Thank you Brian for reminding us why the American Psychological Association should now list “Liberalism” as a mental illness. If the massive mismanagement of public funds that you skillfully point out isn’t fraud, money laundering, corruption and criminality…what is it? Simply incompetence, the likes of which has never been seen before in human history?
Kudos to the US Senate for putting the kibosh on the California EV mandate. Of course, AG Bonta promptly filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration and indicated that 23 other lawsuits filed on behalf of Californians and that Trump was a “repeat offender.” Seriously, is Rob Bonta really this stupid? Filing frivolous lawsuits while California is going broke?
All this going on while the Dem brainiacs in Sacramento got the idea of shutting down 2 refineries which are predicted to send gas prices soaring to between $8-9/gal. I just returned from Kansas City where gas prices were, wait for it….$2.99/gal!
Folks, we’re circling the bowl in this State and the Democrats need to be sent packing and/or prosecuted!
Yes, I should play Minecraft and slay the Ender Dragon, instead of skewering you for the 80th morbillionth time. It does get dull constantly annihilating you rhetorically.
"Thank you Brian for reminding us why the American Psychological Association should now list “Liberalism” as a mental illness."
Yet literally everyone on this site, yourself included - is a liberal. Whether or not you idolize the "rights of man" or "liberty" from 1776 or "progressive intersectionality". Anyone whose ideas and worldview are shaped by that first liberal rebellion against the Divine order - is part of the problem.
"Kudos to the US Senate for putting the kibosh on the California EV mandate. Of course, AG Bonta promptly filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration and indicated that 23 other lawsuits filed on behalf of Californians and that Trump was a “repeat offender.” Seriously, is Rob Bonta really this stupid? Filing frivolous lawsuits while California is going broke?
All this going on while the Dem brainiacs in Sacramento got the idea of shutting down 2 refineries which are predicted to send gas prices soaring to between $8-9/gal. I just returned from Kansas City where gas prices were, wait for it….$2.99/gal!"
What you wrote LT is utterly meaningless. "Lawsuits, gas-" no wonder the right always loses. This is what they focus on now that they have become the guardians of a world without throne and altar. Conservatives are really just burkean copers - surrendering to the revolution as long as they can have low gas prices and the decay is "slow, and legal".
Ya, right Teko. We can always count on you for a very predictable and stupid response! Seriously, how under your bizarre, nutty fantasy are folks supposed to get around, horse and buggy? Go on, tell us how we would all benefit from a medieval, Monarchical theocracy.
I mentioned the American Psychological Association earlier, maybe you should get a work up?
Burkean Cope; *The rightist responds not with calm poise, but mere dismissal and a strawman argument.
🥱 "But you hate modern tech-"
I literally obliterated this strawman weeks ago in responding to an article by Mr. Schulte, and yet you parrot it once more. You're not very... bright if you think the spirit of Medieval Europe is the same as the form.
It's no different than when you liken a Catholic monarchy to am Islamic state - because you have no argument.
"horse and buggy?" Yet the Amish who support Trump do it. I am not here to convince you - simply to destroy your idols. Besides, please tell us what you precious modernity in the social, political, and religious realm has contributed? You yap about "muh wokism, muh marxism, muh CRT" - yet you ignore that these things come from thr same revolution you adore. Wokism did not exist under thr Habsburgs- but Trump.
Oh and here's the comment from a month ago were I demolished your strawman from today in essence, you are so predicatble; TheotokosAppreciator
The Carlist Outpost
Apr 16
Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and also quite cringe. The times you idolize were never traditional in any capacity, it was a consumerist, liberal, materialist facade of Cold War family dynamics. The salaryman/housewife ideal was born of the rise of the Middle class, the neighborhood life you speak of is just personal memories for you - it doesn't actually point to a traditional time. Stop looking back to the 20th century and look back the Medieval times, *for the spirit, not the form - I don't want to here someone strawman me and go "YOU HATE MODERN MEDICINE?!😱"*
The Faith people held? It had been declining since the *Enlightenment you people so love, so many the Founders you love had heterodox or heretical beliefs*.
Come back LT when you can defens your beliefs. Lator gator.
In the rouge gallery of state fiscal mismanagement, one can never leave out the majority of tax dollar outlays made to our state public education system which also fails all fiscal and mission accountability.
Shortly after property tax protection Prop 13 was passed, California voters additionally passed passed Prop 98, to demonstrate their continued support and priority for California public education. Since its passage, Prop 98 now automatically dedicates, with no strings attached, 50% of all general funds every year to be allocated to state public education: 90% to K-12 and 10% to community colleges.
In return we now have a #45 ranked K- 12 system nationwide. Plus additional demands were just placed on local property taxpayers to fund a $100 million dollar plus new gymnasium at SBCC, since SBCC has refused to balance their operating budgets for years too.
