The loony liberals in California are at it again. A group of way-out
there folks has actually filed a petition to put a measure on the 2018
ballot to start the process to have California succeed from the Union.
Part of the group's process will be an appeal to the United Nations.
They actually cite the election results as one of their reasons for the
split. Give me a break!
Is this even feasible?
Let's
start with the reality. A petition can't boot the Golden State from the
United States of America. Only an act of Congress in the form of an
amendment to the U.S. Constitution can do that.
Now, let's look at the ramifications of a break from the United States.
California
is the sixth largest economy in the world. At first, that' sounds
positive. right? With a budget bigger than most countries, the Bear
Republic should be able to handle being on their own. WRONG! How much of
the money is generated from tax revenues and how much comes from
federal funding in the forms of grants, subsidies, and other forms of
monies? Once California breaks away, that money source is gone. Where
will the State get the money to pay for welfare programs and food
stamps?
Here's some more things to think about: basic
services rely on funding. Some of that funding is comes in the form of
federal grants. So, departments will have to tighten their belts and cut
wages & benefits to pay for services. No more fancy toys for police
& fire. Expect other services (libraries, parks & recs) to
severely cut back, too. Unions? They could become a thing of the past.
Agencies won't be able to afford those expensive retirement packages.
Okay,
here's another problem. California burns in the spring and summer.
Where will the firefighting help come from? Let's remember that a large
amount of personnel and equipment come from federal agencies. Same goes
for disaster aid: sorry folks, FEMA is a U.S. agency. You'll have to
rely on the International Red Cross.
It gets better.
Want to go to Las Vegas, Reno, or visit family in another State? Get a
passport. You're crossing the border. Better hope you don't have any
warrants. What a mess coming home and dealing with ICE if you are on the
'no fly list'.
Now let's consider defense. The
military leaves (including the Coast Guard & National Guard).
California is vulnerable. All the military bases close and the personnel
leave. The jobs associated with them dry up. More tax dollars lost.
Wait...it
gets better. The cos of utilities and natural resources sky rocket. You
think your gas and power are expensive now? Wait until the water
quadruples. Most of California's water comes from out of state. Sure,
agriculture and ranchers still produce goods but how long will they stay
when the taxes are raised to help cover lost revenues? Same with
shipping ports.
In the end, suppose the residents
decide they've made a mistake and want to come back. Do you really think
the U.S.A will allow California to return as a whole state? Instead, I
predict the federal government will require California to break up into
two or three parts.
Honestly, I doubt this will happen.
Once the folks realize the consequences of a succession, they will drop
this moronic idea. however, if they go through with it, the feds will
have a lot of money available which, hopefully, can be used to help pay
off the deficit.
Stay safe out there!
CA 2016=2017 Local Appropriation Budget:
http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/localassistanceest/2016-17LocalAssistanceAppropriationTable.pdf
News story on the proposed petition:
http://www.kpbs.org/audioclips/32403/
No comments:
Post a Comment