CNN

[...] with the financial measures being voted down please post them or pm me... Thanks. From CNN: CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive – Voters hand Schwarzenegger big defea... Only one that passed was the one preventing some state officials from receiving pay raises when [...]

Very disappointed –

You made the point I was trying to make, but on a microlevel. Your school is one of the best in the district and receiving less money than schools that are receiving the most money.

Now put that on the national level – States that give the most money to schools just to give them money (at the expense of its taxpayers), have worse education levels/rankings thank states that give less money but have better teaching programs.

Just throwing money at education to say you did it doesn't give results.

Probably wasn't the smartest idea to have us vote on the day our DMV fees doubled. This is the result of years of Liberal over spending. Amazing how many Democrats on this board don't understand what being a Democrat means. Would you like to work and hand your check over to your mother and she will decide how much allowance you get, and by the way you need to share it with your little brother who is too young to work, and his friend.

Peter E -

The federal tax rate is uniform across the board – The problem is that it's illegal for the federal government to give States money for certain programs, like California's illegal immigration programs, and until recently, aborition.

You can't start programs that the federal government won't finance and then blame the federal government.

WATCH AND LEARN
California is our Nations shinning example of how liberalism works, and make no mistake it is an example of how socialism works.

Right – this crazy Governor who should be fired, is going to let out all the criminals of the jails, to kill and rape! He has lost it and needs to go NOW! He has failed at his job!

Phil, please remember where the problem started: the CA energy crisis manufactured in TX and caused by deregulation of the market.

If Arnold were governor in the South he would be considered a left leaning liberal.

That's how far right (and wacko) those Southern states are.

They still think the South is going to win the Civil War.

And that sweet tea they drink is nasty.

Part of the problem is that the federal government is ripping California off. California pays far more taxes to Washington than it gets back in federal funding. If those taxes went to the state budget instead they would not have this huge deficit. Instead those tax dollars go to federal aid to useless, corrupt state governments in Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana!

CA has been running rampant with spending for 10 years. It finally caught up. Why doesn't Ahhnold stop the frivolous spending, do a couple movies and donate the money to his state? He's more useful as an actor than a governor.

Independent in virginia,

Very funny. you are not in california so you don't really understand. My school is one of the best in the district and the schools that are getting more money, are those that are doing the worst. Now tell me, how is that possible? If you say you know so much on the issue of money in california. Tell that to the governor. Or are you a republican that doesn't know when to say you're wrong.

That California for you! They'll complain, blame government for their excesses, but in the end they always want somebody ELSE to pay!

For Phil's statement about a zero deficit in Texas. You need to take a closer look. Texas has a $10 billion dollar shortfall. Not to mention the fact it is ranked 45th in education.

[...] "Tonight, we have heard from the voters, and I respect the will of the people who are frustrated with the dysfunction in our budget system," the governor said in a statement. "We face a staggering $21.3 billion deficit, and in order to prevent a fiscal disaster, Democrats and Republicans must collaborate and work together to address this shortfall. The longer we wait, the worse the problem becomes and the more limited our choices will be." (H/T – CNN) [...]

It's funny. Two years ago Republicans wanted to change the Constitution (yeah I know big surprise) and let Arny run for President as their candidate. Now when the going gets rough they're casting him off and pretending he isn't part of their party.

Let this be a warning to anyone who votes for the right. When times are tough they'll cut and run and leave you in the dirt. Republicans are the party of 'self'.

Dem, Repub, doesn't matter. CA Blew it with a capital "B".

Why is California asking its voters to decide on specific policy issues? Remember, these are the folks who found Michael Jackson and OJ innocent. What a joke...

It is funny how republicans are only republicans when things are working out for them. If we are to only go on those republicans that are truly conservative, then only about 2% of those in Congress can be called that.

But therein lies the difference. True liberals would take into account how what they want done can be paid for, mostly cause being socially liberal doesn't mean you have to be fiscally stupid. You faux conservatives like Bush, never seem to get that far in your thinking. And that equals fiscally stupid.

Its really simple folks. The democratic states are disasters, and the republican states prosper. Liberal agenda does not work. California's failure has NOTHING to do with Bush. The California democrats have wasted and given all the money away to illegals, and if the country does not wake up, other states will follow.

