As seen in Victorville Daily Press, Fox and Hounds Daily, and California Political Review
By George Runner
Con artists deceive their victims by manipulating emotions and exploiting vulnerabilities. Some con artists are so skilled, their victims are unaware they've been scammed. Once a con artist gains your trust, it's highly probable you'll be the victim of a scam.
The same is true of some politicians.
Californians pay close to the highest amount of taxes in the nation and continue to demand better roads in return. Despite being overtaxed, we continue to drive on the worst roads in the nation. Politicians tell us they can improve our transportation infrastructure if we simply pay an additional $52 billion in taxes and fees.
Another egregious example is the state's so-called Fire Prevention Fee - an illegal tax passed by the Legislature in 2011. The name indicates that taxpayers are getting fire prevention services in order to generate widespread support. However, in reality the tax only backfills a budget cut; no new fire prevention services have materialized. Sadly, these types of political scams have become common.
Consider the elimination of California's Enterprise Zone Program in 2013. Although not without complications, the 42 enterprise zones provided economic incentives aimed at spurring job creation and business investment in economically distressed areas of the state. ...
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