Readers Write: July 29, 2021

Everyone deserves to be heard

Dear editor:
Consensus is not science. Science doesn’t insist on everyone agreeing. Science relies on the scientific method in the pursuit and application of knowledge. Science is never finished.
It looks to me that adherence to party has become more of a lock-step situation — for the left as well as the right. We seem to have lost our capability to think for ourselves. We follow what we consider “the authority” or the “expert” sanctioned by the group we have attached our beliefs to.
We are living in a world right now rife with fear. When we come from a place of fear rational thinking shuts down. Empathy shuts down.
When did censorship become OK? Why has free speech become a dirty word? Why are we afraid to have a conversation that may include more than one perspective?
When a society no longer considers the rights of the individual then it doesn’t care about others either. Who then belongs to the “Greater Good?” How far does it have to go before all rights are taken away — remember the frog in boiling water analogy? What has happened to the ideal of “freedom to choose what is right for the individual (sovereignty)?”
One has to wonder if the “official” narrative is the “right” one, then why is there such mass censorship (the warning used is that any other narrative endangers us). God forbid that we be allowed to make up our own minds because, it is assumed, the masses can’t think for themselves.
If you dare to allow an idea that conflicts with your bubble of bias and use critical thinking instead of a knee-jerk reaction you might get beyond fear and approach understanding, or at least compassion. Many of these sources that run counter to the current narrative are censored, threatened, and dismissed as science-deniers, believers of magic, traitors to the cause, and conspiracy theories. Many conspiracy theories have proven true or have some truth that encourages further investigation.
When there is a strong bias toward a certain narrative that excludes all conversation, we must look at it closely, especially when there is coercion, bullying, ostracizing and censoring involved.
I don’t want to rely on one source for my information, or one authority to tell me what I should do, especially if there are glaring and blatant conflicts of interests. There are too many legitimate concerns to ignore. Whose voice will be silenced next?
Emily Roossien
Idyllwild

Response to the letter to the editor: Town Crier dated July 15 (Chuck Weisbart/author)

Mr. Weisbart, 
I have read your letter to the editor and wanted to encourage you and explain to you why I participate as a member of a national incident management team. 
You state that Idyllwild is “Fire Prone.” Our beautiful community is indeed surrounded by forest and wilderness lands where vegetation and fuels are abundant. I would like you to note that in the past 25 years Idyllwild has been threatened by wildland fire three times — 1996 (Bee Canyon), 2013 (Mountain Fire) and 2018 (Cranston Fire). It is important to note that although no one can pinpoint exactly when a fire may happen, statistically, Idyllwild is likely to be threatened by wildfire approximately every 10-12 years.   
You state that off the hill visitors are clueless about how easy fires start. I have researched numerous fire statistics and could not locate any instance of tourists causing fires in or around our community. 
As to your comment: “Where is our IFPD Fire Chief?” I am right here. In fact, last year I averaged 80 hours of work per week. I do not work on the Incident Management Team to miss out on yet another anniversary, birthday, wedding, graduation or other family event. I participate because I have committed and sworn to serve. Therefore, because of this commitment and because I believe that a fire chief who is not out learning new techniques, witnessing fire activity, operationally engaging, working through planning and contingency development on actual fires, cannot and will not be fully ready for a fire that threatens his or her jurisdiction and the people they serve back at home.
In addition to participating on the team, I have been here and have participated in the suppression of every wildfire incident which has impacted our community over the last 20 years. And I have also been here and worked on each of the recent structure fires which we have successfully suppressed. I continue to receive valuable on-scene training, experience and knowledge as a member of an Incident Management Team and want the community to know that you are being served by incredibly competent, trained and experienced fire personnel here in Idyllwild whether I am here at home or out working on other fires. 
Should you have additional questions, please feel free to come by my office and discuss in greater detail. 

1996 Bee Canyon Fire – Accidental 
2005 Soboba Fire – Accidental 
2006 Esperanza Fire – Arson
2008 Silver Fire – Arson
2013 Mountain Fire – Accidental 
2018 Cranston Fire – Arson
2019 Humber Fire – Accidental 
2021 Bonita Fire – Undetermined
2021 Flats Fire – Vehicle Fire
2021 Control Fire – Vehicle Fire

Mark LaMont
Idyllwild Fire chief