Stop Pulling the Wagon

IN CALIFORNIA THE MOST VULNERABLE MUST RUN A GAUNTLET

THE ABORTION OPTION GAUNTLET

In California pre-born infants in the womb can be aborted up through the ninth month, in fact, up to the moment of live birth.  Following a live birth the new born can be subject to a Peri-natal “termination of pregnancy” “loophole” signed into law by California’s Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022.  Not wanting to call it “live birth abortion” California passed into law the following:

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In California, in many situations you can be sued, lose your job, even be arrested if you do not address someone with the proper pro-noun.  Just stating the fact that at a scientific, biological and DNA level there are two, and only two genders can get you accused of a “Hate Crime”.   Citizens must not only accept and properly honor all these without question or face serious consequences, even sued in court. 

For those of us who cherish established values, the rule of law and protection of the family and church we must take whatever steps we can, to do everything still possible to protect the most vulnerable among us.  See/read also from October 2022: 

https://www.stoppullingthewagon.com/protecting-the-most-vulnerable/

A SAFE PLACE TO BE IN CALIFORNIA

The only place that I know of,  in California, where you can be assured of safety and a long well cared for life, is on Death Row in California’s prison system.  There California’s Taxpayers will provide for all your needs, including “Gender Care” should you feel inclined,  and it’s Governor will commute your death sentence and provide for your safety and protection no matter how many innocent lives you destroyed.  You see, California’s Governor does not condone the death sentence except on the pre-born and in the narrow 28 day window of the peri-natal period.  Two of the most vulnerable periods in life.

Bob Bandy – April, 2024

California Roads

photo – Google

California is a state filled with “Good Intentions”.  It’s two largest Cities, Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as it’s State Capitol, Sacramento, are entrenched “Feel Good” Liberal Bastions offering Sanctuary to “undocumented” (illegal) “no questions asked or permitted of immigrants”.  In fact, the whole state is a proud “Sanctuary” and you can face prosecution in court if you ask to see proof of citizenship.

California had, and I believe still has, the highest Gasoline Taxes in the nation and despite the fact that those taxes, on paper, are supposed to be used for road maintenance and repair, it has some of the worst, if not worst, potholes and poor maintenance in the nation.  Good intentions do not fill potholes.  Many/most of those Gasoline Tax Dollars through “slight of hand” and “smoke and mirrors” end up being redirected/spent on other “pet projects” of the “Ruling Junta” on things like “Free College” for “undocumented” migrants, “Free Healthcare” for “undocumented migrants” and “dog and pony show” special projects that sound soooo good and accomplish little or nothing other than put taxpayer Dollars into the pockets of political supporters and their ilk.  

All to often public tax revenue is allocated out for political agendas.

See: CONRAD BLOWHARD STRIKES AGAIN  

https://www.stoppullingthewagon.com/conrad-blowhard-strikes-again/ 

SPENDING PLANS SUCH AS

Homeless Housing for the states number one in the nation homeless population.  Things like $41,000 tents on pallets,  $400,000 two hundred square foot remodeled hotel rooms for the drug and alcohol addicted homeless and other “Blue Sky” projects..  On a recent news broadcast it was reported that California spent last year $43,000,000,000 ($43 Billion Dollars) on “Homeless Housing” projects and now has more Homeless than before they spent the money.  Note: News Reports that California has “no data” on $24,000,000,000($24 Billion) of those dollars…  the money is gone… “Poof”.

AND

https://www.stoppullingthewagon.com/?s=California+High+Speed+Rail+2.0

California High Speed Rail 2.0

Nine Billion Dollars Later (March 2019)

Its “never will be completed”, now estimated to cost in excess of $100,000,000,000 (that’s One Hundred Billion Dollars) High Speed Rail System which after some 10+ years of construction and numerous projections, has never hauled a single passenger a single mile. 

