California Politics: A Question of Morality

In a previous blog entry, I referred to Jerry Brown as the lessor of two evils. This was clearly an unfair statement to Mr. Brown. As we approach the November Gubernatorial election I am really concerned that this state's pattern of electing conservative governors will continue. The fact is we seem to be moving towards what we we fighting most to avoid.

   What is the biggest difference between the world’s major powers and third world countries? Few would argue that the middle class is what distinguishes the “haves” from the “have-nots” in this world. Clearly in our society, the middle class is the basis for our nation’s prosperity and success. The loss of our middle class would spell disaster for this nation, yet that seems to be the direction that we are purposely taking.

   When our nation responds to disasters and/or humanitarian needs of other countries, we usually provide 4 basic types of aid: food, shelter, medical and educational support. That’s right, we build shelters, hospitals and schools. Somehow, we understand that for other societies to build strength and become self-sufficient their citizens must have a place to sleep, food to eat, medical aide and they must have access to an education. This is the basic “care-package” we send to every struggling nation. So, why do we not do the same for our citizens? Why are education and medical care for our citizens such hotly contested issues? Why do these neophyte politician/actors/business executives believe that our public educational system is expendable? Why do these same politicians oppose medical care for our citizens? Am I the only one who sees the irony in this scenario?

   I’ve talked with several friends and I have been unpleasantly shocked at their take on the governor’s race. Most of my friends are middle and upper middle class, though I have several friends that would fall in the lower economic categories as well. The overall opinion seems to be that Meg Whitman would be the better choice for governor. The general feeling is that her business background would help the state get back the competitive edge. (I should mention these are the same people who thought Arnold was going to change the “political landscape” of California.) I ask each of these guys the same questions, “I know what Meg Whitman can do for InTel, Google, Cisco but what will she do for you and your family? What will she do for K-12 public schools?” Their response is usually a typical one, “oh yeah, what about ole’ Moon Beam?” …Sadly, even among friends, political conversations can go South at a moments notice.

Leadership Vacuum 

   Recently, I heard Meg Whitman say something that peaked my attention. She said, “I will put $1 Billion back into our failing state colleges and universities.” I was immediately interested and encouraged until I heard the rest of her comment. Meg Whitman plans to find the $1 Billion among the rampant fraud in our welfare system. Really, there is a billion dollars in fraud in our welfare system? Yeah, we are still waiting for the Weapons of Mass Destruction to be found at any minute now. 

   I heard a recent report on the evening news that said $69 million dollars in welfare benefits were processed in casinos and vacation resorts over a three year period, from 2006 thru 2009. That is a lot of money however the total amount of welfare benefits distributed during this same period was over $11 Billion. I’m no mathematician but I don’t think one needs to be to see the flaw in this theory. Less than 1% of the money distributed was accounted for through casinos and vacation resorts. Divided by three years, there is a total of $23 million dollars per year in “questionable” uses annually. (I say questionable because the issues raised are based upon where the resources were accessed, there is no proof that the expenditures were not allowable.) Where does Meg Whitman plan to come up with the other $977 million? The fact is republicans always say they will reduce the size of government but that’s not possible with plans like the one Meg Whitman proposes. In order to catch the "billions" in fraud you say exists, you have to have people, systems and methodologies in place or installed to do the job.  Guess what, that results in an increase in bureaucrats, staff, equipment, policies and most of all money. 

California State Capital Building

   I really don’t think that a business approach to politics is what we need. What’s needed is a realistic view of our priorities as a society. How can we talk about the legacy we leave for our children without making their education and their understanding of that legacy a priority? I won’t repeat statistics and quotes from my earlier post however I will remind all who read this that our children’s future and the future of our society is literally at stake. Our moral compass has been compromised and we must reassert ourselves as parents and advocates for future generations.

Vote education, vote for the elderly, vote for family.