Many people who write letters to The Signal sure like to blame President Donald Trump for all our problems. This leads me to ask a few questions.
Is it the president’s fault that our housing costs are so expensive? That there are massive regulations and permitting requirements that make a house so unaffordable before one nail is driven?
Is it the president’s fault that we have the highest gas prices in the nation, even more than Hawaii? Is it the president’s fault that the state has added so much in taxes to a gallon of gas that we are literally paying sometimes double what other states are paying? Is it the president’s fault that Valero is closing one of the few remaining refineries in the state and paying a billion dollars for the privilege of closing it?
Is it the president’s fault that we have the highest income tax? The highest gas tax? The highest sales tax? The highest yearly car registration tax?
Is it the president’s fault that we have the highest poverty rate in the country?
Is it the president’s fault that we have the highest unemployment rate in the country, which is only slightly better than in D.C., which is not a state?
Is it the president’s fault that our K-12 education is currently ranked 32nd? That number of course is a farce since it’s only that high because of various wealthy enclaves that are doing fairly well. Too many kids in this state are functionally illiterate. Is that the president’s fault?
Is it the president’s fault we can’t build a train or rebuild the Palisades or that we can’t locate $25 billion spent on the homeless?
Is it the president’s fault that electricity, natural gas, water, garbage, and just about every expense known is higher than in any other state?
I realize the weather is great here, but one-party rule for 25 years didn’t cause that. I realize our state is the fourth-largest economy in the world, but again, one-party Democrat rule did not cause that to happen. I cannot understand how reasonable people in this state can’t look at the totality of the affairs of this state and come to the realization that one-party rule has failed us. We all live in Santa Clarita so we are mostly immune to the issues I mention above, but these facts are not unknowable. Are you that insulated to not see what one-party rule has gotten us? Are you that cloistered that you can’t appreciate the struggles of the poor and working middle class in this state? Misery is only 10 miles south. Have you been there lately?
And now in addition to all the misery caused by one-party rule, the royals in Sacramento are toying with a mileage tax. And please don’t be stupid enough to think it will replace the gas tax. It will not and we will continue to drive on horrible roads with freeway projects that take decades. So what happens next? Gov. Gavin Newsom is running for president and God help us how many of you will vote for this creature despite him not solving one problem. And who will replace him? The geniuses in this state who have the majority will probably vote for Eric Swalwell to be our next governor. It’s almost like incompetency is the No. 1 attribute required to run this state.
Fear not though, the next Trump outrage du jour is right around the corner and all your problems will seem small after setting your hair on fire.
Come on people, do better! I know you won’t ever vote for a Republican but at least can you vote for someone who’s not an incompetent lunatic. You know, someone who solves problems instead of making them worse?
Brian Richards
Stevenson Ranch
