5 Better Places to Protest Than a College Campus
There are few better ways to make your point than with a well-conceived protest. As a journalist, they are fun to cover. I’ve seen clashes between cops and anarchists, watched hotel workers shut down Century Boulevard, and listened as New Yorkers, defending rent control against their then-governor, chanted, “George Pataki! Landlord Lackey!” (Try chanting it yourself—you won’t be able to stop).
So I’m delighted to see California’s college students out protesting program cuts and fee increases this week. Their cause is righteous. Unfortunately, their aim stinks.
They’re protesting in two places—college campuses and outside the Capitol in Sacramento – where they are unlikely to make much impact. College campuses are a waste of time because the protestors can’t make any converts there. Everyone on campus already agrees with them.
The Capitol is a tempting target, but it’s also a waste of time. California’s governing system, combined with partisan polarization, has tied the legislature (and the governor, for that matter) in knots. The main role of legislators, in putting together a budget, is to clean up the mess left them by the broken system. Protesting at the Capitol these days is like protesting outside your janitor’s office.
Energy Sector Has Few Alternatives
Los Angeles fancies itself the capital of the alternative-energy world. Electric car companies are clustering here along with the startups to create the new-age batteries for them. Wind farms are popping up outside the city and solar electricity is hot.
On the one hand, all that’s promising. Alternative energy is, after all, the future. But on the other hand, it’s risky. Virtually every form of alternative energy today is either unproven, expensive, limited in capacity or dangerous in its own right.
We got a good reminder of that last week in a special section in the Wall Street Journal headlined “The Long Road to an Alternative-Energy Future.” It took a look at several alternative-energy initiatives and pointed out the significant challenges of each.
“May the Best Car Win”
Pressed to the brink of oblivion, General Motors has chosen a smart strategy as it seeks to restore its image and business. The fact that GM chose this course is unique given that the company is a quasi-public agency run by a de-facto appointee of President Barack Obama.
I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials; they’ve been everywhere. “May the best car win,” advertisements proclaim followed by comparisons with competing brands. “Our car is better than the competition and it costs less,” is the message GM is sending.
While I applaud GM for its willingness to compete, it is also a bit surprising given the fact that the Company is a proud union shop. Their willingness to compete and be judged on a level playing field is surprising, especially when one considers how unions in California operate.
With Job Creation, Action Speaks Louder Than Words
Every elected official is talking about job creation, but few have actually done anything to create or save private sector jobs. Actions taken over the last week highlight the marked difference between action and inaction.
Yesterday, the L.A. City Council’s Budget & Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend the creation of a new internet business tax category. If approved by the full Council this Friday, this will send the clear message that Los Angeles is willing to compete for well-paying, high-tech jobs. This new category, established at the lowest tax rate available, will provide fiscal certainty for dozens of L.A.-based internet businesses that pay an average salary of well over $75,000 per year.
The Budget & Finance Committee made the right decision. If this proposal is passed by the full Council, there will be a short-term loss in tax revenue for the City but a long-term opportunity to create jobs and dramatically increase the tax revenue that these growing companies (and their employees) will contribute to the City of Los Angeles. I especially applaud Council President Eric Garcetti for his leadership on pushing forward this action and we encourage a unanimous vote on Friday.