The most glaring and unintended outcome for this automatic Prop 98 funding for public education was the immense growth and power of California Teachers Association union, who along with SEIU/CSEA, became the primary political brokers in this state since they have so much "free" money now automatically at their disposal. Governor Jerry Brown admitted they are now the unelected fourth branch of our state government, and neither Brown nor Newsom make a move without getting the teachers union's pre-approval.
Can voters cancel Prop 98 due to its primary mission failures today? We must look into this for real fiscal reform in this state. How long should we be forced to fund abject failure. Even always lower ranked Mississippi is now running circles around California K-12 with their "education miracle" student success numbers today.
This should shock the conscience of every voter and tax payer in this entire state. Yet it continues to fly under the radar ,with no small cover-up help by that very same California Teachers association union and their handmaiden SEIU.
NB: California's notoriously low-ranked business friendly environment is reducing the general fund revenues, which in turn directly affects the Prop 98 allocations to K-12.
Let the teacher union's wounded howls begin, after educating several generations of their students to hate capitalism and to see only the state tax payers as their primary funding resource to allow them to continue with their business unfriendly educational curriculum. Tax the Rich Even More, which most likely be their predictable rallying cry.
Teaching moment is at hand. But assume California Democrats, running this K-12 clown show, will earn another Grade F.
The president has stated its not for his personal use, he is handing it over the military the USAF! The President is spending his own money to not only save our nation he is also saving our state. It is very eady to see that our federal and state Governments have been usurped the false fake pretence of Democracy is long gone! Republican form of government is coming back with our compacted California Constitution of 1849 as the Legistive Analyst Office acknowledged the boundaries of last January! Its time for the Republicans to wake up that they need to remove themselves from the sandbox with the democrats. Political Playtime is over. NewCaliforniastate.com filed cease and desist in all 58 counties! There was no one else to file lawsuits and we quoted reaearch by the electiin intregrity group in our cease and desist read to the public at the BOS on Nov 5th, when they were served October 10th. declarations of Truth/affidavitts have standing! 129 in this county equals to 129 counts egainst each of the 5 supervisors.
A very clear analogy. We can all relate to our first business, I pushed the family lawn mower around the neighborhood, making money from the mean streets and lawns of Sherman Oaks. From these humble beginnings we all learn the basics of capitalism. Something apparently few democrats care to understand.
This lack of common business sense in our general population could also explain why so many democrats, and why in our county, 50% of working age people get a government check. Because it’s easier to work for the government like Salud and Capps and the other tens of thousands of government employees.. There’s no worry about making payroll, or a profit or providing a viable service.
And this is why as conservatives we clamor for smaller government. Because we know all government is wasteful, inefficient and oppressive. That’s why I am forming a new 501 group to DOGE our local county and city government. Our new NGO is called Coalition4liberty.com and we plan to DOGE local government and release reports and videos on a regular basis. These educational, and non partisan reports will be made freely available.
And Brian nails it pointing out our current government hides behind technical compliance, while funneling millions of taxpayer dollars to Democrat NGO’s, fake businesses and the like.
It amazes me at how people are ignorant of politics and history. Countries have always exchanged gifts. In particular the Arabs are vary diligent in this custom. In the past, they gave horses or camels. In todays economy they now give billions in airplanes or yachts. In todays economy that is chump change. Any gifts to the President are the property of the American people. The 747 in question will go to the military and then to the National Archive. Trump may have only two years to us it. Trump has his own fleet of airplanes which he was using before becoming President to visit his world wide building and his hundreds of thousands of employees. All gifts are either placed in the National Archives or in the Presidential Libraries . President Regan has the 707 he used while President in his library at the Simi CA. National Archive Library.
Justin, We know the history of gift giving and the US Constitution. No one gifts a $400M plane without accepting something in return, unless perhaps it’s a pay back for something received. Do we want our POTUS indebted to Qatar, a foreign country?
One legal scholar posted: "Having a luxury plane available for one's personal use is a personal value. It's a gift, and therefore the Emoluments Clause applies.
The Emoluments Clause is a provision in the U.S. Constitution that prohibits federal officeholders from accepting gifts, payments, or titles from foreign governments without congressional consent. Its purpose is to prevent foreign influence and corruption in the U.S. government.
Ha, Earl. Reminds me when our family was traveling into Florida to live there in 1957. In the car while my dad was driving, he told a joke about the orange juice signs that said, "Drink all the orange juice you can." The joke went something like: A thirsty guy stopped at an orange juice stand off the road and asked for a glass of orange juice. A sign said, "Drink all the orange juice you can for 25 cents." When the guy asked for a "free" refill, the person at the OJ stand said, "That will be another 25 cents, please." The customer said, "But the sign says drink all the OJ you can for 25 cents!" The OJ seller said, "That's right, one glass of OJ IS all you can drink for 25 cents."
