Friday, July 24, 2009

Comments on GOP: Going Over The Precipice

1. It's about time someone started telling the truth about the mess in California. But the real motivations for its continuation, I fear, are a culture of personal greed and social irresponsibility. As a native Californian who has lived most of my adult life elsewhere but now live here again, I am frankly shocked and appalled by the selfishness and narcissism of so many Californians who allow this nonsense to continue. How bad does it have to get? And Prop. 13 has to go as well.
Submitted by: Harvey
4:36 PM PDT, July 23, 2009

2. Rural California - where most of the state's remaining Rebulican legislators come from - will be hit especially hard in the coming months and years. It won't be long before it becomes clear that their own political choices played a role in this mess. The Republicans are digging their own grave.
Submitted by: Jimbo
4:19 PM PDT, July 23, 2009

3. Arnold - it was bad enough with the dreadful actor Ronald Reagan - but living with this Austrian dreg has been more horrendous.
Submitted by: michael Pasadena
3:48 PM PDT, July 23, 2009

4. Typical liberal folly! CA (and the US) are seeing conditions that in many ways mirror those that triggered the American Revolution. Only now it's the Democrats, unions and illegals instead of the English that we need freedom from! Our country was built on personal responsibility and freedom. I'm sick of all the cry-baby liberals and "the poor" with their hands reaching into my pockets! Stop taking from me!
Submitted by: John, Camarillo
3:25 PM PDT, July 23, 2009

5. So majority rules? Then you fully support the implementation of Prop 8, right? Hypocrite.
Submitted by: DTS
3:22 PM PDT, July 23, 2009

6. 1.CA schools have been destroyed by the huge numbers of illegals that should not be in them. 2.Most estimates place the costs of government services for illegals in CA at over $8B per year. 3.The prison populations in CA are estimated to be close to 40% illegals. 4.We have 11% unemployment-don't tell me there aren't legal residents that will take the jobs illegals do.
Submitted by: Tom, Simi Valley
3:14 PM PDT, July 23, 2009

7. Mr. Meyerson, reading this reminds me: "Never confuse stupidity and ignorance, the latter is a changeable state while the former is a gift from God." What liberal rubbish! This may be the dumbest column! Not to mention your revisionist view of history; Clinton's success was because Gingrich and true fiscal conservatives that kept him from spending us into oblivion. These cuts and more are needed! When will voters the finally wake-up and vote-out all the corrupt Democrats (& Republicans) in the legislature who have ruined CA by being in the pocket of the unions and illegal alien special interests!
Submitted by: Ron, Ventura
3:06 PM PDT, July 23, 2009

8. When have republicans been on the right side of history. Check their record. They opposed: 1. Medicare 2. Social Security 3. CIVIL RIGHTs 4. Meaningful immigration reform. 5. Minority rights. 6. Healh Care reform. Why do you expect them to do anyhting meaningful for the country now.
Submitted by: sakibaba
3:04 PM PDT, July 23, 2009

9. Eliminate jerrymandering of state office seats. Only when each each district has a 50/50 Dem/Rep voter pool will I trust a 50+1 amendment to the constitution. The districts may need to be adjusted every 5 or 10 years to ensure the 50/50 ratio. We have become sheep. State office holders must be made to fear the electorate. Knowing that one vote by a Dem or Rep voter could bounce them from a cushy office might make them more likely to be concensus oriented. If all else fails, punt.
Submitted by: Jerry Mander
2:37 PM PDT, July 23, 2009

10. Where else in the country can a small group of ultra conservatives wrest total control of a Blue-State budget?
Submitted by: Doug


11. All Meyerson wants to do is spend everyone elses money on things neither CA nor the US can afford. Everyone assumes jobs will be coming back - but don't count on it with the "soak the rich", don't ask the teachers union to actually teach and, oh yes, join a union so you can retire and leave those still working poorer by the year (just ask the junior members of the UAW)!
Submitted by: Bruce B
8:39 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

