Watching the current debate over the attempt to place a constitutional convention on California's ballot, one cannot help but notice the persistent invocation of a very dangerous political fallacy - the fallacy of universal "independence." That is to say, looking at the state of California's economy and government, practically everybody thinks to themselves, "Good God! It's both of those squabbling, silly parties that got us into this mess in the first place!

It is officially Mid-January 2010, and California is still nearly $20 billion short in budgetary funds. $19.9 billion is a lot of money, and so it makes sense that Governor Schwarzenegger is looking to balance the books. On January 8, the governor announced an 18-month plan to address the massive shortfall, which included $6.9 billion in expected funds from the federal government.

Amnesty would provide the United States with a "foundation for robust, just, and widespread economic growth" according to Chicano Studies Professor Raul Hinojosa-Ojeda. In his report for the Center for American Progress, Dr. Hinojosa-Ojeda cited that comprehensive immigration reform would benefit both the American worker and the American economy.

In 2004, Governor Schwarzenegger stated that he was going to become California's job czar.  Six years later, Californians are still waiting for those jobs.  On January 6, 2004, the Governor made "jobs, jobs, jobs" his first priority with unemployment at a modestly elevated 6+%.  On January 6, 2010, the Governor once again made "jobs, jobs, jobs" his first priority with unemployment at a dismal 12+%.

In a NY Times editorial, state lawmakers are exhorted to "find their spine" on prison reform.  While praising Schwarzenegger for his commitment to spend more on education than on prisons, the editorial blasts his alternative proposals to pass yet another constitutional amendment to limit state spending or to privatize the entire prison system.

Later today, Governor Schwarzenegger will unveil yet another budget plan sure to make everyone cringe.  After closing last year's $26 billion deficit through accounting gimmicks, tax hikes, and spending cuts, the state is facing a $21 billion deficit over the next 18 months.

Although campaign finance laws limit the amount an individual can donate to a particular candidate, a California Watch Investigation shows that several influential party donors, on both sides of the aisle, are dodging the rules by funneling money through local party committees.  County parties, in many hotly contested races, have become middlemen in money laundering schemes, acting as distribution centers for big do

Columnist Byron Williams has made a provocative claim that is sure to challenge California voters.  Instead of incessantly blaming the Governor and legislature for the state's current predicament, perhaps voters should take a long, hard look in the mirror.  While state government has failed the people in numerous ways, the people have elected these politicians, and the people have voted for several propositions, often contradicting each other at times, that generate massive deficits.

Governor Schwarzenegger outlined several, key proposals to reform an out of control budget, stimulate job growth, prop up the housing market, and provide better care for veterans.  Here were the highlights:

Former San Francisco Mayor and Speaker of the House has some harsh words to say about the need to reform our civil service:

"The system was set up so politicians like me couldn't come in and fire the people (relatives) hired by the guy they beat and replace them with their own friends and relatives. 

Over the years, however, the civil service system has changed from one that protects jobs to one that runs the show."