From the Back Forty: Heartlanders Pray for Rain and Say Bye to Carter

Editor's Note: From the Back Forty is Liberty Nation's longest-running and most popular weekly column. 

The Heartland was all in with good wishes and Godspeed for former President Jimmy Carter. Folks watched as current and past presidents, the most exclusive club in the world, paid their collective respects. There were a few snubs given to Donald Trump in pure pettiness of Swamp creature etiquette, though the president-elect and Barack Obama appeared to be having a good time. But the main and most riveting story of the week is the California wildfires and the absolute absurdity that has accompanied those who failed the people of the Golden State.

Uh, Priorities

As California burns, Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for a special legislative session to "Trump-proof" the state’s left-wing laws. California lawmakers convened on Thursday to provide the state Department of Justice an additional $25 million to fund potential litigation against the incoming administration. In the same breath, Newsom penned a letter asking Trump to come visit the devastation that the Eaton and Palisades Fires have wrought.

"As you prepare to assume the presidency once more, I invite you to come to California again — to meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line."

What is Newsom playing here? In Wisconsin, George Hausladen wondered as much: “Since you are Trump proofing, you will not want his signature on checks, right?”

The plea from Newsom continues: "In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines." Now that makes one wonder what the governor is trying to get out in front of.

Newsom appears to be struggling with the portal to Hell being opened in his state and constituents – even celebrities – demanding answers as to why reservoirs weren’t filled and hydrants couldn’t access water. In Tennessee, Jeff Nuckles commented: “Los Angeles: 72 genders, 0 reliable fire hydrants.”

One angry constituent confronted the beleaguered governor, and when pressed for answers, Newsom attempted to fake a phone call with Joe Biden. “Can I hear it? Because I don’t believe it,” the woman said.

“It’s not going through, so I have to get cell service,” Newsom explained.

“Let’s get it, let’s get it, I want to be here when you call the president,” she responded.

And in possibly the most absurd image coming from the front lines of reporting was none other than ABC’s David Muir, dressed in a bright yellow fire suit to report on the hubs of Hell. But alas, he turned sideways and showed his suit tailored to his body, lest he not look svelte, with clothespins. Who knew Muir was such a supermodel?

The entire charade of characters had Kenneth Mitchel in Carriere, MS, ready to file retirement papers: “No federal dollars for California. You keep sending my money to them, I’ll retire early.”

Godspeed Jimmy Carter

James Earl Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away much like he came into this world, quietly in Plains, GA. He was 100 years old. Folks From the Back Forty paused to remember the man that few respected as president but whose deeds they were inclined to find the good in after he left office. There were a few snarks about Billy Beer and lust in the heart, but nothing could overshadow the Carters’ work with Habitat for Humanity – a cause a few tech billionaires should take up.

In Amarillo, Becky Preston Dean wrote: “Not a good President but he was an amazing humanitarian and a faithful servant of the Lord! God rest his soul in eternal peace.” Over in New Caney, TX, Tammy Bateman echoed the sentiment: “May he be at comfort in the arms of God! He wasn’t a great President, but he was a good man.”

And Jean Ruth in Tennessee shared a memory: “I met President Carter the day after he was elected in Plains Ga. He was as friendly as possible. I even sat next to him in the basement of the church that Sunday. That would never be allowed today.”

Now, there’s the difference between two Democratic politicians, Gavin Newsom and Jimmy Carter: priorities.