Disaster Tourism
A trend has been developing with militias, conspiracy groups like Veterans on Patrol, and white supremacists like Active Club briefly responding to disasters in order to be seen providing relief when their photos are posted online. This is now termed “disaster tourism”.
The goal of these hate groups (many of which are antisemitic, as well as racist) is to soften their image, recruit new members, and spread misinformation about the government. Unlike religious groups like Samaritan’s Purse, they intentionally do not coordinate with authorities in the areas where floods, fires, tornadoes, or other disasters have occurred, instead interfering with official relief efforts.
Russia and China likewise exploit natural disasters in the United States to spread misinformation about the government. Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a role in this. Heart-wrenching images are created to suggest the government has turned a blind eye.
Social media influencers like Nick Fuentes and Dan Bilzerian, also, play a role in spreading hate and distrust of the government. Bilzerian is, in fact, running for Congress in Florida’s 6th District.
Democracy cannot survive such an onslaught, unless concerned citizens educate themselves, refuse to be manipulated, and make an affirmative decision to reject hate.
“Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly” (Prov. 26: 24-26).
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A Lawyer's Prayers 
Wow. I did not realize this. It’s important to be prayerfully aware. Thank you for sharing. I hope you are doing well.💜
Thank you, Petrina. How good to hear from you! I hope you are doing well, also. ❤
Until now, I had never heard of “disaster tourism”. The lengths to which people will go to further their agenda is mind boggling. You rightly state that citizens must educate themselves concerning these groups, and I would go even further by applying that to our elective system of government.
In a world where our President just yesterday celebrated a 22-foot gold statue of himself with evangelical leaders to bless it, I find these self-aggrandizing photo-ops & AI-manufactured images only too predictable. I was appalled to see Trump posting AI pictures of himself with or as Jesus. Something has gone very wrong with the leadership of our country and it’s increasingly clear that the rot extends to most political groups and activists of every stripe. Revealed is the fact that our nation has been worshiping a golden calf for a very long time.
Praying for wisdom, peace, and protection over communities affected by all of this.
Thank you, Anna. Informative!
The scripture is all one needs to know how to discern such actions. Hate is a feeling and sad to say feelings instead of truth reigns in some groups. Thank you for pointing out the difference in groups that help in time of troubles. Blessings.