Good article, Brian, and I completely agree with you that this subject should be a non partisan issue as this whole state, if it keeps going on the way it is, will go completely down the drain if not attended to soon. What is bothersome is that party loyalists will not admit that the running of this state is detrimental to its survival but instead of addressing the issues at hand would rather attack the enemy, aka, the other political party. then try to remedy the situation. I also agree with one of the other commenters that a good number of the loyalists to Mr. Newsom's running of the state are reaping financial benefits from the decisions that the governing party has put into play.
Monica - As you likely know in CA, elected official aren’t elected because they’re informed or prepared. Elections are won by name recognition with paid marketing for unknowns. There’s no need to change when the wheels are greased and rolling.
Excellent recap of the insanity we live with, in CA. Where truth and integrity is sorely missing while the entire time its citizens are required to keep pouring out our hard earned dollars for these follies. And untruths.
CA is in dire straights on many levels, fiscal accountability
just being one of them.
Thanks Brian for once again pointing out our state problems that never seem to have any resolutions.
Agree with all of this but it would be nice if Republicans when they get control of Congress and the White House would try to lower Federal spending more than they are. It seems like they get a case of cold feet because they are afraid of being attacked by Democrats as heartless scrooges. You can't let demagogues and bullies dictate Republican domestic spending policies.
We’re upset about wasteful spending in CA and looking for someone to blame. How about wasteful spending by our Federal Gov.? They just keep printing more money and spending it on special interests and the Military/Industrial complex. This is a nonpartisan issue. DOGE saves nickels and dimes by taking money from little guys while the fat cats keep lining their pockets. And it would be so easy to fix. We just need a dictator who demands a balanced budget. Ain’t gonna happen.
Thank you for writing. You write about financial corruption in California, but there is deeper corruption lead by senators like Scott Weiner. One law had to do with sex crimes arguing to lower the age to 16 & 17 year olds from 18; another is SB 357 (loitering), which now permits blatant prostitution (see raise on San Diego streets). Hopefully, the new San Francisco and San Jose mayors will have enough strength to force common sense on the out of control government bureaucrats now in charge.
"While Democrats raise alarms about a $400 million plane donated to the U.S. government by Qatar — costing taxpayers nothing..." Really? You must know that statement is NOT true. It can't be used as "Air Force 1" until $billions are spent on a thorough inspection and a complete conversion of the aircraft to AF1 specs. Perhaps it would be better to save all that taxpayer money by just paying for a repaint to make it LOOK like AF1 and then mount it on a pedestal as a static display at the Grifter-in-Chief's presidential library? Perhaps sales of Trump's meme coins could fund the project?
Oh, my mistake! So it wasn't actually a "gift"? It was "purchased" with tax payer "joint security dollars"? Why does His Malfeasance call it a "gift" and say the plane was "free"? Someone is NOT telling the truth...I wonder who that might be?
LT- Why the defense of every Trump action? The plane is a No-Go. What is the truth? You raised that the plane not a “gift” or a security concern.
Honest critique and posts of the Administration are welcomed by some readers. Trump is human. Mistakes can jeopardize some 2026 Congressional races so hold him accountable to stick to execution of policies we voted for in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Thufar Trump has delivered! Remarkable, impressive, impactful leadership. Judicial overreach a problem.
Ridiculous hand wringing Monte. After the hundreds of billions we have GIVEN the Qataris, this is the least they can do as a reciprocating gesture. That’s right, watching their backs in a hostile neighborhood, at US taxpayer expense.
Besides, who in their right mind (besides wack job liberals) wants our President of either party, flying around in a 30 year old aircraft?
The new AF 1 won’t be available from Boeing for years!
Thank you Stephen! Recently Trump seems determined to cheapen the office of POTUS. Have you seen Trump on TV now selling watches? There are three styles to choose from. It’s bad enough seeing Don Jr instilling economic fear to profit off gold sales, our Israel Ambassador Huckabee selling drugs, and others out profiteering while holding prestigious top government positions, but now it’s the POTUS himself. I don’t get it. Why the need? Can’t our POTUS restrain himself? His plane gift enthusiastic remarks were just plain stupid. Acceptance of a plane from a foreign government is unlawful: a No-Go from the Get-Go. One of Trump’s problems is he double speaks: oppressors (Qatar, Saudis, China) are his accepted good friends messaging that we too are to accept them and their positions. Tolerance is different from acceptance. Having visited all three countries, I find concerning President Trump’s related remarks. The plane and watches inexplicable. Huckabee reminds me of snake oil salesman. Seems that each seeks a pay increase.
Right now there are 30-something comments. All but a few are just belly-aching about the problem. It's like tourists complaining about June gloom. Does anybody have any suggestions? If the answer is 'vote them out,' that's fine - but please provide some strategy for that other than wishing folks would move or 'get smart' or get rid of the unions.
None of that is going to happen in CA on any actionable timeline.