Dear 'very disappointed' -

I think you're the one who needs to follow politics and are ignorant on the issue. How is what's going on in California Bush's fault? You said he didn't make any policies to stop this from happening – wake up, CA is a sovereign state. His attempted federal policies on immigration and taxes were the exact opposite of what CA ushered in, and CA now has the #1 deficit, worst education, and highest tax rate of any state in the country.

And if anything, his defense spending and war brought jobs to CA via government contracting. Say bye-bye to those though.

Charity (entitlements) begins at home- cut all entitlement programs for illegals. If Arnold thinks he has to release the non-violent illegals, ship them to the southern border of Mexico and be done with it. Across the board cuts for any non-essential programs.

Didn't he have a bunch of pot to sell or something?

I love democrats!!! Cant believe all the tree hugging nut jobs dont understand simple economics.

I agree 110% with what CW said.Except I would add one thing.
DEPORT ALL OF THE ILLEGALS

LacrosseMom you dont know what the heck your talking about. Agreed the Govenor of California is Republican, but the state is totally controlled by Democrats. You can blame some of this on Arnold but most of it goes to to Dems.

Just as alot of the problems we have now in this country are the Dems fault.

Dear Ryan Multerer,

I agree with you completely. money, money, money

These issues are coming to New York in the next few months, coming to your state as soon as two years after the bailout money runs out. Somehow neither the Republicans nor the Democrats can cut spending? The progressive government experiment is failing; time to return to the principles of the founding fathers set forth in the U.S Constitution!

For you uninformed non Californians out there, most of those propositions gave the govenor free reign to move monies back and forth between a rainy day fund and these various programs. The propositions allowed him to borrow from Peter to pay Paul. He's done such a terrible job thus far, why would we vote to give him more power.

We are awake we just woke up from an 8 year nightmare

Now that California has voted, WE will pay to bail them out.

I do not get the right to vote in California so why should my tax dollars go to bail them out?

Hey this is California..What do you expect from the Land of Fruits and Nuts??

I love how california's problems are suddenly 'Liberal.' Nice one.

Good to see the republican cheerleaders aren't out of work.

Republicans and Democrats are the problem! States with liberal out of control programs and spending are failing! Hmmmmm weird.... As California goes, so goes the nation... STOP SPENDING $$$ WE DON'T HAVE! WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!

Dear proud member... party of no,

You are an idiot. This is all Bush's fault. When he went in to office,he didn't make any new policies to keep this all from happening AND he made us go to war with Iraq, which was really stupid on both his part and his partie's. Don't you follow politics? or Are you just ignorant?

Let them go broke. Thats what happens to progressive accountants...

TX has a deficit, it is called I.Q yall.

The Governor has done a great job of forcing the weasel legislators to do their job.
Rejecting these propositions is the best thing for the Governor, as he now can take an ax to the unions and their legislative henchmen and henchwomen.

Hummmm, Bush Falls like the mighty tower of Babbel, and now so does all the republican henchmen. Bad guys never win remember the Last Action Hero!

Republican Separatist Party, happy that a state and it's citizenry wil suffer simply because of the high Hispanic population. How unhuman.

I find it interesting that the "people" posting here blame illegals, some want to legalize their drug habit, and somehow Obama's model doesn't work even thought he was in the IL legislature when CA was racking up billions in debt. You post about "wasteful spending" cuts, yet you do not name one item to cut. .

CA = Blue = Government Excess and large deficits.
TX = Red = Zero budget deficit.

Both Texas and California have large populations. Both face similar problems with undocumented immigrants. But the difference is night and day, about $12 billion currently, and it looks like $21 billion in the not so distant future.

I hope the people in Washington take note. The liberal agenda doesn't work.

arnold needs to resign
he is a failure.

as a european he can take up residence in DC as Obama's butler.
he is an Obama acolyte and servant after all.

They can get these things to pass easily, just say you're going to tax "the rich". Another source of revenue would be to raise taxes on businesses. Of course that would force thousands more layoffs and some companies leaving the state, but the remaining welfare state could always find a few more bogeymen to tax before they collapse completely.

