Breaking History: Paradise Burning

Podcast Information:

• Title: Breaking History
• Host/Author: The Free Press
• Episode: Paradise Burning
• Release Date: February 5, 2025

1. California's Wildfires and Political Mismanagement

The episode opens with Eli Lake discussing the recent catastrophic California fires, emphasizing how political decisions, despite noble intentions, have exacerbated the state's vulnerability to such disasters. He references a story shared by Nellie Bowles, a Free Press TGIF columnist, highlighting how environmental regulations halted essential fire prevention measures in the Palisades.

Eli Lake [00:00]: "When I think about the recent tragedy of the California fires and the questions we all have about how, why and what went wrong, there's one story I keep coming back to."

Nellie Bowles [00:18]: "This milk vetch is a beautiful thing... it stops the entire fire prevention program in the Palisades."

Lake critiques California politics for prioritizing environmental conservation over practical fire management, leading to predictable disasters like the recent Los Angeles fire. He points out the state's failure to protect itself due to political inaction and ineptitude.

Eli Lake [01:16]: "This is a state where the Forest Service can be prevented from conducting common sense fire prevention to save an indigenous weed. And it's no longer a state that knows how to protect itself."

2. Historical Context: San Francisco in the 1970s

To understand the roots of California's current predicament, Lake delves into the tumultuous political landscape of 1970s San Francisco. This era was marked by social upheaval, the rise of the hippie movement, and significant violence, including the infamous Zebra and Zodiac Killers.

Eli Lake [04:37]: "California has surrendered because the fires are indicative of something rotten at the core of the state."

The narrative captures a city grappling with cultural shifts, where progressive movements began to infiltrate governance, setting the stage for future political developments.

3. The Rise of George Moscone and Progressive Politics

George Moscone emerges as a pivotal figure in this historical analysis. Elected mayor in 1975, Moscone represented a new wave of progressive politics, forming coalitions with diverse groups, including gays, environmentalists, and other radicals.

Eli Lake [15:08]: "Moscone was the change agent... nearly 40 years ago."

Moscone's victory was significant, as it broke the influence of wealthy real estate developers and established a more inclusive political landscape. His administration was marked by groundbreaking appointments, such as Harvey Milk to the Board of Permit Appeals, and controversial decisions like legalizing prostitution by ceasing arrests of sex workers.

Eli Lake [16:37]: "His door would always be open. For any San Franciscan that wanted to talk."

4. Jim Jones and the People's Temple: A Dark Alliance

A critical and troubling aspect of Moscone's legacy is his association with Jim Jones and the People's Temple. Initially seen as progressive allies, Jones and his cult gained significant political influence in San Francisco through Moscone's administration.

Eli Lake [21:10]: "Jim Jones... Place Moscone on the mayoral throne of San Francisco."

Jones orchestrated voter mobilization efforts that were instrumental in Moscone's narrow victory. In return, Moscone appointed Jones to influential positions, allowing the People's Temple to wield substantial power within the city.

Jim Jones Jr. [23:12]: "We had people going from precinct to precinct to vote... A slam dunk."

5. The Assassination of Moscone and Harvey Milk

The dark alliance between Moscone and Jones culminated in tragedy. In November 1978, Dan White, a conservative former supervisor, assassinated both Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk, a prominent gay rights activist and city supervisor. White's defense hinged on the infamous "Twinkie defense," arguing that his mental state, influenced by high sugar intake, impaired his judgment.

Michael Patrick [30:49]: "The verdict's just come in for the killings of George Moscone and Harvey Milk. Voluntary manslaughter on both counts."

The lenient verdict, granting White only five years in prison, sparked outrage and further polarized the community, leading to increased activism and unrest.

6. Aftermath: One-Party Dominance in California

Following the assassinations, California saw a consolidation of Democratic power. Key figures like Dianne Feinstein rose to prominence, shaping the state's political landscape for decades. The Democratic Party effectively became the sole dominant force, marginalizing other political voices and reducing checks and balances.

Eli Lake [35:07]: "The Democrats became the mono party of California. This deprived the state of the tempering benefits of real political competition."

This one-party dominance facilitated policies that prioritized progressive agendas but also led to systemic issues due to lack of opposition and accountability.

7. Present-Day California: A Mono-Party State Facing Modern Crises

Fast forward to the present, the episode draws parallels between the 1970s and today’s California. The state faces severe challenges, including skyrocketing taxes, inadequate public services, homelessness crises, and ineffective responses to emergencies like wildfires.

Nellie Bowles [36:16]: "With all this money, let's get all these neighborhoods great, let's clean up the streets... As soon as progress... the so-called progressives of the city decided it was their number one enemy."

The narrative criticizes current Democratic leadership for perpetuating the same patterns of overreaching liberal policies without addressing fundamental governance needs. Initiatives like cutting fire department budgets to allocate funds for temporary housing have backfired, leading to increased vulnerability during disasters.

Eli Lake [38:06]: "That combination of dysfunctional government and high taxes is just not sustainable."

Additionally, the departure of major tech companies due to high taxes and stringent regulations underscores the economic challenges facing California.

8. Conclusion: The Path Forward for California

In concluding, the episode posits that California stands at a crossroads. Voters must decide whether to continue supporting the dominant Democratic Party, which has led to both progressive achievements and significant governance failures, or to seek political reforms that restore accountability and balance.

Eli Lake [42:07]: "There is reason to hope... I hope the trend continues because if the fires are California's final act, it's not just a tragedy for the largest state in our union."

The episode underscores the importance of learning from history to prevent the repetition of mistakes, advocating for a political shift that prioritizes effective governance alongside progressive values.

Notable Quotes:

• Karen Bass [02:13]: "Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent while their homes were burning?"

• Michael Patrick [33:14]: "We just got our ass kicked by fire."

• Eli Lake [41:44]: "Mono parties produce this type of mediocrity."

Final Thoughts:

"Paradise Burning" serves as a comprehensive examination of California's political evolution, from the radical experiments of the 1970s to the current state of crisis management and governance. By intertwining historical events with present-day issues, the episode highlights the enduring impact of political decisions and underscores the necessity of remembering history to forge a more resilient future.

For those interested in understanding the intricate dynamics that have shaped California's trajectory, "Paradise Burning" offers valuable insights and a compelling narrative that bridges past and present.