Posted on 01/09/2006 8:04:23 AM PST by NormsRevenge
I am not a trekkie, but I do remember a Star Trek episode in which several members of the crew of the starship Enterprise entered an alternative universe. That universe was the mirror image of the “normal” universe, that is, it was exactly like the normal universe, but everyone in it had the exact opposite character of the people in the normal universe
We have entered that alternative universe in California.
I know that term limits and the recall have substantially diminished the experience in Sacramento, but anyone paying even the smallest attention to history can tell that Gray Davis lost his job because he (1) greatly expanded the government sector of California’s economy, (2) greatly expanded government debt, and (3) greatly expanded government authority over the private sector in the years 1999-2001. Those two years led to the energy crisis of early 2001, the collapse of the private economy (after a five year record growth) in 2001 and 2002, and the fiscal crises that led to the recall of Governor Davis. Governor Schwarzenegger got elected campaigning against these expansions, and promising to “clean house” in Sacramento.
In the alternative universe, as seen on the “Mirror/Mirror” episode in Star Trek, Schwarzenegger would be expanding government, expanding government debt and intruding on the private sector. And, indeed, he is.
Let’s look back in California history. In the late 1980’s, Governor Deukmejian, in order to get prison and freeway funding, gave away some very serious concessions to the leftists, vastly expanding state spending and increasing worker’s compensation benefits. In 1991, to accomplish his agenda, Pete Wilson was forced to increased taxes. The ensuing collapse in California’s economy was precipitous. From the Great Depression to 1992, California’s general fund revenue went up every single year. In the 1992-93 fiscal year, for the first time in modern history, California’s general fund revenue dropped in real terms, from $42.1 billion to $40.9 billion.
The state then repealed the upper income tax rate, cut other taxes, reformed worker’s compensation, reduced regulations, and the economy and state general fund revenue exploded, from $40.1 billion in 1993-4 to $79 billion in 2000-01. In 2000 and 2001, the state increased fees and regulations, increased workers’ compensation benefits, substantially increased the size of government, increased the minimum wage, increased environmental and workplace regulation, and did everything it could to interfere with the private economy. As a result, in the 2001-02 budget year, once again, general fund revenue dropped substantially, from $79 billion to $66 billion, leading to the largest budget crisis in the history of the state. Two years later, Gray Davis lost his job.
Now Governor Schwarzenegger, in light of his recent loss at the polls, and his sagging popularity, thinks that he needs to do something different in his job, so he has chosen to increase government debt and government regulation on business. He has already demonstrated a penchant for increasing environmental regulations. An increase in work place regulations, like the minimum wage, and an increase in government debt, is the next step down the road to economic collapse—again.
Governor Schwarzenegger looks back to Pat Brown as the builder of the California dream. Except Pat Brown did his building with little borrowed money, and Ronald Reagan defeated Brown because Brown was a big spender. I am concerned that now that we have entered into this alternative universe, some Democrat is going to assume the Ronald Reagan role, move to the right of Schwarzenegger on spending issues, and carry a broom to sweep him out of office.
In Star Trek, Kirk returned to the Enterprise when Spock was able to reverse the glitch in the transporter that sent Kirk and some of his crew to the alternative universe. Our problem isn’t caused by a transporter glitch. How are we going to get out of this universe?
Thanks for the admission, Mr. Haynes. It's a little late in coming.
No truth to rumor that sound made when Gub hit another vehicle yesterday was
Bump Bump Bump
"In the alternative universe, as seen on the “Mirror/Mirror” episode in Star Trek, Schwarzenegger would be expanding government, expanding government debt and intruding on the private sector. And, indeed, he is."
Actually, he is "trying too" One speech does not legislation make.
Arnold is in pretty deep trouble and so is the state due to only 14% of the people voting in the last election and only 8% of Californians voting for the issues stopping the rest of us.
Arnolds issues are turn-out not votes and his tarzan to the kennedy side is pretty sad.
"And ve all move up in rank"
Nice rhetoric, Ray!!! Where have you been with it when we all desperately needed it several times now??? You've been a wee bit too quiet to be considered an actual "leader" in CA's Republican Party!!!
My only assumption is that you are not familiar with recent happenings in California.
For the record, since Schwarzenegger took office in late 2003 he has out-sized (the government), out-taxed (the electorate), out-indebted (the state), out-fundraised (Davis) and out-intruded (on private property rights) Gray Davis.
At this point in their careers, if Schwarzenegger follows his current path, Davis will appear a moderate compared to Schwarzenegger at the end of eachs respective first term and Schwarzenegger will have only served three years.
Solution: Governor Ray Haynes
What a godsend that would be. Trade a lefty RINO for a conservative.
After reading this, I'd even endorse the crooning descendent of Daniel Boone if he would run.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1554320/posts
Yup.
He could probably make a good run for it in 2010.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.