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Fire Quote by Thomas M. Hewlett

“There are three things in Los Angeles you should never turn your back on: a brushfire, an angry cop, and a politician with something to hide. The fire will take everything you own, the cop will club you senseless, but the politician will burn you out, beat you down, and then really go to work on…” quote by Thomas M. Hewlett
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““There are three things in Los Angeles you should never turn your back on: a brushfire, an angry cop, and a politician with something to hide. The fire will take everything you own, the cop will club you senseless, but the politician will burn you out, beat you down, and then really go to work on you.””

Thomas M. Hewlett

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Los Angeles Times, 1970s, by Thomas M. Hewlett

Three powerful forces in L.A. threaten safety: fire, police aggression, and corrupt politics.

In simple terms: Fire, police, and corrupt politicians are dangerous in L.A.

Key Takeaway

Stay vigilant and question authority.

Themes

danger authority corruption

Mood

critical alert defensive

Type

political social commentary

When to use this quote

  • city living
  • political activism
  • community safety

Key Concepts

social critique urban risk

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can communities protect themselves from each danger?
  • What reforms could reduce these risks?
A Different Perspective

Overgeneralization may ignore nuanced realities of each threat.

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