Today, I went on a visit to the California state capitol with a group from San Mateo County Democracy for America. The staff in both Assemblyman Ira Ruskin (my assemblyperson) and Assemblyman Gene Mullin helped us in arranging a visit to the assembly chambers to watch this morning's session, a tour of the capitol, and (not-so-brief) visits with the two assemblymen.
Apparently the word "tax" (not "new tax" or "higher tax" - just "tax") sends some Republicans into a hyperbolic fit of irrational indignation. Absurd. Its this sort of knee-jerk politics that screws up the budget process in California so badly.
We watched the assembly floor action for about 90 minutes, and I was really dismayed to see repeated grandstanding on the part of some Republicans on tax issues. In particular, the Republicans raised hell during a debate on a bill that imposed no new taxes, but rather sought to clarify the tax rules and reduce the scope of tax liablity of persons selling items in garage sales or in online auctions.
This has me thinking twice about how effective one can be in the political sphere and whether its worth one's time to pursue a career in politics.