There is no way Californians can keep their health care under control with all the illegal eating up the funds. If all the illegals were from Iran instead of Mexico, I don't think our Government would allow it, Well maybe, the illegals, millions of them, invaded California without ever firing a shot.

I don't understand...all those movie stars and people who are well off that you see on Bill Maher who say they should pay more taxes (i.e. Ben Affleck), that they "don't need tax breaks", why aren't they stepping up and paying extra in taxes. That's right, their liberals, talk about what should be done, but don't actually do it. Do as I say not as I do should be the California state motto and the motto of the Democratic Party in general.

Dumb voters won't approve tax increases.....if that doesn't sum up the Liberal philosophy nothing ever will....

TRY CUTTING SPENDING CA!!

You want a debate, Arnold? You want money for your state?

Referendum on marijuana legalization. Do it.

60% of Californians support it. Listen to them.

Maybe now arnold can start slashing some of the ridiculous entitlement programs the Peoples Republic of California has in effect.

[...] Facing a budget shortfall of over $21 BILLION the handful of voters that bothered to show up handily REJECTED moves by the bi-partisan "governator" to reduce that gap to a mere $15 BILLION. [...]

Let's donate California to the Taliban and the Palistinians. They will run it better than the current crop and we will bring peace to the Middle East as well. As a bonus, we also get rid of Pelosi, Waxman and Feinstein.

What a great deal.

I like thhe idea of legalizing pot. Why is that illegal when it is legal to eat sushi. Pot would put us on top of the economic world again. Just get the Republican Nazi and the Socialist Dems to agree!!!

Maybe if the liberal, feel good handouts to include health care to any and all illegals were to stop, maybe California wouldn't be in the hole it is today.

Dear LacrossMom,

Now I see why the democrats were able to win handily in the last election. You don't understand how California operates, yet are willing to lay blame on the obvious targets. BTW, Pelosi is from Califonria, as is Waxman, Feinstein, etc; or is your blame only one way?

carlos just about nailed it..... We all want something for nothing. Government debit? Absolutely No different than all you people that lost your homes because you spent, spent, spent. American government is just a mirror of all of us! Just look around for once people! But, Oh No, it isn't me, No it's the Other Guy, No it's THEM!

Idiots.........

You all will pay for your sins of excess and I don't mean biblically, I mean Literally!

Brian: Illegals come here because legal (often) white employers are willing to break the law and employ them at sub-standard wages without benefits of any kind (including Workers' Comp – if you are illegal and get injured on the job, you're screwed).

So to your comment about "change the law", I say enforce the ones on the books, round up all the employers who are hiring people illegally, and give their businesses to folks who'll uphold the law.

For those saying "oh its a republican leader", these guys are fake republicans. That is what is wrong with the republican party, and always has been. They are never actually fiscally conservative. Not even the great Reagan. They all talk the talk, but they don't walk the walk.

This is the model for the rest of America though. You can't have socialist programs go unfunded for too long, and not expect a huge debt.

Lacrosse Mom

Let's not forget that you are a mo.ron. Let's not forget that Ahnuld is a Democrat in Republicans clothing.

Let's not forget that the biggest cesspool of states (CA, MICH, NJ, NY) are all run my democraps.

I like thhe idea of legalizing pot. Why is that illegal when it is legal to eat sushi. Pot would put us on top of the economic world again. Just het the Republican Nazi and the Socialist Dems to agree!!!

So, cut Police, Firemen, Jails, and Teachers. Are the state arts programs that spend millions getting cut? Are the programs to protect every individual animal in the state getting cut? How about the social programs that has drained the states funds. Also, go ahead and raise the taxes on those who pay 80% of the states income by 50%, who knows, maybe those evil reach people will leave for a state with no income tax and leave the tax burden to those receiving the funds from the social programs that have worked so well.

I think what California is figuring out is that they hired 'weightlifter/actor' to act as a political leader.

He had no adult people skills(unless shooting them or other violence), communication skills(unless reading from a script), never worked with the public or local governments in any capacity, his college education focused on GYM, and now they are upset that he is not able to govern their state?

Very similar to the situation our country had with George W Bush. He is just in way over his head. It's not a Democratic or Republican issue....California needs new leadership to survive.

