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Sept 18, 2003 OK America, on the count of three I want everyone east of the San Andreas Fault to stomp really hard and see if we can cut loose The Great Liberal Experiment adrift to the annuls of mystical islands like Atlantis, Xanadu, or Nebraska. I know, I know, in all seriousness we cant, California controls one-eighth of our nations economy but there are times when I think wed be better off. It strikes me as funny how, after the issue of the recall got started, there was a huge cry of foul from across the left where they were saying things, How can we take politics seriously or This is a blow to democracy. If the democrats would have just kept their cool, remained mature, kept their mouths shut, (ok, that was a silly suggestion)and handled this like the true representatives that they are supposed to be for the people of that state then I think we wouldnt be watching this pathetic circus every night. When are they going to take this seriously? And by that I mean, not an increase in mud slinging, but an honest attempt to not only help out their own state but the rest of the nations economy as well. It's one thing to hope that someone will fail to help you prove a point, but do we really want to see the rest of the state or even a portion of the nations economy tank as well? It is really getting silly out there, and the sad part is, I don't think that they are aware of how foolish they are making all politicians look like. At this rate there will be Tickle-Me-Elmo dolls running for state seats in just a matter of months. Now it appears that Gray Davis is picking on Schwarzenegger because he cant pronounce California correctly. Ooops, so much for the liberal tolerance of immigrants. Or Lt. Governor Bustamante taking monies from Indian casinos and spending it on self-serving commercials. (At least this time its not Buddhist Temples). Or even the media, and you know who you are, who have taken great delight in bringing out every speck of mud that could be slung on the one leading Republican, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Or even drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. This time when there are high speed chases through the streets of L.A. now, we will know that they will signal left before ramming into a string of parked cars. This state has had decades of liberal action against racism, the environment, the economy, public schools, and dealing with a huge influx of illegal immigrants. Can anyone tell me then, why we still have to utilize racial preferences in colleges? Or why the wild fires that run unchecked through housing developments are good for us? Or why companies are leaving California faster than people at an Ex-Lax Festival? Or why, whywhywhy do we have to falsely boost a voting block with free licenses? Don't get me wrong though, I am just as critical of Mr. Schwarzenegger's positions as well. A social liberal but a fiscal conservative? What in the heck is that? A liberal that won't give to Greenpeace? What about the opposite, a social conservative and a fiscal liberal? Is that just someone who gives way too much to the NRA? If there can be a true leader in the state of California, then it is going to have to be someone who is willing to do things that aren't popular with everyone. Earlier, I referred to California as The Great Liberal Experiment. And I was right. It was an experiment that showed all of us what not to do. It showed us what happens when we ignore all the signs for an increase in energy and just listen to those who want to plant a few trees. It showed us why a socialistic approach to government, retirement benefits, and healthcare toppled the countries in Eastern Europe from within. It showed us that the extremists dont really know what they are talking about. It showed us that in order to integrate society we have to ignore, truly ignore, the color of someones skin and treat him or her as fellow humans. It showed us that even with all our problems, even with all or imperfections, there are thousands of people who risk life and limb to come here in order to do better for themselves and their families. When was the last time, the powers that be really thought to do something to help our neighbor (Mexico) instead of ignoring the problem the same way those same people ignore the cook, waiter, or anyone else in the service industry. Not every experiment is designed to show us what is right. More often than not, experiments show us where not to go. What not to do. I just hope were smart enough to pay attention to the results. ------------ About the author: Mike Russell is a former teacher, researcher, and currently science-tech at a mid-western hospital. Email Michael F Russell: mikerussellus@yahoo.com Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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