And now, a break from the election results. At LAST something that we RedStaters and California Communists can AGREE upon!

Pinch me. I’m dreaming. Did I read this right? California wants to pull their own Brexit. (Yes, it’s called “CALEXIT.”) You can’t make this stuff up!

From YesCalifornia.Org

In the Spring of 2019, Californians will go to the polls in a historic vote to decide by referendum if California should exit the Union, a #Calexit vote. You will have this historic opportunity because the Yes California Independence Campaign will qualify a citizen’s initiative for the 2018 ballot that if passed would call for a special election for Californians to vote for or against the independence of California from the United States. This is a very important question. It is the responsibility of this campaign to explain what a yes vote will mean for you, your family, your community, our state, our country, and our world. We have designed this website to answer many of these questions and look to you to ask more. “As the sixth largest economy in the world, California is more economically powerful than France and has a population larger than Poland. Point by point, California compares and competes with countries, not just the 49 other states.”

Let’s put this in perspective. A state, already so far to the left that two DEMOCRATS are running in the GENERAL election for senate, wants to leave the US and make its own way in the world. A state that is hemorrhaging businesses and taxpayers alike to places like Texas and Nevada wants to go it alone on its “economic prowess.” But don’t take my word for it. Let’s run down the nine points they bring out for secession.

THE CASE FOR INDEPENDENCE IN 9 SIMPLE POINTS

Being a U.S. state is no longer serving California’s best interests. On issues ranging from peace and security to natural resources and the environment, it has become increasingly true that California would be better off as an independent country. Here’s a summary of why we think so.

1. PEACE AND SECURITY

The U.S. Government spends more on its military than the next several countries combined. Not only is California forced to subsidize this massive military budget with our taxes, but Californians are sent off to fight in wars that often do more to perpetuate terrorism than to abate it. The only reason terrorists might want to attack us is because we are part of the United States and are guilty by association. Not being a part of that country will make California a less likely target of retaliation by its enemies.

And we start with a bang. The “Military Takes Too Much Money” argument. Notwithstanding that the US Constitution mandates that defense be paid for in non-discretionary funds, the new Nation of California Constitution will have to make allowances to pay for ITS defense. The fact that they essentially don’t even put up a facade of arguing WHY its necessary pretty much destroys logic. What happens when Beijing wants to annex the San Gabriel Valley and mandate that citizens there give a certain amount of taxation to the Chinese commies? What happens when Putin decides to show force by sending its nuclear submarines under the Golden Gate Bridge? Or will you “expect” the US military, subsidized by NON-Californians (remember, your taxes are going to Beijing now), to put up a show of force?

Think. It. Through. This alone should immediately put an end to such secession shenanigans, but I’ll go on.

2. ELECTIONS AND GOVERNMENT

California’s electoral votes haven’t affected a presidential election since 1876. On top of that, presidential election results are often known before our votes are even counted. So, why should we keep subjecting ourselves to presidents we play no role in electing, to 382 representatives and 98 senators we can’t vote for, and all the government officials and federal judges appointed by those very same people we don’t elect.

Well, for one thing, California will never vote for a GOP president for the forseeable future, perhaps never again, based upon demographics. So the only reason this could be a BAD thing is you don’t have a say in how radical left-wing the Democrat is. Was Obama some right-wing Democrat loonie who you were forced to vote for? Is Hillary some rabid white supremecist whacko who would totally undermine the Democrat party if you didn’t have a choice of voting for anyone else?

But reading between the lines, the argument I see is based upon the fact that the GOP holds Congress now, and by extension, votes against the California representatives. They obviously didn’t get the memo that the current Congress passed more entitlements and social programs than any other Congress in history, either through direct vote or by not contesting executive orders via the budgetary process (AKA “shutting down the government”). And the judges? Pshawww! A full 80% of all judges picked since Obama took over are as progressive as their average Santa Monica council person.

3. TRADE AND REGULATION

The U.S. Government maintains a burdensome trade system that hurts California’s economy by making trade more difficult and more expensive for California’s businesses. As long as California remains within this burdensome trade system, we will never be able to capitalize on the trade and investment opportunities that would be available to us as an independent country. On top of that, the United States is dragging California into the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement which conflicts with our values.

Hey, something we agree on! But probably for all the wrong reasons…

The REAL reason you don’t want to do TPP is because you want businesses in California to hire your workers at (most probably) $25 minimum wage. In addition, you want the taxes businesses cough up so you can build more Speedy Trains to Nowhere. You DON’T want to say “well, California needs the jobs so entrepreneurs can create new opportunities for growth, coupled with a low tax rate that will allow our new nation to really expand its GDP, hire people for REAL jobs (not “Taco Bell burrito stuffer” gigs), allowing businesses to export all sorts of good stuff to the rest of the world! Nevada too!” That would be too logical. But I do give you guys credit on hiring Mike Lee’s publicist for avoiding TPP.

4. DEBT AND TAXES

Since 1987, California has been subsidizing the other states at a loss of tens and sometimes hundreds of billions of dollars in a single fiscal year. As a result, we are often forced to raise taxes and charge fees in California, and borrow money from the future to make up the difference. This is partly why California presently has some of the highest taxes in the country, and so much debt. Independence means that all of our taxes will be kept in California based on the priorities we set, and we will be able to do so while repaying our debts and phasing out the current state income tax.

Excuse, me but… say WHAT?? Can ANYONE read this paragraph without spewing out their favorite drink? 20% of the state aren’t LEGAL fer chrissakes (more on that next item), while businesses are hemorraghing out of California right and left.

