Daily Archives: October 26, 2007

California

Pat Brown is rolling over in his grave: The Wrong Way to Rebuild California

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Over in the Chronicle, 4 economic reactionaries tell a story. It's a nice parable, but how government needs to let private industry help it out every so often.  Too bad I hated that story the first time around when it was called Texas.  Those 4 Economic Reactionaries? Well, none other than our past three governors (Davis, Wilson, and Deukmejian) and the president of a business council that, shockingly enough, favors privatizing much of our public infrastructure. That Gray Davis is involved doesn't so much reassure me that this is all benevelont, which I'm pretty sure was the point of including him as an author, as it shows me that Davis seems to play the rube for bad conservative ideas (yet again). So, what's my tizzy about:

Other countries and regions have already figured the solution out and are building the foundation for their futures – partnership between the public and private sectors often called “Public Private Partnerships” or “P3.” Most of these transportation, bridge, rail, water conveyance, public health and other facilities are paid for out of a combination of taxpayer supported bonds, private equity and debt, and users fees charged to those who benefit from the infrastructure and services. (SF Chron 10/28/07) 

So, let's start out with the flawed logic in this brilliant piece, and my chief point of opposition.  There are reasons that we have an income tax. It is progressive. It is (somewhat) fair. Yet the last time I crossed the Bay Bridge, I didn't have to answer a single question about my income. Nobody is excused from paying these fees (well, some people are for other reasons…carpool, etc.) and we all pay the same fees. No matter if you have an '87 Oldsmobile or an '07 Hummer H2 pimped out with all the bling (like the Governator). You still pay the same $4. Same with BART, same with the LA train system…See the flip

Yes, this is a regressive system of paying for our insfrastructure needs.  I grew up in Texas, where this fad hit about twenty years earlier with the state building a bunch of toll roads, and now, selling giving existing roads away to private organizations in exchange for road maintenance. And guess what, the private company gets to take a bite out of your wallet and make a nice tidy profit by paying the workers like sh*t. Don't believe me? Well, with a little help from Greenie Peter Camejo, I present the tax rate (right) data of the State of California. Why is this graph in the wrong direction? Because sales taxes and other regressive taxes are taking the place of the more fair income taxes.

No, this was not how Pat Brown envisioned our California, and they even point this out in the article:

Why haven't we started? Because California's historic plan for infrastructure didn't envision a role for public private partnership projects. As a result, state law is full of obstacles and roadblocks to such enterprises. Therefore, state law needs to be changed to authorize and support public private partnerships. (SF Chron 10/28/07)

And why, Mssrs. Governors, do you think that is the case? Do you think that Pat Brown realized that there is no such thing as a free lunch? That corporations are not benevolent Gumpdrop Fairies who rain down gifts upon the populace? No, the first Gov. Brown knew all too well that it is up to the state to provide for a long-term infrastructure that will keep the middle class thriving.  Anybody who has driven the toll-clogged freeways of Orange County will tell you that all those tolls, and all that commuting aren't cheap.  So people move to where there is infrastructure that is provided (sans tolls). We sprawl, we make decisions which are short-sighted, just like these three governors.

And what, pray tell, is the motivating factor in why we MUST sell our soul to Halliburton or some other similarly situated company? Well, it's because we don't like taxes, of course:

The fact is, we can't expect public tax funds to do the job; the public feels overtaxed and California's state treasurer is warning that our fiscal imbalance could continue for the next 20 years. The word out of the federal government is much the same: too many needs, not enough money.  (SF Chron 10/28/07) 

No explanation: it's just fact. The conservative movement has preached, through the mouths of Norquist & Co., that taxes are evil, that taxes are too freaking high. That taxes will destroy our economy or other such nonsense. So, where did this tax-hating structure come from? Well, partially from the conservative movement which gave life to three of these authors.

So, I guess it's okay to distribute propaganda, and then cite it as fact when it comes back at you? Well, terrific, at least we know how the game is played now.  

We are struggling under deficits because we choose to. We choose to go through this painful process every year. Which unfortunate soul loses acces to necessary services this budget season? Well, let's take it from the blind folks, or the deaf folks, or maybe the deaf-mute folks, they'll never say anything.  Or students, they don't even vote. Let's screw 'em good, because that's great for our future.

