Californians are convinced of the supreme value of competition. The more competition the better. If you can't win one way, try another. You're not supposed to lose. As we say, "losing is not an option."
Of all the people in the state, the outstanding exponents of this win-at-any-cost philosophy are our politicians. Gray Davis, our governor, has not been too populaar. So during last year's election the Republicans figured they had a chance. But Davis managed to knock out popular Richard Riordan, Simon's opponent in the Republican primary, via nasty ads and publicity. Bill Simon, then, ran an incompetent campaign and lost. Dismayed Republicans decided there was another way. They started a recall campaign against Davis. They have built up citizen rage against the governor because the state has a more than $38 billion deficit and they blame it all on him.
The recall election is set for October 7, 2003. Republicans plan to win purely by building up a frenzy. Democrats, no doubt, will try to counteract this frenzy with a frenzy of their own. I dread the screaming and yelling between now and then.
I am a democrat and I am against the recall. Governor Davis did nothing wrong. Citizens may disagree with his policies, but they had a chance to elect someone else last November. In a democratic society you accept the results of an election whether you like them or not. This is the essence of democracy.
But some super-competitive Republicans, such as California Representative Darrell Issa, bankrolled the recall campaign with millions he had made from his auto alarm business. If you can "cut throats" in business, why not in politics?
California citizens must ask themselves: Suppose Issa - or the Terminator - becomes our next governor, will California's financial position be better? Will Democrat-Republican civility be better? Will the Democrats allow the Republicans to accomplish anything? Will the economy of the state be improved? Will there be more jobs?
The answers are NO, NO, NO, NO and NO. Regardless of who wins, civility will decrease, the legislature will be in competitive chaos, the economy will suffer and many Californians will lose their jobs.
There is more to a democracy than voting. Goodwill is needed. Without goodwill, you have the horrible situation we have now in California. The only way to get out of this violent cycle of rage is by introducing a little cooperation.
Is there a California politician ready to introduce the spirit of cooperation?