12. Mr. Meyerson immediately gets off on the wrong foot by declaring "majority rights" the essence of a "democracy." Please note -- the United States is NOT a Democracy. It is a constitutional republic that employs democratic institutions but only insofar as they support the primary consideration of the U.S. Constitution which is that MINORITY RIGHTS take precedence over all else. This is the essence of the Bill of Rights. Sorry, but the old lefty whine-song about the 2/3 budget doesn't fly here.
Submitted by: TruthTeller
8:38 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

13. Well, if all the liberal tax-and-spenders are complaining about this budget -- and they are -- it must be a pretty good deal. FINALLY Schwartzenegger stepped up to the plate and did what he promised he'd do when he was elected: started working toward some fiscal sanity in this insane state, instead of wasting time criticizing his fellow Republicans and trying to solve the world's imaginary "climate change" problems.
Submitted by: Brian Baker
8:20 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

14. We are a Republic, learn to appreciate that fact. Your recommended liberalpolicies have nearly bankrupt this state.
Submitted by: Andy
8:15 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

15. Meanwhile as the poor have their services cut, the lazy unions at the trough are getting some days off. The day will come when the pension fund for their retirements are going to break the state completely. The state unions are the greedy selfish ones here. Cuts on the backs of the poor so they can suck on the government teat. Disgusting.
Submitted by: carla123
7:48 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

16. To Harold Meyerson and his ilk, what the Republicans are doing seems dumb. Harold is like the stereotype "dumb blonde" housewife, who is angry at her husband over money. The husband is balancing the checkbook and telling her what they can no longer afford to spend money on. She meanwhile is angry because they aren't out of money, there are still checks left. In fact there are quite a few products that she can buy and save him huge amounts of money. "dumb Republicans"... yeah, sure Harold, if you say so.
Submitted by: David Burgess
7:46 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

17. Californians are the third highest taxed in the country when you include all state and local taxes. By the same standards, California's businesses are the sixth highest taxed in the country. Companies like Telmar, Terumo and Creel are leaving the state. The Automobile Club of Southern California now has over 1000 of its wokers in Texas. Apria has moved 700 jobs to Kansas. The public employees unions won't be happy until they've killed off every last business in California.
Submitted by: Tommy D
7:40 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

18. Majority rule only works when all men are created equal. If you want to change to a simple majority then tie it with a flat tax. Otherwise you get mob rule and legalized confiscation of personal property by those whose only skill is to vote to take it.
Submitted by: Kevin
7:38 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

19. [Head scratch] "What to think of a columnist for a major newspaper in the United States who thinks we are a democracy?" Harold, I'm bookmarking this screed so we can all laugh at you in the near future when cutting government spending solves the problem. No...No...I know you think your smarter than logic, and more scintillating than reason. But the fact is you don't raise taxes in a recession Einstein period. Oh, and for the record. We are a representative republic not a democracy. Bye Now.
Submitted by: Andy B
7:36 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

20. "the minority Republicans have managed to push through a budget that makes the state sicker and dumber" Oh, come on. Was California sicker and dumber 10 years ago? Similar revenue numbers should equal similar spending numbers. Chicken Little and Henny Penny are getting a little old, IMHO.
Submitted by: Denver


21. "The most basic principle of any democracy is that of majority rule" When will liberals learn, California is not a democracy its a republic, just as the nation is a republic. Republics avoid mob rule which leftist tend to like.
Submitted by: TNR
7:30 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

22. Exactly why is it that a cut of even a nickel from the governments bloated budget means that women and children are going to die?
Submitted by: paulejb
7:30 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

23. What are you a Demoncratic hack! The Dems own the congress in california. They do whatever they want and have created an unsustainable socialist utopia.
Submitted by: Lee
7:27 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

24. The elitism that flows from this schnook is so palpable you could build a bronze statue of it. Picture a tweed-jacket wearing white man with one foot on the neck of a business owner and the other on an American flag.
Submitted by: Tony Locke
7:26 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

25. Wow. What a surprise. 2000 words on how the only problem in California is that we don't pay enough taxes. And those mean old republicans are the only thing standing in our ability to pay more taxes. The republicans are clearly trying to destroy California, as there is no other possible explanation for them refusing to allow us to all pay more taxes. I would like to thank the L.A. Times for giving us this fresh new insight. Again, WOW.
Submitted by: Phil
7:03 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

