Can California be saved?
Right now, there are elections going on in California and the future of the troubled state is being discussed. In the LA mayoral race an outside challenger, Spencer Pratt has outdebated incumbent mayor Karen Bass and councilman Raman (both hard-core leftists).
Spencer Pratt & family
There is also the Governor's race which feature a pair of Conservatives vs another lineup of hard leftists. If you have seen any of these debates, you may have noticed that the democrat candidates don't want to talk about issues. In the LA mayor debate the dems didn't want to talk about the facts surrounding the CA fire, such as hydrants not working, or why it was against the law to remove brush from the forests, or the actions of the LA fire department, or the vice mayor phoning in a bomb threat or why the mayor, Karen Bass was in Africa at the time. And in neither the Governor nor LA mayor debates were democrats willing to talk about why California has the highest gas prices in the nation or why the state has the highest income tax in the nation, or why one third of the state is on welfare, or why almost half of the nation's homeless people live in California, or the $250 Billion high-speed rail boondoggle (still without a foot of rail being laid down), or probably just as much money being wasted in state government administered fraud. The reason the dems don't want to talk about it is obvious: They have absolutely controlled the state via one party rule for decades. There is nobody else to blame. When Spencer Pratt asked Karen Bass if she would be in favor of illegal aliens voting, she was unable to answer. It was the watershed moment in the debates.
So as the state resigns itself to power outages and water shortages and subsidizing the 50% of California's population on Medi-Cal, the question is when will the people of the state finally say enough?
By then the bigger question will be: Will there be a California left to save?
In other news:
The President returns today from his summit meeting with Chairman Xi. With the President were leaders of American industry. Trade and Taiwan topped the discussions. The President announced that China placed a large order for American made jets.
Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. carried out military strikes against Iran. It is the first time that the two countries have directly attacked Iran.
The Cuban government announced that its oil reserves were empty.
A global network of anti-Israel activist groups is mobilizing coordinated "Nakba 78" protests across the United States and around the world today, with organizers using the anniversary of Israel’s founding to challenge the Jewish state’s right to exist.
The Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for Alabama to put in place a new House map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The Chair of the South Carolina House of Representatives scheduled a hearing on redistricting the state for the 2026 midterms today.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp called for lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional and legislative maps for 2028.
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Good morning and welcome to the Vic Eldred cast.
Yesterday in China, the President and his entourage feasted upon an elaborate menu included crispy beef ribs, roast duck, tiramisu, and ice cream.
Xi praised the American people and the relationship between the US and China.
And here I thought it was called the "Bow before dear Leader Tour".
Rick Wilson calls Trump in China "The Art Of The Kneel".
In case you missed it:
The House Judiciary Committee got the Virginia activist prosecutor on the hot seat:
Trump played the puppy dog to Xi's indifferent owner.
How did he do that?
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You continue to have the complete delusion that people "run away" from your pitty patty little points.
[deleted][✘]
That's EXACTLY what you did in #3.
And as expected the "but Trruuummmmppppp!!!!!!" deflection.
Jed Clampett wouldn't go there now
You mean the California refinery closures? Yup, they went all in on green energy, didn't they?
So, gas in California will be about $2 higher than the rest of the country. But if you are part of the radical elite, it won't affect you.
I remember learning about the oil refinery in LA supporting the logistics for the campaign in the Pacific during World War II. Who would have thought back then that so many crazy people would take charge of that state.
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals this week temporarily blocked an $83 million dollar payment that President Donald Trump owed to E. Jean Carroll in her defamation case while the Supreme Court mulls intervening.
Can you imagine what will happen to that ridiculous case if the SCOTUS looks at it?
It's mind boggling how many people think that the verdict of this was
The fact that she couldn't remember basic details and the designer dress she claimed to have worn hadn't yet been on the market that year. All she had for evidence is that she had mentioned it to a friend at the time and that was all it takes to get a verdict against anyone named Trump in New York.
There was a very potent Chinese drink provided to the American guests called Maotai.
It is reportedly so strong that when Nixon visited China, he was told not to drink it.
It looks like another dead Friday morning, so I think what I will do is to leave our readers and the families of our military personnel with a positive thought from our very own First Lady:
"First Lady Melania Trump honored military mothers in an address before Mother’s Day.
The first lady stated, “It is these military mothers who find themselves alone, awake in their thoughts, in the darkest hours of the night. Of course, we must also remember the mothers with a spouse overseas, praying for a safe return so their family can become whole once again.”
