NoBama Has Much To Learn From Land Of Dreams

The unemployment rate in California is the highest in 70 years- 12+%. At the start of this past summer, the government began issuing IOU’s instead of wages. California is the eighth largest economy in the entire world, with a population of 37 million. If an independent country, it would be in the G8. If it were a company, it would be declaring bankruptcy. Between 2004 and 2008, half a million people residents left California for good. By 2010, California will likely lose a Congressman because the population has declined so drastically. The percentage of high school grads going to college went from 43% in 1996 to 30% in 2004, the highest recorded in any developed world economy. California’s schools are now ranked 47th in 50 in the nation. The government issued bonds are now considered junk.

Once haroled as the Land of Opportunity and forever sunshine, California now sees street after street in any given city filled with “tent cities”, those who have lost their homes in foreclosures and/or loss of jobs. Like a scene form a national disaster like Katrina, California has people wandering around aimless looking for free food. Long lines form even before the crest of dawn for free medical care offered in a makeshift clinic in an abandoned parking lot which, sadly, is now the norm.

Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzenegger, when asked if the California dream is forever lost recently, responded, “There is people that sometimes suggests that the American dream, or the California dream, is evaporating. I think it’s absolutely wrong. I think the California dream is as strong as ever.”

California failed in numerous ways, and these are just some of the many reasons why:

1. Citizens. They bought too much house, lived beyond their means, and they didn’t save for the future. They expected their government to bail them out in tough times with welfare, social services, freebies and handouts, and didn’t think about the government itself ever running out of money.

2. Arnold Schwarzenegger. He underestimated the problems and made bad financial decisions for the State of California. He was too optimistic about the financial forecast, calling the days ahead sunny, not cloudy or stormy. He had the fundamentals of a good conservative, given, but it was more than that, good looks, and riches that would make California get out of the financial sewage.

3. State Legislature. California was clandestine to fail when 30 years ago Proposition 13 was passed capping property taxes at an incredibly ridiculous 1%. Even as the home market rose, and many homes were accessed in the millions, the property taxes stayed the same, making it a poor man’s dream, and a politician’s nightmare. More so than any other state in the nation, California, therefore, relies heavily on income tax, which is bottomed out during a recession.

4. Business. As businesses lost revenue and capital, they left California. Or, the talent in California was enormous, but the business owners loathed the government and their meddling into their own affairs. They protected their own agendas with ruthless and selfish lobbyists who didn’t care if California crashed and burned.

5. Unions. This can be summed up in a short sentence: permission for early retirement and getting paid more during retirement than while working.

Fixing California must involve repealing the initiative system, repeal the two/thirds vote requirement, repeal term limits, and repeal the absurd Proposition 13.

Fixing American is more complex. However, we can learn from California’s mistakes. I am not a politician and would never consider myself the highest form of intelligence on politics, but it doesn’t take a brain scientist to realize the following.

Ÿ Stop giving out so many billions of dollars to hurting Wall Street Giants. They won’t prosper any more if they are given money now, later, or never at all. They have proven that with their inappropriate and wasteful spending of our hard-earned tax dollars.

Ÿ Cease fighting wars better left to other countries. Embolden our country’s defenses and national security instead, and create an effective line of communication between our allies and enemies. There is a lot of wisdom in that little saying that goes, “Keep your friends near and your enemies closest.”

Ÿ Bring our brave men and women home so they can support their families, raise their families, and pay taxes so we can grow our economy.

Ÿ Helping other nations financially is wonderful, commendable, and many times necessary. I fully support this. However, when we focus so much on humanitarian aid and not enough on our own selves, we forget the all important concept that we are only as useful and helpful to others as we are strong. In other words, if we crumble, we can no longer help others. A dying mother knows to save herself first so she can save her child.

Ÿ It’s easy to forget about the awful face of reality when you are flying all over the world campaigning with celebrities for a hosting spot in the Olympics. Sure, it would be nice to bring mom, pops, kids, and Fido down the block from your childhood home to celebrate the Summer Olympics as a stellar first black president. How we all wish to be just like you, Mr. President, with all your pipedreams swirling around in your head! But other countries think they have just as much to offer, if not more. Congratulations Brazil! May we all Americans come back with gold medals and Brazilian tans!

I could go on and on, but Fido needs a bath, the kids need to go to bed, and I need to hit the hay, so I can go to work tomorrow to pay the taxes so Mr. President can go flying all over the world.