California's budget is $15 billion under water. In my opinion this is mostly because the state is run by economic airheads. I can say that because, all of the fiscally intelligent people are too busy making money to run for office. That is our loss. There is also the issue that more than 60% of the population receives some sort of aid from the state government. California is starting to see why socialism doesn't work. (as I have said before, eventually you will run out of other people's money).
but there is hope for the crappy budget. It comes in the guise of "moral corruption," also known as legalizing marijuana. I have to say that it is humorous, to say the least, that a State that throws a fit over same sex marriage (a TRULY moral topic), is struggling at all with this issue. The pot growers have VOLUNTEERED to be taxed, and have suggested "at least $1 billion" in tax revenue. (the money that is saved by not having to enforce lame laws will be close to $10 billion on the low end). I know that there will be people that think this is a horrible idea, but if it is legalized, you solve a budget deficit, make lots of people happy, and correct a logic problem all in one. I mean, we let people drink and smoke tobacco. Both of those are taxed at a higher rate, because they are viewed as bad for your health. How is Mary Jane any different?
If you don't like it, don't smoke it. You can still enjoy all your state benefits, while you abstain.
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Word.
The illegality of Marijuana, as with all drugs, has actually cost us more than regulation for a given legal substance. (see alcohol)
In addition, history has shown that making illegal something that people want, creates problems. Problems that we have historically sought to reverse and fix. (see Prohibition, Al Capone and other gangsters, and the 18th and 21st Amendments to the US Constitution)
The illegality of substances led to the War on Drugs, which is a $20 billion drag on our Federal Budget. And this is a war that is being fought poorly. Drugs are cheaper and much more potent today than before President Nixon tried to distract the country from that other war...
In short, let's alleviate several problems all in one brush stroke. Three cheers for legalized marijuana!
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