I am 17, not even old enough to vote and I can't believe that California citizens are this stupid. Schools need money and without education, what will become of the next generation? The school I am graduating from in June is losing so many teachers. Next year the class sizes will be twice as big. I can't believe that I care more about education than any of these people. Voters are supposed to vote for, not against, what will help. I just can't believe the turnout. Honestly, don't people think anymore?

Sorry Orange County, Federal Law makes it Illegal, can't do much more than what has been done with legalization, unless the Fed steps in (very very doubtful).

@dreamer

Schwarzenegger is NOT a conservative and has never been a conservative. He is a liberal Republican, hence the reason for all the tax and spend. Please learn some facts before commenting on something you don't know anything about. All of America should be looking at California as an example of what happens when liberals have power.

This idiot needs to be impeached!!!

This is the inevitable result of democrat policies. Entitlement spending, sanctuary policies, entitlement spending, welfare, unlimited education spending, uncontrolled environmental policies, taxes, entitlement spending and, oh yeah, entitlement spending.

And this is exactly where Obama wants to lead us.

Hey, Ben, remember Bush/Cheney AND Treasury Sec. Paulson let this whole thing get out of hand by allowing a free reign on CMO`s, CDO`s, derivitives and all the fancy (crooked) ponzi schemes to flourish.

" Ahhh won't be baack ".

cool cuts to education, health care, and the prison system. Way to go!!! Stupid, poor health and now with more bad guys on the street. I think we got a winner for the new state motto. So glad i moved years ago. Reap what you sow baby!!!!

Its finally time to get rid of the pensions for government workers and have them invest in 401K's and IRAs like everyone else. It is unfare to put the burden of their retirement on the shoulders of the tax payers. We should not release prisoners; lay off teachers etc. We need to cut back on worthless programs, reduce non-essential programs (not the police or firemen); continue repairing the roads and our infra-structure.

Pensions are what are driving California over the brink and its time to finally get real.

California should have handed Arnold a "big defeat" years ago. Duh!

California relies to heavily on referendum to legislate. Referendum voters vote on self interest and can't make the tough choices needed. I have nothing against the governator and don't see the logic how the crisis is the fault of Obama or "liberals". And btw, the prison system is out of control there. Yes, time to start making tough choices.

EXACTLY what we need, an amendment to the US constitution that NO person coleect a paycheck from the US goverment can recieve a raise if the goverment is running a deficit.

The Govenor asked the voters to give him some options. That isn't 'Liberal tax and spending" as Mississippi Mike seems to think. He wanted to protect important programs for Californians. Since the voters said no he literally said education is on the chopping block, and he'll have to let convicts out of prison to reduce the deficit. He's not going to run up Reagan-esque deficits, doesn't sound like "tax and spending" to me.

Don't worry Obama will steal more of my money to Bail you dumb liberals out!

I'm in NYS and weren't not far behind CA!

Tax and spend republican,lol,how typical.I'm sorry but that party spent so much in the last 8 years how on earth can they claim to be conservitves on finances???just a question.

Hey, Schwartzy--- ex-Gov. Davis didn`t do such a bad job after all, did he?

Its amazing that most of California agreed on this issue. Why don't WE make the budget instead?

All you non-californian need to stfu. It is easy to criticise (especially if you are a republican) without any "thoughtful" solutions.

Voters in CA are to blame as much as the idiots they voted into office.
You can't have it both ways in life.
I live in MI but have a brother in CA so I can understand to a certain point.
Our state is right behind CA stinking up the economy and begging for Federal dollars as a bailout.
Personal responsibility!
Take care of yourself and your family!
Forget the government diaper straped on for life.
signed

******* Perhaps one day CNN will post one of my comments*********

Let's not forget folks that Arnold is a Republican!

And......... Bush is a Republican!

LOOK at the economic disasters caused by a GOP governor & a GOP president!

GOP= DISASTER

So the state in financial crisis, but the people vote against proposals to address it. Hmm, how exactly do they think things get paid for? If you want lower taxes, fine. If you want more services, fine. But you can't have them both at the same time. ANYBODY should understand that.

Unfortunately, that mentality is not limited to California.

