"Come and listen to a story about a man named Mike
A poor pachyderm, trying to stop a tax hike,
Then one day he was in a budget feud,
And down from the Guv comes a comment so rude.
Elitist that is, against small towns, average folk."
Yesterday, Governor Schwarzenegger speaking to the nonprofit Milken Institute portrayed small-town lawmakers as uncultured yokels by explaining that they needed special interest junkets in order to see “an airport” or “highway” for the first time. I realize term limits have cleared the Capitol of legislative veterans, but since when did Jed Clampett, Ellie Mae, Jethro and Granny get elected to the Assembly?
Read the exact quote for yourself.
"Some of them come from those little towns, you know what I am saying, they come from those little towns and they don’t have that vision yet of an airport or of a highway that maybe has 10 lanes or of putting a highway on top of a highway," Schwarzenegger said. "They look at you and say, ‘We don’t have that in my town. What are you talking about?’
And which party represents small town California? I will give you a hint, (I bet you need it, especially since many small town legislators read the Flash Report).
REPUBLICANS!
Republicans make up 70% (29 out of 42 members) of the California Legislative Rural Caucus . Intentional or unintentional, the Governor’s comments undermine the public’s perception of legislative Republicans just as the state’s budget negotiations are about to heat up. Republicans, who have promised to oppose all tax increases, won’t be viewed seriously in budget negotiations if the Governor belittles them as unsophisticated hicks.
This isn’t the first time the Governor has resorted to ad hominem attacks on legislators during a hot budget debate. Of course, the “girlie man” comments were directed at the opposing party.
However, the Governor isn’t the only one to blame for legislative Republicans’ image problems. Last year, Republicans did nothing to win the budget debate in the press. Sure, they had the right policy positions and political philosophy; but they allowed themselves to be painted as obstructionists beholden to the elite. That’s a losing message. It’s all the more ironic considering California Democrats pushed for the elimination of the Teacher’s Tax Credit, a $175million tax increase on teachers.
Already this year, legislative Republicans have lost the first round of the budget battle in the press with stories like “GOP blocks ending tax loophole for yachts – UPI.com.” It’s one thing to fight against a class warfare tax increase; it’s another to allow your opponents to define your position for you.
The Governor has already telegraphed his budget plans for this year; he will support tax increases. If legislative Republicans are going to stop tax hikes, they need to start selling their ideas to the public now, before it’s too late.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:00 am
Some inspiration from another classic 1960’s TV show produced by the
same people who did the Beverly Hillbillies.
This 2nd program was set in the real-life California town of “Pixley” in the
Central Valley. Its signature steam train is the center-piece of a local
museum, and still runs down the tracks….
……..”Villines Junction”
Come and ride the little train that is
rolling down the track to the Junction,
….Villines Junction
Forget about your cares,
it is time to relax at the Junction
…. Villines Junction
Lots of Curves, you bet,
And even more when you get,
to the Junction:
….Shirley Horton junction !
There’s a little hotel called the
Shady Rest at the Junction,
…. Villines Junction
It is run by Bonnie, come and
be her guest at the Junction,
…. Garcia Junction
And there’s Uncle Joel, he’s a movin’
kinda slow at the Junction,
….’Hot blooded’ Junction !
When they ring the Dinner Bell at the
Shady Rest Hotel at the Junction
….Sharon/Audra Junction
Folks will Runner Country Mile for
that Chicken country style at the Junction
….Sharon/Audra Junction
Lots of Peaches to observe,
the Pretty Girls that serve at the Junction,
All aboard for Pachyderm Junction !