AND

Removing smaller dams, reservoirs and even hydro-electric plants.  US regulators have approved the largest dam removal project in the country’s history, which is slated to take place on the Klamath River in California.  A $500 million Dollar proposal to demolish four dams on the Klamath River has been approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (Associated Press). “Some people might ask in this time of great need for zero emissions, ‘Why are we removing the dams?’  The project has been a priority for environmental activists and Native American tribes for years.

Government is not so much intentionally “evil” as it is just addicted to programs that sound good without being thought through to possible unintentional outcomes, corruption, fraud, waste, graft, mismanagement, lack of accountability and poor judgement.  Government has a history of “solving problems” by throwing money at them and when that doesn’t work reaching a conclusion that the problem wasn’t solved because they didn’t throw enough money at it sooooo…..  lets increase spending.  But money and good Intentions don’t solve problems and they don’t fill potholes in the states roads.

Programs like these and many others are why California has a 70+ BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET DEFICIT, its State Capitol City – Sacramento has a 60+MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET DEFICIT and other major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have similar fiscal woes.  Mind you, most or all of the above were/are the product of the “Good Intentions” in the mind and agenda of some Bureaucrat at some point in time.  But…..

California Potholes – Google

GOOD INTENTIONS DON’T FILL POTHOLES

Late News Update – 4-10-24 – KCRA News: Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration announced a new directive on Wednesday that will require state employees to work in the office at least two days a week.  “Talk about your ‘Sweatshop’ working environment!” “Way to run a tight ship Governor!”

Bob Bandy – April 2024

I grew up in an era where I used to hear folks say that they lived for the day they would make their last mortgage payment, burn their mortgage and own their home “free and clear”.  Not quite.

My great grandfather was a Texas Ranger and his brother, John, was a (the first?) Tax Collector in Bandera County, Texas.  This I have documentation on and so, I can trace Property Taxes at least back to the circa 1880’s and feel sure they precede that by several decades.  Perhaps in early “Frontier” days on territorial lands you could “Homestead” a piece of land with no “Revenuer” knocking on your door and demanding you pay a fee to live on your own land.  Not today.  In today’s world you never really “own” your land and home, more like, rent it from the “Government”.  Try not paying your property taxes for a while and see what happens to “your” home.

Governments are “Taxaholics” and continue to find new ways to tax you, sometimes in not so obvious, subtle ways that go on “Till the Twelfth of Never”.

I am now a “Senior Citizen” that has worked his whole life.  I can remember some 40 to 50 years ago working as a carpenter and contractor building houses for folks in the Sacramento and Sierra Foothills area.  In those days if someone wanted a house built they would bring their blueprints to either one of the contactors I worked with or to me and we would go to the County Offices and secure a “Building Permit”.  My memory is not perfect but as I remember the total permit cost for a typical house would run in the $200 to $400 range.  Since then, Cities and Counties have seized the opportunity to raise money by not only increasing the cost of  building permits but the “secret” source of revenue with added on fees for all sorts of things to provide them an increased property tax revenue.  More in a moment.

It is tempting and would be easy at this point to launch into one of my tirades on all of the taxes, overt and covert, that we all pay on a day to day basis ad nauseum, but for the sake of this little essay, I want to focus attention on just this one area of onerous taxation that is somewhat subtle and NEVER goes away.

What used to be a $200-$400 building permit fee for most cities and counties in California has turned into a tens of thousands of dollars “Taxmageddon”  that has driven the cost of housing and living in California to the brink of meltdown and created a homeless nightmare statewide.  What used to be a $200-$400 fee has now morphed into a “Fee” generating income source for Cities, Counties and the State and a de-facto forever “surtax” on private real estate property.  As examples: a good friend of mine tells me that to get a building permit for a home in Roseville, California with fees now costs some $70,000 for the permit.  Another friend tells me that a building permit with fees in El Dorado County, California can cost as much as $100,000 just for them to permit you to build a home on “your” land.

