1) Dramatically increased spending
2) Set both state and national records for borrowing
3) Has either deferred payment or refused to recognize significant, long term liabilities.
4) Has dramatically increased per capita taxation on California residents
5) Has announced plans to tax Californians twice for basic services through fascism
6) Has entered into treaties with foreign/sovereign governments supported by domestic taxation.
Schwarzenegger has been, by any measure, the worst governor in the modern era of California. Worse than Warren, the Browns, Wilson or Davis.
Good summary!
I would add to the list 1) Multi-million dollar conservancies to institute regional governance (i.e. Sierra Nevada Conservancy), 2) Subsidization of otherwise non-viable private enterprises (solar roofs, stem-cell research, etc.), and 3) a global-warming regulation scheme to implement a cap-and-trade program under the guise of environmentalism.
But I still think the biggest misdeed will come in the form of Public Private Partnerships (P3). Arnie needs cash to solve the deficit problem. (It is a point to ponder whether his increased spending and maxed out borrowing were actually designed to put the state in just this position—a position where the legislature and citizens will be more willing to accept the influx of private capital in lieu of a tax increase.) As such, I think he will not only be looking to toll-roads and financing arrangements like the Trans-Texas Corridor for new highways, but will be looking to give the rights of operation of schools and public housing to private interests in return for one-time, upfront cash. Schwarzenegger supporters like Michael Milken and Richard Riordan moved into the education business some time ago and I anticipate a rather big move. In these privitization schemes, there are a huge number of possibilities. Having people like Leon Panetta as an “informal” advisor don’t give me much peace of mind, either.
As to fascism, I agree. Did you ever read this paper? A “must read,” IMO.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1737746/posts
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS, THE UNDERMINING OF FREE ENTERPRISE,-EMERGENCE OF “SOFT FASCISM”