26. Democracy also works to prevent the tyranny of the majority. Hence the 2/3rd majority, which, btw, was approved by the California voters. The California GOP is keeping the broken California system, controlled by special interests, from bankrupting the state even further. This column is fundamentally wrong as the problem in California is overspending and raising taxes is not the answer. Hence, the GOP is "California's White Knight".
Submitted by: tonyE
6:53 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

27. Well isnt that the pot calling the kettle black. Shame on Republicans for being the minority and trying to get what they want. Isnt this entire state designed to cater to the minority rights of illegal aliens through its sanctuary cities and loose restrictions on gov. programs? Come live in CA, Welfare for Everyone!!!!!
Submitted by: Jesse
6:53 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

28. The Republicans have already reduced California to the level of a third-rate "podunkia" in the name of opposing taxes. The best thing about the new budget, which once again seems to assume that voters harmed by ripping off local government aren't the same ones hurt by cutting state services, is that it will show people once and for all what the no-tax philosophy means in practice. GOP, be careful what you ask for...
Submitted by: publicpolicy
6:48 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

29. It's not hard to see the similarities between the California legislature and the U.S. Senate. All legislation now requires 60 votes (instead of 51) otherwise the Republicans will filibuster.
Submitted by: Dave in MT
6:46 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

30. Harold Meyerson is out in left field. Blame the Republicans? Sure pal. And just where were the Democrats when the state had a surplus? Did the Democrates save any for a rainly day? No way. Spent every damn nickel that came in and borrowed even MORE. The entire deficit is due to the fools in Sacramento who cannot and will not keep spending within means. I am GLAD that SEVERE cuts will now be implemented. It's about time this state was FORCED to live within its means. I am sick of supporting illegals and their kids.
Submitted by: Evad the Slayer


31. Taxes were raised. I paid more for my car license renewal, and I pay more sales tax every time I shop. When a writer makes such a fundamental mistake, I ignore the rest of what he has to say.
Submitted by: bkl
6:38 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

32. You apparently think it "sick" and "dumb" that responsible members of California's government have concluded that going on spending money after you go broke isn't a workable option. What do you suggest, Mr Meyerson? Go even broker? Ruin California's economy completely? Raise taxes enormously, thereby creating even more tax refugees fleeing the state? Yes, people in California are hurting, but that's in large measure because people in California were dumb enough to think they could vote themselves infinite largess from the state's coffers, and vote not to pay it.
Submitted by: Henry Miller
6:36 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

33. "The most basic principle of any democracy is that of majority rule, with minority rights running a clear but close second." What an appalling distortion of reality! For a century after the Civil War, blacks were considered by the majority of Americans to be, at best, second-class people and your comment implies that the majority-endorsed segregation and abasement of blacks would have been just fine with you. The fact of the matter is that "rights," by definition, /always/ trump the vagrant wind of majority opinion. They are the principal protection against "the tyranny of the majority."
Submitted by: Henry Miller
6:35 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

34. Please, democrats, vote down this skewed, imbalanced "deal." If the Big Five deal goes through, I will regard the democrats as having betrayed California. It's time for the democrats to have a backbone. Cuts, yes, but these cuts must be tempered with some additional revenues.
Submitted by: rocky
5:50 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

35. Maybe the dems should cut the six figure salaries of prison guards, eliminate all of the hundred plus worthless boards and commissions (strawberry board - please) Stop "retired" gov workers from collecting "retirement" benefits while working for another city or agency down the road (often collectin 6 figure incomes from both) How about cutting the worthless bureaucrats that work for school districts instead of teachers. Oh yeah the dems can't do that because it will upset the unions. So i guess all they can do is screw the poor kids and old people right.
Submitted by: Josh
5:39 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

36. As long as more than half of all Californians pay little or no state income tax, it should require a 2/3 vote to raise income taxes on the rest of us. The truth is the 2/3 requirement can be repealed with a simple majority vote of the people. Put it on the ballot Mr. Meyerson. It will go down in flames again like it always does. Californians like the 2/3 requirement, it prevents the big spending liberals from constantly raising taxes to solve every budget "crisis".
Submitted by: Ken
5:05 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

