A Difference

While the offices aren't quite on the same level, it is noteworthy to see how the press covered the nomination and subsequent election of Barack Obama and the insurgent recall candidacy of California governor hopeful Larry Elder.

I'm 2007 the press hammered home that Obama was the first black candidate from a major political party. Never mind that Alan Keyes ran for the Republican nomination in 1996, 2000, and 2008. Obama was a first when he accepted the nomination back in 2008. In rereading some of the coverage from that time, and especially on the day he was nominated, it was quite obvious the media was over the moon.

Is California High Speed Rail Stuck At The Station

While it has become very obvious that my blogging has slowed to a crawl it doesn't mean that I haven't been out there keeping up to speed with all the goings on in the world.

One of my favorite targets has been the California High Speed Rail attempts to link Southern Cali with the Bay Area. You can get the details by reading my other posts on this subject. But a snapshot is this very expensive construction project started out with an estimate in the $10B range, nearly all taxpayer funded (no reputable private would touch this boondoogle with a ten foot pole AND HEAVY tax subsidies). Over the life of the project (hardly any actual construction) the estimates have increased 350% to $35B, still with little to no private money. And something else to consider, this money was to be used to build a small section of the entire project.

As mentioned, there has been some minor construction between two communities that have no need for, or the ability to afford the price of a ticket. Names escape me at the moment. Other than the lack of money for this project there have been other stumbling blocks. Right-A-Way acquisitions have proven troublesome. Some folks out there don't want to sell their lands for a railroad and lawyers are fighting eminent domain attempts.. Interestingly, while this project has been a gleam in some enviro- fascist eyes eco-nutjobs have also put up some road blocks. Apparently the is some sort of bird in the hills between the Bay Area and the San Joaquin Valley that would be in trouble if tracks and tunnels were built through this area.

Interesting side note on that last sentence. The media is practically stumbling over itself trying to shine a harsh light on the supposed rift between the conservative and old guard factions within the Republican party. But very little has ever been mentioned (this blog excepted) how different factions of the eco-nutjob movement are opposing each other on many supposed green earth projects. Solar projects in California and Arizona have been either shutdown or slowed to a crawl over habitat destruction concerns. Wind turbines are now killing birds and bats by the millions and some want them shut down.

As usual, I'm rambling.

Anyway, on the reason for this post. It seems that a California Superior Court Judge has ruled that the state of California cannot move forward with this project. It seems that California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has not met the requirements to sell that bonds that are needed to fund the project. Mind you, this project was actually approved by the California public back in 2008. But also note that back then, the estimate was $10B, not the current $35B. Hence the reason for the ruling. The voter approved measure has a provision that requires that for funding to begin there must be money to complete the section of the project voted on. I might not be really good at math, but I'm smart enough to know that $10B approved can't cover the $35B needed.

As most of my readers are aware, I have been opposed to this project form the word go. I have real issues throwing good taxpayer money after bad projects. Some have pointed out that America has dived into huge public works projects in the past. The inter-state highway system and dam building come to mind. That was a different day and age though. These projects help build the USA. Goods and people move on the freeways, giving a boost to manufacturing and tourism. Power generation and the huge growth in agriculture has been a boon to the USA.

But what does the HSR have to offer other than rapid movement between LA and the Bay Area that really only the elites will be able to afford on a regular basis. And shouldn't that be the final arbiter of the worthiness of a public works project? If taxpayer money is going to be used for these kinds of projects shouldn't it give benefit to the most number of people. Dams and freeways met this very simple (and demanding) litmus test. The California HSR doesn't.

Protest i.e. Break the Law, Get Rewarded

Some of you might recall a post I did regarding a pepper spray incident that occurred at the University of California-Davis. Late last year several Occupy “Something” protesters were peppered-sprayed by UCD cops after the protesters, who were “camping” without a permit, and who refused to depart when told to do so. Initially the event was covered as a point of possible police overstepping their authority. Later, it was discovered the protesters had been asked and warned several times. Furthermore, one of the protesters clearly stated their goal was to get pepper-sprayed by the cops, knowing full well a compliant media would give the protested every benefit of the doubt.

Well, those very same “we are the 99 percent” protesters have won a million dollars from UCD. Read details and commentary here.

Has it really come to this? You break the law, you suffer the consequences, and then you get paid?

And here is another example of being rewarded for breaking the law. Prof. Jacobson has covered this incident rather thoroughly. Take a moment or two to read all.

