Believe me, I am one who has long been critical of Sacramento's budget policies. We need to take on all of the important interests that have become a drag on government. We need to take on the teachers' unions. But, listen up, conservatives - we also need to take on the corrections industry and their union. We simply cannot afford to continue to set world records for per capital incarceration rates. We need to take on all these interests and it isn't going to be pretty. It irritates me when some of my fellow Californians pretend that we need only take on some of these interest groups.
But, nothing, nothing irritates me like some outsider from some Parasitic State with a basket-case economy who claims that California somehow isn't keeping up. I've always liked Haley Barbour, but if there is a theory that says that Mississippi's philosophy of government should produce a more productive citizenry than California's philosophy of government, then there is something wrong with the theory. Rather than criticizing Californians, folks in Parasitic States should be asking themselves what they might do to become more productive like Californians or New Yorkers. That's the reality.
As for marktwain's Arizona, the state's legislature will be opening for business tomorrow. If anyone wants to learn more about horrendous state budget problems, tune into Arizona. But, I will leave those problems for Arizonans to solve.
I have no doubt about California's ability to solve our budget problems. We have no choice. And, we have a ton of resources.
Thanks again.
Good luck in California. I am quite sure that California has the resources to solve its problems. I pray that enough clear thinking Californians, such as yourself, work hard enough to ensure that the State comes out all right.
You are quite correct about the budget problems here in Arizona. They were mostly caused by our dear departed former governor Janet Napolitano, though the initiative process here, much like in California, is partly to blame.
Many people thought the housing boom would never end, but like all bubbles, it finally burst.
Again, good luck with California. I think the worst thing that could happen to the State is to be bailed out by the Federal government.