I am an American, watching as my fellow Americans burn in the catastrophic fires that engulf our landscapes, while amateur politicians meddle and jeopardize American lives. Having seen the terror, the havoc and the despair that these fires bring, it is profoundly angering to witness figures like Elon Musk, who possess the resources to make a difference, focusing efforts on divisiveness and stoking the fire.

Musk, a multi-billionaire entrepreneur, has shown an affinity for using his piggy-bank to sow disruption in political circles, but when it comes to critical issues like combating LA fires, he spends his time and resources spreading misinformation, arm-chair quarterbacking and wasting Governor Newsom's time. His remarks questioning the state's handling of the rampant LA fires, offer neither support, nor constructive solutions, to manage the fires. Instead, they further disrupt a state already straining under the weight of these natural disasters.

Elon Musk has an estimated net worth of $254.7 billion dollars (Forbes, 2022). A quarter-billion-dollar investment from Musk in firefighting resources could immensely support on-ground efforts, help upgrade equipment, provide vital resources, and save countless American lives. This shouldn't be about politics. It should be about humanity.

As citizens concerned about the safety of our communities, our lives, and our homes, we call on Elon Musk to redirect his attention from sowing political discord to aiding in the battle against LA fires. If Elon is the great philanthropic problem solver he purports to be, then he can make a donation to the LA fire response that is equal to—if not double—his contributions to Trump's campaign.

 If you, too, believe in prioritizing humanity over politics, please sign this petition to demand that Elon Musk invest $250 Million in LA firefighting efforts, or sit down and shut up. Act now. Because every voice, every signature could bring us one step closer to turning the tide in this disaster.