But the reason California is “forced” to raise taxes and charge fees is because they elect a near-super majority legislature and governor who crank out the biggest boondoggle tax increases in history! Their initiative process, which was ORIGINALLY supposed to be a stop on an increasingly out-of-touch legislative branch (sound familiar, anyone) with a sign-any-bill post-Reagan Jerry Brown in the 70’s, is now working the OPPOSITE way: it allows the taxpayers to DIRECTLY create billion-dollar outlays without the inconvenience of having representatives accountable for their votes. RedState diarist Kira Davis has written an excellent piece that itemizes every one of the initiatives.

Certainly, I would imagine the writers of this funny quip probably read a Donald Trump meme. They didn’t even change the wording.

5. IMMIGRATION

California is the most diverse state in the United States and that is something we are proud of. This diversity is a central part of our culture and an indispensable part of our economy. As a U.S. state, our immigration system was largely designed by the 49 other states thirty years ago. This immigration system has since neglected the needs of the California economy and has hurt too many California families. Independence means California will be able to decide what immigration policies make sense for our diverse and unique population, culture, and economy, and that we’ll be able to build an immigration system that is consistent with our values.

Diversity is NOT a “central part of a culture,” and it most certainly does NOT represent “an indespensable (sic) part of (California’s) economy.” Being gay or Armenian or Hindu or Walla Walla-ian doesn’t earn one red cent (or whatever money California decides to go with: the peso? the renminbi? the EBT card?).

And what school of learnin’ did said initiative writer attend where he learned that the “US immigration process” was “designed” by the “other 49 states thirty years ago?” What? Like Alabama, Texas, and New Hampshire, along with the other 46 states, decided that “Ok, folks, lets’s SCREW California with our immigration policy!” without recompense? Blogs the mind…

6. NATURAL RESOURCES

Certain minerals and other natural resources like coal, oil, and natural gas are being extracted from California at below market value rates by private corporations with the permission of the U.S. Government. While a small portion of the revenue is shared with us, our share has been withheld during times of sequestration. That means the U.S. Government is paying their debts with royalties collected from selling off California’s natural resources. Independence means we will gain control of the 46% of California that is currently owned by the U.S. Government and its agencies. We will therefore take control of our natural resources and be the sole beneficiary of royalties collected if and when they are extracted from our lands.

Where to start with this one? Let’s go to the last sentence.

“…We will therefore take control of our natural resources and be the sold beneficiary of royalties if and when they are extracted from our lands.”

That alone tells me that they are going to shut down all fossil fuel extraction. So the previous lamentations of “not getting market value” and “not having profits shared” tell me that they plan on nationalizing their economy. But what is seriously laughable is the fact that the state is COMPLAINING that the energy companies aren’t making ENOUGH (“below market rates”) profits. Seriously?

7. THE ENVIRONMENT

California is a global leader on environmental issues. However, as long as the other states continue debating whether or not climate change is real, they will continue holding up real efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The truth is this country accounts for less than five percent of the world’s population yet consumes one-third of the world’s paper, a quarter of the world’s oil, 27 percent of the aluminum, 23 percent of the coal, and 19 percent of the copper. Independence means California will be able to negotiate treaties to not only reduce the human impact on our climate but also to help build global resource sustainability.

The only reason the debate exists is because Leftists have a skewed idea of how science works. In addition, they conflate proper, advanced usage of resources with exploitation, but boy they feel good! Those Benihaha chop-chop bird killer windmills, coupled with those KFC-bird fryer solar panel farms will dot the entire California desert from San Berdoo all the way to Vegas… well, the National Border with the United States at Nevada anyway.

8. HEALTH AND MEDICINE

The Affordable Care Act was enacted by the U.S. Government to lower the cost of health care and expand health insurance coverage to the uninsured, yet millions of Californians still lack access to quality health care because they can’t afford it. For many, access to hospitals and medicine is a life or death issue. Independence means we can fund the health care programs we want and ensure everyone has access to the medicines they need because our taxes will no longer be subsidizing other states. Finally, California can join the rest of the industrialized world in guaranteeing health care as a universal right for all of our people.

Ha ha ha! California taxes are subsidizing other states? With what tax money? And who are going to pay the doctors? Maybe you can use all those fossil fuel resources that you will now have full control over…oh wait. Never mind. After all, Canada, UK, and other countries are re-PRIVATIZING their medical industries, but that doesn’t seem to get any rational discourse. Hopefully, the Republic of Texas will charge a major tariff for California foreigners when they come to Austin to do their plastic surgery that only movie will be able to do legally once the infernal Obamacare is fully implemented, but I digress.

9. EDUCATION

California has some of the best universities but in various ways, our schools are among the worst in the country. Not only does this deprive our children of the education they deserve, but it also costs taxpayers billions in social services and law enforcement expenses linked to lacking opportunities resulting from poor education. Independence means we will be able to fully fund public education, rebuild and modernize public schools, and pay public school teachers the salaries they deserve. On top of that, independence means freedom from federal education policies and one-size-fits-all standards set by political appointees on the other side of the continent.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Works great in a song or novel, but makes absolutely no sense in a purportedly rational argument for (or against?) universities. But the bottom line is that they want money, money, money, and they aren’t getting it because the US demands too much money from all the illegals paying all the taxes.

OK, everyone. Despite all the recriminations, I want to say that I am fully on record, and

I OFFICIALLY ENDORSE THIS REFERENDUM!

Of course, the REASONS are quite the opposite of what they are thinking. I’m sure, though, that the Soros people will make sure that this never sees the light of day for those same reason.

But for now, Conservatives and Socialists/Communists are united… CALIFORNIA SECESSION! Let’s do it!

(Pragmatically, though, I’d just annex to Mexico and be done with it. But that’s just