The basic duty of government is to maintain public order and safety while protecting the rights of its citizens. The government of Los Angeles and the state of California have failed miserably—and repeatedly—on both points.

Mismanagement and dereliction of duty led to the destruction of the Palisades and Alta Dena in January. Actual malice today toward federal authority and law enforcement by LA’s mayor and city council threatens to burn down the rest.

When ICE began detaining criminal illegal aliens, Bass and her council roared in anger, inciting mobs to attack federal agents enforcing the law. This week, the council tried to order its police chief to expose these agents to further danger by revealing operations before they took place.

When Chief Jim McDonnell warned that would constitute a crime, the council’s president scoffed—calling the arrests “abductions.”

LA’s leadership believes they’re above the law of the country in which they exist. They are radicals bent on national destruction, not responsible officeholders interested in public order and safety.

I’m Ed Morrissey.