If California is a "bellwether'' state, what do you think are the next trends to be ''exported''? (Sacramento: legal, office)

[mateo45]

To quote from California Dreams & Realities:

"California has long been a bellwether state — a place where crucial trends that eventually spread throughout the U.S. first take root. Its national and international influence is driven by one of the largest economies in the world, by its extraordinary technological and cultural innovations, and by a disproportionately affluent and activist population larger than that of entire countries. In short, the issues of California are the issues that are likely to have an impact on the rest of America."

If so, what do you see are the next or current "trends"?

[Fontucky]

Well... thanks to the god squad, we missed the boat with marriage equality. Iowa beat us to the punch, of all places.

[chuckmann]

I keep hoping liberals...

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by mateo45

To quote from California Dreams & Realities:

"California has long been a bellwether state — a place where crucial trends that eventually spread throughout the U.S. first take root. Its national and international influence is driven by one of the largest economies in the world, by its extraordinary technological and cultural innovations, and by a disproportionately affluent and activist population larger than that of entire countries. In short, the issues of California are the issues that are likely to have an impact on the rest of America."

If so, what do you see are the next or current "trends"?

If the posters from this board are any indication, uh, "fleeing"?

[Senno]

Originally Posted by chuckmann

I keep hoping liberals...

That's pretty funny as there's some soon to be ex-pats that need to get on with the self-exportation.

[mateo45]

I'm thinking the rising influence of minorities, and tech leading the way in economic growth.

[nslander]

Originally Posted by chuckmann

I keep hoping liberals...

Based on recent surveys and election results, this is becoming ever less likely. Perhaps conservative/libertarian experiments like Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, West Virginia and Mogadishu would be a little more to your liking.

[nightlysparrow]

Very strict environmental laws. Some states are in terrible jeopardy of losing pristine areas. California has at least become a legal crusader in that arena.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by chuckmann

I keep hoping liberals...

Been doin' that for years - Feinstein and Boxer in the Senate, Pelosi and a group of real geniuses like Barbara Lee, Maxine Waters, Linda Sanchez, Henry Waxman, John Garamendi and more. And you're growin' a new crop in Sacramento.

[nslander]

The complete neutering of the Republican party. CA is at the point the state GOP can't fulfill its primary objective of campaigning on the premise government can't work and proving that point after getting elected. The Dems undoubtedly will abuse their newly unchecked power, but the GOP will be less likely to rely on obstructionism as a tactic. This will cause the GOP to realize they need to stop alienating the middle by ignoring the nonsense of their primary voters. Republicans are realizing they can’t win statewide office without effectively cutting off the right fringe, and I think that will expressed in other states.