Ward Connerly: ‘I love California!’
The American Civil Right Institute’s Ward Connerly expresses his love for the state, but acknowledges its less than desirable qualities, including, high taxes, budget shortfalls, an out-of-control criminal justice system, and dysfunctional government schools. (Source)
“And I would have some doubt about the long-term ability of California to manage all of its racial and ethnic ‘diversity,’” he writes. “In short, the future of California looks bleak, from afar as well as close-up.”
Having lived in California for 60 years, Connerly notes that despite the negatives, the people of California “are tough, creative, somewhat unpredictable and not content to allow the future to just evolve.” For example, voters placed limits on property taxes, implemented the “three strikes” law for repeat criminals, and barred their government from discriminating against and granting preferences to individuals in hiring, contracting, and admissions based on race.
Connerly also sees a benefit in the state’s slumping housing market. “With prices declining, there is much hope that the long-needed correction in the housing market has finally arrived, albeit in a far more painful manner than would have been preferred. A ready supply of affordable housing will cure many ailments that would otherwise tarnish California’s future.”
How can the people improve the state for the future? By voting in solid leadership, which Connerly calls “the most critical missing element in California today.”
