Best and Worst Run States in America — An Analysis Of All 50

[haha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ziggy29 At least the direct tax increase votes were mostly pay-as-you-go, so those who want it today will have to pay for it today. That's more ethical and moral, IMO, than charging it and letting your kids pay for it.

But who will benefit, the kids. So what is wrong with having them pay? (Of course this assumes that the American school system is capable of teaching anyone anything useful.)

One problem for California is that it is stuck paying for all the immigrant services and services for poor people that really should be federal responsibility, or no one's. If California were allowed to say yes or no to these things, then it might be reasonable for them to pay for it. As it now stands it is taxation without representation.

Ha

[youbet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by haha One problem for California is that it is stuck paying for all the immigrant services and services for poor people that really should be federal responsibility, or no one's. If California were allowed to say yes or no to these things, then it might be reasonable for them to pay for it. As it now stands it is taxation without representation.

+1

NE Illinois has a similar issue. Groups of recent immigrants tend to congregate together in certain towns and suburbs creating financial difficulties for these municipalities as they try to provide the necessary educational and service resources. If on a federal basis we wish to have more or less open borders, then we should tax on a federal basis to share the burden.

[mountaintosea]

Living in Ca. I always for "yes" on tax increases even we have one of the highest in the nation. But alas everyone else votes "no". There's going to be more on the next ballot. My guess is it will be the same result. What is concerning is trimming budgets of fire departments etc. Lots of fires here.

[Midpack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mountaintosea Living in Ca. I always for "yes" on tax increases even we have one of the highest in the nation. But alas everyone else votes "no". There's going to be more on the next ballot. My guess is it will be the same result. What is concerning is trimming budgets of fire departments etc. Lots of fires here.

CA is the best evidence why running a country by popular vote won't work. We berate our politicians for deficits, and yet citizens do much the same thing when given the chance - demand services/benefits and refuse to pay for same. What's the saying 'we get what we deserve...'

[mountaintosea]

Not sure I agree with your (Midpack) statement but it seems in these times it certainly seems to be the case. But there is a divide in Sacramento also. They can't agree so the governors get frustrated and put it up for a vote. Then when the electorate fails to vote they feel justified in cutting services. Problem is that nobody notices until down the line. Example being mental health services cut during Reagan era (governor). There are very few services, result being a few of the people with mental issues get a gun and start shooting. Then the prison system takes care of them for life. And of course we are having problems with our prison system as well. Everybody wanted 3 strikes (what a dumb law) now too many in prison. Too expensive. Everybody wants it simple. Running a state with this huge population/economy is not simple. I've heard it said many times if Ca. were a country it would be either the 7th or 8th largest economy in the world.( It seems to change) Being a retired Public Defender I often would feel despair as our clients often fell through the cracks. Basically lost souls. Not all PDs felt as I did. But hey life is not simple. A lot of people don't like that answer. I could rant on but you get the idea. Personally I like voting on all these issues even though it causes a lot of consternation. Many times when I hear what is going on in Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida etc. I say thank god I live in Ca. No kidding.