No, we don't need these assinine PPP's, what we need is a leader who is truly ready to lead like Pat Brown. We need a leader that will sit down and present a plan to the state that might take some sacrifice, but will plan a state that will lead for 30, 40, 50 years into the future, like Pat Brown.  But Pat Brown is gone now, and it's not clear that he would even be Pat Brown today. Visionary leaders who can cut through the temporary political games of today to really and truly plan for the future are rare, but, boy, do we need one. 

Uncategorized

How’s That Cruz Bustamante Pick Look Right About Now?

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The greatest concern in the post-wildfire landscape of California is the insurance situation.  Obviously there are going to be thousands of claims, and how the insurance companies handle them will deserve great scrutiny.  John Garamendi, the former Insurance Commissioner and current Lieutenant Governor who has been all over the media this week (building a profile for an attempted 2010 Governor’s run – hint hint), has talked a lot about the insurance industry’s desire to limit payouts to their customers after the 2003 Cedar Fire.

LT. GOV. GARAMENDI: The first commandment of the insurance industry is, “Thou shalt pay as little, as late, as possible.” And then you get the reward. You go to financial heaven if you can carry out that commandment.

BRANCACCIO: California lieutenant governor John Garamendi, a democrat, served twice as the state’s insurance commissioner. A total of eight years battling with the industry over the many ways he says it tries to avoid high payouts where there’s been a total loss.

LT. GOV. GARAMENDI: I’m telling you, the insurance industry, prior to the fire and probably even to this day, is purposely misleading their customers.

Garamendi was actually pretty relentless in forcing insurers to honor their commitments.  Now we have a Republican in the Insurance Commissioner’s position.  While Sara Nichols wants Steve Poizner to honor his supposed environmental credentials, I’m worried that he will let too many insurers off the hook.  Plus, with fires wrecking the landscape around homes and making them more vulnerable to mudslides, the ability of those homeowners to get insurance for those potential disasters is a major concern.

All of this is mad possible by the revolving-door manner in which top Democrats have shuffled statewide positions in recent years, leaving us with maybe the worst Democratic candidate possible for Insurance Commissioner in 2006, Cruz Bustamante.  He was crushed, not only because Poizner outspent him, but because he was a horrible, ethically compromised candidate.  But Insurance Commissioner was available to him, so that’s were he went.  This musical chairs in these top seats ends up having a major impact in times like this.

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Solar — A Quick Email to Your Local Elected Officials

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(I was actually going to write something up about this. – promoted by Brian Leubitz)

Today’s Chronicle had a front page story on Berkeley’s new innovative solar energy program. It appears this could be easily replicated in other municipalities across California.

Since there are readers across the state, I’d appreciate it if Calitics readers could send an email with this story to your local officials. Let us all know in the comments the responses you receive. Thanks!

Health Care

Interesting Finds on Health Care in the LA Times Poll

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This week the LA Times/Bloomberg poll was released, showing among other things that Americans are very deeply pessimistic about the economy. Perhaps because of this, the poll suggests Americans have begun to turn against the neoliberal economic agenda promoted for the last 30 years. Specifically, enormous majorities support higher taxes if it will pay for universal health care. From The Big Picture’s summary (linked above):

-A majority of Americans say they would tolerate higher taxes — if it paid for universal health care;

Universal Health Care
-60% said they would be willing to repeal tax cuts to help pay for a health-care program that insures all Americans;
-Most of the highest income group polled, those in households earning more than $100,000, support it.
-More than 80% of Democrats say they like the plan; most Republicans oppose it. -Independent voters also support universal health care;
-52% vs 36% favored health and education spending as a better economic stimulus than tax cuts.

This fits with other recent polls showing an increase in support for universal health care. It is worth noting that the language of “universal health care” is vague, and that there are any number of possible policies that could be considered under that umbrella (from a Clinton-style individual mandate to outright single-payer).

But what is significant about this poll is how progressive the public appears. Americans see right through the Republican “tax cut” ideology and prefer higher taxes to provide for a key social service. Further, they understand that universal health care and education spending are a far better economic stimulus than lower taxes. The entirety of economic policy in both California and the nation is predicated on the reverse.