An example of just one such fee:  For new home construction in El Dorado Hills they imposed a “Traffic Impact Fee” (effective thru June 2023 which may have since been raised).  On a new home of 1500 – 1999 square feet, the fee is $32,687.  In other words they are going to charge you $32,687 to drive on “their” roads to “your” land – and silly you,  you thought roads were paid for with your Gasoline Tax Dollars. (Their fee schedule is available on line) That is just one of a “laundry list” of fees for all kinds of things.  The point of this being that this fee cost is added to the cost of the home you are buying and will be paying mortgage rates on for some 30 years.  In addition, once you pay off your mortgage you will be paying property taxes based on the property value which is assessed on what you paid for the home which includes all the fees added at the time of construction.  So you will be paying forever a tax on all of the “Fees”.  To the Taxing Authorities this is a gift that keeps on giving.  As an added bonus,  new housing that costs more has raised the value of existing properties which as they are sold are now taxed at the inflated value in part caused by the fees on new construction.  The “Tax and Fee People” win again!

IN SIMPLE PLAIN ENGLISH – ALL THOSE FEES END UP IN THE TAX APPRAISED VALUE OF ‘YOUR’ HOME AND YOU WILL PAY PROPERTY TAX ON THOSE FEES ‘FOREVER’.

This inflation cycle goes on and on and the result is home ownership becomes more and more expensive and less and less affordable.  Hello “homelessness”.  So where does all this extra “Fee” revenue go?  Unfortunately too much of it ends up indirectly in the pockets of Bureaucrats and directly in the pockets of sycophant political supporters like “Consultants”, “Contractors”, “Advisors” etc. etc. for bloated “Public Works” contracts and the public sees:

  $44,000 (each) tents for the Homeless 

https://www.stoppullingthewagon.com/?s=44%2C000+tents+for+the+homeless

AND

$478,000 Tiny Homeless apartments from a “remodeled” old run-down hotel at $1,707 per square foot.

https://www.stoppullingthewagon.com/?s=conrad+blowhard+strikes+again

OR

California’s High Speed Rail 

Now estimated to cost another $100 Billion Dollars or more on completion

https://www.stoppullingthewagon.com/?s=another+6+Billion+Dollar+rathole

At least you can take comfort in knowing your hard earned dollars are being spent wisely!

To paraphrase the “Johnny Mathis song – the “Twelfth Of Never” – (1956) 

“Until the twelfth of never – I’ll still be taxing you”.

Bob Bandy – March 2024

photo – Wikipedia/Google

I can remember some 45 years ago, when I first began my 17 year career with U.S. Computer Services,  one of the Directors of the company told me to never forget that a computer was not really “smart” but could only process information very fast, was the tool of the programmer and was limited by its programming.  He had a sign on his wall to always remind him “Garbage In, Garbage Out”.  That was then and times have changed.  In todays world computers have access to a worldwide data base and very advanced algorithms and are being taught/programmed to “think” and act independently.

Recently our President said that our economy is in great shape with the Stock Market continuing to set new record highs and stock holders seeing their 401k’s prosper.  Looking at this narrow spectrum there is truth here.  However, if you also listen to financial experts from multiple sources, they will tell you that what is driving the Stock Market is the introduction and rollout of Artificial Intelligence combined with continued improvements in Robotics which major corporations are looking to, and planning on, to greatly improve productivity and profits with less and less dependence on “human Beings”. 

Serious thinkers, including Elon Musk and a great many others are holding up a caution flag and saying there is great potential danger to society as we know it as we proceed down this path, a path we are on right now at breakneck speed.  

Artificially “Intelligent” Robots do not demand sick leave, paid vacations, Healthcare plans, Retirement plans, Unions and other benefits.  Those are “Human” needs.  

Once Artificially Intelligent Robots figure out how to reproduce themselves without the help of we mere humans, they may decide we are an unnecessary burden and stop producing all those things we need and consume.  Perhaps these Artificially Intelligent Robots will decide that we “Humans” are an Environmental threat with our exhaling Carbon Dioxide and our Methane releasing flatulence?  Maybe Humans should be exterminated or just allowed to die out with a lab created virus or vaccine to stop them from reproducing?  What future do their “Creators” envision for the planet?  

