The phrase "feeding the alligators" is a metaphor about the dangers of appeasement. One may be able to buy temporary peace by feeding a threatening alligator, but the problem is that the alligator will, sooner or later, get hungry again. And because it was previously fed, it is now larger and more dangerous.  Read more >>

Last week, this column set forth the various messages that were sent to our political leaders via the stunning defeat of the budget "reform" package of Propositions 1A-1E. Despite stacking the deck and outspending opponents by at least 10 to 1, nearly two-thirds of voters rejected the proposals and the $16 billion in tax increases they would bring.  Read more >>

Even before this week's historic special election, the same people and interests which drove California off the financial cliff are, once again, placing blame on Proposition 13. Several anti-Prop. 13 bills have already been introduced in the California Legislature to chip away at the measure's critical protections. At the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association there is a saying that -- with apologies to William Shakespeare -- "when politicians are short on cash, it must follow, as the night the day, Proposition 13 will be blamed."  Read more >>

Polls show that the revenue shifts and tax increases contained in the six measures placed on the May 19th Special Election ballot by the Legislature and governor are not going over well with voters. Californians are angry. They are already paying the highest taxes in the nation and are in no mood to increase taxes at a time when they risk losing their own savings, jobs and homes.  Read more >>

In true David versus Goliath fashion, the opponents of Proposition 1A are the underdogs in the political battle which will culminate on May 19th. There is little doubt that they will be outspent by a margin of at least 15 to 1. And they face a well organized campaign machine financed by the two giants of California politics: the California Teachers Association and Governor Schwarzenegger's California Dream Team.  Read more >>