For much of American history, California held an almost mythical place in the American consciousness: a land of unparalleled natural beauty, resources, and opportunities that only the American West could offer.
But today the California Dream has become a nightmare, a state ruined by decades of terrible Democratic mismanagement, radical policies that have made life miserable for most Californians and turned our sunny land into a lost paradise.
American Greatness conducted a poll in the key battleground state of Arizona, asking voters there about neighboring states. Only 18% He said California is “moving in the right direction.” TIPP Insightshows the close presidential race in Arizona between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
So making California an issue, where it's deeply unpopular, could be enough to swing the deciding vote in a close race. This issue is especially important in Arizona and Nevada because those two battleground states are home to large numbers of California refugees, enlightened citizens who fled the cultural and political radicalism of California. (Related article: Steve Cortez: Joe Biden's problems are piling up)
But this theme could have national resonance if Trump himself and those of us who support his reelection frame it appropriately in the context of Harris's local reality. California's structural problems are the product of a conspiracy of left-wing politicians, including Harris herself, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, and Governor Gavin Newsom. These Bay Area politicians are deeply unpopular in the U.S., especially outside the coasts. Republicans could therefore see political opportunity by highlighting California's failing economy, declining culture, and globalist open borders.
economy
California has the highest poverty rate in AmericaAccording to U.S. Census Bureau calculations, the state ranks No. 1. This fact may come as a surprise to many Americans who would have expected it to be a Southern or Appalachian state that would claim this dubious title.
But California's high cost of living has pushed many into poverty. Gasoline currently costs $4.66 a gallon in California.That's the highest in the nation. Meanwhile, gasoline is 37% cheaper in Tennessee, at $2.86 a gallon. While these exorbitant premiums may not be a big deal for Harris or Newsom, who drive taxpayer-funded government vehicles, for single mothers struggling with long commutes, these costs are a major source of anxiety.
Moreover, California’s fiscal waste mirrors the toll of the overspending and debt nightmare that Ms. Harris and President Joe Biden have unleashed on Washington, D.C. Californians are now State annual budget deficit of about $50 billionIn fact, the deficit is growing. The budget shortfall has soared to twice the level officially projected just a few months ago.So unless you like widespread poverty and massive debt, the rest of America would be best off running away from the California model.
culture
In California, children can effectively change their gender at school, and teachers and other educators may not inform students' parents of the life-changing decision. This is according to NPR. Reporting this madness“The new law comes after some California school districts passed policies requiring parents to be notified if their child wants to change their gender, drawing pushback from Democratic state officials who say students have a right to privacy.”
In radical California, children are seen primarily as a concern of the state rather than the family, and the state imposes harmful ideas on vulnerable children solely to further a radical ideology that sexualizes young children and denies the reality of two immutable genders. So unless you want your little son, Tommy, to secretly turn into Tammy at school, it's probably best to reject the California way of doing things. (Related article: Steve Cortez: Kamala Harris is in trouble heading into November)
Sadly, crime is rampant in California, where left-wing, pro-Soros prosecutors and Democratic politicians coddle criminals, even violent criminals. Last year, there were 31,071 murder and assault crimes committed with firearms in California, compared to 19,427 in 2019. Most violent crimes surge 60% since coronavirus panicKamala Harris' hometown is Oakland. The most stolen cars in history Towards 2023.
Immigration
The California legislature passed a bill that would give illegal immigrants in the state up to $150,000 in tax money to help them buy a home. Governor Newsom blocked the bill, but Representative Nancy Pelosi enthusiastically supported it in an interview. The Bill Maher ShowMore than any other Democratic strongman, Pelosi is responsible for sidelining Biden and handing the nomination to Kamala Harris. Where does Harris stand on this radical plan, rewarding the masses who invade and ostensibly protect America under her watch?
Many of the illegal immigrants are not from Latin America. In the past year and a half alone, More than 55,000 Chinese have crossed the southern US bordermainly near the San Diego border. Who are these Chinese immigrants and how can we screen them? How many are CCP spies? The truth is, we don't know, but they are streaming into Kamala's California.
Given these harsh realities, it's no wonder that enlightened Arizonans advocate for policies that are opposed to those of California. For much of American history, California was a magnet for ambitious dreamers, pioneers who built a land of abundance and opportunity amid the wonders of the landscape. California now leads the nation in out-of-state migration.
It has become a paradise lost.
Steve Cortez is a former senior adviser to President Donald Trump, a former commentator for Fox News and CNN, and the president of the Federation of American Labor, a right-wing populist pro-labor group.
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