As Atrios points out the main obstacle to universal health care in America isn’t public opinion, but the lobbying money of the insurance industry. They present a formidable political obstacle. But polls like this show us that their obstacle can be overcome, if the public can be mobilized in favor of the right kind of solution.

[UPDATE] The poll DID actually break down the specific health care proposals, and single-payer has the most support of any of them – though an “individual mandate” is not far behind:

-Requiring large employers to help pay for coverage: 62% yes, 31% no

-Extending Medicare to cover all Americans, creating a government-run system: 53% yes, 36% no

-A mandate that individuals purchase health insurance: 51% yes, 39% no

-Tax breaks to make insurance more affordable — a leading Republican idea: 44% yes, 45% no

Poll details (pdf)

The article explaining the poll results noted that independents lined up strongly with Democrats and behind Democratic solutions. Unfortunately, that same article also buried the numbers in favor of single-payer care.

San Francisco

San Francisco Mayoral Tidbits

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Despite advice by most campaigns (and me!) to vote absentee, the Chronicle says they’re “trickling” in:

By Wednesday evening, just 15,331 absentee ballots had been returned – a small percentage of the more than 69,000 cast in 2003. About 400 people have come in to vote early at City Hall, compared with about 1,200 at the same time four years ago.

Well, people, vote absentee, or vote at City Hall. But don’t come crying here when it takes forever.  Oh…wait, turnout is going to be abysmal because there is no real race on the ballot. So…nevermind. But there are several propositions which deserve our attention. Specifically, it is very important that we vote Yes on A, and NO on H.

But, wait, even though the mayor is expected to win in a landslide with no major competitor, there is still a mayoral election going on.  And, even though the debate was super lame (30 seconds? C’mon!), there’s a great YouTube “debate” going on, check it out here.  It’s being organized by SF Votes, and consists of the candidates answering questions posed by SF youth.  It’s a cool concept anyway.  And of course, if you’re interested, you can check out the candidate forums for mayor, sheriff and DA at the League of Women Voter’s website.

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Raise Your Hand If You Haven’t Been Subpoenad In The John Doolittle Case

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Today’s selection: The chief administrative officer of the House.

The top administrative officer in the House has been subpoenaed for e-mails related to the ongoing criminal investigation of Rep. John Doolittle (R-Calif.), according to a notification read on the House floor Thursday.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued the subpoena to Daniel P. Beard, the chief administrative officer of the House, whose office oversees electronic communications for members of Congress and their staff.

“The subpoena was issued in connection with the Justice Department investigation of Congressman Doolittle and seeks material from e-mail backup tapes maintained by the CAO,” according to a notification of the subpoena.

It’s almost a game now; will there be more people subpeonad than will vote for him in the Republican primary?

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Kucinich Will Force Impeachment Vote Before Thanksgiving

Tuesday night in a nationwide phone call organized by Progressive Democrats of America, Dennis Kucinich reportedly announced:

he will go before the U.S. House of Representatives on a point of personal privilege to move the impeachment of Dick Cheney.  Mr. Kucinich stated he will bring the impeachment forward before Thanksgiving.

Kucinich introduced articles of impeachment against Vice President, Dick Cheney, back in April. H.R. 333 consists of three articles of impeachment, with supporting examples:

1.) In his conduct while Vice President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully execute the office of Vice President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has purposely manipulated the intelligence process to deceive the citizens and Congress of the United States by fabricating a threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction to justify the use of the United States Armed Forces against the nation of Iraq in a manner damaging to our national security interests

2.) In his conduct while Vice President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully execute the office of Vice President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, purposely manipulated the intelligence process to deceive the citizens and Congress of the United States about an alleged relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda in order to justify the use of the United States Armed Forces against the nation of Iraq in a manner damaging to our national security interests

3.) In his conduct while Vice President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully execute the office of Vice President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has openly threatened aggression against the Republic of Iran absent any real threat to the United States, and done so with the United States proven capability to carry out such threats, thus undermining the national security of the United States

Kucinich also provided roughly 50 supporting documents for the articles, on his Congressional website.

Over 80 cities/towns have now passed impeachment resolutions, with 50 more pending, and major polls, such as Zogby, have indicated a majority of Americans support impeachment proceedings. However, the MSM and members of Congress have failed to listen to the American people.