Mississippi Mike: How is this a huge defeat for liberals? This was put on the ballot and sponsored by our Republican Governor. Republicans have held the gov spot in California for 17 of the last 20 years.

As far as Cali goes, if we would stop paying the federal tax so that the southern states can even survive, WE WOULDN'T BE IN THIS MESS.

Yes folks, for every dollar Cali pays to the federal govt, we get 75 cents back, whereas for every dollar a southern state pays they get back (on average) $1.85

I say we let the right wing waco red states crumble into their own filth.

So glad I don't live in wacked out Cali. Nothing like a state with a hugely liberal/hippie population. LOL

The remaining tax payers in CA told the State House "ENOUGH!" with their vote last night. They recognized that no tax implemented by government is EVER temporary.

Texas may be panned by many on the Left ... but which state is sitting on a $15 billion dollar plus DEFICIT and which state is sitting on a $9 billion dollar SURPLUS??

(And yes ... I believe the taxes in Texas are STILL too high!)

Talking about voting against your best interest, these people are insane. They want all good characteristics of great society, but they don't to pay for it.

Goin' back to Cali? Man I don't think so.

I have worked for a major corporation for over 40 years, and see the waste that takes place – about 4-7 million dollars annually. Now compare that to a state like California. If they would reduce or eliminate much of the waste they would save BILLIONS.

@TomJay: "What happened to the Progressive voters?"

You mean the people who think Socialism is "progress?"

I do so wish people would stop using the term "Progressive" as a euphemism for "Socialist!" It's a truly Orwellian doublethink–there's absolutely nothing "progressive" about descending into abdication of personal responsibility.

Simple message to the Sacramento knuckleheads. Spend what you have more wisely. THEN, we might be more willing to vote you some more funding....

@ Tex,

You Texans won't be LAUGHING long when Spanish becomes your FIRST language.

Your state, er, country is a great example of the Republican Separatist Party! Exactly when are you all going to secede? We want all of our Federal resources back ASAP.

Arnold were sorry but money doesn:t grow on trees as see our president seems to think .....;....................................................Get a clue our country is financially finished .what is it that politicians don;t understand ???????????

Time to stop illegal immigration!! Just think how it would help not only California, but the nation. American citizens can not support the world, and we shouldn't have to.

Free the inmates jailed for marijuana related offenses!

It is amazing how many people commit on things they either do not understand or just don't know about

LOL, freeing the illegals and other prisoners would not reduce California's deficit because California's welfare system would still have to take care of them. Do you think these prisoners are going to work when the state is willing to provide all their needs? Get real!

Thank you, my fellow Californians, for sending the message loud and clear to Sacramento. Get your hands out of our pockets! Stop spending, and start cutting. I did it...works great.
You state legislators better start looking for a new line of work. We are going to do some serious house cleaning next term!

and throw the keys away?

that would save real money for the people.

but the criminals themselves are in charge of everything.

so do not hold your breath.

being a native californian, this place is a mess due to continued overspending, illegal immigarnts and stron unions...funny thing is and await and see, daddy Obama will bail California out (heard to big to fail befre) and all you posters bashing Calif will simple pick up the tab as you are for banks, AIG, GM, etc...and be sure Calif isn't the only state asking for a FED handout..

I think most of the commentators here seem to have forgotten that Arnold is a REPUBLICAN, NOT a Democrat.

Let's not forget that Arnold is a Republican!

And Bush........ is a Republican!

California is a disaster economically.

The U.S. was left in an economic DISASTER.

BOTH WERE LED BY........ REPUBLICANS!

It's time to significantly raise the taxes on everybody that actually works in California in order to met the budget. If the Democrats don't do this, then they might have to cut some of the entitlement programs and we certainly don't want that to happen. BTW, Pepsi nearly came out my nose when someone actually called Arnold a Neo-Fascist Conservative. He's so Liberal he wouldn't make a decent Democrat in any state other than from the Northeast.

Illegal immigrants aren't the problem. Gov. Davis HAD a plan to get us out of this mess, but he was ambushed by the (Republican-owned) power companies and railroaded out of office.

The Governator doesn't know excrement from escargot when it comes to finances.

You right-wingers suck. Losers!

