Wildfire season has been in full swing in Ventura County this past week. Over 134 homes have been destroyed in nearby Camarillo since Wednesday morning by what is now being called the Mountain Fire. This blaze, fanned by 61 mph Santa Ana winds, went from 1/2 square mile to 16 square miles in just a few hours, threatening over 3400 structures. We could smell the smoke even at the orange grove in Ojai, which is over thirty-five miles away.
Early this morning, Ray and I drove by the Ventura Fairgrounds, where we saw hundreds of fire trucks from all over the state assembled and firefighters walking through the parking lot with coffee cups in their hands, headed to their trucks. They have managed to contain the fire at 26% so far. They were clearly going back out to see how much more they could accomplish today.
After a disappointing election result this past week, I have been feeling demoralized about our country. Today, seeing the dedication of these firefighters was like a hard slap on the face. “Stop moping!” my inner voice shouted. “Look at these men risking their lives to help their fellow citizens. Trust in the greater good. Recognize there are good people everywhere who follow their higher instincts. Believe in something greater than yourself.”
Thank you, all firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and military men and women, who put their lives on the line for our country. Without regard to political parties, you do your best to keep our country safe. I am inspired and heartened by your belief in duty. You give me hope for our future.
20 Minutes a Day 
Great message, Len. Trust in the greater good. Something else I am vowing to do, after the election and with four years of uncertainty ahead of us, is to stop tolerating the intolerable. The paradox of tolerance says that to tolerate intolerance is the same thing as indifference, and if intolerance goes unchecked, eventually the intolerance wins out, like poison to a society. Not doing that. Thank you for your words.