I pledge allegiance to California

California is a great benefactor to the United States contributing
twenty percent or better of the revenue received by the federal
government. Eleven percent of all Americans reside within its borders.
Its reward for such benevolence is to be generally cast as "kooky" by
its sister states. Its contribution to the wealth of the nation is
generally used antithetically to the interests of California citizens.

The federal government penalizes Californians because of their success.
Its tax impositions are designed for such penalty. In the halls where
the voice of the nation is expressed, the California voice is suppressed.
Why should any self-respecting entity continue to endure such mockery? 
California is perfectly capable of managing its own affairs. But for the
federal tax burden upon its citizens, California would have minimal fiscal
problems. In fact, it is capable of supporting a separate currency, maintaining
a positive balance of trade, and engaging successfully in international relations.
Except for its relationship to the United States, it would not likely be a target
to terrorist interests. Given the mismanagement of the United States, California's
interests cannot be served, and it ought not to allow itself to be marched off the
cliff with the other lemmings.

Interesting thoughts.  It is hard to manage a state the size California
(8th largest economy in the world) within the context of the federal one size
fits all response.  In fairness to everyone you cannot manage South Dakota the
same way you manage California and vice versa. Say what you will about California,
but 15 states don't even possess a budget the size of the current budget deficit
of California. However, given the pretense for this column, could the US get along
without 20 percent of its tax base, 11 percent of its GDP and 10 percent of its
population, let along the technological innovations and world renowned higher
education system? Rhetorically, doubtful. But a keen eye for reforms of and to the
deployment of  federal programs is clearly needed. But in the meantime-United We
Stand, Divided We Fall.

                    
   
Tim Johnson
www.CaliforniaBusinessMinute.com