by Kara Altshuler 

January 19, 2009

Greetings from Washington, DC!  And happy Martin Luther King Day!

The city is abuzz and everyone here is happy, smiling, and so looking forward to tomorrow.  I wish I could post a picture or two but I forgot my USB cord....I'll post when I return later this week.  It's not all that cold here, but then, I used to live here, so I'm used to highs in the upper 30's. 

I spent about an hour this morning in a light snowfall waiting outside the Rayburn Office Building to get through security.  The couple in front of me were from Michigan, the one in back from El Paso, TX.  We had such a good time just laughing about how different all the states are, which ones can handle snow, which ones can't, etc. 

The staff in Congressman Gallegly's office were so pleasant and helpful.  Mr. Gallegly was there, and he asked me if everything was going well, and talked about what a historic inauguration it would be tomorrow.  He was very gracious, and I can't say enough about the professionalism of his aides. 

The Rayburn building is named after Sam Rayburn, a Congressman from Texas who served in the House for 45 years, 17 of which he was the Speaker.  The building is beautiful, with marble walls and floor, stars on the ceiling and gorgeous chandeliers.  It was thrilling to see people from all over the country venturing to their Congressman's office to get their tickets. 

I have to say, I've met an awful lot of people here from California, which I think is great.

I'll post tomorrow after the Inauguration ceremony and the parade.

by Kara Altshuler

Newly-elected State Senator Tony Strickland (SD-19) has an editorial in today's Star.  http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jan/07/out-of-touch-legislators-need-an-attitude-change/

In the editorial, Strickland complains about the recent move by Democrats in the State's legislature to raise money to solve California's never-ending fiscal crisis (a move which was vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger, but still is being rewarded by a lawsuit from California Republicans and the Howard Jarvis folks http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre50604v-us-economy-california-budget/).

Strickland argues that this move by the Democrats is a "direct assault" on the proposition, and by implication, the will of Californians.

Now, not being a native Californian and being underage in 1978, I wasn't able to make my voice heard on Prop. 13--the gift that keeps on giving.  And the effect that phrase has on me is probably opposite of the Pavlovian response it has in other Californians--it only makes me see red and reinforces my belief that the whole ballot initiative system in this state is a complete joke. (And spare me the argument that the elderly can afford to stay in their houses--I've heard it, but that's still no reason to pass such a sweeping, flawed piece of legislation that is forever embedded in the state's Constitution.)  You see, I am one of those oh-so-lucky transplants to sunny California who gets completely screwed by this not-very-well-thought-out proposition.  That's because major increases in property value assessments, which inform property taxes, are only done when a house changes ownership, or suffers a significant decrease in value http://assessor.countyofventura.org/generallyspeaking/prop13.html. 

Since I'm the third owner of my house, I pay higher property taxes than those around me who are original owners.   Wow, who wouldn't want a deal like that?  It's no big surprise California education spending is dismal compared to other less-wealthy states.  With regard to public services we all need and use, Californians voted themselves into the poor house.

Back to Strickland's editorial.  A direct result of Prop 13 is to make cities and towns more dependent on the state government for money, and to shift the burden of raising revenues from property taxes to sales taxes.  That pits open-space advocates against those who want to put big-box stores and strip malls everywhere.  Not a really great plan for thoughtful development.  Prop 13 also prevents the state legislature from raising taxes without a 2/3 majority, and the Republicans have repeatedly prevented the legislature from reaching this majority.  Strickland further advocates legislative gridlock because of his leadership role with Club for Growth, which takes a stand against any new taxes.

So how exactly does Strickland propose we get out of this mess?  He talks about using tax money languishing in bank accounts----you mean there's billions of dollars in state bank accounts that are being untapped and no one has proposed going after this money before?And he proposes speeding up infrastructure projects with public-private partnerships--I assume the fiscal burden would all be on the private part of the partnership, since there is no money in the state coffers (except for the tons of cash Strickland says is sitting idly by in bank accounts).  Hey, I've got an even better idea--how about Strickland introduces legislation that mandates state legislators and the governor not take any salary during the time that California operates a deficit or when budget bills remain unpassed.  He can call it "The Taxpayer Relief from Belligerent and Inactive Government Act." 

Our own Honorable Diane Feinstein doesn't like Obama's pick of Leon Panetta as director of CIA.  Says she'd prefer someone from the intelligence community.

Maybe someone like current CIA director-Gen. Michael Hayden, who was confirmed by Feinstein, and as NSA Director oversaw the largest effort of the government to spy on its own people since J. Edgar Hoover's tenure?  Gee, Sen. Feinstein, where was your spine in 2006?

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-cia-panetta6-2009jan06,0,5514283.story

by Kara Altshuler

Happy New Year!

I have mixed feelings about 2009. 

On the one hand, I am so excited about our new President-elect, who's already been acting (in the last month+) more presidential than the current Shoe-ducker-in-Chief.  While Bush is busy burnishing his legacy, President-elect Obama is now in Washington, DC, preparing himself and his Cabinet selections for the tremendous work ahead of them.  I am confident that we are going to see some big changes starting Jan. 21, and this year will be interesting to watch, no matter what.  On the other hand, the economy is lousy, lousy, lousy, and everyone has been affected.  Most people I know are thankful to have a job.  That kinda puts things into perspective.

But many times perspective comes from unexpected places, from sources outside of our own little world.  I am reminded that the reality of life often pierces the bubble of optimism I have about our country charting a new course away from the fear-mongering and law-breaking the Bush administration has done for the last 8 years.  A dear friend passed on a letter from a relative that reminded me that some aspects of Bush's dreadful legacy will take a very long time to repair. This letter makes me even more thankful my children are still safe at home, warm and healthy.  My kids aren't old enough to fight in this infernal war in the Middle East.  But, I am grateful to other mothers who have endured their sons' and daughters' perpetual absence, serving tour after tour in this ill-planned and worse-executed debacle in Afghanistan and Iraq.  I honor them by printing out the letter as a reminder that yes, a new year has dawned, but for many Americans, nothing has changed. 

Dear Family,
It is with concern that I share the following about my son's experience in this very short time in Afghanistan.  My Marine's  unit--3rd Battalion 8th Brigade experienced two casualties and one fatality in ten days.  The fatality was Jon's best friend Franco--Lance Corp. Albert Franconie.  The two casualties were also from his troop and are now at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in the good care of doctors and a very supportive military family.  All these Marines were with Jon's Sniper Scout Unit. 
Mr. Macias and I went to visit the two young Marine's yesterday per Jonathan's request.  He asks that we do everything to support them and their parents...thus it is our honor to do so.  He wants us to visit weekly.  He also asks that I take a homemade meal to them once weekly b/c they love to eat.  
Yesterday, there was a service ceremony for the young Marine -Franco; Jonathan was asked to say a few words at his friend's ceremony.  He said it  was a very sad and touching ceremony.  Jon's unit was given time to grieve.  Jon says he can still hear Franco's voice. I wish I could pray their burden and heartbreak away.  
Thank you for allowing me to share the impact that this war is having on my loved one and other Marines.  Please keep them in your prayers.  We will all need to keep the troops in our thoughts and prayers daily --they are so very brave.   
Sincerely,
SAM