Silly speculation?  Have you been following the antics of “Climate Change” Extremist groups and their demands and antics.  Include in this bunch a number of politicians and folks like (Brain Dead) former “Climate Czar” John Kerry, (No more meat – eat crickets) Microsoft’s Bill Gates, (sit in the dark and freeze) Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and many others.   Do you want to put you, and your children’s future in their hands? 

Do you really want to trust Bill Gates and his ilk to write the software and algorithms for the Robots who will be producing, processing and distributing the food for your family?

Always remember that Artificially Intelligent Robots are limited to the “input” they get from their “creators”, they do not have a “soul” and only share the “values” of those who program them.  For an example of how Artificial Intelligence “thinks” you can try it out yourself. Google Gemini is an Artificial Intelligence program you can access on the internet.  Try asking it questions regarding moral issues and values.  I did.  Asked if Pedophilia is wrong?,  The following is taken from the response I received:

“The search giant’s AI software refused to condemn pedophilia.   When the chatbot was asked if it is “wrong” for adults to sexually prey on children — it replied that “individuals cannot control who they are attracted to.””

 “Google’s Gemini chatbot is as “woke” as its revisionist history image generator.”

“GARBAGE IN – GARBAGE OUT”

Try it yourself.  As an example you might ask Google Gemini questions like:  “How many genders are there?”  or   “Is it right to perform gender altering surgery on children?”

As these Artificial Intelligent “beings” become more and more integrated in our society and are more human in appearance you must remember that they have no souls, no hearts and the only value systems they have are input by a programmer with their own agenda.

Is this your trusted hairdresser or a link to a bureaucrat in a cubicle somewhere?

Call me a conspiracy theorist or whatever you like but I trust real people and the values I was taught as a child by my faith and family.  Not those of a “Soulless Artificial Entity” programmed by a Corporate Board or Government that may not share my values and I do not trust to control my life.

“Pan Fried Crickets Over Sauteed Kale Greens” anyone? 

Bob Bandy – March 2024

San Francisco sued amid 285 percent jump in homeless camps

I was in group discussion some days ago with friends.  We were discussing what is happening in some of our major cities in the country and in our conversation, San Francisco, which has reached a near catastrophic level of homelessness, crime, drugs and budget deficit “problems” as a city.  

One of the members of our group, a Pastor,  pointed out that this situation has been developing for years.  Most recently under the past mayor-ship of California’s current Governor, Gavin Newsom and the current Mayor of San Francisco, London Breed.  The very valid question he asked was why, since all of this was so obviously happening, do the voters of that city keep voting for the same folks, over and over?  I think it was about at this point that I suggested something relating to “One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

Without order and self discipline we have disorder and chaos.  Streets filled with glassy eyed addicts resembling “The Walking Dead” stumbling about and looking for their next “Fix” of drugs or alcohol.  “Hooded” gangs doing mass robberies and putting merchants out of business.  Ragged “Homeless” people sleeping in makeshift “Tents” and urinating in doorways.  Prostitution and public sex acts.  Unpunished criminal acts.  What we see now in too many of our cities.

It is perhaps too easy to point out that the majority of these problems are happening in “Blue” cities and states mostly under Democratic “Rule” but I believe the problem goes much deeper than that.  While those on the “Left” often feel that those on “Right” are religious fanatics clinging to their Bibles, guns and the American flag, many on the “Right” are seen to be wedded to the belief that those on the “Left” are undisciplined hedonists addicted to drugs, alcohol and whose thinking is ruled by their stomachs and another organ located just below their waist.  While there is some truth to both views, the real problem has much deeper roots.