California Just Doesn't Get It

For those few of you have followed my blog over the past couple of years you are aware that California is a state which is not high on my list of places that I would want to live. There are some places that such as Yreka that catch my eye, but I temper my desires with the knowledge that it is still in the state of California and governed by the boneheads from San Francisco and the LA Basin.

Linked here is an excellent article by Victor Davis Hansen that pretty sums up how the boneheads in San Fran and LA have completely screwed up a state that at one time was the world’s fourth leading economy.

It also highlights, in my opinion, the hypocrisy of the leftist-led environmental movement. The left screamed that water rights to the Central Valley farmers needed to be cut drastically or eliminated completely over a tiny little three inch fish. I am not so heartless that preserving the environment is a worthwhile endeavor; I really do think there needs to be a balance. And we are smart enough to make it happen. But it seems to me that the leftist are never interested in working to achieve this balance; they are only interested in what they want, consequences to humans be danged.

California Does it Again

Many on the left is very fond of using the term fascist for those of us who believe in conservative principles like a free market to determine what will sell and what won’t.

Recent news out of California might have a few folks relooking this.

For those who need a refresher the term fascist, when correctly applied, describes an economic structure that is controlled by a heavily centralized government. Private businesses are allowed to operate, but only under government mandated goals such as prices, profit levels, and production numbers. Because of this centralized decision making, the end consumer is also impacted as products they might want are either not available, available at inflated prices, or quality is poor due to companies cutting corners to continue to be profitable.

Last week, the California Air Resources Board passed emission standards that will require every seventh car sold in the state to be electric or zero emission.

…the new state policy mandates that a mix of 1.4 million zero-emission and plug-in hybrid vehicles be on the road by 2025, nearly triple the number begin driven today. Problem is, this increases the cost of these vehicles and limits consumer choices to those they don’t want to make. (Source: Investor.com) (h/t Director Blue)

So here we have a government dictating what can be sold to consumers, the free market be danged. Add to the mix that the California government, especially those in appointed position (unanswerable to the public), is a collection of progressives and liberal agenda-driven folks.

Please tell me again who the Fascists are.

More Taxes to Fund Cali High Speed Rail

There was a time when California alone was something like the 10th largest economy in the world. Abundant and educated workforce, friendly business climate, few places better to live, and other factors all combined to make the California economy vibrant and growing.

This is no longer the case. Heavy taxation for start ups and for heavy industry. A regulatory environment that makes it nearly impossible to get a business up and running or to expand. A state budget that is threaten to collapse under the weight of state employee salaries, benefits, and retirement programs which need higher taxes to pay for. All of these are driving businesses away from the once Golden State.

Now Governor Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown has floated the idea of using the California Cap and Trade law to fund the controversial High-Speed Rail system.

Gov. Jerry Brown told a Los Angeles TV station today that the state’s proposed high speed rail system will cost much less than $100 billion, and will be partly funded by new taxes on major air pollution emitters.

The governor told ABC 7’s :Eyewitness Newsmakers” program that environmental impact fees paid by industries that emit large amount of greenhouse gases will help fund the big train project. California has a “cap and trade” law that will collect fees if businesses do not reduce emissions, the governor said. (Source: Contra Costa Times) (h/t: Soylent Green)

My question to Gov. Brown: How do you expect to pay for this huge project when many of these businesses that you are going to collect from are either considering leaving or have already done so?

Is Gov. Moonbeam going to tax the energy companies that are going to have to be built to produce the electricity to run these trains? Or is he expecting that solar panels and wind farms are going to be built from LA to La Vegas, covering the Mojave Desert? I wonder how the environmentalists are going to like that one.

I also bet these liberals think the only impact of these taxes is going to be on the companies. If they really think the higher costs of doing business in California isn't going to be passed onto the consumer of those products, well they have their progressive little heads buried in the California beach sand..

That is one thing I have noticed about liberals, they tend not to see the forest through the trees.

Tell me dear readers; who’da thought that a democrat would use more taxes to pay for a project that no one wants, no one needs, and no one is going to use?

Is California Getting Smart?

Very interesting state of affairs in California. California has long lived up to its nickname, The Golden State, with golden-type welfare benefits, state-employee retirement and benefit plans, and a secondary education subsidized like no other.

The economy, which has hit California very hard with the nation’s second highest unemployment rate, has been extremely slow to recover. This means tax revenue have fallen well short of needs and projections.

It now looks like Governor Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown has finally realize the state government can no longer afford to carry everyone who desires to be on welfare.

