If democratic policies are so good, why is California such a mess?
California is not in a vacuum. It, just like everyone else, every population and every government in the world, is affected by the myopic policies and the ignorance of the rest of the nation. (And of our collective past.)So, the only “messy” thing about California is environmental catastrophes, mostly the fires. And that’s absolutely nothing to do with democratic policies!Despite my eyes burning from the smoke in the air, I am pretty sure my view of California is actually true while the “mess” you see is the real smoke screen. (Since I actually live here it logically follows that I see it more clearly, and not through the lens of a partisan agenda or propaganda machine.)What you call a mess is actually the unrivaled cultural capital of the world. That big box office hit you want to see so bad? Yeah. From California! The device you actually watched it on? Yep. You can thank California for that as well. The high-speed internet that allowed you to stream it? For that, you can thank Al Gore. (JK.) California, Again!Now, let’s talk politics! California is a shining example of how democracy is supposed to work! We are not a bunch of monolithic socialist idealogs! It was California who gave you the “Gipper”! You all revere Reagan so much, it’s a wonder you don’t build shrines to him in your homes. (Oops! My bad.)Sign the Ronald Reagan Shrine Guestbook!Well, Reagan was OURS! (As was Arnold the “Governator”.) We don’t choose our leaders because a letter behind their name. (And Arnold was, actually, not such a bad Governor, except that he tried disproven Republican economic policies that were, of course, not so successful.)So, I will take my “Messy California” over your “Dirt-farm Disaster” (Kansas) Any. Day. Of. The. Week!
What do you think of California's new law requiring solar panels on new homes?
Take off all the global warming and carbon emmission marketing and a solar-powered house is great for the consumer. Below is an image of PV on a residential structure that has a HERS rating above 60.So the mandate is forcing architects, builders, mortgage companies and buyers to pay attention to natural forces that keep the HERS rating low as a starting point and then putting a smaller, affordable and balanced PV system either roof mounted or as the carport.A well made home with R24 walls, R30 roof and leaks less than 1 air change per hour around all the home's shell, door and windows will consume 75% less energy to heat and cool. Then fill the home with Energy Star appliances and the electric bill will go from $300 a month to $75 a month allowing the homeowner to have more budget to pay down the mortgage years sooner.Along with the reduced energy cost as a result of a better made structure there will be a health benefit of being able to actively monitor and control the indoor air quality. A tighter envelope means fewer dust and allergens inside the home. Controlling the humidity below 60% and molds and mildews can’t grow.There is also another added benefit of longer lasting homes since the tighter/stronger shell will repel insect infestations and in California the stronger home will also have a higher survival rate during fires and earthquakes. Other areas of the country will be more resilient to high wind events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, gas line explosions, etc.2x4 stick construction with R13 insulation literally cannot support renewable energy. There just isn’t enough roof area or room in the bank account for all the solar panels.It's all win-win except for those cheap ass contractors who have undocumented workers and issue tail light warranties. As always, design/build new communities for the 55+ empty nesters so they can move out of the neighborhoods designed to support school kids. Let us seniors retire in affordable homes that are net zero.Oh, and best of all…nobody is going to hire lawyers and declare eminent domain to build more mega gigawatt centralized nuclear. Thorium fuel manufacture is just a couple of digits (234 vs 230) away from being centrifuged bomb stuff.
What will happen to Californians when the state goes bankrupt?
California's legislature is dominated by a progressive/Democrat super majority.It is governed by a progressive governor and lieutenant governor.The state legislature is in a tax and spend spiral. It is constantly in search of new sources of taxation to support their “habit".The legislature has recently increased gas taxes and vehicle registration fees.Its currently studying how it can end the property tax relief (Prop 13) for businesses voted in in 1978, which will be one more regulatory nail in the coffin of businesses who employ Californians. It is believed they'll move on to eliminating the relief for homeowners next.In need of increasing revenue, the legislature has proposed a new tax on tap water.There's another proposal for a new, additional tax on tires.The legislature is resurrecting its universal healthcare bill (SB810) that it shelved with the advent of Obamacare. It would provide medical care to anyone in the state, with no residency requirement. There will, of course be a sizeable payroll tax (15% in 2017, surely much higher now).California is a sanctuary state and undermines all efforts to get illegal immigration under control.California's education budget is strapped due to having to provide extensive support services to children of illegal immigrants. Its education system has gone from one of the best in the country to one of the worst.As a sanctuary state, it refuses to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's attempts to remove illegal immigrants who have committed crimes (including violent crimes).As a native Californian, I am increasingly getting the feeling the State's legislature is more interested in protecting those who have come into the country illegally than it is in protecting its citizens.I am tired of California's high income taxes.I am tired of California's high property taxes.I am tired of California's over regulation of my life.I am tired of California prioritizing protection of those who have entered the country illegally over its citizens.I have decided to leave California, my home state since birth. The gold has worn off the “Golden State" to expose the fool's gold that is at its core, Sacramento!
Why do libs avoid President Bush's Accomplishments?
Great post! Libs quake at the thought of people who do things the right way.