A definition of stupidity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect different results. So why do we re-elect the same politicians thinking they will improve our situation when they have a long track record of making things worse? For example, this week had the following headlines: Social Security is in the red seven years earlier than expected; Unemployment steady at 9.6 percent – Job loss 96,000; Congress refuses to pass a budget for 2010; CBO: National debt at highest level since World War II, Dollar loses ground, Gold prices increase.
Our taxes are increasing, we are cutting education budgets, college tuition is going through the roof. California budget deficits are at an all time high. California roads are some of the worst in country, and Lake County has the worst roads in the state. We are one of the highest taxed states in the U.S. Yet California, when compared to other states, ranks near the bottom on nearly every important measure. We are not getting our money”s worth and we deserve better. We must go beyond the commercials and sound bytes and examine our legislators” track records; actions speak louder than words. For example, Barbara Boxer states she will create California green jobs and stop exporting jobs overseas. This sounds great. However, when the central valley farmers needed water, Boxer, chairperson of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, voted for a fish, the snail darter and against California jobs. Boxer is pushing Cap and Trade, environment bill, which will result in a massive energy tax. This bill will tax U.S. businesses and individuals while letting countries like India and China off the hook. If this bill passes, it will result in the largest exportation of American jobs overseas that we have seen in our lifetime. Our economy will be even further devastated. So-called green legislation will not create jobs; it will cost jobs. Boxer”s plans will only bring further chaos and disintegration to our economy and the people who power it.
Bruce Van Buskirk
Lake County
