Which is Worse, Texas or California?

[Scooter]

So in todays paper I read that the Texas legislature is again out of town, this time in New Mexico over the never ending battle of re-drawing district lines. Sigh.

Meanwhile in California, we have a second rate actor running for Governor, a third rate midget actor running, a stripper, a comedian, and Larry Flynt. I think at this point I am more embarrassed to live in California than ever.

[Sponsored Links]

[kemguru]

Kobe is bankrolling the whole recall deal, directs attention away from him. Prolly has something to do with Texas too.:D

[jjwq8]

Be embarassed by those who choose to run. Be even more embarassed if any of those are elected, but please don't knock the system. Those of us who choose to earn their corn in locales where such banalities are denied us are deeply envious of your right to choose and be a part of the process.

Whats wrong with Larry Flint anyway. Last guy in a wheel-chair in high office didn't do too bad.:)

[John K]

California born and raised, but I would never go back. It really has turned into a hell hole( San Fernado Valley) that is.

Up north is beautiful.:)


John K

[tileguytodd]

Lets do a bit of analysis,Take a mosquito,a nuisance by itself but not bad.Throw a few hundred of his cousins into the mix and things get a little busier,but nothing that cant be dealt with with a little ingenuity and a few slaps.Now throw in the Horde.millions of mosquito's.you cant even stand outside and you run for your car then spend the first 5 minutes killing em before driving away.Add to that the toxic aftershave one must wear just to be able to breathe without swallowing a Dozen.

OK, i think that pretty much sums up California,A Blood sucking Horde that likes the familiar feast.The last actor they hired was around a while then became president.Arnie's a shoe In !!!:D

[bbcamp]

That can't happen with Arnie.

[jjwq8]

OK
So a foreign born inductee cannot be Brezidend but he can govern Galivornia?

Sounds like a match made in Heaven.

[sdaniels7114]

It always bothered me that they pretty much ignore those citizen initiatives here in MA. There's almost always a legal loophole to get around them. Maybe it's not so bad. What's happening in California is shamefull.:mad:

[Sonnie Layne]

"R" is a real person.

what he says, he will abide by.

One should become aware of what is involved in becoming an American citizen. It ain't easy as gettin' off a ship, and it ain't just paperwork.

Bono was not dimwit, he MADE Cher. He was a demonstrative genius. No, he didn't give his own life for it, but if it weren't for his genius and writing, Cher could hardly have afforded a denture re-do, much less an entire body make-over including rib removal.

Don't get me wrong. Cher is and of herself a bright and cheerful entertainer (and a cousin). Sonny was no dimwit, he ran the biz that made the whole thing work. I like Cher, just wish she'd get through making all the "Farewell Concert" concerts,,,,, ;)

Geez, glad I don't live in Cal., where things seem to really matter....... ;)

[fishinfarmgirl]

Woof woof Sonnie! Chill!

Just so you understand a bit...this...

Is that just to become President or have we thrown out that bit of history as well???

was not a rhetorical question. I was honestly asking a question of the gentle folk on here.

Nuff said!

L

[jjwq8]

L,
In response to your penultimate post, what kind of politics would you have?
Italian.
Election before last, the testosterone ran rampant coz da boyz elected "La Cicciolina" to the Senate in Rome. Sweet young porn star who offered oral sex to every man who voted for her. It worked. Do not know however if it was just another case of an election (erection?) promise being broken or not.
My guess is she either did not follow through or her trumpeted talent did not meet the hype, coz she only served one term.
And now they Silvio in charge.
Just as sleazy as Flynt et al but without the charisma or the saving graces. Just ask the Germans whom he recently referred to as Nazis. He was being deadly serious.
One good thing about italian politics however is that your record is never an issue. They got no war heros. :D

[John Bridge]

I actually like what's happening in California. I think the right to recall is great. Why should you have to endure four years with someone you mistakenly put in office?

Besides that, the antics on the Coast distract people from the shenanigans going on in Texas. :D

[jjwq8]

Jeez JB the Irish there too???? :eek:

[KChurch1]

I have to say that I am proud to be a Californian... born and raised. It's never boring.... but I'll leave my political views out of the discussion...:shades:

[flatfloor]

The people of Ca are gradually turning their form of govt into a republic rather than a democracy. Most of the Founding Fathers were deathly afraid of that. Looks like they were right.

