Everything Is Political, Including Hurricanes | Ep. 372

Blame Attribution

Ben Shapiro critiques the tendency to blame external factors for Hurricane Harvey's devastation. He highlights how both religious and secular groups seek to attribute natural disasters to larger narratives, such as divine retribution or climate change 1 2. Shapiro argues that the left's focus on global warming as the cause of the hurricane lacks scientific backing, citing the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory's statement on the premature conclusions about human impact on hurricanes 3.

The secular hard left is just as religious as some of the people on the hard right. They're just as eager to look for some cause outside of the weather to explain what just happened in Houston.

--- Ben Shapiro

He emphasizes the human tendency to find blame, whether through religious or secular lenses, and questions the validity of these attributions.

   

Govt Response

Shapiro examines the political discourse surrounding government response to natural disasters, focusing on funding and leadership decisions. He discusses how figures like Senator Ted Cruz face criticism for their past voting records on disaster aid, highlighting the political sniping that often accompanies such events 4. Shapiro critiques the left's belief in government as a solution to all problems, comparing it to a form of worship that assumes government intervention can prevent natural disasters 5.

When you worship at the altar of government, then you tend to think that it's going to prevent all of your problems if you just hand over all your money.

--- Ben Shapiro

He argues that this perspective ignores the inherent unpredictability of nature and the limitations of governmental power.

   

Media Reactions

The media and public reactions to Hurricane Harvey reveal a complex interplay of narratives and criticisms. Shapiro points out how President Trump's actions, such as his visit to Texas and the timing of his Arpio pardon, were scrutinized by the media, often leading to exaggerated interpretations 6. He also notes the trivial controversies, like the backlash against Melania Trump's footwear during the visit, which he sees as indicative of the media's tendency to focus on superficial issues 7.

Trump on Hurricane Harvey is actually doing quite a good job. I don't see any problem whatsoever with what Trump has been doing on the hurricane thus far.

--- Ben Shapiro

Shapiro suggests that these reactions reflect broader media biases and the challenges of navigating public perception during crises.