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Beachcombing
From Issue: Volume XX - Number 21
10/19/2012
By Jay Beeler
You may have noticed that we’ve moved Les Robbins’ column to page four, starting with this issue. On a practical basis I do not think it is a good idea to lead off the Beachcomber with items that may be interpreted as offensive to half of the voting public, namely republicans. Think about it: Is it a good idea to turn off half of the people who are potential advertisers? “Free speech” isn’t free if it cuts into our ability to pay the costs of producing and distributing this publication.
So henceforth we’ll use page three and four to kick off opinion items and add Taylor Ramsey (previously on page two) to the page four mix. From time to time we’ve added commentary from readers like Chamber President Randy Gordon, Janet West, etc. and will continue to do so on inside pages.
As an aside, I shake my head in disbelief when someone rarely calls us to cancel their “free subscription” because they disagree with what someone says in an opinion column. To me, that’s the height of ignorance and hypocrisy, not unlike the ostrich that buries its head in the sand to avoid confrontation.
And speaking of opinions, I’m asked who and what I plan to vote for in the upcoming elections. It should be no surprise to anyone that “Beeler’s Ballot Busters” favor any person and any issue that (1) reduces government at all levels, (2) does not raise taxes, (3) eliminates government debt, (4) creates private sector jobs (5) does not infringe on individual rights, (6) yields “eye for an eye” justice and (7) follows the Golden Rule.
I strongly favor Gary DeLong because of what he has done on the local level that needs to be done on a federal level as well as Martha Flores-Gibson for her potential to do the same thing on the state level. The state and feds need to do what most of us have done on an individual basis for the past three years: cut expenses and live within our means.
Here is a list of the “accomplishments” of their opponents, Alan Lowenthal and Bonnie Lowenthal, while serving in the State Legislature:
* California has the highest sales tax in the nation
* California has the 2nd highest gas tax
* California has 3rd highest income tax
* California has the 3rd worst unemployment rate
* California has the 3rd worst tax climate
* California has the 3rd highest foreclosure rate
* California has the 10th highest property tax
* California is ranked by CEO Magazine as the worst state in America in which to do business for the 8th year in a row
* California’s debt has tripled in the past 10 years
* California’s credit rating is the worst in the nation
* California’s investment in higher education, as a percent of the economy, is now at its lowest point since 1965.
Want more of the same? Count on the Lowenthal’s to stick it to you.
So, in light of “Beeler’s Ballot Busters,” here is how I’m voting: 30-N, 31-Y, 32-Y, 33-Y, 34-N, 35-Y, 36-Y, 37-N, 38-N, 39-N, 40-N, B-N, J-N, N-N, O-N, plus Lacey for DA.
On the subject of “trackers” recording politician’s public comments, I’m totally in favor of it. On the subject of trackers “following, menacing or threatening” anyone, it is a violation of California Penal Code 646.9 and perpetrators should be cited and jailed.
If you “follow, menace or threaten” me or any of my family, you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
If you thrust a camera (with or without a blinding light) into my face it will be considered an act of aggression with the intent of injuring my eyes. I will respond with necessary force to remove you from my personal space and – in the process – should your camera or other recording device fall to the ground it may be accidentally trampled into many small pieces.
Self defense is protected under state and federal laws, whether you are a private citizen, celebrity or politician.
publisher@longbeachcomber.com
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