Reflections on the Blaze

The past week has certainly been a reality check for all of us in Southern California, especially San Diego County. My words can't do justice to the horrendous physical and psychological damage that was inflicted upon our communities. However, I have never been prouder to be a Californian and specifically, a San Diegan.

I have spent a considerable amount of time in other parts of the country, and I am well aware of the many ignorant and widespread misconceptions about California and Californians. People frequently question my faith, my politics, my sense of reality, my ethics, and my intellect, simply because I am from California. This was never more apparent than when I left home for college in the South. Surely our fair state has more than its share of hedonists and shameful ambassadors, but I consider it unjust that we are always on the defensive end of the morality debate. This might seem baffling to many, but I believe that in many ways, California is the sole remaining part of the country in which traditional Christian compassion and American values still endure.

This past week, I saw countless churches open their doors and resources to those who were displaced and/or dispossessed of their property. The sense of compassion and goodwill was widespread. Many brave individuals gave up their comfort and safety to lend a helping hand, and in some cases, it cost people their lives. Unlike post-Katrina New Orleans, people in Southern California aren't hell-bent on pointing the finger and assigning blame for this natural disaster. People here are taking responsibility for their own actions and are asking first what they can do to help their neighbors, rather than being completely focused on slandering others and exploiting the fallout for their own political interests. Quite simply, Californians are embodying the values upon which this country was founded, rather than the nefarious, anti-establishment hatred that was showcased following Katrina. California has always been on the cutting edge of American progress, and I hope that decent and fair-minded Californians will join others around the country in leading a renaissance of the compassion and ethics that made America great.