In the last Gubernatorial election, I voted for the Green Party Candidate. Next Tuesday, I'll be voting "yes" on the Recall. I'll also be voting for Arnold.
Why? We need a change. Not just a "new rider", but someone from outside the mainstream of the two major parties. Arnold is the best shot at bringing a different perspective to Sacramento. Sure he's got flaws. We all do. But none of them, IMHO, disqualify him from public office.
I voted for Davis when he first ran for Governor, but not again. What is really frightening is that if you were going to hire a Chief Executive, Davis' resume would make it an easy decision. He was former Chief of Staff for then-Governor Jerry Brown, he served in the State Legislature, and was Lt.Governor. How could one ask for more in terms of "qualifications"? Yet he has failed as a manager. While it is true that many of California's problems are not Davis' fault, he has done little to fight back. He seems mostly concerned with covering his own ass.
I'm voting 'Yes' on the Recall and 'Yes' on Arnold to bring in a new Manager, plus send a message to both major poliltical parties that we need a different kind of leadership than what they have offered us in the past.
I'm considerd a card carrying Liberal from way back...and proud of it. I may be making a mistake with my votes, but I'd rather take a chance on change. We cannot continue on the current course.
Respectfully,
Humboldt
Are we Californians, going to be the laughing stock if Arnold wins this upcoming election?
Not just for groping, naked pictures, or some other sexual stuff that may come out going back to 60s, but rather in these complex times, we may be electing some one with no experience, education, or accomplishment relevant to the task in hand?
All of the qualifications you mentioned didn`t seem to help other politicians. How can he possibly be any worse than Davis.
I want McClintock but we`re all familiar with the vote splitting issue. I`m stuck voting for Arnold just to insure that the tax and overspend democrats go lay down. Be sure to enjoy paying that huge car tax bill.
Sorry, but I have doubts that you are going to see a whole lot of change. Don't get me wrong, I don't like what's gone on, I have all ready voted for Arnold, but the reality is things like the repeal of the car tax thing is not going to go away with the stroke of a pen on the first day in office as I understand it. And as for opening the books and we end the deficite spending. That's all wishful thinking. If only it were that simple.
Same for Davis. If you think the budget problems and the energy fiasco were all him, you have another think coming.
I hope for some sort of turn around too. I feel like we're spiraling out of control. But this thing is a freight train that's hit a car while going 90 MPH. You don't bring it to a stop in 30 feet.
Good luck Arnold, you'll need it. Count on my to help, but some how I've grown very skeptical.
I agree that California’s problems are not primarily Governor Davis’ fault, and that just adding Arnold to the equation will not solve those problems. The real issue is the people of California, who’ve had elections every two years, or more often; have had the recall and initiative tools at their disposal for nearly a century; and have succeeded in producing a government with some unique accomplishments.
A type of electricity shortfall never before experienced in this country; and which was as inevitable and foreseeable as the next winter. No power plants or transmission lines built for twelve years--due to governmental screw-ups and screwing around--coupled with no credible program of conservation; but, instead, continuously rising demand for electricity. Governor Davis’ contribution was to confuse scapegoating with leadership.
A unique $38,000,000,000 dollar deficit—over a third of total planned expenditures.
A tax approach that places a huge burden on poor working people—cigarette taxes, alcohol taxes, encouraging reliance on gambling revenue, and the auto licensee fee, which was amazingly high to begin with, but is now past stratospheric. Coupled with high marginal income taxes that discourage high income people from living in California, with the jobs they and their companies bring; and encourages those already in California to leave.
A regulatory approach designed to drive business away. The worker’s compensation issue is just one small piece of a hostile business climate. California government never met an employer they didn’t really dislike.
Davis didn’t accomplish all of that; the people of California did. Arnold won’t be able to fix it all; the people of California have a choice—quit acting stupid or face the consequences. States, even with wonderful climate and landscape, are not guaranteed paradise—look at Mexico. Is that wither California goeth?
Davis raised the vehicle registration fees by fiat.
Therefore, Arnold, or Tom (either one is fine with me, although I'm voting for Arnold), can repeal it the same way, like Tom says "Before Lunch"
Get out and vote, get that bastard out of the Governors mansion!
Keep cutting revenue to the state government, and cutting taxes, fine. But when you're sitting in traffic, on congested, pothole filled roads, or inadequate freeways, with no end in sight, don't come crying about it......
-- Modified on 10/3/2003 9:59:44 AM
Hey Marco,
Generally I would agree with you. But, Davis brought in 44,000 new state workers. What I can't understand is how the hell we were surviving before he brought in those 44K workers. Think about it. A large part of this deficit is because of that.
