California Qualms

by Richard Geertson

Frauds, Fairies and Fools 

Piling On

Politics can bring out the worst in people, especially when the opposing team smells blood; not that I object to the political mutilation of a low-life scumbag who deserves it. I’m sorry; were we talking about Secretary of State Kevin Shelley?

A federal watchdog agency has ordered a thorough (and long overdue) audit of the state’s handling of voting reform funds; $46 million in mishandling, to be exact.

In December, auditors found that some of this federal money was used to pay consultants to attend partisan political events and to write speeches for our beloved Secretary. Shelley's voting act coordinator, Tony Miller, acknowledged that Shelley's office failed to properly account for voting act spending, but added: "Never did we cross the line in terms of authorizing political activity of a partisan nature. There has been no evidence of breaking any law here."

This kind of verbal parsing is enough to make a person gag! Let’s examine:

Shelley’s spokes-mouth says, “In terms of authorizing…of a partisan nature” and “There has been no evidence of breaking any law here.” I’ve had it up to here with the mincing of words by these spineless, integrity-free, fork-tongued fools! This latest brings back memories of “no controlling legal authority” and splitting hairs on the definition of “IS.” But, I suppose as long we foolishly continue to vote snake oil salesmen into office, they will treat us commensurate with the way we vote.

Predictably, along with Shelley’s latest revelations, come accusations of sexual harassment. I have no idea if they’re accurate and quite honestly, couldn’t care less, but they certainly do nothing to garner sympathy for our sleazy Secretary.

Shelley, who faces allegations of improper hiring practices, creating an abusive work environment, misuse of federal funds and the receipt of questionable political donations, told an aide he will not quit. "I just spoke to him and he said that he does not intend to resign, that there's much work to be done in his office and he plans to carry out his duties," said Sam Singer.

Quite honestly, I don’t believe California can afford anymore work by Shelley. As I’ve been saying for weeks, Shelley should be brought up on charges and, when convicted, lose both his freedom and his fat pension.

Perhaps the rest of the ruling aristocracy would take note. 

From Vessels to ‘Variants’ in one generation

In a startling display of language disfigurement and the tell-tale signs of mental illness, Alameda County supervisors voted 4-0 Tuesday to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity following a passionate public hearing that illustrated deep divisions over issues involving transgenders and other gender-variant individuals.

The board's new policy applies to county employment, services, and the use of facilities in county buildings. It prohibits discrimination based on a person's "gender-related" identity, appearance, or behavior, "whether or not stereotypically associated with a person's assigned sex at birth."

"I appreciate the effort to make some people feel better," said Catherine Norman of Fremont. However, "bathrooms are about biology, not perceived gender. So many women will feel intimidated and harassed; you would be exposing this county to a class-action lawsuit."

Unable to grasp common sense, Roxy Carmichael-Hart, president of Transgender San Francisco, who miraculously transitioned from man to woman in 2003, squeaked, "This resolution is about justice; this resolution is about civil rights; this resolution is about simple human dignity. It's about ending an atmosphere of looking at transgenders as something less than human."

Supervisor Nate Miley also discounted some opponents' concerns, saying issues raised over bathroom rights were a red herring. "To me, it just smacks of discrimination and of people's own hatred of other people's lifestyles. We just need to be tolerant of everybody and not be judgmental," whispered smiley Miley.

You ultra tolerant types best keep that in mind the next time a walking gender cocktail settles into the stall next to yours.

In another repetitive and hackneyed turn of phrase, Marcus Arana of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, lilted, "Hate is not a local value of Alameda County, and (the resolution) reiterates Alameda County's commitment to protecting county employees and facilities from discrimination." 

Such wisdom… So, if you choose a bathroom based on those antiquated and discriminatory gender identifiers on the door, it is both hurtful and hateful. A very

valuable lesson learned from the liberal luminaries of lenience.

Pennywise, Pound Foolish

On January 25th, the state Board of Equalization approved sales tax refunds of manufacturing investment credits to 18 companies. These are tax credits for business-use-only equipment purchases by California businesses. The California Tax Reform Association and others insisted the refund was “illegal” and nothing more than a “giveaway.” In a statement made to the L.A. Times, left field state Senator, Carol Migden, claimed the refunds were “for taxes not even paid and that the refunds would amount to a revenue ‘loss’ for the state.”

Now, this would all make perfect sense if all wealth belonged to the government, as so many socialists seem to espouse. It would also seem Ms. Migden never availed herself to, what would no doubt seem to her, the capitalist rantings of T. J. Rogers, CEO of San Jose-based Cypress Semiconductor, who stated to the same paper, on the same day, that quibbling over the refund is an outrage!

After investing $52 million in a new Silicon Valley plant and paying $4.3 million in state sales tax, Cypress received a meager $3 million refund. Hence, the company has decided to move the bulk of its operations to the superior business climates of Texas and Minnesota.

Mr. Rogers concluded with a scathing message to our illustrious Senator: “I can promise Ms. Migden she will never have to worry about my company building a plant in California again and being insulted when we ask not to be taxed for the privilege of building a plant. We’re moving to where they do not penalize us, but actually give incentives, credits and subsidies to create jobs!”

Migden and her fellow partners in social engineering can proudly carve another notch in their anti-business holsters. Perhaps someone should see if these liberal malcontents own stock in Monster.com, as their tax policies guarantee lots more California job seekers.