Hundreds Protest CA Budget Cuts' Impact on Poor, Sick and Disabled at Governor's San Diego Office

[Liberty Belle]

Source: East County Magazine

By Miriam Raftery

June 23, 2009 (San Diego)-- An estimated 200 to 300 people turned out to protest state budget cuts in San Diego, outside Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office downtown. Some carried coffins and a skeleton sign—grim symbols of the consequences they believe will result from severe cuts to health and social services programs.

Ann Menasche, a lawyer with San Diego Disability Action Coalition, said the cuts will be “devastating” to disabled individuals. “People already don’t have enough to live on,” she said the predicted, “With cuts to SSI and Medicare, we are going to see more homeless people and more hunger.”

For those on Medi-Cal, she added, “All mental healthcare will be cut. A lot of people with in-home services will no longer qualify.” In addition, coverage for dental, optometry, psychological and psychiatric care are also being cut, Menasche said.

<snip>

Martin Eder of Activist San Diego faulted an economy “that’s basically run by developers and big business interests that have created a collapse…The effects are being born by the poorest in society. People at the bottom are suffocating.”

Read more: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=node/1518

---

How can people continue to support legislators who would argue against closing tax loopholes for yacht owners, while taking away mental healthcare from the poor and in-home care for the elderly, sick and disabled?

Our legislature has some heartless souls indeed, and people need to understand the consequences of the CA Republican Party's no-new-taxes mantra. Republicans who vote to raise any tax or fee, however innocuous, are denied funding by their party for reelection. Democrats can't pass a budget with fee or tax hikes without a 2/3 majority - meaning they need some GOP votes.

People need to understand exactly where the blame lies here--and how horrific the results will be. It saddens me to see our state reduced to treating people worse than in some third-world nations.

[HowHasItComeToThis]

1. WHERE IS DARREL ISSA???

HE WILL BE THE SOURCE

[Liberty Belle]

2. This is a state budget. Issa's in Congress.

[HowHasItComeToThis]

16. GUARANTEE YOU ISSA IS INVOLVED

[democracy1st]

3. Wow Californians only 2-3 hundred what a shame,no wonder they're getting screwed

[deek]

4. The state is enormous

If you have disabilities and are effected by these cuts, chances are it's very difficult for you to journey to protests. Also, taking care of your personal and medical care needs while on the road is no simple task.

People with disabilities have a difficult time presenting a mass presence while advocating for themselves because of the very nature of their group status.

The successful demonstrations by ADAPT members amazes me.

[democracy1st]

5. I'm talking about people without disabilities,I agree with you on the disabled

having a hard time getting around. Where are the so called christian activists,the peacekeepers,advocates for the poor etc. I remember when fool Arnold wanted to cut prostate cancer treatments.

[MindPilot]

13. one group in one city during the day midweek.

That's a pretty good turnout and it got in the news. I say well done!

[Liberty Belle]

32. There were larger rallies in LA and Sacramento

SD is a bit more conservative, but also this rally was badly timed; there was a very hot Board of Supervisors hearing at the same time on whether to shut off power to backcountry communities during fires, so many activists were at that instead. A medical marijuana issue was also on the Sups agenda.

[mntleo2]

6. They need to tax the rich ...

...in my state the lowest income pay on the average of 19% of their meager incomes in taxes, the richest pay less than 1% and the upper 5% pay less than 5% in taxes. They have enough money that they don't pay to support millions for programs while the lowest income families actually lose money for necessities such as rent, food, and transportation because of the taxes they pay.

I live in Washington State but the poor and middle class are holding up the rich's lifestyles who use far more of our resources and this unfair taxation holds true nationwide. If the rich in our state paid what the poor pay, we would not not have the 9.2 billion dollar deficit we have, we would have a major surplus. True we have 2 of the richest men in the world living in our state, Bill Gates and Paul Allen as well as the Weyerhausers, and the Caseys (of UPS) to name a few, but they pay little or nothing of their billions in taxes. If those families alone paid 19% of their incomes in taxes like the poor pay,they would still have billions to live on and the state would be wondering what to do with the extra funds we don't have at this time, see what I mean?

Check this out and it will make you mad when you realize how little the rich pay in taxes: http://www.itepnet.org/wp2000/text.pdf

They are all deadbeats!

Cat In Seattle

[WriteDown]

12. Where exactly are you getting your figures from?

Even federal or capital gains tax are well above these amounts.