I think Bonnie Donovan's articles outlining the local fiscal problems and who should be in charge to contact, without blaming Biden or a laptop - is an excellent model. It's educational without being insulting to one side. The more people understand the issue the more likely some fiscal management and accountability might finally happen.
Thomas- much to do. Speak out. Forward Current articles like this one by Brian to low informed voters and to all government officials. Spread far and wide info. Bring a worker as a guest to a luncheon meeting to hear Andy Caldwell and others; to a candidate forum with a pre-organized gathering afterwards to discuss. Plan to work election week to get voters out. Actively support with time and/or cash prepared fighter candidates to hone in government. Organize others! The precinct project needs volunteers.
Well said Brian. It would be difficult to find a better example of the problems in how California operates than the "train to nowhere." When the fed's required a plan be submitted in 5 years, California immediately requested an extension based on its not being able to "move that quickly." When the head of the project, who was the most qualified, argued with the California legislature Newsom replaced him with a lobbyist friendly with the legislature. Country music got it right" You have to know when to hold'm, know when to fold'm, know when to walk away, know when to run."
Where and when is the CA taxpayer revolt? Isn’t it time to fight back; or are state tax increases of no worry to you? CA Property owners? CA Voter Majority? If the federal SALT Deduction is increased to $40K from $10K, as proposed, are any additional CA taxes manageable or tolerable?
Everyone wants more of our money. Yesterday, talks began on how to pay for MediCal shortfalls from lost federal revenues, which now pay over half of CA’s MediCal costs. Program costs for illegal migrants alone reportedly increased to $12.1 billion a little more than the state’s $11.9 billion budget shortfall. California Dems are in control and don’t rule out new taxes to cover shortfalls including for “illegal immigrant” health care, according to multiple sources. https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_c5ca1351-fa01-4d73-9c7a-89a5c2156ab3.html
Over Half of MediCal Revenues from Feds: demands for a tax increase.
Dan Walters on Newsom’s off-the-mark budget numbers undermine his credibility again – Orange County Register. Needs $160-200B in individual & corporate taxes.
"Where is the tax revolt!?" This is why you people always fail. You focus on mammon and think trying to reason with a demonic system will make you win.
"If we just organized we could-"
Stop coping. You don't get it. Your side has been organizing for forever, maybe it's time to abandon your idols.
Ah but mea culpa, what can we expect from those whose worldview and life collapses without the revolution. And from people who also idolize the masonic liberals who destroyed Christendom. Pride and stubborness.
Also inb4 monetcito is like "um, I don't understand your perfectly legible comment" as he... she...? usually does.
If California is boasting the 5th largest economy in the world, it makes me wonder by what means this is calculated? Also if CA occupies such a lofty position, how horrendous are the economies that are rated beneath it? Lots of smoke and mirrors being used for the (previously) Golden State?
You want accountability? Entrenched politics state we give money and raises to politicians to pad the pockets of failure, and you want accountability?
A Lemonade Stand Could Do Better (Really???)
The truth is painful: a kid with a lemonade stand is more transparent, efficient, and accountable than the California state government. Your statement here is a DUH moment. Any kid can tell you that, so why are you beating this drum?
When you talk with politicians about how they run their personal finances and then compare that with how they spend the taxpayers money, it makes the point your are right!
e.g. CAB objected to a unnecessary bike and walking path on Ortega Hill, that is nothing more then piling on failure of the Schwartz Ortega hill bike path. $~2.5 Million of taxpayer dollars. This at the same time the County of SB has hundreds of Millions in capital projects it cannot cover. The faces in the room when we stated the County is broke was most telling
"...Doesn’t spend $30 to build a $1 cup." Boy are you being tough on politicians and the State of Calif.
Time for Real Accountability??? Are you serious? It would bring the stupid HSR tracks to a halt, closing of streets to a halt, increased pays for embedded politicians who cannot make it without the taxpayers theft.
Come to the CAB meeting this Wed. the 28th, we'll buy you lunch, slap you on the back, and say job well done. If not have a great Memorial Day.
Thank you Brian for reminding us why the American Psychological Association should now list “Liberalism” as a mental illness. If the massive mismanagement of public funds that you skillfully point out isn’t fraud, money laundering, corruption and criminality…what is it? Simply incompetence, the likes of which has never been seen before in human history?
Kudos to the US Senate for putting the kibosh on the California EV mandate. Of course, AG Bonta promptly filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration and indicated that 23 other lawsuits filed on behalf of Californians and that Trump was a “repeat offender.” Seriously, is Rob Bonta really this stupid? Filing frivolous lawsuits while California is going broke?
All this going on while the Dem brainiacs in Sacramento got the idea of shutting down 2 refineries which are predicted to send gas prices soaring to between $8-9/gal. I just returned from Kansas City where gas prices were, wait for it….$2.99/gal!
Folks, we’re circling the bowl in this State and the Democrats need to be sent packing and/or prosecuted!