37. Great article. The Democrats shoud start by giving the Republicans only enough votes so that every Republican is shown to be responsible for this budget and it' consequences.
Submitted by: MurphyMaloney
4:53 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

38. While we're at it, let's eliminate term limits so that true leadership has time to develop in the Legislature.
Submitted by: Kaye Reeves
4:50 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

39. Harold What world do you live in? You and your social leftist's created this mess in california.The minascule cuts were a joke. You want tax increase right. How's this. 75% tax on all union pension funds. 75% on all movies that are made. 90% tax on all unemployment,welfare and other social programs. Problem solved Nuff Said!
Submitted by: joe markota
3:48 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

40. It is even worse than reported here. Yesterday our Doctor informed us that MediCal/MediCare was cutting back every patients by up to 2/3s to save money. My wife, who is terminal, is going to have her pain med cut by 50% in the next couple months. Our Dr., the director of a large County Clinic, was no the verge of tears as he tried to explain there was nothing he could do but follow the new rules that were made to save money with no regard of the extreme suffering this will cause. This will impact at least a couple hundred thousand people in Ca.
Submitted by: Jim Dandy


41. They did raise taxes - a 15% increase for state employees
Submitted by: ar
9:23 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

42. Harold Meyerson articulated exactly why California NEEDS protection from a simple majority (aka liberal Democrats). What is "extreme" about asking the state to live within its means, curb the handouts to everyone who can't support themselves, and refusing to drive more jobs out of the state? Thank you Republicans!!
Submitted by: Swanny
9:22 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

43. Welcome to the new third world California (or Kaleefornia as Ahnuld likes to call it)
Submitted by: ar
9:22 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

44. Deport. Fine businesses who employ illegals. Stop the after school babysitting. Eliminate the safety net programs for illegals. Stop granting citizenship to children of illegals. Do these things and watch the deficit shrink.
Submitted by: Dan
9:22 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

45. I believe in the rule of the majority for the most part. And I think the current game played in Sacramento allows both parties to do nothing while blaming the opposite party for everything. Think about it. If the Democrats were allowed to use their majority to really enact the kind of government they want, the voters would sack them in a minute after the voters' taxes climb to the stratosphere. Let the Dems rule, after all we voted them in. Now let them take the blame for their ineptitude. Same goes for the other guys.
Submitted by: Donald lais
9:14 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

46. The comments on this article make far more sense than what Meyerson wrote. Good work people.
Submitted by: John Galt
9:10 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

47. So I guess Meyerson is opposed to the Libs best friend, legislating from the bench, now that he is such a staunch supporter of majority rule. I would never, ever want to live in Harold Meyersons' world. Only the two-thirds majority vote has kept the old hippies in the Legislature from turning California into the Socialist utopia that Meyerson has spent his life dreaming of. Cutbacks may trigger a vicious cycle? What about tax increases? No vicious cycle there? I mean it's not like they're going to continue to spend more money than they've got, right? It will be different this time. What a joke.
Submitted by: Richard Radomski
9:04 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

48. What does a L.L.D. in Washington know about California? What diarrhea would be spewing out of his mouth IF we scrapped the California "quirk" and now all the lawmakers need is 50% plus one to pass "anything" EXCEPT Sacramento is 50+1 Republican. This jerk would be screaming bloody murder, slinging every kind Anti- American statement of racism elitism to good old fashion Nazism.
Submitted by: Richard Cory
8:45 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

49. All Meyerson wants to do is spend everyone elses money on things neither CA nor the US can afford. Everyone assumes jobs will be coming back - but don't count on it with the "soak the rich", don't ask the teachers union to actually teach and, oh yes, join a union so you can retire and leave those still working poorer by the year (just ask the junior members of the UAW)!
Submitted by: Bruce B
8:39 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

