California: Ronald Reagan

In 1973 Governor Ronald Reagan had Prop. 1 on the ballot, to protect citizens from government.  "I think taxpayers are fed up with big government continually digging into their pockets for more and more," Governor Reagan said at the time."

The question is, are we, today, fed up with a government that taxes us out of our jobs and homes?  Are we tired of a government that openly lies about the affects of ballot measures, like the $16 billion tax increase embedded in Prop.1A?

At what point do we revolt against the corruption and special interests of Sacramento?  Will May 19 be the date?  It is up to you.

Today's LA Times contains a "news analysis" by Evan Halper that seeks to explain why taxpayers seem to be getting less for their tax dollars. But the most obvious point goes almost totally ignored - that tax cuts have reduced the ability of government to provide for basic services. Since that isn't part of this article, the effect is to mislead readers into thinking government is misusing tax dollars, and thus winds up reinforcing right-wing frames.
Reporting from Sacramento -- Middle-class Californians have long griped about paying more taxes than they might pay elsewhere, but for decades this state could boast that it gave them quite a bit in return.

At the root of the Republican-induced budget crisis is, of course, taxes. Dave Cox claimed the taxes would "drag down the economy" and Maldonado is trying to save face by claiming Obama is against new taxes. And Tony Strickland had perhaps the most absurd line of the day:
"If we pass this budget," he said, "Los Angeles and San Francisco will become the Detroit(s) of the West."

Don't look now Tony, California's unemployment rate isn't that far behind Michigan's. The destruction of public services you insist upon - gutting food stamps, Medi-Cal, and schools - would drag California into the abyss.

The Yacht Party's opposition to new taxes flies in the face of history.