Whatever Teko, you want to play Lancelot, that’s your problem. Go slay a Dragon.
Yes, I should play Minecraft and slay the Ender Dragon, instead of skewering you for the 80th morbillionth time. It does get dull constantly annihilating you rhetorically.
Annihilating me Teko? Trust me Bruh, it takes more than a Night Clerk at the Budget Inn to pull that off, genius.
How about you trek down to Legoland on horseback to live out your fantasy?
"Thank you Brian for reminding us why the American Psychological Association should now list “Liberalism” as a mental illness."
Yet literally everyone on this site, yourself included - is a liberal. Whether or not you idolize the "rights of man" or "liberty" from 1776 or "progressive intersectionality". Anyone whose ideas and worldview are shaped by that first liberal rebellion against the Divine order - is part of the problem.
"Kudos to the US Senate for putting the kibosh on the California EV mandate. Of course, AG Bonta promptly filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration and indicated that 23 other lawsuits filed on behalf of Californians and that Trump was a “repeat offender.” Seriously, is Rob Bonta really this stupid? Filing frivolous lawsuits while California is going broke?
All this going on while the Dem brainiacs in Sacramento got the idea of shutting down 2 refineries which are predicted to send gas prices soaring to between $8-9/gal. I just returned from Kansas City where gas prices were, wait for it….$2.99/gal!"
What you wrote LT is utterly meaningless. "Lawsuits, gas-" no wonder the right always loses. This is what they focus on now that they have become the guardians of a world without throne and altar. Conservatives are really just burkean copers - surrendering to the revolution as long as they can have low gas prices and the decay is "slow, and legal".
Pathetic. Carlism gang - out.
Ya, right Teko. We can always count on you for a very predictable and stupid response! Seriously, how under your bizarre, nutty fantasy are folks supposed to get around, horse and buggy? Go on, tell us how we would all benefit from a medieval, Monarchical theocracy.
I mentioned the American Psychological Association earlier, maybe you should get a work up?
Burkean Cope; *The rightist responds not with calm poise, but mere dismissal and a strawman argument.
🥱 "But you hate modern tech-"
I literally obliterated this strawman weeks ago in responding to an article by Mr. Schulte, and yet you parrot it once more. You're not very... bright if you think the spirit of Medieval Europe is the same as the form.
It's no different than when you liken a Catholic monarchy to am Islamic state - because you have no argument.
"horse and buggy?" Yet the Amish who support Trump do it. I am not here to convince you - simply to destroy your idols. Besides, please tell us what you precious modernity in the social, political, and religious realm has contributed? You yap about "muh wokism, muh marxism, muh CRT" - yet you ignore that these things come from thr same revolution you adore. Wokism did not exist under thr Habsburgs- but Trump.
Oh and here's the comment from a month ago were I demolished your strawman from today in essence, you are so predicatble; TheotokosAppreciator
The Carlist Outpost
Apr 16
Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and also quite cringe. The times you idolize were never traditional in any capacity, it was a consumerist, liberal, materialist facade of Cold War family dynamics. The salaryman/housewife ideal was born of the rise of the Middle class, the neighborhood life you speak of is just personal memories for you - it doesn't actually point to a traditional time. Stop looking back to the 20th century and look back the Medieval times, *for the spirit, not the form - I don't want to here someone strawman me and go "YOU HATE MODERN MEDICINE?!😱"*
The Faith people held? It had been declining since the *Enlightenment you people so love, so many the Founders you love had heterodox or heretical beliefs*.
Come back LT when you can defens your beliefs. Lator gator.
In the rouge gallery of state fiscal mismanagement, one can never leave out the majority of tax dollar outlays made to our state public education system which also fails all fiscal and mission accountability.
Shortly after property tax protection Prop 13 was passed, California voters additionally passed passed Prop 98, to demonstrate their continued support and priority for California public education. Since its passage, Prop 98 now automatically dedicates, with no strings attached, 50% of all general funds every year to be allocated to state public education: 90% to K-12 and 10% to community colleges.
In return we now have a #45 ranked K- 12 system nationwide. Plus additional demands were just placed on local property taxpayers to fund a $100 million dollar plus new gymnasium at SBCC, since SBCC has refused to balance their operating budgets for years too.
The most glaring and unintended outcome for this automatic Prop 98 funding for public education was the immense growth and power of California Teachers Association union, who along with SEIU/CSEA, became the primary political brokers in this state since they have so much "free" money now automatically at their disposal. Governor Jerry Brown admitted they are now the unelected fourth branch of our state government, and neither Brown nor Newsom make a move without getting the teachers union's pre-approval.
Can voters cancel Prop 98 due to its primary mission failures today? We must look into this for real fiscal reform in this state. How long should we be forced to fund abject failure. Even always lower ranked Mississippi is now running circles around California K-12 with their "education miracle" student success numbers today.