50. Mr. Meyerson immediately gets off on the wrong foot by declaring "majority rights" the essence of a "democracy." Please note -- the United States is NOT a Democracy. It is a constitutional republic that employs democratic institutions but only insofar as they support the primary consideration of the U.S. Constitution which is that MINORITY RIGHTS take precedence over all else. This is the essence of the Bill of Rights. Sorry, but the old lefty whine-song about the 2/3 budget doesn't fly here.
Submitted by: TruthTeller


51. Well, if all the liberal tax-and-spenders are complaining about this budget -- and they are -- it must be a pretty good deal. FINALLY Schwartzenegger stepped up to the plate and did what he promised he'd do when he was elected: started working toward some fiscal sanity in this insane state, instead of wasting time criticizing his fellow Republicans and trying to solve the world's imaginary "climate change" problems.
Submitted by: Brian Baker
8:20 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

52. We are a Republic, learn to appreciate that fact. Your recommended liberalpolicies have nearly bankrupt this state.
Submitted by: Andy
8:15 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

53. Meanwhile as the poor have their services cut, the lazy unions at the trough are getting some days off. The day will come when the pension fund for their retirements are going to break the state completely. The state unions are the greedy selfish ones here. Cuts on the backs of the poor so they can suck on the government teat. Disgusting.
Submitted by: carla123
7:48 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

54. To Harold Meyerson and his ilk, what the Republicans are doing seems dumb. Harold is like the stereotype "dumb blonde" housewife, who is angry at her husband over money. The husband is balancing the checkbook and telling her what they can no longer afford to spend money on. She meanwhile is angry because they aren't out of money, there are still checks left. In fact there are quite a few products that she can buy and save him huge amounts of money. "dumb Republicans"... yeah, sure Harold, if you say so.
Submitted by: David Burgess
7:46 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

55. Californians are the third highest taxed in the country when you include all state and local taxes. By the same standards, California's businesses are the sixth highest taxed in the country. Companies like Telmar, Terumo and Creel are leaving the state. The Automobile Club of Southern California now has over 1000 of its wokers in Texas. Apria has moved 700 jobs to Kansas. The public employees unions won't be happy until they've killed off every last business in California.
Submitted by: Tommy D
7:40 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

56. Majority rule only works when all men are created equal. If you want to change to a simple majority then tie it with a flat tax. Otherwise you get mob rule and legalized confiscation of personal property by those whose only skill is to vote to take it.
Submitted by: Kevin
7:38 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

57. [Head scratch] "What to think of a columnist for a major newspaper in the United States who thinks we are a democracy?" Harold, I'm bookmarking this screed so we can all laugh at you in the near future when cutting government spending solves the problem. No...No...I know you think your smarter than logic, and more scintillating than reason. But the fact is you don't raise taxes in a recession Einstein period. Oh, and for the record. We are a representative republic not a democracy. Bye Now.
Submitted by: Andy B
7:36 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

58. "the minority Republicans have managed to push through a budget that makes the state sicker and dumber" Oh, come on. Was California sicker and dumber 10 years ago? Similar revenue numbers should equal similar spending numbers. Chicken Little and Henny Penny are getting a little old, IMHO.
Submitted by: Denver
7:31 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

59. "The most basic principle of any democracy is that of majority rule" When will liberals learn, California is not a democracy its a republic, just as the nation is a republic. Republics avoid mob rule which leftist tend to like.
Submitted by: TNR
7:30 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

60. Exactly why is it that a cut of even a nickel from the governments bloated budget means that women and children are going to die?
Submitted by: paulejb


61. What are you a Demoncratic hack! The Dems own the congress in california. They do whatever they want and have created an unsustainable socialist utopia.
Submitted by: Lee
7:27 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

62. The elitism that flows from this schnook is so palpable you could build a bronze statue of it. Picture a tweed-jacket wearing white man with one foot on the neck of a business owner and the other on an American flag.
Submitted by: Tony Locke
7:26 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

63. Wow. What a surprise. 2000 words on how the only problem in California is that we don't pay enough taxes. And those mean old republicans are the only thing standing in our ability to pay more taxes. The republicans are clearly trying to destroy California, as there is no other possible explanation for them refusing to allow us to all pay more taxes. I would like to thank the L.A. Times for giving us this fresh new insight. Again, WOW.
Submitted by: Phil
7:03 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

