Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday defended his characterization that his tax initiative primarily helps schools, rejecting criticism from the backer of a rival tax proposal who says he is distorting the benefits.
Voters have a choice! The other plan, put forward by LA lawyer Molly Munger, raises taxes on “every California taxpayer earning more than $7,300, though the wealthiest would see the largest increase.” This will make $10 billion appear every year, because no one will adjust their behavior or residence in response, and the money will go directly to the schools.
Gov. Brown says his money goes to the schools as well, but if you read his response, there’s an intermediary:
"The tax goes to schools. That's what it does," Brown told reporters after promoting his initiative to a gathering of law enforcement leaders. "We're dedicating the money to schools, it goes into a special account, and we're going to do everything we can to protect our universities, protect our schools, but also balance the budget."
They’ll have to hire someone to staff the Office of the Special Account, and they’ll need an office. So it’s a jobs bill, too! It’s entirely possible that a cabal of Arizonans and Texans sent operatives into the state several generations ago, with the intention of setting up sleeper cells inside the culture to drive business into their states. Hard to see what they would have done differently than California’s political class.
But that’s not why I bring this up. Brown made a remark that sounds like Bidenesque gibbity-gabble, but actually reveals the contempt these people have for their subjects. Behold the Tupperware-tight logic of the modern state:
Brown also defended calling his proposal a "millionaires tax" on his initiative campaign website, even though the income threshold would be $250,000.
"Anybody who makes $250,000 becomes a millionaire very quickly if you save it. You just need four years," Brown said. "It is a millionaires tax. It taxes millionaires, right? And it's for schools. And it protects public safety."
So shut up. Let's look at that again: Anybody who makes $250,000 becomes a millionaire very quickly if you save it. You just need four years. The naked blue all-powerful guy who sat on the moon in "The Watchmen" was more intimately connected to ordinary human experience.
In related news, California voters who approve of the new tax on all those greedy millionaires have completely forgotten about this:
The nation's most expensive public school ever built is opening next month in downtown Los Angeles.
The Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools, a K-12 complex built on 23 acres of land, cost $578 million to build. Considering the school will house about 4,200 students, construction cost about $130,000 per pupil.
So, what exactly is included in that hefty price tag? An auditorium modeled after the famous Coconut Grove nightclub, a state-of-the-art swimming pool, and a marble memorial for Robert Kennedy, just to name a few of the school's upscale features.
The Coconut Grove, by the way, went down in a spectacular blaze that killed almost 500 people. California’s auto-immolation appears to be proceeding at a slower pace, and unlike the Grove, the exits are clearly marked.
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Comments:
Apr '11
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
The problem with most Californians, including myself, is that we don't fully realize what a disaster of a state we live in. I'm probably only aware of at most half of the stupid rules, regulations and laws that increase costs of living and make it overly burdensome to live, raise a child, etc. It truly is astounding that anyone starts a small business here. I've seen multiple restaurants and bars that have taken well over a year to open. I've heard it can take 3 years. It seems both impossible and insane to have to plan 3 years out when going into business.
Edited on March 31, 2012 at 2:13amAug '10
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
Remarkable. Truly remarkable.
May '10
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
That school isn't open yet????My favorite bumper sticker : "my homeschooled soldier is defending freedom for your government schooled honor student."
Apr '11
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
Ah, when I read his statements earlier this week my jaw literally dropped. I can not say that such a thing ever happened to me. It was the most stunningly stupid statement I have ever read...but perhaps I am not that well read.
Jan '11
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
May I please have the phone number to Gov Brown's accountant? Thx in advance
Feb '12
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
If ever there was a quote begging for a Politizoid cartoon short, that'd be it. Speaking of Politizoid... I haven't seen a new one for quite a while. Anyone know what's going on with them of late?
May '10
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
The target is obviously the millionaire next door. Those fools who paid their bills, saved, got married only once, and didn't run up credit cards or pig out on bling.
They must be punished, to ensure Fairness.
Feb '11
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
" The naked blue all-powerful guy who sat on the moon in "The Watchers" was more intimately connected to ordinary human experience. "
"The Watchers?" Could you be referring to "Watchmen?" In which case Dr. Manhattan was on Mars. All of which is more relevant to California's fiscal situation than anything Gov. Moonbeam might say.
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
Shell: you're right; lazy error. Fixed, and thanks.
Mar '11
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
Par for the course Mr. Lileks, par for the course in the Golden State. For sheer insanity I will see Governor Brown's funny math "millionaire" tax and say it is easily trumped by AB 32 the Global Warming Solutions Act being implemented even as we speak.
Did I mention Sacramento's largest publicly traded company has just decided to move to Texas?
Hmm... now what is this, for some odd reason our state has the 2nd highest rate of unemployment in the nation. Well no doubt just a coincidence. Once we get our 35/98/68 billion (well whatever the heck it costs, psh details) monorail going, oops I meant high speed rail, no doubt business will be beating down our door to come back.
Edited on April 1, 2012 at 4:39amMay '11
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
Wow. I weep. I laugh. I am glad I live in KY. I hope we can issue our own currency soon. :)
Mar '11
Re: Everyone's a Millionaire, Eventually
You would be wise to take little comfort in that. The worst of our citizenry are always quick to flee to other climes after the results of their vile handiwork begin to impact their own "livelyhoods". Oregon, Washington, Colorado... run to a new neighborhood and then wreak the same havoc all over again.
Not in Kentucky yet perhaps, but no doubt soon enough.