This should shock the conscience of every voter and tax payer in this entire state. Yet it continues to fly under the radar ,with no small cover-up help by that very same California Teachers association union and their handmaiden SEIU.
California Legislative Analyst's Office - K-12 Budget and Prop 98
https://www.lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4839
NB: California's notoriously low-ranked business friendly environment is reducing the general fund revenues, which in turn directly affects the Prop 98 allocations to K-12.
Let the teacher union's wounded howls begin, after educating several generations of their students to hate capitalism and to see only the state tax payers as their primary funding resource to allow them to continue with their business unfriendly educational curriculum. Tax the Rich Even More, which most likely be their predictable rallying cry.
Teaching moment is at hand. But assume California Democrats, running this K-12 clown show, will earn another Grade F.
The president has stated its not for his personal use, he is handing it over the military the USAF! The President is spending his own money to not only save our nation he is also saving our state. It is very eady to see that our federal and state Governments have been usurped the false fake pretence of Democracy is long gone! Republican form of government is coming back with our compacted California Constitution of 1849 as the Legistive Analyst Office acknowledged the boundaries of last January! Its time for the Republicans to wake up that they need to remove themselves from the sandbox with the democrats. Political Playtime is over. NewCaliforniastate.com filed cease and desist in all 58 counties! There was no one else to file lawsuits and we quoted reaearch by the electiin intregrity group in our cease and desist read to the public at the BOS on Nov 5th, when they were served October 10th. declarations of Truth/affidavitts have standing! 129 in this county equals to 129 counts egainst each of the 5 supervisors.
A very clear analogy. We can all relate to our first business, I pushed the family lawn mower around the neighborhood, making money from the mean streets and lawns of Sherman Oaks. From these humble beginnings we all learn the basics of capitalism. Something apparently few democrats care to understand.
This lack of common business sense in our general population could also explain why so many democrats, and why in our county, 50% of working age people get a government check. Because it’s easier to work for the government like Salud and Capps and the other tens of thousands of government employees.. There’s no worry about making payroll, or a profit or providing a viable service.
And this is why as conservatives we clamor for smaller government. Because we know all government is wasteful, inefficient and oppressive. That’s why I am forming a new 501 group to DOGE our local county and city government. Our new NGO is called Coalition4liberty.com and we plan to DOGE local government and release reports and videos on a regular basis. These educational, and non partisan reports will be made freely available.
And Brian nails it pointing out our current government hides behind technical compliance, while funneling millions of taxpayer dollars to Democrat NGO’s, fake businesses and the like.
Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrate is what is coming!
It amazes me at how people are ignorant of politics and history. Countries have always exchanged gifts. In particular the Arabs are vary diligent in this custom. In the past, they gave horses or camels. In todays economy they now give billions in airplanes or yachts. In todays economy that is chump change. Any gifts to the President are the property of the American people. The 747 in question will go to the military and then to the National Archive. Trump may have only two years to us it. Trump has his own fleet of airplanes which he was using before becoming President to visit his world wide building and his hundreds of thousands of employees. All gifts are either placed in the National Archives or in the Presidential Libraries . President Regan has the 707 he used while President in his library at the Simi CA. National Archive Library.
Justin, We know the history of gift giving and the US Constitution. No one gifts a $400M plane without accepting something in return, unless perhaps it’s a pay back for something received. Do we want our POTUS indebted to Qatar, a foreign country?
One legal scholar posted: "Having a luxury plane available for one's personal use is a personal value. It's a gift, and therefore the Emoluments Clause applies.
The Emoluments Clause is a provision in the U.S. Constitution that prohibits federal officeholders from accepting gifts, payments, or titles from foreign governments without congressional consent. Its purpose is to prevent foreign influence and corruption in the U.S. government.
CA fiscal reminds me of a sign I used to see in my old cowboy bar -
"Free Beer Tomorrow"
Ha, Earl. Reminds me when our family was traveling into Florida to live there in 1957. In the car while my dad was driving, he told a joke about the orange juice signs that said, "Drink all the orange juice you can." The joke went something like: A thirsty guy stopped at an orange juice stand off the road and asked for a glass of orange juice. A sign said, "Drink all the orange juice you can for 25 cents." When the guy asked for a "free" refill, the person at the OJ stand said, "That will be another 25 cents, please." The customer said, "But the sign says drink all the OJ you can for 25 cents!" The OJ seller said, "That's right, one glass of OJ IS all you can drink for 25 cents."
Good one Bill - I'll remember that one - thanks!
Good article, Brian, and I completely agree with you that this subject should be a non partisan issue as this whole state, if it keeps going on the way it is, will go completely down the drain if not attended to soon. What is bothersome is that party loyalists will not admit that the running of this state is detrimental to its survival but instead of addressing the issues at hand would rather attack the enemy, aka, the other political party. then try to remedy the situation. I also agree with one of the other commenters that a good number of the loyalists to Mr. Newsom's running of the state are reaping financial benefits from the decisions that the governing party has put into play.
