At what point will Sacramento Democrats wake up to reality? Their Charlie Sheen-like denial of actuality is going to lead to a government meltdown on par with the actor’s career suicide. It’s not just frustrating but angering to witness the Democrats’ arrogant, heedless acceleration towards the fiscal abyss. Case in point is the Little Hoover Commission’s pension reform study hearing that took place in the state capitol this week.
Governor Jerry Brown, the top Democrat in the state, has asked the LHC for recommendations on how he can cut spending in the state, indicating his respect for the watchdog group. But his counterparts in the legislature don’t seem to share his regard for the LHC. In fact, they displayed a stunning antipathy for the LHC because it had the audacity to present commonsense ideas in disharmony with the fiscal fantasyland Democrats foolishly continue to believe exists.
During the hearing, LHC Director Stuart Drown was forced to defend the pension reform study to legislators who are obviously are so beholden to union interests they want no part of reforming a bloated, wasteful system. Senator Alex Padilla flatly stated that LHC’s suggested reforms won’t happen. Assemblywoman Fiona Ma labeled pension abuse discussions an “attack” on government workers.
So what part of the LHC report was so egregious to these Democrat legislators? Apparently the mere fact the LHC pointed out the state’s pension funds are dangerously underfunded upset the apple cart. And suggesting that the pension funds move to a hybrid 401(k) retirement system was blasphemy. Because these Democrats cannot countenance recommendations that would require hard decisions or fundamental reforms, only obsequious Yes Men who bolster their fantasy are given any credibility.
For fiscally responsible Americans, the debate raging in Wisconsin is long overdue. We’re thrilled that real leadership has emerged in Governors Scott Walker and John Kasich. Finally adults have decided to step in and wrest control from the irresponsible children wasting taxpayer dollars to fund the government union aristocracy.
Unfortunately for Californians, when adults do try to present a realistic picture of the state’s fiscal problems, they are derided or characterized as enemies of the state. How can California solve its monumental problems when Democrats obfuscate issues by misdirecting blame, refuse to recognize a problem and won’t entertain any reform suggestions that displease their union bosses?