Michael Ramirez Essay: Leaving California 05-17-24
From America's Premier Editorial Cartoonist
California Exodus
by Michael Ramirez
The question most often asked to me is, “how do you come up with your ideas?” As I stare at a blank piece of paper, I think, that is a very good question… I read… and read… and then read some more.
Editorial cartoons are a reflection of today’s events. The issues you tackle must have a high enough profile that readers can comprehend the issue immediately, from having heard or read the details in the news. We don’t have the luxury of having a short, animated film to explain the issue. Those complexities have to be incorporated into a single window.
The issue itself has to be researched, analyzed, and then substantiated before I even take pen to paper.
Fortunately, I have the best gagwriters in the world…. Politicians.
The author of today’s cartoon is Governor Gavin Newsom. His latest announcement of no new taxes in a revised budget, which reflects a $27.6 billion deficit, was just too amusing to let it pass without seizing on it. Amazingly, the governor could say “no new taxes” and “$27.6 billion deficit” with a straight face.
It reminds me of the movie, Liar, Liar or call it another pair of Whoppers by Herr Burgermeister Tax King, which, incidentally, will cost about $50 a burger after the $20 minimum wage decreases the number of jobs, workers and restaurants, and increases automation, crime and homelessness even more in this state.
I exaggerate of course, but only in the same spirit of the nonsense that comes out of this governor’s mouth.
The suspension of business deductions and capping business tax credits alone are more like a $6.4 billion tax increase, then there are the business permits to offset CO2 emissions… a rose by any other name would still stink to high tax heaven.
In reality, the deficit is more like $45 billion and growing.
It is growing for many reasons. In simple terms, you can just say maladministration.
This Substack is not long enough to cover all the negligence, malfeasance, and fiscal mismanagement by the current administration and the knuckleheads that make up the California State Legislature. It is a shame that none of them seem to understand fundamental economics or simply that money doesn’t grow on trees. If it did, the redwoods would have relocated to Florida.
California is largely funded by the personal income tax (including capital gains), sales and use tax, and corporate taxes. The two main resources for state funding in California are rich people and businesses.
California has a very progressive income tax rate. According to a Hoover Institute report, personal income grew as a share of the total state revenue from 44.6% to 59.7%. From the same report, “As of 2019, just 8,235 resident households earning over $5 million annually, paid nearly one-fifth of all income taxes in the state.”
On top of high taxes, they have added fees and regulations which have accelerated the already high cost of living, created an unreliable energy infrastructure, and have made it very difficult for businesses to survive in this state, much less make a profit.
Progressive policies based on liberal fantasies, impractical idealism and redistributive economics have wreaked havoc in both urban and suburban areas, leading to rising crime, increased spending, more illegal immigration, rising drug addiction, an anti-business environment, the highest taxes, and the largest homeless population in the country.
The governor is now scrambling to reassure his tax base that he will not increase taxes. He sees the gold rush across the state line.
Is there anyone left who believes his Wild West story? It’s pure fiction.
Gavin Newsom’s tale is like an old western but in reverse. It’s the Western theme of good prevailing over evil, but backward. Instead of a posse of lawmen chasing a bunch of crooks who are heading for the borders, the crooks are now a posse of lawmakers chasing good folks and good jobs who continue to head for the borders.
Can you blame them?
Have a good week.
Best,
-m
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I love that you have the best gag-writers...haha. Kinda sad too. Thanks for sharing your thought process, it's enlightening and intelligent. Draw on, Michael, draw on. Sincerely, one of your fans, Novella