“This is a time of military conflict for America. And, whereby we honor our selfless and valiant Service Members regularly, today is the day we hold their mothers in the highest regard. It is these military mothers who find themselves alone, awake in their thoughts, in the darkest hours of the night. Of course, we must also remember the mothers with a spouse overseas, praying for a safe return so their family can become whole once again,“ Mrs. Trump continued.
“At the very heart of America’s strength lies the boundless love and quiet power of mothers. We are the most devoted teachers—gently nurturing empathy, inspiring dreams, and guiding our children towards goodness. We help them rise with courage when life grows difficult. In every hug, every story read at bedtime, and every sacrifice made without complaint, mothers build the moral foundation of our families,“ the first lady concluded. “In doing so, America’s mothers help build the soul of our nation. I pray you find enduring strength as your loved one serves in defense of our freedom.“
First Lady Honors Military Mothers – The Presidential Prayer Team
Have a good day everyone.
Very classy first lady. About time we had one.
Sure sure.
We've had many, in fact every first lady other than the current one had true class. This slut in the oval office now is nothing but an Imelda Marcos knock-off. Here's what she'll look like in a few years:
It is a true shame that patriotic Americans have to put up with the First Whore, but I suppose in that way Melania is truly unique.
Why do so many on the left hate strong beautiful women and love this:
When is her son joining the fight ?
He is in college learning to become a decent citizen and not a coke snorting loser.
Are you saying he couldnt learn to become a decent citizen in the Army Navy Marines or Coast Guard ?
Guys Barron's height are generally rejected from military service but I'm sure his mom and dad could help him get in.
That is not the path he is taking. I guess he didn't heed your desire.
And why should they? Is it a requirement of all politicians to have their kids go to fight a war? Oh, I get it....but but but ............Trump.
I have heard that no one from the Trump family going back to the beginning of their time in the US has ever served in the military.
And?
What?
You know what John; a bunch of students burned their draft cards during the Vietnam War because they lost their deferment and had to serve the country that had been so good to them. They began the anti-war movement and what soon became the new left. Jane Fonda went to North Vietnam during that war and called the North Vietnamese "victims." She called US pilots "War Criminals." The media left it all go. Obama was fine with sending in the military for a 7-month campaign in Libya. He never served in the military. I find it odd that when the First Lady wants us to remember the families of those who served that YOU demand she force her son to serve. The left has proven itself to be absolutely treasonous to this country and here you are on another rant about the Trump family.
Btw the topic was the shithole of California.
Aside from that you and RDTC have basically held the only real discussion here for the past 4 hours on this article. [deleted][✘]
Exactly.
Well said
Stop whining about your articles. Most of your articles get as many or more comments than anyone else here.
As far as Obama serving in the military, neither did Trump himself.
Lyndon Johnsons son in law served in the military. Kennedy and his brother served in the military. Eisenhowers son served in the military. Oh lets not forget Biden, his son served in the military. FDR's four sons all served in the military. Teddy Roosevelts son was a general in the first wave onto Utah beach.
And not the Air Force?
thanks for the correction
The point, o b v i o u s l y , is that Trump is the guy who sends other people's children to fight an unnecessary, illegal war, yet neither he nor any in his family ever fights in a war. And that in itself would not be so bad if not for the fact that Trump has clearly shown disregard for the military — "what was in it for them?'.
And then you would cry about them pulling favors. Just fkng stop with the idiocy already.
But BIDEN HIMSELF didn't serve. If I recall he received deferments for the same conflict Trump did. Yet none of you on the left call HIM a "draft dodger".
LOL
Obama was 14 when the VietNam war ended.
I wasn't talking about Obama. But you already know that.
Because they're cowards.
Opinion.
Opinion
So what.
He has said some bullshit against some individuals and praised the military as a whole numerous times. Of course that is forgotten or ignored.
When he said the shit he did about McCain I stopped wanting him to be the nominee. But here we are.
Another pathetic Pee Wee Herman 'rebuttal' of 'just your opinion'.
It is comments like those I noted that are critical since they reflect what Trump really thinks. Just because someone says something nice does not erase the slips that are outrageously bad and reveal the true character of the asshole.
Yes, here we are with you trying to defend Trump.
Is the statement true? Of course it is. And your "rebuttal to a true comment is just a deflection and insulting comment
Opinion and just counting the statements he makes that agree with your opinion. Confirmation bias.
Opinion. and just counting the statements he makes that agree with your opinion. Confirmation bias.
