I used to enjoy reading BB years ago, he always brought some historical knowledge and humor into his writing. Lately he just sounds like a grumpy old man that made his fortune and tells the readers that they are out of luck and out of touch.
Waiting for Vegas to handicap which states or major Blue city's economy will bring the Democrats midterm prospects down first. It will be either New York City's Mandavi or California Governor Newsom. Pass the popcorn and settle in...
Joel, don't worry about Newsom. If it had not been for Trump I and Trump II, the USA would have already been over the proverbial falls. We were just a last-grab branch away from suffering that fate with Biden and Company. I'll tell you the same thing my teachers told me back in the 50s and 60s: "It can't happen here." (wink, wink). Best always. PM
Since the advent of a tax on income, there's has long been a war between the wealth makers and the wealth takers.
Since the latter far outnumber the former, politicians will always pander to the takers.
But our presidents -- regardless of what political philosophy they espouse -- are in a special class of societal destroyers.
Unhindered by our Constitution, they can spend ad infinitum.
And they do, including our current one who is well on his way to being the single person in humanity to have burdened future generations with more debt than anyone living or dead.
The future for the US of A could very well become seriously sullied, perhaps unravel, if a wealth-taker is elected to replace this enigmatic man who is always craving adulation, always indebting the nation, now our current president.
FYI, California actually lost between 10,000 and 25,000 residents in '25, not the 216,000 that
MN Gordon says - That said, Newsom has loved spending others people's money and I would hope that he's not the Democrats, or at least this Democrat's nomination for POTUS.
Who really knows what the true number is, but I‘m pretty sure that whatever it is, Californians with money and resources are leaving and are being partially replaced with people who don’t have money or resources. The newcomers are coming for one reason only - the freebies.
I guess it's the new Venezuela. Are they really that stupid or it just the way this tyrants are. Me thinks the latter. I live in Virginia and I think Spermburger wants to be the next Newscum or more then likely a Waltz
Why haven't these billionaires teamed up with their enormous fortunes to fight that bunch in Sacramento. They, like the rest of us, deserve what they get for allowing this to go on. They are probably responsible for supporting that clown show (talk about poetic justice) and now the bill has come due. I guess they are being eaten by their own. Sounds like socialist Democrats to me but what do I know I am just a 87 yo butcher that has seen way too much. God's blessings to all.
Some years ago California attempted to tax the retirement benefits of people who moved out of the state upon their retirement. It was struck down by the supreme court and hopefully the “exit tax” will meet the same fate
great at pointing out the obvious failures which has NOTHING to do with the financial system! BUT it has everything to do with GREED CORRUPTION CONTROL of the masses by a few .. be it Caesar or TRUMP .. so how about a manifesto about how to solve this recurring human failing ? How did ATLAS Shrug? Your continued clap trap of FREEDOM is bullshit .. absolute freedom mean absolute anarchy ! you must ANCHOR freedom to something else and you damn well know it but then that would offer truth of a kind your readers are not ready to accept or practice ! so stop pontificating and start offering solutions before the opposite of every TRUTH over powers the CURRENT ONE yet again .. wake up wise up and stand up for practiced intelligence !
In Australia, with 3 absolutely bloated levels of government, I think a little bit of anarchy would be quite welcome by most people not on the gravy train!
I received a message request but cannot see it as I do not use the substack app, only access I have is via a browser. You are welcome to post any message you have for me here.
Alas, MNGordon describes Maggie Thatcher 's dilemma of Other People's Money very well. My youth was spent (sometimes even misspent) in southern CA. I fell for the beauty and variety of the state from a young age, but then my career drew me away. I would not go back on a bet.
California has been a bellwether state for generations. I think it still is, and America as a whole will gradually be taken over by Marxists. "Selling us the rope" is no longer necessary -- just take over our educational system.
A truly excellent essay! I doubt that California's voters or elected bureaucrats care that the rich will leave. They just do not believe it and they are only focused on all of that beautiful money coming into the State's coffers. They are killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, but those in charge will not recognize it until the voters send them packing. But then it will be too late to do anything about it and it will take decades to right the wrongs that have been committed in California. That day will come because, as with any form of socialism, California will run out of other people's money.
AND as an aside - the population loss in Californa in 2025 was offset almost Even-Stephen due to there being about 25,000 births in the state the same year. Also, not bragging, but FYI, I'm a Californian with "money or resources" and I'm not leaving. Of course I moved here 50 years ago when buying a house was more affordable and my house is paid off so it's easier for me. I've lived in 4 states, (all with snow), and I'd rather drive up the mountains to ski when I want to rather than live with it for four+ months per year. There are alot of people in my community who moved to Ca. after they retired to enjoy our weather and outdoor activities and politics. I think more "newcomers"
came for those reasons rather than those who came for the "freebies" . . .
More of him, less BB
I used to enjoy reading BB years ago, he always brought some historical knowledge and humor into his writing. Lately he just sounds like a grumpy old man that made his fortune and tells the readers that they are out of luck and out of touch.
