I was on my way to a Big Meeting in SF this morning, and surprise – I ran right into the Treasury / Fed bailout.
And, while I was asked how many billions I’d like, when they found out I wasn’t a big bank or rich, no money was forthcoming. Instead, it seems I’ll be paying…
To be fair, I think very little of the California Legislature. Instead of running the state like the economic powerhouse it is (or supposed to be), they run it like a 3rd rate backwater banana republic.
We’ve now gone 68 days (and counting) without a new budget. While the various legislators don’t seem to give a rat’s ass about the problem (they’re not even in session – so much for priorities), various state workers are making due with reduced paychecks (if any), and health services organizations are paying for such luxury items as electricity out of their own pockets.
It’s shameful. It’s unethical. And, it’s a bad fucking joke that’s gone on too long.
Oh, sure, some of them make some good sounding noises about helping the people of California:
“If we can’t agree on a budget, we should be able to agree to take care of those who are in need,” said Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines from Clovis (Fresno County). “We should never hold innocent people hostage and use them as pressure to get the budget done. (SF Chronicle)”
In the meantime, they are holding the people hostage. Or more realistically, they’re just not doing anything of merit to fix the fracking situation they created. They sure as hell don’t seem to give a care about state workers. It doesn’t seem that any of the state legislators felt the least bit guilty walking out of the state to wine and dine at their national conventions. So much for priorities, eh?
Establishing a budget for the state is one of the core functions of the California Legislature and the representatives we put into those offices. Failure to do so is inexcusable, and letting it run on for more than 2 months is frankly negligent.
… and I don’t care to hear one word about “the other party”. Democrats and Republicans: it’s your fracking job to work with one another to establish the budget in a timely manner.
Every one of them ought to be thrown out of office. Being charged with criminal negligence would be one better.
Every single one of them asked for the job when vote time came around. When the rubber met the road, though, where are they?
Upon returning home this morning from Pacificon, I discovered my new coffee maker waiting on the porch. The whole automatic thing works for me. I’ve tried the French press and burr grinder route. At 6 am … no. Plus, I can’t make good French press coffee.
Just in time for the workweek. 