[Hobbit]

I am going to fall in line here with JB. Recall elections can be a useful tool. There needs to be a method of redress, to hold politicians accountable.

However, the propensity to initiate them has been surging recently. Often they are just another way for a beaten campaign combatant to make life miserable for the election winner. A lot of states are looking seriously at ways to temper recall elections. They are too easy to initiate and way too costly for the citizen populace.

As an ex-resident of the late, great, state of California, I certainly can empathize with those who call it home. Davis sold his soul to special interests to get elected (and re-elected). Now it has come back to haunt him. What's it been, a year?? While I admit to not following everything that the candidates have said recently,;) I think Davis is fighting an uphill battle. His tax and spend politics have everyone (including the Demos) railing against him (with the notable exception of the unions trying to broker power for his support....which of course is understandable considering how much they have already invested in Davis and how much they stand to lose).

Oh, and don't laugh too hard at Arnold..... Remember, everyone laughed at Jesse Ventura.....

[flatfloor]

I'm not laughing just shttp://www.click-smilie.de/sammlung/fragend/confused-smiley-013.gifcratching my head.

[KChurch1]

I will state that I'm very upset with the vehical registration tax increase..... this is very bad for everyone... including business owners with several vehicals... our Ford E-250 will now go from $475 a year in registration fees to $1325/year... I'm a little more than upset that the politicians can spend and mishandle our tax money and then make us pay for it... I say make them accountable.

[Brian Briggs]

Well considering the current state of affairs that California has recently been in, it seems Mickey Mouse could do a better job. In my humble opinion their current economic problems is due to the overspend social programs. Cut out some of the hand outs and make people work for what they get.

[KChurch1]

To be honest with you I think most of the problem started with the power crisis a few years ago... terribly mishandled, and the downturn in the economy. The goverment has made some very poor choices... so did the voters...

[John Bridge]

In Texas we don't have the right to recall, and we don't have Initiative and Referendum, either. The only way we can get these things is to amend the state constitution, and the only way we can amend the constitution is to get the legislature to initiate the amendment process . . . . because the people don't have I & R, as I said.

If I lived in the state such as Cal that had recall and I & R I would never allow anyone to take it from me.

Karen, launch another tax roll-back referendum. That's way too much money to be paying on vehicle tax.

[Hobbit]

Karen......

Is that the amount you pay annually for your vehicle????:eek: :eek: Did I read correctly? REALLY??? That's more tax than I pay on my farm!:(

I must be out of touch..............Thank goodness!

It's much worse out there than I thought. BTW, how high are your property taxes??

If the recall election doesn't work.....sounds like a lynch mob may be next.;);)

[fishinfarmgirl]

That's an insane amount to be paying for automobile taxes! :eek:

Just got my 2004 tabs in Washington state. $36.00! that's for a 2003 Honda Accord EX

Taxes for my farm property. (12 acres) $1,200 yrly!

There must be something citizens can do. That's nuts!!!

L

~almost forgot...

I say make them accountable.

AMEN sister!!! Can I get a what what??? We need to be working toward making ALL our government accountable to US...the tax paying citizens! I saw SO much waste when I volunteered at thew public schools it sickened me. Easy come easy go.?????

I agree! If they want to run the business...they should be accountable!!!

[KChurch1]

That wasn't a misprint, the state tripled our vehical registration tax... it goes into affect October 1st. It's crazy... I don't know what they were thinking...

[flatfloor]

They were thinking they need money!

[fishinfarmgirl]

Yea...but THAT kinda tax increase should warrant a citizens uprising!

How can people do it??? I cant' see how most folks could afford cars! Or is that their goal???

L

[jjwq8]

Find the British sumbitch tax expert advising them and hang the turd!:mad:

[Scooter]

Someone said that California is turning into a Republic. Not bad as far as history goes.

California was one of the two states that were actually independent nations before they were states. California declared its independence from Mexico in 1849, fought a war against the Mexicans with Kit Carson and John C. Fremont and was an actual republic for a couple of years. Now Mexico has fought back with illegals.

The only other state that was an independent republic was........................



Texas.