Regarding the car tax, if the tripling of the tax went to so called infrastructure improvements (roads, freeways, etc.), I might understand. But to my knowledge, the car tax money is going into the general fund. And then who knows where it goes after that. That's my problem with it.
Not all of this was Davis's fault. The economy going to hell didn't help since taxes are based on income in this state.
But, a large part of the problem he created. And that is why he should go. And I am not saying Arnold is the answer. He isn't. I'd much rather see McKlintock there. But he will never win in this state. But bottom line, Arnold is certainly better than Bustamante. That guy is worst than Davis.
Bond
Contrary to public beliefs, and in spite of the tech bubble bursting, state tax revenues have actually increased. Believe me, Davis would be blaming the whole thing on radically decreased revenues if he could.
I don't disagree Bond, Davis sold his soul to any number of special interests, be it the Maloof family, the prison guards, or the illegals, drivers license proponents.
But lets not forget, 47 other states are running some degree of budget deficits due to a weak national economy, and Bush has us in red ink to the tune of 400+ billion dollars and growing. But California can't print money like the federal government can. Anyone who thinks that politicians of either party are going to cut spending in any meaningful way, is deluding themselves.
Rescinding the tripling of the car tax is not going to have a crippling effect on the state budget!
Our taxes are too high now, but I think most Californian's are willing to pay them if they are put to an efficient use. The car tax is going to have most impact on the lower income citizens of California, as would an increase in tabacco and alcohol taxes.
The problem here is out of control spending! 44,000 newly created state jobs (read new democratic voters) during the last 4 years. Are you kidding me! At $35,000 a piece and I'm pretty sure the average salary is higher than that, Davis increased our cash outflow $1,540,000,000.00! And that doesn't come close to the real cost of these "new state employees", you have to add in health insurance, dental and eye, vacations, sick days and the burdern of their retirement (given for as little as 5 years service!)
Add to that some of the moronic laws that Davis has rubber stamped that are chasing business and jobs (read State Tax Revenue) out of the state and its obvious to me at least that this numskull has to go.
As far as the condition of the roads in California are concerned, aren't the taxes we pay on Gasoline (* Taxes. According to the American Petroleum Institute, California has the fourth-highest gas tax rate in the country, totaling 50.4 cents per gallon in federal, state, and local taxes. ) (and that doesn't include the sales tax we pay on the total which includes tax! We pay tax on the tax, talk about lemmings) at least in part supposed to go to road repair and infrastructure upkeep?
Unfortunately, too much of that revenue has been spent on little used Mass Transit systems like the LA Subway.
The last budget passed for 2004 increased our debt by some 8 Billion ($8,000,000,000.00) dollars. How could this possibly convince anyone in California that Davis or the democrat contolled State Senate and Assembly have even a modicum of common sense or desire to correct this problem?
-- Modified on 10/3/2003 1:10:03 PM
Thanks for your input Brite. Like I say, don't come crying when you're sitting in traffic, or you bust your car axle in a pot hole.
I'm not any fonder of paying 900 bucks to register each of my cars, then the fees that you're going to pay on yours. But if you think swatz-negger is going to do anything about it, don't be surprised if he doesn't, or if overall state spending doesn't decrease. Arnold's main thrust is going to be increasing the tax base, by drawing businesses back to CA through tax reductions and lowering their workers comp percentages. And my guess is Arnie is going to be just as surprised by a reclacitrant Democratic State House.....
Like many Californians, I would be less angry about an increase in the "Car Tax " if it was earmarked for road construction and road and bridge repair. However, those funds do not get "earmarked", they go into the general fund to be spent on whatever a democratic controlled senate, assembly and governor "feel" like spending it on. It is one of the reasons I will be voting yes on Prop 53.
The concept of lowing taxes and increasing tax revenue is a proven one. Reagan did it as President and the federal tax revenue increased. California's high taxes, out of sight worker's comp fees, new health care burdens, etc. are driving companies out of California. That is a fact. Rescinding some laws and reforming workers comp will go a long way to stop the bleeding.
On the other hand, if the recall fails, what would make anyone think that Davis would do anything different in his last three years? It would appear from the latest polls that 44% of the people in California feel his has done a good enough job to retain him for the remainder of his term. Even the most rabid democrat friends of mine agree that Davis is a joke, but they will be voting to retain him! Go figure!
Personally, I am not overjoyed that Arnold is the one, like 18% of other Californians I would much prefer McClintock. But that is not going to happen, it appears that Arnold is the one. I have no doubt that he will at the very least begin to repair the damage. Being a pragmatist, I also think we are going to see some tax increases no matter who becomes Governor on Tuesday.
You can count on me not "to come come crying when [I'm] sitting in traffic, or [I] bust [my] car axle in a pot hole". I control my own destiny, I have the where-with-all, and I will do what thousands of Californian's have done before me...pack up and leave!
