The first line in California's declaration reminds me of a similar belief
156 years ago,
"Being a state is no longer serving California’s best interests.
In 1861 slave holding states seceded and became the Confederacy believing
as many in Californians do today, there is no reason to remain 'united'
as the country was intended to be.
In the Spring of 2019 California will give its citizens the opportunity
to vote on a referendum to secede and argues on "Nine Points" to support
secession.
Californians who want to secede believe they would be better off as an
independent country and argue the burden of statehood is too "expensive"
for the benefits of remaining in the union.
Apparently, being in the freest country in human history, at least to many
in California, is not enough, confirmed by no references to individual
freedom are listed among the nine points.
1. PEACE AND SECURITY
California feels we spend too much money defending other nations. But, this
is nothing new, our country has been doing this for more than seventy years
which mirrors the length of time we have had no "world wars". The argument
also neatly connects our NATO and SEATO compacts to defend other nations
with perpetuating terrorism.
The folly of believing California would be safer as a country from terrorism
should be revisited. Terrorism is a world wide cancer found in more than fifty
'countries', not part of the United States.
2. ELECTIONS AND GOVERNMENT
US elections are pointed to as another reason to secede, by suggesting the
state has "no role" in electing a president.
Consider, without California no Democrat would have been elected in the last
100 years! The argument is so weak, the Western time zone was grabbed as
being a factor. (No such whining came from the other Western states)
3. TRADE AND REGULATION
The argument on our "burdensome trade system" has merit but Californians
should remember no president until Donald Trump was willing to address
the problem, not President Obama or Hillary Clinton, the preferred
candidate of Californians who gave her more than 60% support.
Californians were so enamored with President Obama and Hillary Clinton
they gave little attention to Trump campaigning the US would not enter
into the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement if he was elected.
TPP will be dead!!
4. DEBT AND TAXES
Before believing California will be better off as a country, the citizens
need to know the state has more than $400 billion in debt, much of which
is due to the generous public worker pensions. Blaming "subsidizing other
states" is a redirection from failed policies within the state.
5. IMMIGRATION
This is surprising since California does not seem concerned about the
number of immigrants who move there. In fact, California continually
says immigrants are an economic plus. And for arguing our immigration
system was "designed by the 49 other states", neglects to mention
California has the largest number of members of Congress!
6. NATURAL RESOURCES
Considering the stranglehold environmentalists have in California,
its a wonder any natural resources are even allowed to be extracted.
Even grabbing on the occasional sequestration is a stretch on a point
which should not even be listed.
California complaint about land being taken can be resolved by using
its muscle in Congress to reacquire it.
7. THE ENVIRONMENT
California disapproves of other states wanting to continue the debate
about climate change. And by leaving its environment will be improve,
think again.
This "global leader" on environmental issues should explain why the
seven most polluted cities in the country are in California:
1. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, CA
2. Bakersfield-Delano, CA
3. Visalia-Porterville, CA
4. Fresno-Madera, CA
5. Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Yuba City, CA
6. Hanford-Corcoran, CA
7. San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA
8. HEALTH AND MEDICINE
As I recall most of the people California sent to Washington all supported
the Affordable Care Act. If Californians still lack quality health they
should blame Nancy Pelosi for voting without reading the legislation.
About funding health care programs the state wants, this is exactly what
President Trump wants to do. Rethink this argument.
9. EDUCATION
If California is so displeased with public education why didn't the state
take control rather than leave it in Washington which turned education
from a vocation to an industry.
The 65% who supported Hillary Clinton knew she believed in the US Dept of
Education while the 30% who supported President Trump knew he wanted
education to be local, with minimal interference from Washington.
IN SUMMARY.....
One curious omission, Californians promoting leaving the US found no fault
within state government. Any objective study would have shown there have
been many self-inflected wounds that will not change if California departs.
Also, it appears there is little need for California to secede. The election
of Donald Trump provides mot of the remedies to the problems identified in
the "Nine Points".
Who knew the candidate two-thirds of the state did not want would be the
person that will address the problems Californians want resolved.
Feedback appreciated. Feel free to enter in comments section below, or email, ajbruno14@gmail.com "Point of View" blog http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/
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