Pulling the Plug on Davis won't Change Much

[Nancy Waterman]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48699-2003Jul25.html


The recall drive is the latest product of California's culture of anti-politics. At its core, this culture is built around a heightened distrust of centers of economic and political power. Although such distrust can be found throughout America's history, nowhere is it as intense and nowhere has it taken root with so many forms of direct democracy as in California.

Its origins go back to the second half of the 19th century, when California's economy and politics were dominated by the major railroads -- particularly the Union Pacific -- which were able, by buying off the legislature if necessary, to thwart attempts to create policies that would provide greater rights and benefits to workers and small business owners. Reformers felt that playing by the rules was useless, as the rules were stacked against the average Californian. So reformers, whom we now call Progressives, led by then-Gov. Hiram Johnson, enacted a series of procedures that allowed citizens to go around the existing decision-making process to make policy directly.

<snip>

But if the recall is successful there is one potential -- and significant -- danger: It could become an institutionalized and frequently used weapon. We've seen this happen before. Until the 1970s, the direct initiative was rarely used. It was in effect a safety valve voters could use if the political establishment consistently thwarted the popular will. But since the passage of Proposition 13, the initiative has become a more and more integral part of California policymaking.

The same could occur following a successful recall. The Democrats and their allies are unlikely to miss the lessons of 2003. The recall will be added as another weapon of political combat. Elected officials will increasingly fear taking actions that create short-term pain for long-term gain. Who would be willing to risk being thrown out of office for taking unpopular action, even if it's temporary?

[Cha]

1. All it takes is a thief with $$Millions of dollars and craving for

Power and the will to pay needy people to stand around targets and wal-marts and every other public place and get other people to sign against the economy. Not really thinking that it's not his fault.

If it's Gray's fault then it's bush's fault, too...on edit in fact it is bush's fault...they are going after the wrong politician.

What are your thoughts on this, Nancy? Is Gray going down?

I know how corrupt the republicans are. If they get in CAlif. then they will make sure the electoral votes go for bush like bush did for bush in 2000.

[cherryperry]

2. The problem is

that it's a lose-lose situation here in California. Gray Davis is a good republican in everything but party affiliation. I don't even understand THEIR intense need to get rid of him! However, anyone they will run is even more conservative and therefore obviously impossible to vote for. Why bother with this costly diversion? Last election they put Davis against Simon and that was definitely no choice. Now, along with lots of taxpayer money, we'll again have no viable choice. :nuke:

[Nancy Waterman]

3. At this point, the choice is democracy or banana republicism

This is an attempt to thwart a legitimate election. If this succeeds, there are 18 states with a recall law. We would have total chaos in the country. As the article says, it would be used to threaten any elected politician for doing anything unpopular in the short run for legitimate long term goals (raising taxes, for instance). The problem isn't all Davis. The Legislature won't let him do much - raise taxes or cut spending. Bush didn't help against the robber barons who stole billions and are part of the source of this whole mess. I think Davis should raise taxes on the richest 2 or 3 percent, like they need to do on the federal level. Perhaps he needs to do a PR campaign on that. but htis recall is a total outrage!!

[DonkeyKickAss]

4. I agree

Who ever is the governor of Californa will have a hard time politically to erase the massive deficit Davis has created. His deficits as a % of California GDP make Bush's deficits look cheap by comparison.

[Skittles]

5. DOESN'T ANYBODY GET IT ?????

BUSH INC. NEEDS CALIFORNIA'S ELECTORAL VOTES. WHAT BETTER WAY TO ENSURE THEY GET IT THAN TO INSTALL A BUSH WHORE INTO THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION. LOOK WHAT JEB DID IN FLORIDA.