No, it's not the weather. It's the fact that, although the state has some back-asswards political processes (recall, anyone?) it also seems to be surprisingly progressive and level-headed when it comes to social policies. (Well, at least when Reagan isn't kicking the mentally handicapped out of hospitals and into the streets...)
The NY Times has an editorial piece about CA's latest steps towards modifying the way the state treats non-violent drug offenders, supports rehabilitation, free needle programs, and various other things that social conservatives see as adding to the problem instead of stopping it. And yes, I should acknowledge that Schwartzenegger supported a bill for this that Gray Davis vetoed twice.
Comments
You might be interested in this link before you get too "yay, California!"
http://boifromtroy.com/archives/002949.php
Not to downplay the good things that do get accomplished, but this is still far from a progressive state, and Schwarzenegger is still a misogynist anti-Semite.
Posted by: Gwen | September 24, 2004 01:03 PM
I'm not saying we're Canada. But compared to other states where it's illegal to possess needles, it's a step in the right direction.
"and Schwarzenegger is still a misogynist anti-Semite."
Eh, so is Matthew...
Posted by: Daniel | September 24, 2004 03:38 PM
I do agree it's a good thing. And hey, better to have half our legislation be good than none. At least we don't have Mitt Romney.
Also, yes, but would you want Matthew as governor?
Posted by: Gwen | September 24, 2004 06:27 PM
I refuse to believe someone just favorably compared Arnold to Mitt Romney.
Posted by: Andy | September 25, 2004 10:10 PM
My guess is that Davis wanted to run for President one day, and he didn't think he could become President without appearing as "tough on crime". I mean, you do understand the only-nixon-can-go-China aspects of this bill, right?
Posted by: niq | September 27, 2004 02:42 PM