Fadded Applause

@Susan: Save your money, Susan - it wouldn't help. There is plenty of money here.The problem is political. California is one of the few states that require a two-thirds vote on its budget. It is near impossible to get 50% of politicians to agree on anything. Getting 66.7% to approve a budget is impossible. The legislature was always late with the budget when we had money. But now that the economy has tanked and revenues are way down - the 'no new taxes under any circumstances' crowd has dug their feet in and as a result - wholesale suffering is happening statewide. And as is always the case in these matters; the neediest families, the school programs, the mentally ill, and others of our most challenged neighbors are the ones to suffer most.

The suffering is intense - and very real.

What sickens me is that California has abundant wealth. When I arrived here in 1970 - the state had the best medical facilities, schools, the best colleges, the finest highway system, and magnificent state parks. Today, we rank at the bottom of all states in these categories.

We are closing - actually closing - two-thirds of our state parks. We drive on roads that are riddled with potholes. Our schools are laying off teaching staffs, eliminating music, arts, and other valuable programs.
All behind an ideology that said government spending is bad.

The view is changing and the politics are coming around to a more progressive view - but I doubt that the damage done can be healed in my lifetime.

Societies are not unlike individuals - you get what you pay for. And you live with the result.

@jeff (aka dogilicious): Hey, Jeff - thanks.