California
’s big black-and-blue booboo commonly referred to as our “budget
crisis” is producing phenomena which are bizarre even by our
otherworldly standards.
California’s big black-and-blue booboo commonly referred to as our “budget crisis” is producing phenomena which are bizarre even by our otherworldly standards.
For example, this week on radio stations you can hear a political ad paid for by a coalition of Indian tribes opposing Proposition 68 on the grounds that it would permit the growth of casino-style gambling not owned by Indians, which would potentially allow large casinos to be built in urban areas. This, says the ad, will dramatically impact our already crowded highways and worsen the traffic situation for millions.
The tribes, taking a firm stand against traffic congestion in the interest of all the people, want you to know this and vote accordingly.
At the very same time from the news reports on these same stations you will learn that the governor has just concluded a deal with the Pomo Indian tribe to construct what will be the third largest casino in America, with, among other things, 5000 slot machines and an 1,100 room hotel. It will be located in the city of San Pablo, right in the middle of one of the state’s major urban areas, within a few hundred yards of Highway 80, Northern California’s major east-west freeway. The governor is on record opposing casinos in urban areas.
Why the apparent disconnect? Two reasons: first, the Guv can’t stop the casino anyway because you see, under federal law “urban area” is no bar to an Indian casino, traffic congestion or no, thus enabling tribes to both oppose them and build them simultaneously. Second, Arnie got us a “good deal” because the state gets 25 percent of the revenue. Can’t wait to see how big a cut he can get us of the heroin trade.
But we’re desperate for money, so we gotta do what we gotta do. Shame though; it doesn’t have to be that way. As a shining example, I proudly cite the California judicial system; in civil courtrooms you can now be entertained by the following posted notice, and I quote: “Motion or Stipulation for Continuance of Trial Which is Granted Requires a Fee: $110.”
In other words, it now costs you $110 to not have a trial, to not tie up a courtroom, to not occupy a judge, a bailiff, a reporter and a clerk. There is only one appropriate word for this: brilliant. Ever the trendsetter, our beloved courts have boldly gone where no bureaucracy has gone before; they have invented the non-user fee. The implications are staggering; I mean, when this spreads there will be no budget mountain we can’t climb.
Just think of all the things you don’t do, all the services and facilities you don’t use; you can be charged for all of them. Are you for example, a true-blue city person who never leaves the paved surface? We have a $25 charge for you for not staying at a state campground. Haven’t read a book since high school? That’s $50 a year for failure to use the library. Don’t drive a car? God help you, when you add up the non-license, non-registration, and non-highway fees, not to mention the non-gas taxes, well, you’re not gonna have any money left to lose at your handy local urban casino.
I could have sworn Arnie promised us creative new ideas for revenue-enhancement when he was campaigning. So far he’s not thinking far enough outside the box.
