and local level.  

People want to believe that those they choose to govern have the ability to see the needs of the people and care when things don’t go well. If you know that you’ve been relegated to house rules, you either have to find a way to make the rules work for you or change them. It’s apparent that those in power have stacked the deck against the people and the people have been playing a losing hand for a very long time. The question becomes, is there enough resolve to change the rules and replace those who have set the house rules to be fairer? 

Eyes are going to be on California for long time. In all honesty, eyes have been on California for generations and many are praying that it can return to the days of its great golden hope of years past. Can California be great again? Who will be the ones that rise up to restore that shine and shimmer? It’s time to reshuffle the deck for fair play. Let us keep watch and pray that change does indeed come to California so that the house rules work for the people instead of against them.