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GunNewsDaily.com
The Year of 03: More of the Same William Lolli GND Contributing Editor Here is a nice collage of bits and pieces from the past year and most recently from the news: The premise of my update is to demonstrate that nothing is really new since last I wrote… WildFires Since my last article we have had severe wildfires which got as close as 3 miles to my home. These fires killed dozens of people and destroyed billions in property. California CDF, San Diego County Sheriff, County Firefighters, and coordinated agencies have concluded in a Blue Ribbon Independent investigatory Panel that it was a fire of “historic proportions.” No fault was found by any of the participating government agencies and their union members; however, the fires were started by civilians—a hunter (evil gun owner) signaling for help with a flare, and [still under investigation] alleged “campers” on Indian land, possibly drunk, kicking over a BBQ set of hot coals. Well. At least the government unions didn’t start the blazes! Thank goodness. The recommendations from the Blue Ribbon panel, and I am certain that this is the reason for the Blue Ribbon, is that taxpayers aren’t paying enough taxes. They say we need a new $100 million communication system. I suppose that in the next fire, that system would help to communicate with better speed and clarity the order to “stand-down” another helicopter on its way to put out a fire, at quitting time. [The Paradise Fire was allowed to burn by CDF bureaucrats insisting upon ordering helicopters to stand-down, due to quitting time rules.] When the Fire Bond issue hits the ballot—and it will—I will vote no, of course. City of SD Broke For the past decade, the City Fathers and Mothers have been pilfering the highway rebuilding funds and the city employee pension funds, all the while claiming “All is Well”. Wall Street just turned the city down for more bonds, and now the Emperor has no Clothes. The Unions are not happy because their pensions are soon to run out of funds. It is a microcosm of the Sacramento situation in which for a decade or more trustworthy politicians are not voted into office to manage responsibly the public funds for which uses they were intended, but rather carpetbaggers are voted into office skilled in the sycophantic language of deceit, promising everything of Peter’s to rob to Paul, and in the end leaving town after robbing all. They are in a bit of a panic since a ½ cent sales tax is due to expire. That tax was to fix the roads, but it went instead to other projects. The roads were never fixed or widened. Now they want to extend the tax again, of course. I will vote No, of course. The Myth of Arnold and Tough Choices In 2003 we saw the Myth of Arnold, his campaign of unity, open management, and the coming “tough choices”. Since he has taken office Sacramento Unity has been in short supply, as expected. The Governor’s style of open management hasn’t been exactly “open”. And the Tough Choices have been put back on the backs of the voters in the form of a March Ballot Initiative where our voted representatives are asking us permission to 1) allow them to “skate” from having to make the Tough Choices, 2) increase the $30 billion debt to $50 billion in a re-finance scheme, and 3) allow them to INCREASE our taxes as much as they see fit. Advertising on radio and television have already started – asking voters to vote for the initiative. Why? Because it is sponsored by Parents, Teacher, Children, EveryDay Folks; and because the Evil Tobacco, Oil , and Capitalists are against it. They call it the Economic Recovery Bond Act. Cute name for increased debt. I call it the Economic Irresponsibility Bond Act. I will vote No, of course. Proposition 58 is called the California Balanced Budget Act. It should be called the California Limitless Taxation Increase Act, because it removes limits on politicians from reaching deep into your pocket. I will vote No, of course. Borders As Usual Along the border with our loyal friends to the South, our county schools are still picking up foreign national kids at the crossings, and busing them to school. Meanwhile the interstate highways I-15 and I-5 are still blockaded everyday by Federal agents, ensuring that the real border between San Diego County and Orange and Riverside Counties are protected from invasion. All attempts to get the Federal government to protect the borders and California, either by fiscal reimbursements from unfunded mandates, or the placement of troops at the border have failed. The border issue is an exercise in finger pointing, in spades. Will Anything Change? No. If you are asking my advice: Please ensure that you have your own fire-protection systems setup at your home. In 2004 we can expect more of the same in terms of wildfire threats. Government has proven that they have no incentive to save your home. Rather they have proven they have an incentive to see more of the county burn; in the form of higher taxes, stronger unions, and increased bureaucratic funding. Not one initiative has been floated to allow landowners or county systems to strip-away the abundance of fire-fueling scrub-brush. Our county is still covered in it. My home is still surrounded by the stuff, and no one is allowed to remove it. Therefore the fire threat still exists. If the voters are stupid and vote for more debt, as is their wont, then look for higher taxes; because there will be no limit to the amount of spending Sacramento will engage. In this election year, look for no help from Washington or the Bush Administration regarding any border issue. Even if another 9-11 occurs with terrorists that obtained access from Mexico, they will not lift a finger—you can count on it. In short: Be as prepared as you can be for yourself and your family. Don’t expect any improvement in 2004. Was it something I said? If this
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