In the ever-unpredictable wonderland of California politics, chaos has once again unfurled its loyal carpet on the streets of Los Angeles. A sight regrettably reminiscent of 2020 is playing out in the City of Angels where protests have turned violent, making sure not a single peaceful pause is left unturned. The dramatic scenes have put a spotlight on law enforcement and the state’s Democratic leadership, with many pointing out the glaring resemblance to past episodes of civil unrest.

The former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security and current Executive Vice President of the America First Policy Institute has weighed in, expressing a sentiment of déjà vu. He emphasized the danger of allowing these situations to linger, drawing parallels to his experiences dealing with prolonged violence in Portland. History has seemingly failed to teach anything to California’s leadership as the governor and mayor take a page out of “How to Ignore a Crisis 101,” allowing matters to escalate unchecked. After all, it was only a few months ago that the nation witnessed a similar drama at the nation’s capital. One would think that’s an illustration better left unrepeated.

The likes of President Trump and his team appear to be taking a no-nonsense approach, suggesting that swift action is necessary to put an end to the madness. Their message is loud and clear: lawlessness and attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated. Despite what California officials might want to paint as peaceful protests, images emerging are anything but serene. When Molotov cocktails replace boarding passes to Los Angeles and bricks are the currency of exchange, it’s hard to imagine this as a happy-go-lucky parade of peace lovers.

Meanwhile, California’s leaders seem as committed to inaction as they are to their frequent search for the perfect granola. The state’s governor has made what some might call a baffling decision to keep extra help at bay, insisting that the situation remains a local issue, and no further escalation is needed. One must wonder if he’s pondering a career in fiction writing with that level of creative understatement. Are we watching a suspenseful drama unfold where the hero never quite arrives? Perhaps in California, that’s how the plot twists.

There’s a growing chorus questioning the governor’s motives. Is this all just an audition for Hollywood’s next blockbuster of bureaucratic indifference? The silence from lawmakers who see no need to offer support or introduce meaningful change continues to echo louder than a Fourth of July parade. In the meantime, law enforcement officers are stuck between a brick and a hard place, wondering if their leaders have their backs as they face daily threats. Perhaps it’s time for constituents to jot down a note on their election calendars: “Vote for someone who values order over chaos.”