Fox and Hounds Daily’s Black Bart Award as Californian of the Year in Politics goes to: Abel Maldonado.
He was named by all three of our nominators as someone whose impact was felt in the California political world.
As stated earlier in the week, Maldonado’s wheeling and dealing on the state budget ended with a vote to raise taxes, force a special election in May, propose a major policy change with the open-primary measure in the coming June 2010 election, and moved the debate on how California should be governed. His actions, along with his nomination for Lt. Governor, have set off much maneuvering in Sacramento. Whether or not you approved of the senator’s positions, his impact on the state political scene cannot be ignored.
We decided to name the Californian of the Year Award after gentleman highwayman Black Bart, a California original. He mixed a bit of larceny, artistry, good manners with character to push-back when he thought the system was working against him as exemplified by his famous poem left at the scene of his first stagecoach holdup:
I’ve labored long and hard for bread —
For honor and for riches —
But on my corns too long you’ve tred,
You fine-haired sons of bitches.
Black Bart, the Po8
When Black Bart was released from prison, a reporter asked him if he would write more poetry. He responded: "Young man, didn’t you hear me say I would commit no more crimes?"
We at Fox and Hounds Daily did not make such promises when it comes to poetic license.
Therefore, in the tradition of Black Bart, gentleman outlaw and po8, we contribute this bit of doggerel naming out winner and looking toward next year.
From open mike sex talk to workers’ furlough
Many who have earned cheers and boos
But our award winner is Maldonado
In 2010, who will surpass him?
Which Black Bart might fix our state’s breach?
Reformer? Tax fighter? Someone’s brilliant whim?
If weed tax passes, bet on Chong or Mr. Cheech.
The Fox and Hounds Daily Po8s