California’s descent to socialism

Orange County Register ^ | June 11, 2017 | Joel Kotkin

[Michael.SF.]

California is widely celebrated as the fount of technical, cultural and political innovation. Now we seem primed to outdo even ourselves, creating a new kind of socialism that, in the end, more resembles feudalism than social democracy.

The new consensus is being pushed by, among others, hedge-fund-billionaire-turned-green-patriarch Tom Steyer. The financier now insists that, to reverse our worsening inequality, we must double down on environmental and land-use regulation, and make up for it by boosting subsidies for the struggling poor and middle class. This new progressive synthesis promises not upward mobility and independence, but rather the prospect of turning most Californians into either tax slaves or dependent serfs.

California’s progressive regime of severe land-use controls has helped to make the state among the most unaffordable in the nation, driving homeownership rates to the lowest levels since the 1940s. It has also spurred a steady hegira of middle-aged, middle-class families — the kind of tax-burdened people Gov. Jerry Brown now denounces as “freeloaders” — from the state. They may have access to smartphones and virtual reality, but the increasingly propertyless masses seem destined to live in the kind of cramped conditions that their parents and grandparents had escaped decades earlier.

[Michael.SF.]

Third generation native Californian, we escaped four years ago and other than many friends, we do not miss living there.

[ronnie raygun]

Hollywood glass house progressive idiot liberals and gangs, immigrants and the homeless, enjoy

[Steely Tom]

I lived in California when I was a child, and my memories of it are sweet.

I had always hoped to live there again, when I became financially able to.

Now it appears that that dream will never happen. I think the California I remember is long gone. From what I can tell, the people there are nothing like me.

[MtnClimber]

The left instinctively gravitates toward evil. Slavery is just one of the evils they embrace.

[DoughtyOne]

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Just $251.00 to 90.00%

[reaganaut]

I inherited the family ranch (winter home) in CA. I grew up there and still enjoy spending the winters, but we moved to a tax shelter state 7 years ago when I took over the family farm and I feel for those who live there and have to try to make a living. There is no way we could afford a home if I hadn’t inherited one.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Since the Republican party in California seems to have given up, it’s time for them to make a “Hail Mary” play.

“Vote Republican. If we win a majority and the governor’s office, we will fully privatize health care, cut government by 50%, and cut taxes by 50%.”

Importantly, this at a time when the Democrat left in charge is facing high pressure demands for socialized medicine, costing twice as much as the government spends right now.

So for the Republican to say the above, will increase the pressure on the Democrats even more, hopefully.

[Lockbox]

No problem, just write to Tom and ask him to support you!

[hillarys cankles]

I really feel for people trying to buy a home here in Sacramento. The influx of Bay Area and Davis residents has pushed home values up close to pre 2007 prices. As soon as I can convince the wife to sell we are taking our loot to a tax friendly state. I have nothing in common with the people I live around.

[Mr. Jeeves]

“Vote Republican. If we win a majority and the governor’s office, we will fully privatize health care, cut government by 50%, and cut taxes by 50%.”

The "Republican" brand is completely destroyed in California.

A good-looking, younger conservative who called himself a "Democrat" but believed firmly in libertarian principles and small government, however, could campaign on a platform like this and strike terror in the Communists' hearts. After spending billions to promote their brand and damage the other in the minds of the low-IQ voters, they could not begin to switch gears and explain why this new and charismatic "Democrat" was suddenly an evil to be opposed.

California can only be repaired by a reformed Democratic Party or (less likely) a new libertarian party. The GOP will not be involved.

[reg45]

It’s not just California. Socialism always morphs into feudalism. Every constituency becomes a vassal of the bureaucracy. They exchange their votes for benefits.

[Tzimisce]

Karl Marx HATED the middle class.
He wanted them DEAD.
He wanted their blood FLOWING in the streets.

You can NOT use Marx’s ideas to help the middle class.
It’s not possible.

Karl Marx wanted a neo-feudal state with big rich people (like him) at the top and destitute peasants living under their feet.

There is no middle class in a feudal arrangement.

But you middle class Marxists keep voting for it. :)

[farming pharmer]

It should be an amendment that, should a state become insolvent, it should lose its statehood and be satisfactorily re-organized prior to re-applying for state status.

[catnipman]

“but it’s hard to see how the state makes ends meet in the longer run without confiscating the billions now held by the ruling tech oligarchs.”

the problem is that the KalKommies can only still these billions only one time, and then there are no additional billions to steal again, the classic case of killing the goose that lay the golden eggs (just ask Maduro in Venezuela what happens after you slaughter the geese).

Even worse, there aren’t enough golden eggs inside the geese to satisfy all of the promises made to the serfs. And even worse than that, the golden geese that don’t get killed right away will flee to a more golden-geese-friendly state.

[Stosh]

Let’s see - overpaid Hollyweird actors, producers, writers and the like; left-leaning billionaire computer nerds; super-rich tech moguls and the like, all pressing for a financially unsustainable welfare state full of unskilled and minimally-productive immigrants welcomed by them with open arms. Sounds to me like the only way to square that circle will be with a wealth tax - and I’m sure Steyer and his pals would be happy to pay 90% on any of their net worth over $1 billion: that’s only fair, and heck, they would be saving the planet.

[GOPJ]

Isn't Governor Moonbeam in China trashing our country and our President? What a swell state.../s

[PGR88]

but we moved to a tax shelter state 7 years ago

I live in New York (not NY City). We love the seasons and forests, but the leftists here are only 1-2 steps behind Calif. Governor moonbeam and his leftist-climate cult religion.

What "tax-shelter" states do you suggest?

[Darteaus94025]

How about a tax of 10% on all commercials - print or broadcast?

And a 10% tax on all movie tickets?

It’s for the children.

[Toirdhealbheach Beucail]

5th generation Native Californian (my great great grandfather came out with Gold Rush). We have been away for 8 years - other than family and friends and the property my parent’s own, I really do not miss it. And given the current state of affairs (unless they finally do split the state up) I don’t see returning there as a possibility - which grieves me, frankly. I had a good childhood and adult experience there.

[shanover]

I am truly sad for a state and its people. It took but a few generations to do it and that’s the blueprint for the other 49. I see very bad things for California’s future as state. It needs to be broken apart.