The friend who sent me this link is doing his retirement travels. He started in Washington, then down along the Oregon coast to California. He noted that once they crossed the Cal-Ore state line, the increase in homelessness was noticeable. While much of that can be attributed to the economic times, it should also be pointed out that with the great welfare benefits the state doles out, it is a mecca for those who wish to live off of taxpayer money. It looks like those days might be over.

It Just Keeps Getting Worse for California

Doug over at Director Blue has another reason to NOT move to California. Actually, if you read his post, he has highlighted several reason why moving to Cali is not in your best interest.

Seems the teacher’s pension gap is huge (as in: HHHUUUUGGEEEE!!!!!).

Combined, all pension obligations are nearly $500 billion, as in one half a trillion.

Cities cannot file bankruptcy; instead have to go to mediation.

But hey, the state will always have Hollywood. Wait, maybe that isn’t such a good thing since that comes with Matt Damon and Michael Moore.

California, The Leading Nanny State

Well, California is at it again. As a nanny state, California has both figuratively and literally broken the bank. Their record for stupid liberal decisions is well documented here and all across the web. Yet despite the evidence of their continuing stupidity, they keep on keepin’ on.

Just recently, Gov Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown signed legislation that bans tanning beds for those under the age of eighteen. This is outright ban, regardless of whether there is parental permission. The state of California doesn’t think that someone who is 17 can make good decisions. And as the father of a 17-year old, I happen to agree with that sentiment. However, there is a reason why 16- and 17-year old kids have parents: So they can make informed decisions about the choices their teenagers want to make. Taking away that responsibility from the parents and giving it to the state is what I am have trouble with. Why oh why do liberals and progressive think they are so much smarter than everyone else that they have to pass laws that further whittles away at parental rights? Is it not my responsibility and my right to raise my children how I see best? If I want to allow my teenager to get a suntan via a tanning bed, that is my right. But it also my responsibility to make sure that my kids are not done any harm, so I wouldn’t allow them too anyway. It still galls me that the state of California thinks they can raise my kids better than I can.

Often, the wounds inflicted on California are done by the idiots in Sacramento.

But every once in a while, the citizens themselves act like a bunch of loons.

California Not So Golden

Here is another reason why I have my concerns about moving to California. Currently the state has the second highest unemployment rate in the nation, with Nevada the only state higher. While the high unemployment is not a good thing, that the 1.4 million jobs lost over the past three years will not be gained backed until the end of the decade.

I also might add a “if at all”. When you consider the horrendous budget crisis impacting the state right now and into the foreseeable future, government jobs lost are going to be hard to get back. Also, when you consider how unfriendly California government and regulations are towards businesses, many companies have left the state for good and have no plans on coming back.

Auto Industry Holding the (Short) Straw

When you are holding a soda straw and trying to negotiate with someone holding a gun, you are not bargaining from a position of strength. When it comes to the new mileage standards currently under negotiations with the Obama Administration, the auto-makers are holding a straw.

Read my initial post on this subject here.

During negotiations, one of the key areas that the auto-makers are looking at is the different rules imposed by the state of California on auto-makers. This “tradition” extends back several decades, initiated with the requirement for the catalytic converter. It has continued over the years as California has required auto-makers to improve fleet gas mileage and requiring oil companies to have a so-called summer gasoline blend (costly at the pump and the refineries). The auto-makes want a concession from President Obama that rules will not be different between California and the other 49 states.

Here is where it gets a little complicated. California is a huge state with 55 electoral votes up for grabs. It has been a democrat stronghold in recent years. But that could change. A recent bill passed by both chambers, but not signed by Governor “moonbeam” Brown, would give the electoral votes to the candidate who wins the nationwide popular vote. So Obama has to tread carefully here. He needs the voters of California to pad his popular vote totals. But he also has to not piss off the rest of the nation. If he wants those 55 California electoral votes, he has to find a balance (which I hope eludes him).

But California setting its own emission standards also falls under a states right under the Constitution. If I am not mistaken, California environmental laws have already been challenged in court and California has won. And oddly enough, I support California’s right to mandate laws that regulate items in their state, as long as those mandates meet or exceed federal levels. But the cost of this additional rules and regulations are passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices for autos, which are some of the highest in the US.

There are some that say the California requirements have driven innovation. That argument does have some merit. But the marketplace also drives innovation. The auto itself and improvements therein were driven by demands from the public. Family size caused auto-makers to come up with cars that would carry the gang. Those wishing for a statement car drove the sports car market. The need for utility brought about the pickup. None of these hugely successful innovations were driven by government mandate. The marketplace demanded, the auto-makers delivered.

