CALIFORNIA: Now for a dose of reality

In his letter July 14, Stan Kwake stated: “Today California is a haven for liberalism and financially bankrupt.” Mr. Kwake is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.

Some years ago conservative Arnold Schwarzenegger took over the Governor’s office from Grey Davis in a recall election. Mr. Schwarzenegger ran on a platform of balancing the California state budget. Seven years later, Mr. Schwarzenegger left the state with continuing deficits. Enter Jerry Brown, a liberal.

In two years Mr. Brown has balanced the California state budget and estimates that all state debts will be paid off in a few years. Mr. Brown has a novel concept. He will not borrow money to fund government. He provides the level of government people are willing to pay for.

On the national scene, conservative hero Ronald Reagan, a self-professed small government guru and darling of many North Idaho conservatives, actually managed to increase government during his White House term. Defense spending soared and deficits soared. The budget wasn’t actually balanced until liberal Bill Clinton took office. In fact, conservatives on the national scene haven’t balanced a budget since Dwight Eisenhower.

Pay attention readers. Forget about what conservatives are telling you. Take a look at what they are actually doing. What are they accomplishing? Nothing.

BRUCE HANSEN

Coeur d’Alene