"...the richest pay less than 1% and the upper 5% pay less than 5% in taxes."

[Hannah Bell]

28. Try reading the post first: "IN MY STATE... the richest pay less than 1%"

Then try the link the poster gave to the anaysis supporting the claim:

http://www.itepnet.org/wp2000/text.pdf

Then, if you're still confused....

[WriteDown]

45. Then its flat out ridiculous...

According to the supplied pdf they are talking about the percentage of wealth. So even if the sales tax is 8% for everybody, its less a percentage of a weatlhy persons worth. I'm not sure how anyone proposes to remedy this. A wealth tax perhaps?

[droidamus2]

7. Sort of agree

Prop 13 (the ultimate Republican no taxes idea) and the 2/3 supermajority to pass a budget are definitely a problem in California but didn't the California voters just vote down a bunch of propositions that were meant to help if not balance the budget at least soften the blow of budget cuts? The voters complain about the legislature and Governor Ahnuld not taking care of the problem but when they are asked they say 'oh no we don't want to pay more taxes'. Yes, I know its not all the voters but apparently enough to keep the measures from passing. With no way to raise more revenue the government has no option to make draconian cuts or , their other favorite revenue source, raise the cost of attending the California college and university system while cutting back on what's offered.

[MindPilot]

14. Those measures we voted down.

Those measures we voted down were short-term rob-peter-to-pay-paul band-aids that would have just prolonged the inevitable. Fortunately a majority of the voters saw through that.

Really our state government now is rapidly becoming an example of destroying the village to save it.

[droidamus2]

20. Thanks

Thanks for the details. I left California 4 years ago after being born and raised there and living there until I turned 50. The costs of living there at the time were just too much. Can't the people come up with some initiatives that would help solve the problem and basically take it out of the politicians hands (getting rid of some of the long term pols probably wouldn't hurt either).

[Devil_Fish]

29. all of those measures sucked with the exception of the one that actually passed.

They all said something to the effect of "Lets barrow a couple trillion now to balance the budget this year, and it will cost us billions each year there after to pay it back."

ever carried a credit card debt? I have. I know how this scenario works, and thats why I voted no.

the one measure that passed says that the legislature can't give them selves raises unless the budget balances. I voted yes, and so did enough californians to pass that one. now the govenator is talking about closing all our state parks. What a bitch he is. They could balance the budget in less then 3 months if they would legalize and tax weed. but we can't do that because it will piss off the lumber Ind. (paper from hemp) the Cotton Ind. (clothes from hemp) the pharma Ind. (people would be able to self medicate) and the Oil ind. (diesel fuel from hemp seed oil) not to mention all the money the cop's make off of the "War on Drugs".

For this we are raping our planet and killing our selves and our children. fucking stupid if you ask me, but you didn't. I'm just a citizen living pay check to pay check barley scraping by. Money talks. I can't even whisper except on DU and what good does that do any way. Key board commando, thats what I am. can't even protest cause I'm to bissy trying to provide for my family. like Protesting does any good any way. So you spent the day walking in SF. Good for you, are you tired now? great, go back to work jerk off. Sit in the middle of the street and block traffic, get arrested and miss more work. great good for you. The system bleeds protesters till their resources are too dry to protest. at least they don't shoot us. or do they?

[droidamus2]

42. Good idea

I think taxing pot is a good idea (grew up in Eureka which is at the center of the pot growing area in Northern California) but I doubt it would raise enough in tax revenue to fix all the problems. On the other hand every little bit helps and not only would you gain some revenue but the cops and courts could save some money when they stop harassing people about pot.

[Bette Noir]

8. And, they're closing 220 state parks after Labor Day.

Folks, that's what happens when people refuse to pay taxes. No income, no goodies.

[Dragonfli]

9. Atlas didn't Shrug, he laughed and then crushed the poor beneath his jeweled sandals

California sounds like a Republican's dream - Ant-Gay, Ant-Poor, Anti-Working Class but PRO RICH ---- YIPEEEE!
Does anyone over there (beside those they now call "the extreme left") even care about the suffering that will be unleashed amidst a State with a good share of champagne drinking tax evaders?

Are they literally laughing in the country clubs at the masses while celebrating the dawn of this new libertarian dream era in Ca.?

[MindPilot]

15. No. That is a wildly inaccurate stereotype.

You are painting with a very broad brush.