The car tax is so high because two thirds of the car tax revenue goes to schools and local police. Our counties and cities do not have the right to levy taxes on real estate. All the money on property taxes goes to the state. So take away the car tax and cities lose between 20-60% of the revenue, depending on the city. It has to be replaced with something, and no one has the guts to say, "OK, we'll roll back the car tax and raise income tax, or raise gas tax or raise cigarette tax" Etc. So the rollback is just not going to happen without a replacement.

It was rolled back two years ago when we had a surplus, and didn't need the money.

Our governor is not popular, but this mess is really not his fault. The power crisis was created by Texas engergy companies that overcharged us, and were found guilty of same. It was also created by a prior administration that "de-regulated" power. It was also created by the federal deficit. None of these are his fault. But he is not very popular, and the consensus is that he will go.

I wish everyone would just wait for a year and a half. This whole thing is a circus, and if a Republican gets the nod, I will guarantee you that another recall will be run on him. Turnabout is fair play in partisan polictics. This is so stupid. Sigh. It makes Texas look like a sane place to live.

[John Bridge]

Ahem!

Texas is a sane place to live. We may bitch about this or that, BUT we have no income tax and no state lawmaker gutsy enough to even mention it. We have what are considered stiff propery taxes, but they finance the schools and a few other things. Our sales tax rate is 7.25 percent which isn't bad these days. And the annual taxes on my truck are about $60.

No tell me who's sane and who is not Mr. California Hotshot (who I know is going to vote for Arnie) :D

[Davy]

Maybe Texas electric companys over charged , I can't say either way. Folks in Calif. need to realize electric in Texas is more expensive. I've lived both places, In 1980 I remember in Calif getting a electric bill every two months and it be 30-35 bucks and moved to Texas and it was 75 bucks or so for one month. We use more here with AC but even when when the weather is nice it's more expensive here. Of course now our bill averages about 200 each month.

[Scooter]

I was referring to insain politics, John. I am sure that Texas is a wonderful place to live. It just seems that you guys have interesting politics to say the least.

Now, California has sadly passed you by. Sigh.

[sooze]

Jeez Davy! Everything was less expensive in 1980!

I was born in California and have lived here virtually all my life (except for two separate years when my parents split and then when they divorced, ages 10 and 12.)

I can guarantee that electric bills here in California are no longer 30-35 bucks! My electric bills are more like the $200 mentioned. And you don't even want to see my water bill! Oh and my natural gas bill in the winter is outrageous! And while our property taxes are regulated by the Proposition 13 that was passed years ago, believe me, counties get around that limitation...they just don't call it "property tax." In my area, it's called "Mello-Roos" fees and is named after the guys that concocted the plan! And let's not forget that property taxes (or whatever you're calling it) is a certain percentage of your property value. Anyone have any idea what the median price of a house in California is these days? That information makes the national news at times because it's so ridiculous!

There was approximately 3/4 of an acre next to my MIL's house (she has lived there for 48 years,) a speculator bought that land and built six single family homes (I think it's six, it might actually be eight!) Each of those homes (1,000 - 1,500 sq. ft. two story) sold for over $350,000! They're built so close together it's unbelievable!

I definitely agree with Karen...our vehicle tax fees are WAY too high! I personally think that Gray Davis' decision on that issue alone was the straw that broke the camel's back and caused this recall action. I will be paying a tremendous amount on vehicle registration during the next year! Don't we all wish that we could follow that lead...oops, I've overspent terribly this past year...better go lay it out to the boss (he pays my salary)...he WILL be paying me three times more this year than last! Gray Davis had no right to raise those fees. Californians passed legislation recently that does not allow new taxes unless it's approved by a 2/3 majority, again...it's not a tax, it's a fee!

And AMEN to what Brian said...no more handouts! I realize that this isn't politically correct but isn't called ILLEGAL immigration for nothing! "If they build it, they will come..." Here in California, I say, "If you stop giving handouts, they will stop coming!" We need to make the official language of U.S. English! Immigrants in Los Angeles County have actually filed lawsuits because they called 911 and nobody spoke their language! Well DUH!!! (You all do know that the U.S. has no official language, don't you?) Don't even get me started on how the whole English as a Second Language system has messed up our public schools! I have worked in the public school system for 16 years and agree, the waste is outrageous!