Waiting for Vegas to handicap which states or major Blue city's economy will bring the Democrats midterm prospects down first. It will be either New York City's Mandavi or California Governor Newsom. Pass the popcorn and settle in...
Joel, don't worry about Newsom. If it had not been for Trump I and Trump II, the USA would have already been over the proverbial falls. We were just a last-grab branch away from suffering that fate with Biden and Company. I'll tell you the same thing my teachers told me back in the 50s and 60s: "It can't happen here." (wink, wink). Best always. PM
Discouraging remarks ably presented.
Since the advent of a tax on income, there's has long been a war between the wealth makers and the wealth takers.
Since the latter far outnumber the former, politicians will always pander to the takers.
But our presidents -- regardless of what political philosophy they espouse -- are in a special class of societal destroyers.
Unhindered by our Constitution, they can spend ad infinitum.
And they do, including our current one who is well on his way to being the single person in humanity to have burdened future generations with more debt than anyone living or dead.
The future for the US of A could very well become seriously sullied, perhaps unravel, if a wealth-taker is elected to replace this enigmatic man who is always craving adulation, always indebting the nation, now our current president.
FYI, California actually lost between 10,000 and 25,000 residents in '25, not the 216,000 that
MN Gordon says - That said, Newsom has loved spending others people's money and I would hope that he's not the Democrats, or at least this Democrat's nomination for POTUS.
Who really knows what the true number is, but I‘m pretty sure that whatever it is, Californians with money and resources are leaving and are being partially replaced with people who don’t have money or resources. The newcomers are coming for one reason only - the freebies.
It's never bad enough for change out there, is it? Just get a less toxic Democrat. Best always. PM
I guess it's the new Venezuela. Are they really that stupid or it just the way this tyrants are. Me thinks the latter. I live in Virginia and I think Spermburger wants to be the next Newscum or more then likely a Waltz
California Dream'n
Thanx Joel 🌴😎🐻
Another feature of a declining empire.
Why haven't these billionaires teamed up with their enormous fortunes to fight that bunch in Sacramento. They, like the rest of us, deserve what they get for allowing this to go on. They are probably responsible for supporting that clown show (talk about poetic justice) and now the bill has come due. I guess they are being eaten by their own. Sounds like socialist Democrats to me but what do I know I am just a 87 yo butcher that has seen way too much. God's blessings to all.
Some years ago California attempted to tax the retirement benefits of people who moved out of the state upon their retirement. It was struck down by the supreme court and hopefully the “exit tax” will meet the same fate
great at pointing out the obvious failures which has NOTHING to do with the financial system! BUT it has everything to do with GREED CORRUPTION CONTROL of the masses by a few .. be it Caesar or TRUMP .. so how about a manifesto about how to solve this recurring human failing ? How did ATLAS Shrug? Your continued clap trap of FREEDOM is bullshit .. absolute freedom mean absolute anarchy ! you must ANCHOR freedom to something else and you damn well know it but then that would offer truth of a kind your readers are not ready to accept or practice ! so stop pontificating and start offering solutions before the opposite of every TRUTH over powers the CURRENT ONE yet again .. wake up wise up and stand up for practiced intelligence !
In Australia, with 3 absolutely bloated levels of government, I think a little bit of anarchy would be quite welcome by most people not on the gravy train!
I received a message request but cannot see it as I do not use the substack app, only access I have is via a browser. You are welcome to post any message you have for me here.
not sure how to copy/paste this reply msg but maybe I'll figure this stack out one day ?
I look forward to the day when I can leave not just California but the USA entirely
Right now the Philippines looks attractive. 0 tax on foreign sourced income and a well developed diaspora
Just curious, where is the destination that you’re departing the USA
Alas, MNGordon describes Maggie Thatcher 's dilemma of Other People's Money very well. My youth was spent (sometimes even misspent) in southern CA. I fell for the beauty and variety of the state from a young age, but then my career drew me away. I would not go back on a bet.
California has been a bellwether state for generations. I think it still is, and America as a whole will gradually be taken over by Marxists. "Selling us the rope" is no longer necessary -- just take over our educational system.
A truly excellent essay! I doubt that California's voters or elected bureaucrats care that the rich will leave. They just do not believe it and they are only focused on all of that beautiful money coming into the State's coffers. They are killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, but those in charge will not recognize it until the voters send them packing. But then it will be too late to do anything about it and it will take decades to right the wrongs that have been committed in California. That day will come because, as with any form of socialism, California will run out of other people's money.
Newsom us a major disappointment in California and needs to be held accountable. Calif vote him out.
Kenny,
AND as an aside - the population loss in Californa in 2025 was offset almost Even-Stephen due to there being about 25,000 births in the state the same year. Also, not bragging, but FYI, I'm a Californian with "money or resources" and I'm not leaving. Of course I moved here 50 years ago when buying a house was more affordable and my house is paid off so it's easier for me. I've lived in 4 states, (all with snow), and I'd rather drive up the mountains to ski when I want to rather than live with it for four+ months per year. There are alot of people in my community who moved to Ca. after they retired to enjoy our weather and outdoor activities and politics. I think more "newcomers"
came for those reasons rather than those who came for the "freebies" . . .