[Dragonfli]

19. I apologize if I misspoke regarding state policies at this time

I meant only that it was (legally at least) an anti-gay anti-tax state (or one that favored tax burdens on the working and middle class rather than the wealthy) I thought that cuts were going to hurt the poor and working people and marriage equality was frowned upon by a majority of voters and state law. I did not know this was incorrect information, some of it must be true, I need you to explain your states policies so that I don't mistakenly think your laws are different than they actually are.

I apologize for the broad brush, it was really just frustration for what I mistakenly assumed would be the many that would suffer due to the results of all the "props" and politicians that gained popular support over the years and led to the anti-tax, anti-gay policies (that I mistakenly thought existed) and would have to be tolerated by the working poor and gay people that must not be in trouble after all.
I am glad I am wrong!
What I heard was different, it must only be cuts in certain areas I assume then (with exaggerations?).

I don't know Californian politics, NY is hard enough to follow.

I did not know it was some other political means that passed props. I also did not know that the state laws were pro tax and pro gay, I honestly thought there were few taxes on the wealthy, I did not know it was fairer than that.

What are California's policies regarding my original assumptions? I honestly did believe that the State was very ant-tax, I also thought they had an anti-gay marriage stance in that state. My bad. What are the policies of the state? I do not want to make false claims about a state that has policies that are not what I thought. Policies it seams that are not as bad as I thought. cuts that would not cause as much harm as I thought.

I really am sorry, and only want to know the TRUE situation in California at this time.

You will have to explain it to me however because what you say is a "broad brush" would be in fact reality if the OP was accurate.
I need an explanation before I just assume the OP is a lie, and that the gay posters are also incorrect about their rights having been taken away by the state.

After your post I am really just confused about californian policy and really do hope you can clarify it for me.

[YvonneCa]

21. The reality is we all drive around with surfboards on our...

...cars and spend long days hanging at the beach.

[Dragonfli]

22. I know this guy "from Cincinnati", He surfs! you all must know him, Tell him I said hello!

And that we miss him over here in NY and Ohio.


He will know what this means:

[YvonneCa]

31. As do I, of course...

...being from California and all.

[Dragonfli]

36. He told me all about California in his last letter...

... story of the Yosts, a family of surfers whose awesome athletic talents have seemed for generations to come with a curse attached. The gifts of 13-year-old Shaun rival those of Butchie, his addict-derelict father, and his now-ascetically-withdrawn grandfather Mitch, both of whom defined the sport in their heydays...

All you Cal gals are blond, but I am pretty sure this picture he sent me is you (or is she your sister?)




He also sent a picture of himself with Butchi and Shaun (wants me to visit and do some surfing)

[YvonneCa]

47. Yes. That is...

...Me. Sorry I took so long to reply...I was at the beach.

[Dragonfli]

48. .

[MindPilot]

24. Oh, that was condescending.

Yeah we're all anti-government, rich republican, gay-bashers out here. Excuse me, there is a gay homeless Mexican in the gutter out front of my McMansion; I need to go tell him to get a job while I kick him in the ribs.

[Dragonfli]

26. I was talking about the State and it's policies, NOT YOU.

I am still waiting for you to explain the REAL State of the State to me. That is sincere as I am not from there!
I do still think those props require a majority of Californians to enact them, I really want to know if I am wrong.

Specifically the one that gives the republicans the power of 1/3 + 1 vote to enable starve the beast policies (that is republican heaven you know)
Also the one that killed marriage Equality just after it's birth.

I still believe it is an anti-gay - anti-tax nirvana (starve the beast cuts against the poor also make it an anti-poor state as well.)

Do you really believe these facts are not true? if so just educate me rather than take the criticism of a States policies as a personal attack.

It takes a rather large brush, some would say "broad" to paint the truth of the wishes of more than half the voting population.

I also believe that nearly half are appalled that their State has become an anti-gay, anti-tax, anti-poor and pro-rich haven for selfish republican/libertarians (another "broad" brush to paint this near majority a much nicer color)

In the end you have yet to explain to me how I am mistaken, I want to be wrong! please back up your response to my original thread so that I may worry less about people that live there!

Not personal
Not against you (or ALL Californians)
Get it now?

Please offer your arguments, I really want them.