H.R. 333 has picked up 21 cosponsors, far short of what is needed to start proceedings, and House Speaker Pelosi has continually insisted that impeachment is “off the table”.

But, as Kucinich holds nothing higher than his duties to defend the Constitution and represent the people of the United States, Kucinich is making sure that it gets back on. when asked about the Congress’ failures to protect the Constituion, at the San Mateo Presidential Straw Poll, Kucinich replied:

“If Congress did the right thing, they would be talking … about impeachment…

“I introduced House Resolution 333 because I heard from the American people and they said they wanted some response to make Dick Cheney accountable for the statements that he made that took us into a war based on lies. And the statements he made that would take us into a conflict against Iran. Again, more lies.

“The President is now openly invoking the specter of World War III with respect to Iran. He ought to be held accountable also. I’m the only member of Congress who stepped forward on the issue of making Dick Cheney accountable. And now we have 21 members who’ve joined me. That’s a step in the right direction. But I’m going to go beyond that. I’m going to call a privileged resolution, at which point, would force a vote — at least if it’s only on a procedural motion — members are going to have to confront this issue of impeachment. They’re not going to escape it. This is a question of defending our Constitution. It really is.“

Kucinich proves yet again his courage and leadership in Representative Democracy against fear and political calculation. He proves that he will not play party politics if it is against the interests of the United States and American citizens. He proves, again, his credentials for holding our highest office. Support Dennis Kucinich!

Coachella Valley

Palm Springs Village Fest – October 25, 2007

October 25, 2007 – Palm Springs Village Fest Voter Registration and Candidate Information Tabling at Palm Canyon & Arenas, Palm Springs, CA, Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Adult beverages enjoyed thereafter at the local pubs).

Temperate desert nights and progressive, Support-the-Troops/End-the-War Democrats.  Large crowds of locals, visitors, voters and refugees from the Southern California fire storms surrounded the tables.  Many people from the mountain resorts, coastal cities, and San Diego County attended Village Fest.  One family donated funds for John Edwards’ campaign materials and the young daughter nabbed an Edwards button to wear!  German tourists from Laguna Beach sought refuge in Palm Springs from the smell of the smoke and the haze.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the families deeply affected by the Santa Anas.

Here is the flier that I distributed at Village Fest:

Question:  Who provides support and protection during National crises?

Answer:  The National Guard

Question:  Where is 50% of the California National Guard and its supplies?

Answer:  Iraq

Question:  Who is responsible?

Answer:  George W. Bush, the most incompetent President in U.S. history.

Question:  Who refuses to accept responsibility?

Answer:  George W. Bush (I guess in some respects, Bush is the answer.)

The Democratic clubs were well represented as usual with Desert Stonewall Democrats staffing one table thanks to George Z, President and Bob S.  The Democrats of the Desert staffed another table thanks to Eleanor, and the Palm Springs Democrats staffed another table as well.

Greg Pettis, Mayor Pro-tem of Cathedral City and Candidate for CA 80th Assembly District, spent two fun hours at the Democratic Club tables in order to raise awareness about his plans for the campaign and the 80th AD.  His visit came close on the heels of his endorsement of former-Sen. John Edwards for President 2008.  April Hildner, of No on C, discussed the massive funding by the proponents of C for advertising.  We wonder where that money is from.

Hopefully, we will see visits from Pettis, Steve Pougnet Candidate for Mayor of Palm Springs, John Williams, Candidate for City Council of Palm Springs, and Rick Hutcheson, Candidate for City Council of Palm Springs.

More exciting details below the flip…

We had representation at the tables from the Sen. John Edwards campaign, i.e., yours truly, captain of the Palm Springs for Edwards One Corps Chapter and Tiffany from the Coachella Valley John Edwards for President One Corps Chapter.  Tiffani and I distributed position papers from the John Edwards for President campaign, provided campaign buttons and bumper stickers, and solicited voters to register to vote.

John Edwards’ pollster, Harrison Hickman, has prepared a polling memo which proves, once again, that John Edwards is the strongest and most electable candidate. You can view this memo by clicking here: http://johnedwards.c….