Tired opinion.
A futile denial.
You are just tossing out unsubstantiated claims.
Make a real argument showing that Trump actually cares about the military personnel, other than as resources.
Interesting
President Trump hasn't even landed from the Beijing Summit and the subject is being changed? To California? Another disappointment that must be obscured with dead-horse politics.
Iran has become a festering outrage that can't be fixed by being more outrageous. Persian Gulf allies are questioning the value of the alliance. So, let's talk about California?
President Trump deliberately isolated Cuba to 'take over' but now is waffling on what to do? Cuba has become another Trump-hole that is collapsing into absolute dysfunction. So, let's talk about California?
Venezuela is still hanging out there on the end of the limb. Greenland has put plans in place to resist. Ukraine is capturing the European weapons market. Red Sea access to African and Saudi Arabian oil has given Europe more energy stability, if not independence. The influence of the United States on the world stage is in retreat.
But let's talk about California. Cheap shots, easy memes, and dead-horse politics will win the day.
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[ ✘ ] Anything but talking about gas prices, another unending unnecessary war in the middle east where our soldiers are dying, the strait of Hormuz blocked, the white house grounds in shambles and looking like taxpayer money will have to be used to fix it, MAGA worshiping a 22-foot golden statue of their dear Leader, inflation skyrocketing, so what do Trump supporters do?
"Look over there! California!"
And California is going to be just fine. When you're the fourth largest economy in the world, you're bound to have lots of issues that need to be addressed, but Californians are the best people in the world to deal with those problems so the pissant whiny out-of-State backseat drivers can go fuck themselves.
[✘] Everyone should know that California's problems can be directly linked to its affluence. States with concentrated money wealth seem to drift away from reality -- and common sense. And by now we should be willing to acknowledge that the rich are not motivated by any sense of morality or 'common good'. The sense of entitlement by the rich really is incomparable to any other 'culture war' talking point.
[✘] Donald Trump exerts a lot of effort to be THE topic of discussion. And the Trump glee club will rubber stamp any crazy shit Trump uses to attract attention. As I have mentioned elsewhere, Trump's schtick has become like watching reruns of the Johnny Carson Show on late night TV. The context has become obscure, stale, and obsolete so it's not as relevant now.
You were certainly allowed to discuss the article presented.
I objected to you and one another gaslighting us by making it about "illegals" creating that fraud because they were being granted some ER relief according to the great Reagan legislation which made it possible for ANYONE to get ER treatment regardless of status and the hospitals are legally reimbursed through Medicare or Medicaid.
The largest fraudsters are organized medical groups and hospital groups charging for overlapping or unnecessary procedures or medicine.
It dwarves the legal use of ERs by non citizens.
And the actions by Vance and Trump are shear hypocrisy when many of the criminals manage to get out of prison and fines by being routinely pardoned by Trump.
If you mean the radical policies they promote won't affect them and they know it, then I agree.
States with concentrated money wealth seem to drift away from reality -- and common sense.
The ancient Romans feared that affluence corrupted society.
And by now we should be willing to acknowledge that the rich are not motivated by any sense of morality or 'common good'.
They are only motivated by profit. That is both their value to society and their curse.
The sense of entitlement by the rich really is incomparable to any other 'culture war' talking point.
An arguable point.
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That seems to be a trait commonly associated with the penthouse elite and A-list celebrities. Having 'more money than brains' seems to be an affliction that results in radical policies.
The power of the government to redistribute wealth seems to favor the corrupt few rather than the less affluent many. How else can the rich become richer?
'Profit' is a fuzzy word that evokes entrepreneurship by the captains of industry. But the fact of the matter is today's ultimate motivation is financial gain by any means. The ethos of financial accumulation through litigious exploitation does not serve society.
One of the major economies in the world needs no "saving". They pay more into our government and into the tax system than any Republican led state.
So as "punishment" for being a world leader economically Vance announces an attack by way of hitting up the poor in the state with threats of denying benefits to them.
Even though the state is an economic powerhouse, the number of poor aligns with the size and large population in the state.
This attack on California is a clear attack on their success, not their failure. This childish attempt to "make them pay" when they already pay their share.
Go after the other border states with the same cuts, why not hit Texas?
That is because high tech was headquartered there. And that is beginning to change very quickly. It had nothing to do with the state government.
So as "punishment" for being a world leader economically Vance announces an attack by way of hitting up the poor in the state with threats of denying benefits to them.