[Liberty Belle]

33. The problem in CA is it takes a 2/3 vote to pass any budget issues,

so even though there is a Dem majority in the legislature, the Republicans blockade every sane measure and refuse to let anything through that would raise fees or taxes. Our heartless state senator led the floor fight to block removing a loophole for yacht owners -- even though his inland district has no ocean!

[Dragonfli]

37. In the face of the obvious Republican corruption (that yacht thing sounds absurd)

Is there any way to change the screwy 2/3 vote system?

The state senators here in NY are just as bad, I shudder to think the damage the Republicans here would do with such budget rules, they already shamelessly abuse the rules and seem to "own" the Democratic majority here without even having an obstruction power that potent.

[cap]

10. a nice little byproduct of the failure to fund mental health will be an increase in murders

and physical violence from people who should be on medication.

[Odin2005]

11. That's a nasty and bigoted stereotype.

The mentally ill are far more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators.

[cap]

25. it's not a stereotype and it wasn't intended to be cruel

in fact, it is far more cruel to take people off their treatment plans. Manic depressives can become violent when they aren't on a proper treatment course. Please don't take what I am saying as something that applies to each and every person who is manic depressive. It is a very sad thing to have people go through the court system when all they needed was getting themselves taken care of properly.

[Odin2005]

27. For one thing the proper term for us nowdays is Bipolar.

And yes, you are promulgating a stereotype because most people with Bipolar are not violent.

[cap]

44. Let me apologize to you in that nowhere did I mean to insult you personally

nor to the bipolars. Mental illness runs in my family so I am in no position to cast stones or to state that a majority of bipolar sufferers are violent. However, I have unfortunately seen some people end up in the court system due to lack of treatment or, worse, dead. Even a few people who end up in an unfortunate situation due to not being treated is too much.

[meow2u3]

17. meow2u3 to California repunks: pick on someone who can fight back

Quit picking on the vulnerable or else you'll be seen as the cruel, heartless, dastardly bullies you are.

[KamaAina]

18. Excellent!

I must, however, note that when other groups protest, they get in the San Diego Union-Tribune. We get in something called "East County Magazine".

Time to lift the cloak of invisibility, fellow Gimps/Crips/Auties etc.!

[Liberty Belle]

34. One reason I started East County Magazine was because the UT ignores the news.

They have a strong right-wing editorial bias (or did, before the recent sale; too soon to tell about the new owners).

They wouldn't interview Dem Congressional candidates in some races and rubberstamped GOP candidates, even going so far as to take intentionally unflattering up-the-nose photos of Dems. The publisher actually personally corresponded with me on a major expose I proposed on voting machine fraud. She wasn't interested. I sold the story to a rival publication and eventually went national. I won a large monetary prize from a major journalism organization for that piece, which the UT didn't consider worth printing. CNN even picked up on it and ridiculed our Registrar of Voters for allowing voting machine "sleepovers."

There are other reasons for this media launch, too, such as providing emergency information during fires and coverage of East County issues too often ignored.

[JonQ]

23. So where's the money going to come from?

They voted down tax increases, are apparently opposed to tax cuts, and if they keep going the way they are they are going to run out of money sometime this summer.

Something has to give.

Could legalize and tax pot, and release anyone in jail for a minor drug offense and scrub that from their record (cutting expenses and allowing those people to get decent jobs that pay taxes, a big win). But I doubt that will solve all their woes.

[Devil_Fish]

30. That would solve a lot, except for the oil Co, Lumber Co, Cotton Co, and Pharma Co.

Fuck the people and the planet, they need their money for their pockets, I mean products that would be replaced by hemp in a heart beat.

[Liberty Belle]

35. Dems now want to hike taxes on cigarettes & alcohol, and Arnold wants to veto that plan.

[truthisfreedom]

38. That's a fantastic idea. Why is Ahhnold against it?

[Liberty Belle]

40. He's owned by big business. Liquor and tobacco, among others.

[JonQ]

43. Problem with those is that sometimes they actually do what

politicians claim they are for: cut consumption. Good for individuals, terrible for the state which has typically already spent the expected revenue from those taxes. That happened in New York recently.

[junior college]

39. Liberals? In San Diego?

Mooooo!!

[Liberty Belle]

41. Now you're milking this for all it's worth!

[No Elephants]

46. Take away in home services and people will have to go to institutions, at much higher cost. DUMB!

[prolesunited]

49. No, most of them will end up on the street

or in jail.