I moved out of CA 3 years ago back to the south so I completely understand what you all are going thru. We in the the south have to deal with the "bible belt" ideaology that our government forces upon it's constituants. While CA have to deal with the letigeous, big government, more taxes politians that is forced upon it constituants to make them feel that there is a $price$ to live in "paradise". Some paradise....
Anyway, sometimes it takes fresh bodies and ideas outside the political machine to truly make a difference in any government (or organization for that matter). Screw the experience excuses. Experience in building and running beauracracies should not be the basis for which someone runs for/serves in a public office. But it is apparent that's how our system works.
My $.02.
Well I dont live in Calif. But I am sure he will be better than davis as a matter fact bugs bunny would do a better job than davis.
Davis must be pretty bad for a recall last time calif had a recall was over 80 years ago
like one of the posts said i could not be any worst with arnold
good luck
Hogan
But the Democrats tried to recall Reagan when he was governor. Maybe twice, not sure.
-Hoot.
Look, if everyone who says "a vote for McClintock is a vote for Bustamonte" would actually vote for McClintock, who is clearly the best Republican candidate for the office, McClintock would win. However, you have to understand the "inside" politics of Arnold and Tom (oh, s--t, "Tom Arnold"?): Arnold is supported by the Pete Wilson camp, the most powerful of the Republican's, while Tom has the backing of the old Duekmajian camp - Republican's yes, but at opposite pole's of the party. This is one reason why, IMHO, Republican's will never control the state of California (along with the fact that we have 4 million illegals living here that vote for the people that enact legislation that will keep them here) - division within the party.
(sarcasm alert)
All that prior experience sure helped Davis be a fine governor, didn't it?
(Sarcasm all-clear sounds)
On Tuesday I'm voting to a) recall Davis and b) elect an inexperienced Austrian immigrant.
--b.
Im a californian, NOT voting for Arnold, and I am embarrased that he is most likely gonna be our governor.
We WILL be the laughing stock, especially when he fails to do anything to fix the economy.
Some reasons....
1- Your taxation (I am in NY -- we are not much better)
2- Ninth Circuit Circus
3- San Francisco City Council
oops -- almost forgot -- illegal for lap dancer to be anywhere near patron in L.A.
-- Modified on 10/3/2003 8:06:48 AM
There is an old Oriental saying "May you live in interesting times" and it's as much a CURSE as it is a gesture of good will.
There is an ideology the we as a state (and as a country) are only lacking more laws, more taxes and more government program to be a perfect society where Life Is Fair (tm)
There's another ideology that Goverment should build roads and protect the borders and then leave the people otherwise alone.
Both are true ... and both are fatally flawed. If our problems as a country and as a people were simple problems, with simple answers, we would have solved them by now.
True, Davis' experience is a good part of what got us into this mess - but in a state where [brace yourself for this] ONE IN SEVEN PEOPLE work FOR the STATE or it's directly allifiated beneficiaries, it's easy to see how the system becomes interested in self preservation far moe than serving the people who pay the bills.
I've talked to a number of politicians in the state and on the surface everyone seems to have partisan motives ... but when you scratch the surface what REALLY has them upset ... what really has them BESIDE themselves .... is that they are deeply insulted and OFFENDED that the electorate (that's us) seem to have the presumption, the arrogance and the flat out nerve to DARE involve ourselves in what the politicians have come to see as their own private affairs!
I'm voting for the Austrian as well. No, he won't make a big difference ... our problems are long term and people have short attention spans ... but with any luck at all, it will send a message to the other elected officials.
Eight business days after Arnold is elected, I plan to send registered letters to each of my state representatives, my two Senators and my Congressman that will read:
"Pay Attention to what happened here - we're not done. Start doing a better job or we'll recall you, too."
Many here in Californicate are saying: "Why not a body builder/actor? We've had a clown for over 5 years!
I say bring back Ex-Governor Jerry "Moonbeam" Brown before his fellow aliens take him back to their planet. By the way, that's probably what Gov. Davis was referring to when he made his "snafu" speech about having people from other planets here to California.
Personally, I think he said it because Davis, himself, is from another planet as well. Just look at his demeanor,i.e., no expression, rigid, hair always perfect. The only thing that explains it all is that Davis is a Conehead!!
Interesting concept that you state about the politicians taking offense about the electorate getting involved in decision making. If that pretentious arrogance really exists, then the inmates are running the asylum and one of their own (Davis the career politician) deserves to be booted.
