Fox contributor says we need to know what caused the Hawaii wildfires, but dismisses discussion of climate change as “political”
Tammy Bruce: “Some people are already moving into a political dynamic talking about climate change, but the reality is we need to know for really an ancient land that this hasn't happened before, why did it happen now?”
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From the August 11, 2023, edition of Fox News' Outnumbered
EMILY COMPAGNO (CO-HOST): The people of Hawaii are just devastated, and I want to bring this conversation to the couch now. Tammy, you are like me, where I grew up going to Hawaii ever since I was very little. I've had the honor and the privilege of having so many experiences there. I was just talking about the other day in Lahaina, Mama's Fish House, you know the famous restaurant there. I was just sharing with someone how on the menu they always cite the name of the fishermen who brought in that catch, so you know exactly who you can express your gratitude to when you are eating that lovely aloha fish. The community is devastated and so are we watching.
TAMMY BRUCE (FOX NEWS CONTRIBUTOR): Yes, and for many Americans it's great to be able to grow up either in Hawaii or in Southern California, because then it becomes reachable. This seems like an exotic place, a place maybe that many people could just never dream of even of going to. But, it really has an extraordinary culture, it's obviously an American state, these are American citizens. Plays an incredibly important role for our security, for vacations and rest and relaxation, and what Americans can and do learn from that remarkable culture of the Hawaiian people. So, I miss it a lot. When you live on the East Coast, it seems you can't really get over there. But, what's striking for me and I think Americans, we can all relate to what happens in each state. We come together in a crisis like this.
This is a crisis, even though it's far away. But, the question also becomes, how did this happen? We have to wonder about when you're dealing with — and some people are already moving into a political dynamic talking about climate change, but the reality is we need to know for really an ancient land that this hasn't happened before, why did it happen now? What was the difference? We think about volcanoes, and you know when you go there, I mean it is a magnificent, the power of nature that's there. And you are reminded of that every single day. So, this isn't necessarily something that you could never have imagined happening. But, we need to know why so that it doesn't happen again and, you know, Maui is popular for a very good reason. That particular coastline, it is magnificent, beautiful, many resorts along that area. Obviously, people rely on the tourism, all of that is now going to stop and slow down. So, Americans have to come together, really understand I think the power of the Hawaiian culture and come together for those people.