64. Democracy also works to prevent the tyranny of the majority. Hence the 2/3rd majority, which, btw, was approved by the California voters. The California GOP is keeping the broken California system, controlled by special interests, from bankrupting the state even further. This column is fundamentally wrong as the problem in California is overspending and raising taxes is not the answer. Hence, the GOP is "California's White Knight".
Submitted by: tonyE
6:53 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

65. Well isnt that the pot calling the kettle black. Shame on Republicans for being the minority and trying to get what they want. Isnt this entire state designed to cater to the minority rights of illegal aliens through its sanctuary cities and loose restrictions on gov. programs? Come live in CA, Welfare for Everyone!!!!!
Submitted by: Jesse
6:53 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

66. The Republicans have already reduced California to the level of a third-rate "podunkia" in the name of opposing taxes. The best thing about the new budget, which once again seems to assume that voters harmed by ripping off local government aren't the same ones hurt by cutting state services, is that it will show people once and for all what the no-tax philosophy means in practice. GOP, be careful what you ask for...
Submitted by: publicpolicy
6:48 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

67. It's not hard to see the similarities between the California legislature and the U.S. Senate. All legislation now requires 60 votes (instead of 51) otherwise the Republicans will filibuster.
Submitted by: Dave in MT
6:46 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

68. Harold Meyerson is out in left field. Blame the Republicans? Sure pal. And just where were the Democrats when the state had a surplus? Did the Democrates save any for a rainly day? No way. Spent every damn nickel that came in and borrowed even MORE. The entire deficit is due to the fools in Sacramento who cannot and will not keep spending within means. I am GLAD that SEVERE cuts will now be implemented. It's about time this state was FORCED to live within its means. I am sick of supporting illegals and their kids.
Submitted by: Evad the Slayer
6:43 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

69. Taxes were raised. I paid more for my car license renewal, and I pay more sales tax every time I shop. When a writer makes such a fundamental mistake, I ignore the rest of what he has to say.
Submitted by: bkl
6:38 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

70. You apparently think it "sick" and "dumb" that responsible members of California's government have concluded that going on spending money after you go broke isn't a workable option. What do you suggest, Mr Meyerson? Go even broker? Ruin California's economy completely? Raise taxes enormously, thereby creating even more tax refugees fleeing the state? Yes, people in California are hurting, but that's in large measure because people in California were dumb enough to think they could vote themselves infinite largess from the state's coffers, and vote not to pay it.
Submitted by: Henry Miller


71. "The most basic principle of any democracy is that of majority rule, with minority rights running a clear but close second." What an appalling distortion of reality! For a century after the Civil War, blacks were considered by the majority of Americans to be, at best, second-class people and your comment implies that the majority-endorsed segregation and abasement of blacks would have been just fine with you. The fact of the matter is that "rights," by definition, /always/ trump the vagrant wind of majority opinion. They are the principal protection against "the tyranny of the majority."
Submitted by: Henry Miller
6:35 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

72. Please, democrats, vote down this skewed, imbalanced "deal." If the Big Five deal goes through, I will regard the democrats as having betrayed California. It's time for the democrats to have a backbone. Cuts, yes, but these cuts must be tempered with some additional revenues.
Submitted by: rocky
5:50 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

73. Maybe the dems should cut the six figure salaries of prison guards, eliminate all of the hundred plus worthless boards and commissions (strawberry board - please) Stop "retired" gov workers from collecting "retirement" benefits while working for another city or agency down the road (often collectin 6 figure incomes from both) How about cutting the worthless bureaucrats that work for school districts instead of teachers. Oh yeah the dems can't do that because it will upset the unions. So i guess all they can do is screw the poor kids and old people right.
Submitted by: Josh
5:39 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

74. As long as more than half of all Californians pay little or no state income tax, it should require a 2/3 vote to raise income taxes on the rest of us. The truth is the 2/3 requirement can be repealed with a simple majority vote of the people. Put it on the ballot Mr. Meyerson. It will go down in flames again like it always does. Californians like the 2/3 requirement, it prevents the big spending liberals from constantly raising taxes to solve every budget "crisis".
Submitted by: Ken
5:05 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

