California Recall Vote
I did my civic duty today by voting in California’s recall. It was a pleasure (on several levels) to vote to remove Davis. I voted for McClintock as the new governor, and against both propositions (on general principle).
For the most part, I dislike politics (and politicians). Perhaps the prototype politician, in my mind, in Bill Clinton: Perhaps they are smart, and certainly they are charismatic, but they flawed on many levels. My “prototypical politician” is interested in gaining power, and enjoys the adulation and favoritism that goes with it. How can I respect someone who changes their philosophy (or, at least, their actions) whenever it becomes popular to do so? A deeper question: What is the source of political power? Of what use is it, unless to force a person to do something that they did not want to do (e.g. transfer wealth to a cause that the person does not believe is critical)? I wish to reduce “political power” to the bare minimum.
So, I get a visceral thrill when a politician is removed from office. It makes me think of revolutions bringing down kings, and pleases me that the people have the backbone to fight for their rights. Davis has mismanaged, and worse, lied.
It is not to say that either Schwarzenegger or McClintock is much better. McClintock seems to know what he is talking about, with respect to the economic needs of California. I remember Schwarzenegger introducing Milton Friedman in some movies that I watched in high school economics class.
Best of luck to either of them… I hope that they reduce the overhead of politics that burdens my life and the lives of my peers.