California has the fifth largest economy in the world, not the U.S. Our businesses are leaving California because they are taxed and legislated to death. I don't see it getting any better soon. My son has one more year of school, then who knows where Gary and I will end up.

Don't misunderstand, I LOVE California, I'm native born and raised in Orange County, California in the shadow of Mickey's house, but I doubt I'll live my Golden Years here in the Golden State!

Sue

[jjwq8]

any takers?

[sdaniels7114]

I know him winning is not a foregone conclusion, but do you California folks think that Arnie will be better than Davis?

I wouldn't call him unintelligent, but Arnie hasn't worked his way up the ladder now has he? The last I heard, his one political-type job was chairman of the President's council on physical fitness, and that was under Bush I.

[Brian Briggs]

Hell, most of the problems we face in this great country of our has been created by career poliicians. They start off honest and sincere as councilmen / women and as they move up the ladder they become crooked. The longer your on the ladder the worse your gonna get.

[flatfloor]

Right on Brian, more term limits. Politicians fall in love with the power, perks, benefits etc. and won't let go. Theyalso become victims of the ....aw, it's only $5,000,000 syndrome.

To get reelected, they have to spend so much time raising money they lose track of their real purpose.

[jjwq8]

But can Ahnult work without a script and can he string together sentences composed of words containing two syllables and more.
I hope the for his sake the answers are yes and no.
Big words will only alienate his potential voter base.

[Brian Briggs]

I am sure this subject was brought up about President Reagan also. I personally think he did a great job as President (I do not know much about his Governorship, but I am sure it was equally impressive).

[Scooter]

One of things that Regan did that I will forever curse him for was to turn all the homeless loonies loose.

Prior to Ray-guns, if a homeless guy was on the street and was whacko, we scooped him up and institutionalized him. You had to be whacko to be scooped up,. He "privatized" the homeless whacko industry, and now it is state policy that they have a right to sit on a street corner, poop in their pants, and fling insults and feces at strangers and we can't touch them. Thanks Ron.

Say what you want about Jerry "Governor Moonbeam" Brown, but I am at a loss as to anything he screwed up.

Pete Wilson was a good republican governor who I respected a lot, and was Presidential Timber, until he got very sick during the primaries. But he "de-regulated and privatized" the power companies, freezing retail but letting wholesale costs go wild. Buy a kilowat for three bucks, sell it for 2. Yeah, right, really made sense. Now all we need is to deregulate power nationally. Thanks Pete.

[flatfloor]

Scooter, I don't think that was soley RR's fault. Back in the 70s my attorney was also a state assembly man. He was at the forefont of the patients rights legislation enabling many people to be released from institutions. NY's own beloved :nya: ex Gov Mario Cuomo did the same thing.

[jjwq8]

Shouldn't there be some kind of moral imperitive whereby any wacko found guilty of a crime after having been released under one of the programmes cited heretofore, is incarcerated with at least one of the senators/congresspersons/doctors/attorneys responsilble for their release in the first place. And if the verdict is that the wacko should fry, then have a barbecue. It would perhaps be a deterent against all the noisome PC advocates that created the mess.

I note that Justice has ruled in favour of the recall.

Could Jerry Brown run again?

[Sonnie Layne]

you have barbeques over there, JJ?

[jjwq8]

yeah but we misspell 'em:D

Gotta be careful where we set them tho, awfo lodda incendiary stuff here 'bouts.

Don't believe there has been an execution in the UAE in a dogs age. Hanging seems favoured method.

Saudi grabs all the headlines with its decapitations tho a pal who is a prosecutor there tells me that the recipients are pumped so fall of narcotics before hand that the horror is in the spectacle as it is allegedly painless, tho that it is course entirely guess work as no-one has survived to tell.

[Sonnie Layne]

Hmm, no after the fact interviews, eh? ;)

still talkin' to you about my buggy system on the other forum...... why is it I can listen to Sting or Shania Twain or Don Henley and my system is stable as a shepherd in the hills? Well, hrummph.. it IS the mud box, right? :)

I mean, uhhh, and I'm tryin to stretch this thingy out as long as I can so I'll save (sIs) why is it that I don't seem to crash while I'm writing write now sls ..and time doesn't run out on me... not hardware... I' m thinkin it must be this psychoeclectic thingy... maybe I've slanted my attitude toward my keyboard? mabye a stray electron dancing off the ceiling of my room? sIs

[smee]

hey - mind if I add a couple 02's?