75. Great article. The Democrats shoud start by giving the Republicans only enough votes so that every Republican is shown to be responsible for this budget and it' consequences.
Submitted by: MurphyMaloney
4:53 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

76. While we're at it, let's eliminate term limits so that true leadership has time to develop in the Legislature.
Submitted by: Kaye Reeves
4:50 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

77. Harold What world do you live in? You and your social leftist's created this mess in california.The minascule cuts were a joke. You want tax increase right. How's this. 75% tax on all union pension funds. 75% on all movies that are made. 90% tax on all unemployment,welfare and other social programs. Problem solved Nuff Said!
Submitted by: joe markota
3:48 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

78. It is even worse than reported here. Yesterday our Doctor informed us that MediCal/MediCare was cutting back every patients by up to 2/3s to save money. My wife, who is terminal, is going to have her pain med cut by 50% in the next couple months. Our Dr., the director of a large County Clinic, was no the verge of tears as he tried to explain there was nothing he could do but follow the new rules that were made to save money with no regard of the extreme suffering this will cause. This will impact at least a couple hundred thousand people in Ca.
Submitted by: Jim Dandy
3:36 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

79. People used to move TO California for climate and for education opportunities. Not so any more.
Submitted by: Rich Olson
2:48 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

80. Amazing the people who have benefited not only most but foremost from all of the abusive budgets of the past are not lining up to give back some of those gains for the benefit of all! Being a Lib today means everyone else sacrifices including the elderly, sick and our children, while Lib supporters only gain. It had to come crashing down someday. Imagine in an environment of deep recession what Gray Davis's proposed elimination of state income taxes for "teachers" would have added to the current disaster.
Submitted by: Pro America


81. This hasty budget deal was a bit of a surprise as it is different from what was previously on the table. Nonetheless opposition IS being assembled. Some of it is listed here: http://www.xbeepx.com/Site/SOS__Save_Our_State.html MANY believe our representatives need to hear from us now because THIS budget is not what we want or need. There are better, more moderate alternatives to what far right extremists are agitating for. Moderate Republicans and Democrats need to come together.
Submitted by: Beep
1:59 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

82. If the two thirds rule did not exist California's taxes would be double that of the highest state in the Union. They are already among the highest. Businesses that now are leaving for friendlier venues would have even more company on the way to the border or the bankruptcy court. Old folks would have to sell their homes because they could not afford the property taxes. Property owners would increase their rents to pay for the higher taxes or they too would have to sell out. This article is baloney.
Submitted by: CALIFORNIAMARTY
1:59 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

83. All the Republican rhetoric about smaller government and lower taxes translates into reduced services and programs that used to benefit poor and lower income working citizens. This happened this year in Ohio on a smaller scale. Ohio does not have the constitutional problem California has. We have half our General Assembly dominated by R's which resulted from gerrymandering after the 2000 census.
Submitted by: Tom McGuire
1:52 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

84. ".. the Republicans in the Legislature have pushed through policies that will make the state... dumber." Well, they would, wouldn't they? The dumber you are the more likely you are to vote Republican.
Submitted by: Peteran
1:50 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

85. Decades of Democrat rule have left the business landscape of the state decimated. The productive are fleeing California as fast as they can, and taking their property and income taxes revenue with them. The 2/3 rule is the only thing preventing the state from further looting the paycheck of the taxpayers. Your editorial lost all credibility when you endorsed that clown Newsom as your white knight. I guess he can do for the state what he did for San Fran: turn in into a haven for the homeless, criminal, and illegal.
Submitted by: Kevin A
1:08 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

86. This sort of whining commentary is hard to take seriously, when it contains not a single insight for how we SHOULD balance the budget. It would help to at least acknowledge that the pot of money is getting smaller, and government spending needs to change. Do the Democrats have a superior solution that somehow got suppressed by the minority? I haven't heard it.
Submitted by: John Z
12:43 AM PDT, July 23, 2009

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