Back to Village Fest.  Joy L. and others staffed the Sen. Hillary Clinton table.  Ed spearheaded the Sen. Barack Obama table with David H.’s assistance.  The Obama people were active in collecting information from potential volunteers.  Bob M., Amber Rose, and Amber Rose’s husband of the Draft Al Gore campaign circulated petitions to get Nobel Prize Winner Gore on the 2008 California Democratic Primary ballot.

We also registered 10 voters last night, including one change of party affiliation from the Dark Side.  Later, George, Bob S., Bob M., Richard, and Randy attended the Unofficial Drinking Liberally (UODL) after-party at Bongo Johnny’s!  Keep turning the Coachella Valley blue!

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Friday Fire Thread

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Thankfully, things appear to be getting better in most places. The firefighters have been doing an amazing job. But this is far from over. Yesterday, the official death toll climbed to 7, as 6 charred bodies were discovered. And President Bush politicized the disaster by keeping Rancho Bernado residents from their homes, but don't worry Michael Chertoff is there for you. And of course, there are always stories of idiots, who stayed behind, because, you know, it's their Stuff! Some got lucky like this story, but others pay the ultimate price. Listen people, your McMansions are not worth your lives, don't be stupid.

The Los Angeles County Public Health office has updated their 211 page to reflect resources to assist Southland Fires 2007. Here's the page from San Diego County San Diego County Fire information. Speaker Fabian Nunez and the Assembly Dem Caucus have a new Emergency Services Website.  Here's one Google Map with Fire information, and another, KPBS Google Map of San Diego fires. And don't forget the U-T's fireblog. Over the flip you'll find a lot more information phone numbers.

Also over the flip you'll find a list of impromptu blood drives by the San Diego Blood Bank. Check out the Red Cross schedule if you wish to donate blood elsewhere. 

If you would like to donate money, our recommendation is the San Diego Foundation's After the Fire Fund. You can donate online here. I should also note this great diary with a list of resources and ways to volunteer and help out.

As the smoke clears from this week's wildfires, the San Diego Blood Bank has reopened its two North County donor centers, but has had to continue to redirect bloodmobiles tomorrow to the following locations. (Click here to make an appointment at any of these drives.)

 

  • 91X Radio, 9660 Granite Ridge Dr., (92123)—6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Starbucks at Genesee Plaza, 4227 Genesee Avenue, (92117)—8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Valley Center High School, 31322 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center,–10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • City of Coronado Police Department, 700 Orange Ave., (92118)—10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Souplantation, 8105 Mira Mesa Blvd., (92126)—10 a.m. to 4p.m.
  • WalMart, 1200 Highland Ave., National City, (91950)—11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

These impromptu blood drives are helping to replace more than 30 bloodmobile operations that had to be cancelled this week, and make-up for the closure of the San Diego Blood Bank's two North County Donor Centers for two days due to poor air quality.

Animal Evacuations: 818-991-0071
Arrowhead Schools 909-499-9900
Buckweed, Canyon Fire: 323-881-2411
Coronado Hills Fire: 619-590-3160
Grass Valley Fire: 909-383-5688
Harris, Rice, McCoy Fire: 619-590-3160
Irvine: 714-628-7085
Lake Forest 714-628-7085
Malibu: 310-456-2489
Orange County 800-540-8282
Ranch Fire: 626-574-5208
Riverside: 909.988.3650
Roca Fire: 951-940-6985
Santa Clarita Evacuations: 661-295-6366
Santiago Fire: 714-573-6200
Sedgewick Fire: 805-681-5546
Slide and Witch: Fire 619-590-3160
US Forest Line: 626-574-5208

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Blog Roundup, Environment, Health Care, San Francisco

October 25, 2007 Blog Roundup and Open Thread

Today’s not-the-fires Blog Roundup is on the flip. I thought about doing the fun categorization thing, but (a) there aren’t all that many posts, and (b) I’ve gone through right around 1,000 posts just for blog roundup in the last 2 days, not counting any reading I’ve done on my own account. My eyes are a little glazed over. So, it’s just a link dump.

Let me know what I missed in comments, or just use this as an open thread.

To subscribe by email, click
here and do what comes naturally.

P.S. No new blog roundups until at least Sunday evening, maybe Monday.