The problem with California-too much democracy.

Yes, I did mean to say that. The problem with California's economic meltdown is the excersise of pure democracy by its citizens.

We do not have a democratic form of government. We have a representative form of government. What is the difference? We elect representatives who in turn are charged with running government, hopefully, to some extent, after some deliberation and consideration of how proposed laws will affect the big picture.In a pure democracy, on the other hand, the majority prevails on any issue.

So what is wrong with pure democracy? Simple. The majority wins not because they are right but because they have the most votes. In California that is called ballott initiatives. The majority prevails on some issue of popular support, like tax freezes, and then the elected representatives must find some way to deal with that.

It sounds good when it gets proposed, usually passes, because it is popular, and seldom works because nobody really understands the long term implications.

So here we are today. The state of California is issuing vouchers instead of real money because the ballott initiatives have come home to roost.

Live within your means said the majority a while back in passing several ballott initiatives. Now that the state government is forced to do so, everybody complains and looks to the rest of us to bail them out.

My vote is no. I do hope to be in the majority when all votes are counted.