Posted by
Bill Crawford on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 9:35:37 PM
Let me see if I've got this straight: the largest state in the country has the largest share of trouble. 12% unemployment, a $47B state deficit, the higest foreclosure rate in the country, the biggest fall in housing prices over the last five years, the highest personal tax rates in America and already paying for college for many illegal immigrants.
Why on earth would anybody hold public office in a place like that and offer a public referendum on raising taxes? What kind of answer do you think you would get? But they did.
SIx of them. Five of them went down in flames. The only one that passed was a provision that public officials would not be allowed to vote themselves a raise during a recession.
The public and corporate sponsors of these outspent the opponents ten to one. It speaks volumes that it's biggest cheerleader, the Guvernator, was in Washington DC begging for money on the day of the vote. He had enough sense to stay out of town.
Look carefully, Mr. President: this is your state. You carried it easily last year. Does this tell you anything about raising taxes on snack foods and soda to pay for your health care?