Monica - As you likely know in CA, elected official aren’t elected because they’re informed or prepared. Elections are won by name recognition with paid marketing for unknowns. There’s no need to change when the wheels are greased and rolling.
Excellent recap of the insanity we live with, in CA. Where truth and integrity is sorely missing while the entire time its citizens are required to keep pouring out our hard earned dollars for these follies. And untruths.
CA is in dire straights on many levels, fiscal accountability
just being one of them.
Thanks Brian for once again pointing out our state problems that never seem to have any resolutions.
Agree with all of this but it would be nice if Republicans when they get control of Congress and the White House would try to lower Federal spending more than they are. It seems like they get a case of cold feet because they are afraid of being attacked by Democrats as heartless scrooges. You can't let demagogues and bullies dictate Republican domestic spending policies.
We’re upset about wasteful spending in CA and looking for someone to blame. How about wasteful spending by our Federal Gov.? They just keep printing more money and spending it on special interests and the Military/Industrial complex. This is a nonpartisan issue. DOGE saves nickels and dimes by taking money from little guys while the fat cats keep lining their pockets. And it would be so easy to fix. We just need a dictator who demands a balanced budget. Ain’t gonna happen.
Thank you for writing. You write about financial corruption in California, but there is deeper corruption lead by senators like Scott Weiner. One law had to do with sex crimes arguing to lower the age to 16 & 17 year olds from 18; another is SB 357 (loitering), which now permits blatant prostitution (see raise on San Diego streets). Hopefully, the new San Francisco and San Jose mayors will have enough strength to force common sense on the out of control government bureaucrats now in charge.
"While Democrats raise alarms about a $400 million plane donated to the U.S. government by Qatar — costing taxpayers nothing..." Really? You must know that statement is NOT true. It can't be used as "Air Force 1" until $billions are spent on a thorough inspection and a complete conversion of the aircraft to AF1 specs. Perhaps it would be better to save all that taxpayer money by just paying for a repaint to make it LOOK like AF1 and then mount it on a pedestal as a static display at the Grifter-in-Chief's presidential library? Perhaps sales of Trump's meme coins could fund the project?
You’re kidding right, or just have no clue what you’re babbling about? The US taxpayer has spent hundreds of billions on Qatari joint security.
https://www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-qatar
Oh, my mistake! So it wasn't actually a "gift"? It was "purchased" with tax payer "joint security dollars"? Why does His Malfeasance call it a "gift" and say the plane was "free"? Someone is NOT telling the truth...I wonder who that might be?
LT- Why the defense of every Trump action? The plane is a No-Go. What is the truth? You raised that the plane not a “gift” or a security concern.
Honest critique and posts of the Administration are welcomed by some readers. Trump is human. Mistakes can jeopardize some 2026 Congressional races so hold him accountable to stick to execution of policies we voted for in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Thufar Trump has delivered! Remarkable, impressive, impactful leadership. Judicial overreach a problem.
Ridiculous hand wringing Monte. After the hundreds of billions we have GIVEN the Qataris, this is the least they can do as a reciprocating gesture. That’s right, watching their backs in a hostile neighborhood, at US taxpayer expense.
Besides, who in their right mind (besides wack job liberals) wants our President of either party, flying around in a 30 year old aircraft?
The new AF 1 won’t be available from Boeing for years!
Well, the Air Force has faith in the B-52 and the average age of those is 62 years.
Apples and oranges, Bruh.
https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/cost-operate-maintain-air-force-one/
Ah…maybe you, genius!
Thank you Stephen! Recently Trump seems determined to cheapen the office of POTUS. Have you seen Trump on TV now selling watches? There are three styles to choose from. It’s bad enough seeing Don Jr instilling economic fear to profit off gold sales, our Israel Ambassador Huckabee selling drugs, and others out profiteering while holding prestigious top government positions, but now it’s the POTUS himself. I don’t get it. Why the need? Can’t our POTUS restrain himself? His plane gift enthusiastic remarks were just plain stupid. Acceptance of a plane from a foreign government is unlawful: a No-Go from the Get-Go. One of Trump’s problems is he double speaks: oppressors (Qatar, Saudis, China) are his accepted good friends messaging that we too are to accept them and their positions. Tolerance is different from acceptance. Having visited all three countries, I find concerning President Trump’s related remarks. The plane and watches inexplicable. Huckabee reminds me of snake oil salesman. Seems that each seeks a pay increase.
Right now there are 30-something comments. All but a few are just belly-aching about the problem. It's like tourists complaining about June gloom. Does anybody have any suggestions? If the answer is 'vote them out,' that's fine - but please provide some strategy for that other than wishing folks would move or 'get smart' or get rid of the unions.
None of that is going to happen in CA on any actionable timeline.
