Red alert, Red alert! CA govt is losing it... (Arnold: tenants, income)

[malamute]

Originally Posted by sav858

Other states have high taxes and a corrupt bureaucracy but they are still not in as deep sh*t as Ca., i.e. Northeastern states. It's not all about "democrats this, democrats that" no matter what you convince yourself of. And don't sit there and pretend that the VOTERS of all parties have nothing to do with this mess either.

Blaming "too much govt, social programs, etc.." is the same tired cop out simple minded people always like to use whenever things go south b/c its an easy scapegoat and doesn't actually require anyone to think about the REAL fundamental flaws with this state. The problem go far beyond too much govt or social services. But unfortunately few seem to actually take the time to understand what the hell is wrong with this state and instead gripe about social programs, illegals, and bureaucrats b/c its easy.

Well you're saying it isn't high taxes and it isn't too many government programs and it's not illegals and it's not bureaucrats - but you don't say what you think it might be.

It's fairly simple. California has sky-high taxes but is spending far more than it takes in. Far too many people aren't paying taxes, far too many people are using government programs and too few people are having to keep it propped up. The taxpayers are like a camel, more burden is added, more is added and more.

Now we're nearing the days of the last straw that broke the camel's back.

[ryanst530]

Originally Posted by sav858

Blaming "too much govt, social programs, etc.." is the same tired cop out simple minded people always like to use whenever things go south b/c its an easy scapegoat and doesn't actually require anyone to think about the REAL fundamental flaws with this state. The problem go far beyond too much govt or social services. But unfortunately few seem to actually take the time to understand what the hell is wrong with this state and instead gripe about social programs, illegals, and bureaucrats b/c its easy.

You mean the same tired cop that I've been having to listen to about George Bush being the sole mastermind behind all of the problems in the world today by the left wing media? Or that Rush Limbaugh is the man responsible for creating a neo-nazi regime in America?

Please, tell us simple minded folk what YOU think the fundamental flaws are with the state? I would really like to hear this.

[Curmudgeon]

I'm all too aware of the fundamental problems in this state. I was born here, have lived here for about 43 of my almost 63 years and worked for the state for 25 of them.

As much as it pains me, I've given up and am leaving the state now that I'm retired. Most unfortunately I have no confidence in the state's ability or will to put itself on the road to recovery. I can 't afford to go down with it at this stage of my life. I'll leave with regrets for what once was and with concerns about children and stepchildren (all adults), as well as grandchildren, who will still be here.

[elousv]

I think it has triggered the fight or flight response. Since the beast has grown into such an enormous monster, fighting is futile. Flight is the only option.

[Intergalactic]

Ah, California has been surfing on growth for a hundred years. Nobody, Republican or Democrat, had the understanding, foresight or courage to do the right things when the growth slowed.

Come out to the East Side, it'll be like a reverse Okie migration, with money.

[ryanst530]

Originally Posted by sav858

Other states have high taxes and a corrupt bureaucracy but they are still not in as deep sh*t as Ca., i.e. Northeastern states.

And then there is Texas, under Republican control since 1995, with a republican senate and house, operating on an $8 billion dollar SURPLUS right now with no state income tax, and a booming business sector to boot.

Democrats have killed California. End of story. The evidence is here.

Arguing about it is meaningless because you'd be wrong.

[Intergalactic]

Texas is a hellhole. Saying it is doing well because of taxation policy is like saying Saudi Arabia is doing well because of the Saudi Kings, not the oil.

[sav858]

Originally Posted by ryanst530

You mean the same tired cop that I've been having to listen to about George Bush being the sole mastermind behind all of the problems in the world today by the left wing media? Or that Rush Limbaugh is the man responsible for creating a neo-nazi regime in America?

What does this have to do with CA's problems or anything at all? George Bush was a bad president but I don't blame him for all the problems of the past 8 years at all. If you are seriously this partisan and just hell bent against anything you percieve as "liberal, left wing, etc.." then there is probably no point to continuing this as this is probably nothing more than some platform for you to rant.

Please, tell us simple minded folk what YOU think the fundamental flaws are with the state? I would really like to hear this.

-gerrymandered districts leading to very partisan politicians.
-prop 13
-heavy reliance on volatile income and sales tax revenue
-ballot initiative process

This article touches on a lot of what is wrong with CA:California: The ungovernable state | The Economist

Govt needs to be smaller and more efficient but that is not the only thing that is causing this mess.

[alexanderaf]

I don't know about you, but I don't necessarily buy less because of tax increases. Nobody likes increased taxes, and yes I disagree with them, but I don't think that's soley causing people to spend less. I'm sure the recession had a lot to do with that. I think the government just made too many promises on what it can do, got to big, and is bleeding money to too many programs. They just need to lean themselves and spend less.

And rather than spread the spending cuts evenly throughout all programs to try to keep everything alive, they should carefully pick and choose which ones we don't really need and cut those completely. Cutting funding across the board evenly keeps everything (schools, road projects, etc) from functioning!

[Ultrarunner]

Yes, I do buy less and have gone non-op on my truck and another vehicle...

Many would argue we have already lost it...

The plant where I worked at one time was trying to expand for years and spent a lot of money on plans and hearings... it is only one of many that left the State and took jobs elsewhere...

So many on the companies that we did business with have also left the State...

What isn't well understood is as long as people and businesses have choices CA will have to compete or continue letting jobs leave the State...

The level of Regulation in my field continues to increase and along with the increases are increased costs for compliance and regulatory fees...

I think those outside the business side of things have little idea on the immense pressure put on business for non-sense things...

Did you know that CA is forcing Contractors and Business operating Heavy Equipment to sell or retrofit Diesel Power Plants in tractors, cranes, chippers and others? Lots of this equipment is going out of State at bargain prices and many businesses here are choosing not to purchase new equipment...

Even the Hospital where I work is looking at forced retirement of the Emergency Generator that is in Like New Pristine Condition because we have been put on notice... This unit is American made and will easily last 30 or more years and installed meeting all codes only 10 years ago...

I could go on, but the point is there is a point where people just give-up and surrender.