The state has allowed rampant fraud. They shouldn't get more federal funds until it is fixed. Very simple.
Even though the state is an economic powerhouse, the number of poor aligns with the size and large population in the state.
It defies logic. It is a state lacking a middle class. A combination of MA and Mississippi. Where did their middle class go?
This attack on California is a clear attack on their success, not their failure.
They have failed .... despite what they inherited from those who built everything there.
You think you know, but you don't.
Once again, not only repeating MAGA talking points but rolling in them like dogs roll in shit.
More fuck nuttery nonsense? I lived there for 5 years. There is certainly a middle class, almost all of the whites believe it is theirs.
Your stand up routine has failed.
I think that all the howling about California stems from trying to create a distraction from Trumps unfitness to be president and he and his families incredible personal corruption.
Or maybe their governor is running for president and they want people to know that he has made a shithole.
That and a lot of rightwing conservative jealousy. The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
So now you are going with unfounded claims (again)
And once again on a seed that has NOTHING to do with Trump (again)
Unfortunately for you, the President is mentioned in the "article",
and the author has invoked him and Melania several times.
Nothing is "unfortunate" for me here, however, I will concede your point, but my post highlights that what I posted happens in almost every seed that has nothing to do with Trump.
Unfortunately for them, it is not healthy.
Now explain how Mamdami did it
He taxed the rich. Any other questions?
What MAGA hates most is that what NYC Democratic Mayor Mamdani is doing is NOT EVEN SOCIALISM. He's just showing what can be accomplished when the WEALTHY PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE OF TAXES.
Show the taxes he implemented that made a 16 billion deficit go away. Are the second home taxes already been collected since it is a new tax. [deleted]
[✘] If you read something other than NYT, you will find that Hochul bailed him out to the tune of 4 billion because she needs his crazed base to vote for her.
From chat GTP..
Core Strategies Mamdani Used to Close the Budget Gap
State support — Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature provided roughly $4 billion in gap‑closing aid, including delayed class‑size mandates, new school aid, and delayed pension payments.
New revenue from taxing the rich — The budget relies on a pied‑à‑terre tax on high‑value second homes and reductions to tax credits that primarily benefit wealthy residents.
Savings and efficiencies — Agencies appointed Chief Savings Officers, generating $1.77 billion in savings by not filling vacant positions, improving program efficiency, and revising debt schedules.
Pension restructuring — Delayed pension payments for unionized employees produced $2.3 billion in near‑term relief, pending approval from pension boards
[deleted][✘]
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Yes, accepting bailouts and delaying pension payments. That's what they want to brag about as "good governance"
It will also be something to watch moving forward. The estimates I've seen indicate that somewhere between $500 and $680 billion in wealth has moved out of New York City which corresponds to about $9 billion in lost tax revenue.
Funny thing is, NYC is REQUIRED to have a balanced budget every year, so, even with the smoke and mirrors with the state bailout and delayed pensions, etc, they did nothing more than what their own law required.
To say they did something spectacular is disingenuous at best
With this tax on the "rich" coming into play and the guaranteed income loss from the richest in the city, the "rich" tax increase will inevitably be trickled down to pretty much every citizen of the city to make up the lost revenue from the "rich". Gona be a great show the next three years.
Because that's what usually happens. When the US first started it's income tax, it only applied to the wealthiest 1%. But as we know from just last month (April 15th to be exact) a lot more people pay income taxes these days. Politicians do like to spend other people's money.
Signed,
Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky.
almost the entirety of the old confederacy ...
What's really funny is that these idiots believe shit that just isn't true. Here's another example of the 'smartest morons in the room' getting all riled up about a supposed Californian Congressman.
It really is hard to take any of these MAGA knuckleheads seriously because they're just so fucking gullible. If they believe the shit coming out of Trumps mouth, it's no wonder they fall for this shit so easily. And yet they find time to complain about California instead of spending their time figuring out why the fuck they keep getting fooled like 2nd graders.
easy solution. give members of congress, and probably cabinet members now, 24 hours to list their stock trades on a gov't compliance website accessible by the public in real time. any incident of non-compliance eliminates those gov't officials and their immediate families and/or business surrogates from the market and places all of them in a 95% inside trader penalty tax group for all profitable stock transactions for the year.
maga - the party of inside traders and inside traitors ...
California needs to look to Mississippi for help in education reforms, that would help. But kudos to newsom from learning from trump and cutting spending on illegals. Trickle down common sense in action.