California Dreamin’ 0

In a move with only one modern-day precedent, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic lawmakers are pressing the Obama administration and members of Congress for federal loan guarantees to help California out of a multibillion-dollar jam.

The story goes on to cite the Federal bailout of New York City as a comparison.

This situation illustrates the internal contradictions (as Marx would have said) of Republican Economic Theory. Republicans have rendered raising taxes almost impossible in Cali. At the same time, they rendered cutting services almost impossible. For a long time, thanks to Republicanism, Californians have been thinking they can get something for nothing–more expensive government services (it’s called the Price Index) without paying for them.

Before you scream welfare queens, consider that schools and corrections are almost half of the total.

(Note that I am not arguing for any particular tax policy. Far be it from me to offer any solutions.)

I am merely pointing out another example that the Republican theory that cutting taxes is the economic 42, the answer to life, the universe, and everything, is just so much hooey. It is the camouflage for the Party’s mission of making the rich richer and the poor poorer.

Everything has a price.

Taxes are the price of living in a civilized society.