Governing By Polls or Pols
Governing by polls instead of by pols (as in politicians) apparently would not bring different results in California. Just look at recent polls.
The respondents to the latest Field Poll are clearly saying: Don’t raise taxes and don’t cut spending. Isn’t that the position politicians in Sacramento take most of the time?
When the voters were asked if they wanted to see their taxes raised to balance the budget, 58% said no way.
When they were asked if they wanted to cut law enforcement and police only 23% said Yes. Cut public schools: 25% Yes. How about health care for low-income people: 26% Yes. Higher education: 31% Yes. And so it went. Only state prisons and parks seemed to be on the chopping block to the poll respondents. But do you really think a majority of voters would actually pull the trigger to cut these programs if they were given the chance?
Saving Our Lifeblood Before It’s Too Late
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta conveys water to more than 25 million Californians, supports a $400 billion economy and is home to 700 native plants and species. This lifeblood for our state is threatened by unsustainable governance practices and a crumbling physical infrastructure. Without implementing a new strategy, we will continue to be a moderate earthquake away from a Katrina-like disaster that will immediately cut off one of our most critical water sources and decimate the Delta’s natural environment.
Fortunately, a group of civic leaders is working to ensure that our state has a safe, reliable supply of water for years to come – The Delta Vision Foundation. The group, which started as a blue ribbon task force appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a true bipartisan effort including business, labor and the environmental community. As our state heads into its worst drought in modern history and water reliability remains at the forefront of the Sacramento political agenda , the Delta Vision Foundation is our state’s best bet for developing solutions that balance the economic and environmental functions of the Delta.
We Need a Revolution at the LAUSD
“Carve deeper next time.”
According to the Los Angeles Times, that’s precisely what Los Angeles Unified School District teacher said to his student standing before class to explain why he’d been absent, and why he had scars on his wrists. “Carve deeper next time.”
What do you think happened to that teacher?
You guessed it: He wasn’t fired. He wasn’t prosecuted. He wasn’t even disciplined. The LAUSD commission charged with firing teachers concluded that Polanco was trying “to defuse the awkward situation.” He was sent to teach at East Valley High School in North Hollywood. And that’s what he’s doing today. Teaching our kids. Nobody seems to know what happened to the child.
That’s why we need a revolution at the LAUSD.