It is technically possible to reach the 62 mps wanted by the Obama Administration? I don’t know. But I am fairly certain that under current technology, it will be difficult AND it will be expensive. This will be a cost that you and I will have to bear.

Anyways, with the auto-makers holing the straw, I don’t see how a president who fancies himself and his branch of the government above the rest will be willing to give on this condition.

Illegal Immigrants Costing California Billions

Of all the states that are currently in a serious financial crisis, California is probably the worst. They are struggling to put together a budget, they are raising taxes and users fees, they have furloughed government workers and reduced the work week. They are so far in debt, that meeting their retirement obligations is looking like it will be mission impossible.

Add to this crushing budget woes is an illegal immigration population that is taxing the state-run hospital system. In 2010, the state of California spent $1.25B to treat illegal immigrants. Because of this cost, the state has asked the federal government, which also has no money, to bail them out.

Here is an idea. Stop treating them. I realize this is cold and I know it is against the law to turn away anyone, regardless of their immigration status, from receiving treatment. But this is just plain crazy. California and other states are spending billions of dollars to treat people that don’t even contribute to the system. I know there are liberals/progressives out there that say the illegals pay taxes. This might be true in some cases, but by and large, these folks are paid under the table.

California Pensions and Worthless Recovery (UPDATE)

A couple of posts worth a read over at one of my bloggers-in-arms, Doug, at Director Blue.

The first one is school administrator pensions being paid by the state of California to public school administrators. See more information on the state of spending in California at "UPDATE" below.

When I first look at the post, my eyes went directly to the chart. The thing that stood out to me was there were several retirees who are actually earning more in retirement than they earned while actually on the job.  Come to find out, once I read the text, that this situation is not uncommon: one third of the retirees are earning more than while employed.

I just hope that when this all comes crashing down, we all aren’t going to be held responsible for bailing out these ridiculous pension plans.

Make sure you click through the link to the full story provided by Doug. I have to give props to the Sacramento Bee, a notoriously left leaning publication, for running this expose.

The second post is a great summation of just how wonderful of an economic president Obama has turned out to be. NOT!

Many links provided that show just how bad this guy has done leading us out of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and how his policies have actually stunted the recovery.

Quick look:

-Our debt will be 101% of GDP by 2021. This is Greece-like.

-By 2035 our interest payments will 9% of the entire economy, currently 1%. Where are the cuts or additional revenue going to come from? Talk about a killer to the economy.

-The glitch in Obama that adds 3 million middle class to the roles of Medicaid. I blogged about this the other day. I guess we have found out about the bill now that it is passed.

-The collapse of Medicare and Social Security. You know, a few years ago, President Bush looked at privatizing Social Security and was slammed by the liberal press and democrats. I wonder if people are starting to relook this. Yes, it is true that private investments are not a guarantee, but are you going to collect SS in 25 years if things don’t change?

-The continuing downturn in the housing market. The nest egg that people were counting on has nearly disappeared.

-Job creation has been pathetic. Here is a story from my local area. So many jobs have been lost since the start of this recession that it will take years to recover. Normal recoveries have a growth near 9%, we current stand a little less than 2%, which does not grow jobs.

I really hope the folks that vote this time around finally get their heads out of their rear ends and send this president packing. He is over his head and is not good for America, at least not a growing America.

UPDATE

Sister Toldjah has a great little post about how state employees continue to feed at the trough of taxpayer money despite the current financial crises besieging the state of California. Good video!

Unions Still Control California

Unions continue to maintain control in California despite the weight of state debt threatening to collapse the state economy and government. Most recently, the prison guards union has been able to get a new contract enforced through Gov. Jerry Brown. In this contract, the guards are allowed to bank unlimited vacation time unit retirement (current value: $600M) and they will not be subjected to searches despite evidence that smuggling into prison is a real problem.  Doug over at Director Blue has the full scoop.

And my wife still wants to move here.

Do Californians See the Light?

Has California finally come to their senses? Not likely, but there are occasional signs that California voters have had enough of the tax and spend attitude of the democrats. Just this past week a Republican, Craig Huey, took second place in a primary run-off in a heavily democrat district in southern California. In California, the top two vote-getters in the primary face off against each other in the general election.

California to Mandate LGBT Curriculum in Schools

The California State Senate has passed a bill that requires schools to teach gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender history. It has not yet gone through the state Assembly, but if it passes there Gov Jerry Brown is expected to sign it into law.

Supporters say the move is needed to counter anti-gay stereotypes and beliefs that make children in those groups vulnerable to bullying and suicide.