Arnold, with all his inexperience, seems to have the philosophy most Californians want-conservative attitudes towards business and taxes, but a more centrist view towards moral issues (special interests not withstanding). The demographics of CA will never allow a right wing conservative to be elected in a statewide election (a good thing), just as a left wing liberal would have difficulty also, although maybe not as much. Davis was elected on a centrist democratic ticket, then moved further left to try to save his political ass. Hopefully, a victory by Arnold will send the message that neither partisan extreme will have success.
EOM
future elections!
We have a chance to clean house in the Assembly and Congress every two years and every six for state and federal senate.
Too bad we can't recall some of the Ninth Court of Appeals judges.
I have lived in California ALL my life. Born in Burbank, have lived in beautiful Northern Calif for many years, and now in San Diego since 1980.
I will NOT be embarrased if we elect Arnold, because it's high time we bring in someone who's not a puppet of special interests and who brings fresh ideas to the table. He may or may not be able to fix things, but he's certainly no worse than Gray Dufis. And good for us for trying to do something about our problems, instead of sticking with the same old, same old...
I AM embarrased by the high and mighty Barbara Streisand holywood crowd who think they know everything, don't live in the real world, and simply live to blast all non-Democrats on principle alone. At the very least, perhaps Arnold can bridge the gap between the rest of the holywood liberals and the conservatives so we can work together to solve some actual problems, instead of playing political games just for games sake.
TOTAL RECALL! GO ARNOLD!
Experience? It's the "experience" of so many elected officals in catering to special interest groups of all shapes & sizes that has gone a long way in creating this mess. Gray Davis has been the poster-boy of many of them for as long as he's been in politics. Unfortunately he's far from being alone in pandering to the special interests.
Regardless of how this shakes out, the problems aren't going to be solved in short order; they've been too many years in the making for that to happen.
The one thing this recall can do that could make a positive difference long-term (other than elected officials feeling that we're going to pay closer attention to how they discharge the duties of their office) is for voters to get more pro-active & pay closer attention to who is backing the various candidates & less attention to the TV ads which generally either make unsubstanciated claims of virtue or simply sling mud.
Davis needs to go in order to attempt delivery of the message if for no other reason.
In the last Gubernatorial election, I voted for the Green Party Candidate. Next Tuesday, I'll be voting "yes" on the Recall. I'll also be voting for Arnold.
Why? We need a change. Not just a "new rider", but someone from outside the mainstream of the two major parties. Arnold is the best shot at bringing a different perspective to Sacramento. Sure he's got flaws. We all do. But none of them, IMHO, disqualify him from public office.
I voted for Davis when he first ran for Governor, but not again. What is really frightening is that if you were going to hire a Chief Executive, Davis' resume would make it an easy decision. He was former Chief of Staff for then-Governor Jerry Brown, he served in the State Legislature, and was Lt.Governor. How could one ask for more in terms of "qualifications"? Yet he has failed as a manager. While it is true that many of California's problems are not Davis' fault, he has done little to fight back. He seems mostly concerned with covering his own ass.
I'm voting 'Yes' on the Recall and 'Yes' on Arnold to bring in a new Manager, plus send a message to both major poliltical parties that we need a different kind of leadership than what they have offered us in the past.
I'm considerd a card carrying Liberal from way back...and proud of it. I may be making a mistake with my votes, but I'd rather take a chance on change. We cannot continue on the current course.
Respectfully,
Humboldt
We are the laughing stock with Davis in office. Arnold gets my vote.
And I'll throw a party like you've never seen when I'm sworn in.
I promise to divert funds from Indian Gaming to make sure that the entire state legislative body gets laid so they can think straight to pass and rescind the appropriate laws for the state.
I'll appoint Mary Carey as my publicist. I figure she may blow the little ones, but she will never choke on the big ones!
I'll appoint Gary Coleman as my security guard and make sure that he will lay on the hood of your cars when you come to visit.
I'll make sure that Gray Davis is painted Green so that there will never be any more doubt that he IS INDEED GUMBY!!!!!!
I'll put Peter Camejo in charge of restoring the Salton Sea, and beautifying the Santa Monica Bay.
I'll appoint Arianna Huffington as the official liaison to Bob's home for wayward women, and acting director of LA County's campaign to enforce the sanitation of dog waste on our streets.
Cruz Bustamante will be in charge of setting up Cocktail Parties with the rich and famous, and President of Tribal Law for Indian Casino pancake breakfasts.
Tom McClintok will be put in charge of teaching our children how not to Blink, and superintendant of animal husbandry at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Arnold will be in charge of infitrating the Kennedy clan to see what the real story behind Chappaquiddick and the legacy of Dike Bridge is, and exactly how much money the Kennedy's made from bootlegging!
Peace out! Elect me . . . and get laid!
HPG
HPG has the right outlook. HPG for Governor!