Discuss "California GOP's no-tax-hike pledge"

Here's the solution that the Repubs should embrace that will solve all out state problems: Put ex-President Bush & all his Fed co-conspirators in charge of the California economy, effective Jan. 21, 2009: Their experience in implementing the Republican philosophy of tax cuts for the richest donors; lax regulation; farming out of essential services to "private sector" crooks; and record breaking borrowing to fund misguided programs. This will solve all our problems, right?

Herb Harrison @ 11:35 PM PST, Dec 30, 2008

To all the whiners bragging about their tax brackets, I could care less about your twisted belief system, find yourself a good CPA and stop bragging and whining at the same time. Get real.

Radical Raul @ 11:16 PM PST, Dec 30, 2008

Wow. The LA Times calling out Republicans for insisting the state lives within it's means?? This is a shock. Maybe if the Times spent some of their time pointing out how the Democrats, who of course have the majority, could make some spending cuts where needed, maybe we wouldn't have wound up here to begin with.

conservative @ 8:40 PM PST, Dec 30, 2008

They already ruined CA's public education system with anti-tax laws. Now GOP tax-cut-wingnuts would rather run the state into the ground. These are extreme, selfish obstructionists who are overjoyed at stopping any progress on any issue. Republicans are only out for their rich friends, big corporations and ultra-right christians. As far as the GOP goes, the rest of the state can go take a hike off a cliff. Obama needs to pass stimulus plans which includes bailing out CA and other states to prevent the economy from contracting any more. Putting the money back into people's hands to spend is NOT pork, it is saving the economy.

tom the patriot @ 8:15 PM PST, Dec 30, 2008

The reason the Repugnanticans cling to their no tax pledge is that is all they have. As stated by another poster, without the 2/3's majority to pass a budget and raise taxes, they wouldn't have a voice - which is just what their numbers warrant. Return Democracy to Kalifornia, leave the Banana Republic behind.

Unclearnie @ 7:32 PM PST, Dec 30, 2008

Stephanie Maybe you haven't noticed, but everytime the state sets aside money, the Repugnanticans start screaming to give the taxpayers back their money. The papers carry that message and those that don't pay attention start clammering for a refund. Then when things go bad, there is no rainy day fund to fall back on.

Unclearnie @ 7:28 PM PST, Dec 30, 2008

For those of you who think that services should be cut to the GOP districts because we dont want higher taxes .... I have an even better idea. How about raising taxes in the democrat districts that consume a huge share of state resources and dont contribute to the tax base. Or perhaps tell every single illgal alien here that they pay up a $1000 for all services they consume and dont pay in taxes.

syscom3 @ 6:12 PM PST, Dec 30, 2008

Yes, lawmakers DO indeed "are required to promise to support and defend the U.S. and state constitutions and swear that they aren't part of an organization committed to violent overthrow of the government..." So when Democrats intentionally circumvent the constitution by playing Clintonian word games, not a peep from you at OpEd?

Erick Brockway @ 5:47 PM PST, Dec 30, 2008

Budget smudget. Perhaps the socialist morons in Sacramento should just confiscate 100% of everyone's income and call it a "fleeced fee". For the children of course ...

Irvine @ 4:59 PM PST, Dec 30, 2008

The "Democrats" have already spent every red cent of tax money they've gotten on garbage, so they shouldn't get another. It's time to cut the waste out of government and start forcing California to live within its means. We're already the most highly taxed state in the union.

Bob Johnson @ 4:49 PM PST, Dec 30, 2008

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