On the front page of the Denver Post today, we have an in depth article looking at the historic fires we had this year, and the politics involved. In 2005 the Forest Service commissioned a study to better spend limited resources to prevent, fight and pay for forest fires. The country was divided into 9 sections as to geography, climate, history and prevelance of forest fires. After over a year of study, and joint meetings with the BLM, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Nat'l Park Service and Div of Wildlife, a plan was presented, that had no section having over a 5% change in funding, but concentrated funds and manpower to where they could do the most good. HOWEVER, some of that money went from Repub to Dem areas, (in the West) where the fires actually occured. The Bush admin screamed, 'Politics!', and strangled the idea in the the crib, after paying for, then seeing the study. Now, we see the results, after the worst fire season in history, (partially caused by the Pub denied climate change) that produced record heat and drought. As I say, more Politics 101, from the party that denies science and whose main priority, after lining their pockets, is to 'pray for relief'. Some things never change.
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