California

I’ve lived in California all of my life. I don’t know what it’s like to live anywhere else. In fact, my entire life has been spent in the greater Bay Area (that’s San Francisco to most of America), though I would never consider myself a San Franciscan. No, the majority of my life has passed in the East Bay, which is, um, EAST of San Francisco. I even chose to go to college in Northern California, at UC Davis. Note that I didn’t attend UC Berkeley or any college in SF.

So you could say that I’m a native Californian by birth and by choice. I like California. Oh, the past ten years or so, I’ve entertained — even considered — the thought of moving out of state. But not because of politics. Or bad weather. Or the fact that the idiots who run our state are inept, ineffective, and greedy.

No.

Because it’s just too damned expensive to live here. The mortgage meltdown has taken care of that for some people (but I bought my house in 2004, so I’m pretty much underwater right now). But sales taxes are high, as are income taxes, energy costs, entertainment (try taking the family to  a professional sports game like football or hockey), etc.

You just get less bang for your buck here.

Why do people come here? And why do they stay? Before the last couple of years, it was for the very reasons listed above: Real estate appreciation, high income and low unemployment, a wide variety of entertainment (7 professional teams within 60 miles — A’s, Giants, 49ers, Raiders, Sharks, Warriors, and Kings PLUS race tracks, waterparks, bike trails, hiking trails, skiing within a few hours, the beach…the list goes on), and, but for a few days of the year, mild weather (we’ve had a recent — but not uncommon this time of year — heatwave with temps over 100 many days the past few weeks).

I was listening to the radio the other morning, and the host — a fill-in for the regular hosts — was pining about how he hated California, how it should just be split off from the country, and how the state was a drag on the rest of the nation.

A caller suggested that he move. I wholeheartedly agree. Move out, dillhole. If you don’t like it, either change it or leave. The politics and government we have is what we have. Run for office. Or run out of town.

But I digress. The point I want to make is that for years — decades even – California was definitely NOT a drag on the rest of the nation. It lead the nation.

In many cases, still, it leads the nation.

We’re suffering right now.

• Our politicians can’t seem to find the courage to make tough choices
• Our economy is in the tank (but so too is the rest of the nation)
• The job picture is ugly
• The housing market is in a funk
• We have very high taxes, on both goods and services (sales taxes and income taxes)
• People are leaving the state
• Businesses are leaving, too

But you know what? We’ve been here before. We’ll make it out. Silicon Valley may take the lead. Those VCs and entrepreneurs really make shit happen. IF the national economy rebounds, you can bet California will be at the forefront. Mark my words.

Things may be bad now, but they’ll get better. But, by all means, if you disagree, feel free to leave. I’ll harbor no ill will toward you. You gotta do what you gotta do.

But don’t shit on my state just because it’s hurting right now.

By the way, if you’re a local or state politician, please

GET OFF YOUR ASS AND DO YOUR JOB!

For if you don’t, I’ll be forced to run against you, and even though you have a lot more money backing you up, I will expose you for what you are: A fraud, a parasite, and a liar. Plus, you’re stupid, petty, and selfish.

Then I’ll take my ball and go home.

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