I think Bonnie Donovan's articles outlining the local fiscal problems and who should be in charge to contact, without blaming Biden or a laptop - is an excellent model. It's educational without being insulting to one side. The more people understand the issue the more likely some fiscal management and accountability might finally happen.
Thomas- much to do. Speak out. Forward Current articles like this one by Brian to low informed voters and to all government officials. Spread far and wide info. Bring a worker as a guest to a luncheon meeting to hear Andy Caldwell and others; to a candidate forum with a pre-organized gathering afterwards to discuss. Plan to work election week to get voters out. Actively support with time and/or cash prepared fighter candidates to hone in government. Organize others! The precinct project needs volunteers.
Well said Brian. It would be difficult to find a better example of the problems in how California operates than the "train to nowhere." When the fed's required a plan be submitted in 5 years, California immediately requested an extension based on its not being able to "move that quickly." When the head of the project, who was the most qualified, argued with the California legislature Newsom replaced him with a lobbyist friendly with the legislature. Country music got it right" You have to know when to hold'm, know when to fold'm, know when to walk away, know when to run."
Where and when is the CA taxpayer revolt? Isn’t it time to fight back; or are state tax increases of no worry to you? CA Property owners? CA Voter Majority? If the federal SALT Deduction is increased to $40K from $10K, as proposed, are any additional CA taxes manageable or tolerable?
Everyone wants more of our money. Yesterday, talks began on how to pay for MediCal shortfalls from lost federal revenues, which now pay over half of CA’s MediCal costs. Program costs for illegal migrants alone reportedly increased to $12.1 billion a little more than the state’s $11.9 billion budget shortfall. California Dems are in control and don’t rule out new taxes to cover shortfalls including for “illegal immigrant” health care, according to multiple sources. https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_c5ca1351-fa01-4d73-9c7a-89a5c2156ab3.html
Over Half of MediCal Revenues from Feds: demands for a tax increase.
https://lao.ca.gov/handouts/health/2025/Medi-Cal-in-the-May-Revision-051925.pdf
Dan Walters on Newsom’s off-the-mark budget numbers undermine his credibility again – Orange County Register. Needs $160-200B in individual & corporate taxes.
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/05/22/gavin-newsoms-off-the-mark-budget-numbers-undermine-his-credibility-again/
State Farm Insurance seeks 11% additional rate hike on top of 17% approved by state
https://www.kron4.com/news/california/state-farm-insurance-seeks-additional-rate-hike-on-top-of-17-approved-by-state/
"Where is the tax revolt!?" This is why you people always fail. You focus on mammon and think trying to reason with a demonic system will make you win.
"If we just organized we could-"
Stop coping. You don't get it. Your side has been organizing for forever, maybe it's time to abandon your idols.
Ah but mea culpa, what can we expect from those whose worldview and life collapses without the revolution. And from people who also idolize the masonic liberals who destroyed Christendom. Pride and stubborness.
Also inb4 monetcito is like "um, I don't understand your perfectly legible comment" as he... she...? usually does.
Fraud on a massive scale, perpetrated by the Democrat, one party state.
https://oig.hhs.gov/reports/all/2024/california-improperly-claimed-527-million-in-federal-medicaid-reimbursement-for-capitation-payments-made-on-behalf-of-noncitizens-with-unsatisfactory-immigration-status/
If California is boasting the 5th largest economy in the world, it makes me wonder by what means this is calculated? Also if CA occupies such a lofty position, how horrendous are the economies that are rated beneath it? Lots of smoke and mirrors being used for the (previously) Golden State?
It means Newscum is the richest governor in the country.
Mr. Campbell, geez what's your problem?
You want accountability? Entrenched politics state we give money and raises to politicians to pad the pockets of failure, and you want accountability?
A Lemonade Stand Could Do Better (Really???)
The truth is painful: a kid with a lemonade stand is more transparent, efficient, and accountable than the California state government. Your statement here is a DUH moment. Any kid can tell you that, so why are you beating this drum?
When you talk with politicians about how they run their personal finances and then compare that with how they spend the taxpayers money, it makes the point your are right!
e.g. CAB objected to a unnecessary bike and walking path on Ortega Hill, that is nothing more then piling on failure of the Schwartz Ortega hill bike path. $~2.5 Million of taxpayer dollars. This at the same time the County of SB has hundreds of Millions in capital projects it cannot cover. The faces in the room when we stated the County is broke was most telling
"...Doesn’t spend $30 to build a $1 cup." Boy are you being tough on politicians and the State of Calif.
Time for Real Accountability??? Are you serious? It would bring the stupid HSR tracks to a halt, closing of streets to a halt, increased pays for embedded politicians who cannot make it without the taxpayers theft.
Come to the CAB meeting this Wed. the 28th, we'll buy you lunch, slap you on the back, and say job well done. If not have a great Memorial Day.