When we know what the problem is and we know how to fix it, why isn’t it getting fixed?
That’s the question that drives the conversation when Sam Ardery, ☘️Mark O’Brien, and Kelly Paxton – Pink Collar Crime Expert join the ethics panel to Grapple with the Gray.
Here is our topic:
The horror of California wildfires has seized attention all across the country. Over 40,000 acres burned, over 12,000 homes and buildings were destroyed, two dozen deaths occurred, families were displaced, and lives were shattered. Adding to the tragedy is how many of the homes lost were uninsured. The combination of over-valued real estate in high-risk areas and government imposed premium caps compelled many insurance carriers to cancel homeowner policies, in some cases just a week before the fires ravaged the county. Those seeking to cast blame have pointed to systemic water and forestry mismanagement, as well as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass approving $18 million in cuts to the fire department budget.
What seems not to have been a factor was the government’s policy of diverting water to protect endangered fish. The reports of dumping water into the ocean when it could have been used for agriculture sparked considerable debate earlier this year. But this apparently contributed in no way to the current crisis, despite the claims of Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris reportedly condemned insurance companies for refusing to honor current policies, a claim that seems equally unfounded.
The first order of business is fighting the fires, protecting those in danger, and supporting the victims in rebuilding their lives. After that, however, the question becomes how to prevent future tragedies. Considering how these fires are becoming more and more frequent, why have the root causes not been better addressed? Just as bad, what are we to make of well-intentioned policies that make matters worse?
What drives leaders to ignore the real issues while disseminating misinformation? And what should we be doing about it?
Meet this week’s panel:
Sam Ardery is a national mediator, trial lawyer, consultant, speaker, and author. He teaches negotiation at Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law and is author of Positively Conflicted: Engaging with Courage, Compassion and Wisdom in a Combative World.
Mark O’Brien is founder and principal of O’Brien Communications Group, a B2B brand-management and marketing-communications firm — and host of The Anxious Voyage, a syndicated radio show about life’s trials and triumphs.
Kelly Paxton is a Certified Fraud Examiner, former Private Investigator, Professional Speaker, Podcast Host, and author of Embezzlement: How to Prevent, Detect and Investigate Pink-Collar Crime.