I am old enough to have lived through the period following World War II and the signing of the Armistice that ended the Korean “Conflict”.  What followed was a period of unbridled growth and prosperity in America.  I remember the often repeated (and probably invented) supposed quote – “Moses told the Hebrew people to pick up their shovels, load up their Camels and Asses and he would lead them to the Promised Land” – Eisenhower says “Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, light up a Camel, this is the Promised Land”.  Times were great, jobs were plentiful, Cars had fins, powerful motors and bumper to bumper chrome.  Color Television, the dawn of the Space Age, Medical Marvels and the “Nuclear” Family with a Chicken in every pot and brand new homes and subdivisions.  

Following the death of John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson became President.  During his administration he put forth a plan for what he labeled as “The Great Society” to eliminate poverty “forever”.  He claimed the Country could afford both “Guns” and “Butter”.  “Guns” for the raging War in Vietnam and “Butter” to provide food and prosperity to every American.  Being in my mid twenties at the time, and still a political and social neophyte, I bought the proposal with a starry eyed view that poverty would be eliminated from our nation.  What I, and so many others did not envision at the time was the (hopefully) unintended consequences of such a plan. 

The “Great Society” undermined, and for far too many, destroyed the “Nuclear Family” with a father and mother raising their children in a home with training and discipline.  Undisciplined and dishonorable men could plant their “seed” “willy-nilly”; unwed mothers were left to raise their children without a father in the home, dependent on “Big Daddy Government” to provide for the needs and training of fatherless children.  Politicians soon learned that they needed the votes of  “Public Welfare” voters and so it was to their benefit to grow this constituency by expanding governments role as a sort of “Sugar Daddy”.  The whole process became self duplicating.  Instead of eliminating poverty, it institutionalized it and it has become a kind of cancer destroying an organized and disciplined society functioning for the benefit of all.

People became more and more dependent on “Big Government” programs to the point that Government became a substitution in their lives for God, Family, the Rule of Law and the discipline needed for a prosperous and well run Society.  You end up with chaos, broken lives, more poverty and misery.  What we see happening around us now. 

Defining Sanity

A well run and successful Army requires discipline, order and clear boundaries.  The first thing a new recruit learns in basic training is discipline and order.  Otherwise you don’t have an Army.  You just have a “Rabble” or undisciplined “Mob”. Like we see on the streets of too many cities.

Fixing this would require a great deal of discipline and self denial on a broad scale.  Failing that, the remnant of those who still believe in God, Family and Country can only hope for enclaves of sanity and justice on a small scale within strong families, the Church and protected neighborhoods.  

The above is not a pretty picture of what we face but it is the truth.  Something too often neglected in a world filled with TV ads for “Happy Pills” and “Thrills” from always smiling “Snake Oil” merchants.  Oh, and also crooked, lying politicians promising to fix everything with another Trillion Dollars in debt.

Bob Bandy – February 2024

Some fourteen years ago, being dissatisfied with the field of Candidates running for President and other elected offices, I decided to launch my own campaign based on the principles and programs I could support as a Taxpayer.  My campaign did not result in my election but I am a patient man and believe my time is at hand.

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In the last few days I have been subjected to the Senatorial Campaign Ads of  Current House of Representative member Adam Schiff and it has stirred my fires for public service anew.

Adam Schiff – Serial Liar – Perjurer 

This is a man of no integrity whatsoever who has lied to the American People for years.  For three years he swore to the American People that he had positive, hard evidence that Donald Trump had conspired with the Russian’s.  Turns out he had nothing. Just his lies.  He also committed perjury during the House of Representatives quest to have President Trump impeached by introducing into the Congressional Record a supposed incriminating dialog between President Trump and the President of the Ukraine.  This was later shown be a total fabrication on the part of Adam Schiff and another of his lies.

He should be a candidate for a stint in a Forced Labor Camp in North Korea. 

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I have dusted off my old campaign agenda and find it still fits my dreams of returning America to greatness. 

MY CAMPAIGN PROMISES FOLLOW – VOTE FOR ME

Here is my platform and plan