While there may some valid truth in the sentence above, I really don’t think this is the main driver behind the Gay community wanting this bill passed.  It has more to do with hammering acceptance of this lifestyle into the young minds of children, overriding the parent’s objections and teachings.

The article linked above does not say whether parents would be allowed to opt-out if they do not agree with their children being taught this subject matter. Given California’s out of control progressive movement I would be surprised if they would allow parents to control what their children are taught. Remember, progressive are smarter than us and know what is good for us.  It is all for the common good (sarc/off).

In our family we teach that the gay lifestyle goes against God’s wishes and commands. Not to sound too preachy Leviticus 18:22 is quite clear on the matter: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.” But before any of my liberal readers start sending me hate mail I want to make clear we are adamant that our children treat people who live this lifestyle with human decency. They are not to bully, pick on, or otherwise treat anyone who is gay with disrespect. We are all God’s children, there are no exceptions (1 Cor 6:11), and we expect our kids to treat everyone in that manner. We can disagree with the lifestyle without resorting to hate.

Global Warming at it Again

The California Sierra Nevada Mountains has experienced near record snowfall totals this year (h/t: Drudge Report). So far, 61 feet of snow has fallen, just four feet shy of the record of 65 feet set in the winter of 1950-51.

Ski resorts are also seeing records broken. With 605 inches of snowfall this season Mammouth Mountain has smashed their previous record of 579 inches. This does not include April which sees an average of about 33 inches.

Snowfall in the Sierra’s is at times feast or famine.  One year they could see eight feet of total snowfall, then the next year see over 40 feet.  There is no question California has experienced a drought over the last few years. But this is not unusual.  During the height of global cooling (1960’s-1970’s), the Sierra’s experienced less than normal snowfall totals for at least three straight years, and only exceeded average three out of eight years.  During the recent California drought actual snowfall totals exceeded average six times over a 10 year period.  And in the last three years, the snowfall totals were more than 100 inches over average each year.

As for the Global Warming excuse I have a feeling that OwlGore and his group will be sure to say “See, Global Warming is happening, how else do you explain the record snowfalls”.  Never mind they had also blamed the California drought on Global Warming (See here and here).  When it is hot, blame global warming, when it is cold, blame global warming, when is doesn’t rain, blame global warming, when it does rain, blame global warming.  So basically, they have all bases covered.  Back in the day, we used call this “weather” over the short period and climate over the long period.

BTW: Governor Jerry Brown is expected to officially declare the drought over.  Can we do the same with the whole Global Warming scam?

How Two States Deal with Coyotes

This was posted over at Rural Revolution, and with their kind permission I’m posting here for my readers enjoyment.  When done, please go visit.

California:

The Governor of California is jogging with his dog along a nature trail.  A coyote jumps out and attacks the Governor’s dog, then bites the Governor.

1. The Governor starts to intervene, but reflects upon the movie “Bambi” and then realizes he should stop because the coyote is only doing what is natural.

2. He calls animal control. Animal Control captures the coyote and bills the state @200 testing it diseases and $500 for relocating it.

3. He calls a veterinarian. The vet collects the dead dog and bills the State $200 testing it for diseases.

4. The Governor goes to hospital and spends $3,500 getting checked for diseases fro

California No Longer "Cruising" Along

The bad news for California continues unabated. First off, they cannot seem to get control of their debt, the unemployment rate continues to remain above 12%, and businesses are leaving in droves (here are 10 reasons why).  Now comes word that the Cruise industry is abandoning California ports due to the economy and tourists’ fears of violence in Mexico.

See my previous posts (here and here) on the state of The State of California. But they do have nice weather.

California Gets Hammered Again

California continues to take economic blows from every direction. Recently, Forbes released the list of the 20 most miserable cities in the USA (slideshow included), and California took 8 of the 20 slots, including a staggering 4 of the top 5 (bottom 5?).  Main reasons for this many cities in CA to be included on the list are high crime, crippling housing value declines, and oppressive tax rates.  Unemployment in the 12% range doesn’t help matters.

I have lived in CA twice in my life, once (1971-1975) as a kid when my dad took a US Forest Service transfer to Redding working as the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Engineer. I came back to Cali (1987-1992) while in the USAF, stationed at George AFB outside of Victorville. George AFB closed in 1992.  I met my wife the second time through CA, and then I took her away from the sun.  She really wants to go back, but me, not so much. And with the state of the economy being what it is in CA, finding work will be more difficult than it is here in the PACNW.