I am a native SFranciscan - not many of us here left.

Okay - I've met and spoken with Arnie on a few occasions. Personally, I'm a fan. He's as genuine as it gets. Whether you like him or not he's got money, power and influence. And let's not forget that even tho many people think he's dumb because he's got an accent (which isn't that bright a judgement btw) the guy is a very articulate, savvy businessman, and you can't argue with the fact that he's got presence.

I think the guy has a plan. I think he's been waiting for an opportunity to break in to politics - what better platform than the dramatic recall? It's perfect for him.

I don't know if he's going to be able to do anything substantial for California, but it sure is a facinating process.
Frankly, Davis gives me the creeps! I won't even go into the other candidates.

the face(s) of Politics needs a major overhaul. Since this country respects money and fame and California produces it - who better than a very rich, very famous actor to step up to the plate. I'm not going to say what's going to happen - nobody can say - but, I'm betting he's going to win, and I'm interested in seeing what he's really all about - can he pull it off? Will it make a difference being who he is?

As far as the other plagues in California - arnold may be able to smooth out some of the speed bumps - but we may need the real superman to save california from disaster for us...cause, we are in trouble out here in paradise - and the registration increase is just the beginning :rolleyes:

Now about Texas? I've been there once. Houston - and can you believe it, Cat Springs!!!! It's where I bought my dogs - my spoiled rotten pseudo kids - So, I love it!
but, man is it muggy there!

:D linda

[smee]

Go to Jibjab.com - they have a bunch of cartoons.

WARNING - they are not politically correct.

www.jibjab.com

click on the arnold for guv'ner cartoon. and turn up the sound.

it's HI larious!:D

[John Bridge]

Well, if I were a California resident I would vote for presidential candidate Arnold. :) I have no qualms whatever about voting in a movie actor for governor or for president. I liked Reagan and voted for him both times. Didn't think a lot of his V.P.

CX, on the other hand, did not like Reagan and prolly doesn't think much of Arnie either. ;)

Speaking of Houston, where is Cat Springs?

[Brian Briggs]

What was said when the wrestler Jesse Ventura ran for Governor?

[jjwq8]

MINNESOTA.......MINNESOTA??

CAN YOU HEAR ME MINNESOTA?

YOU THOUGHT YOU HAD ME BEAT AT RASSLEMANIA 12, HAD ME ON THE ROPES, HAD ME PINNED, THE CROSS FACE CHICKEN WING....ALL OF IT RIGHT?.......WELL I SURVIVED ....AND I'M COMING TO KICK YOUR ASS!!

Maybe??

Now Linda I'm impressed.

You sboke vid Ahnult? Were the brothers Caramazov with you?
If he can converse with your Sicilian Phaoroh hounds he'd definitely get my vote:D

[tileguytodd]

One thing about Jesse in ofice, He shook up the powers that be and let them all know that minnesotans were tired of politics as ussual and if you say your going to do something,than by god you'd better follow through or we'll bring someone in who can keep you in line,or bounce you out on your butt :D
Of course we now have a regular old dyed in the wool politician in there now, but who knows ,perhaps next election we'll have to bring in the Rock or steve stonecold austin :D :D :D

[smee]

jeremy - no on the twins, but little franco waz der.

Cat Springs is somewhere out in the 'woods'... the country? I don't know. I do know that it's got a train that runs thru town every 15 minutes....24 hours a day. And lots of trucks and cows and ranchin' stuff. One mexican restaurant and a walmart.

it's about an hour or so out of Houston.


linda
;)

[John Bridge]

Cat Springs. Sonnie probably knows where it is. It might be near that other berg where he tried to get me to attend the goat meat cook-off last year. :D

Our state Democrat senators are still holed up in New Mexico. There counterparts in the state house took up a collection to buy them office supplies that netted $183. This while the Republicans are trying to pass a resolution to fine them $60,000 each. Don't know who's gonna win. Don't much care.

The whole thing is actually a blessing. Having no quorum, the assholes can't pass any new laws. :D