If the Governator had saved the money he spent on the special election and would let non-violent drug offenders out of the jails in CA, it would go a long way toward balancing the budget.

No matter how had the left wants us to believe Arnold is a Republican, he is not. He may have a "R" after his name, but he is not a conservative. If you spend more than you bring in, you have a problem.

I just hope we here in Texas don't have to pay for California's stupidity.
We don't need California the way it has become..sure it is beautiful, but so is Baja.

Uh Mississippi Mike: In case it has escaped your memory or are you aware that Ah-nold is REPUBLICAN?????? Don't blame Dems for this one....Sorry game over.

If California would deport all of the illegals back to Mexico to stop the drain on the education and medical systems, they wouldn't be in the shape they are in.

steven cobb-
What? Put the drink down and get up off the sofa. You need a life.

Steven Cobb wrote:

What the hell is wrong with society. hell has definatly overflowed when gay is a option. no its a obomanation of life.reproduse that is your sole perpouse in life.

1. Stick to the topic.

2. Learn how to spell.

3. Use your brain.

4. Repeat that crap in church.

5. Same-sex Marriage is inevitable, it is just!

The USA has a perpetual problem of violence and poverty. Unlike other western democracies we fail to stop the cycle by not giving the best education and health care to the most vulnerable. Drug dealers, gang members,etc. don't arise out of thin air.

Please, Arnold. Its time to wake up from your Total Recall moment now. You've lived your fantasy of being a shi__y governor, now its time to get out of politics.

Can we force California to secede before they ask us to bail them out?

Allen: May 20th, 2009 10:20 am ET

This is the result when liberals run a government for years and years and years… high taxes and lots of debt.
____________________________

I'm sorry, but, have you been living under a rock?! All this started to happen back in October, when you're idiot leader dubya was running the government for years and years and years.

Why is this only a defeat for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger? Why is this not a defeat for the "spend like a drunken sailor" DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONTROLLED state legislature also? Every one of these idiots should be defeated in the next election but, my guessis, the voters in California are, as a group, to stupid to do that.

Actually Mississippi, this is a huge defeat for Califonia and will now leave the state even more screwed up than your namesake

Did anyone really think that a body builder would make a good governor???

The budget is going to be slashed and programs cut regardless of what the voters want.

Perhaps it's time for California to take a stronger stand against illegal immigration into the state.

Oh and to OBAMA – NOPE... Precisely when and where did Obama say that California is the "model" (your word) he lauds?

steven cobb May 20th, 2009 8:52 am ET

What the hell is wrong with society. hell has definatly overflowed when
gay is a option. no its a obomanation of life.reproduse that is your sole perpouse in life.

Hopefully you will never reproduce

California............. PLEASE vote out Pelosi she is no good to our country. We do not need liars running our congress.

And THIS is the lead Obama wants the rest of the country to follow? This is what happens when people bow down to the idiotic politically correct and the environmentalist whackos.

There's gonna be a windstorm created by decent people leaving that state.

I think California should elect one of those republican pornstars. They seem to be pretty well liked.

If California were to lower welfare benefits for individuals and families (counting insurance, money and food, they make more than many workers!) and enforce the time limit which reduces how long people can be on welfare, much of the deficit would be eliminated.

California has the highest paid teacher with the largest pensions for teachers and other public workers and the lowest school ratings as to quality of teachers......dumb dumb dumb !
The largest number of illegal aliens living off the taxpayers aswell.
You get what you allowed for.
Jean B
Wi

When asked about the Manson under this new policy, Arnold replied....

"I let him go"

LEGALIZE MARIJUANA!!! I've never smoked it and never plan too, but I am on board with the legalization of it. $$ problem SOLVED. Come on California!!!

Hey Steven Cobb–do you even know what you're responding to? Or are you so narrow minded that all issues always lead back to the gays for you?

here in az,

Yeah, it's the Repubs that have ruined those states. Sure, that's the problem. What a nutjob. CA is run by Democrats, like it or not, and it has been for years. Just look at the 9th circuit court of appeals.

One wonders if they deported all the illegals who consume services without paying taxes, if the deficit would be gone. Put a $500 bounty on each illegal turned in and half the budget problem would be solved.

It seems as if the Golden Bear is starting to be aroused! Good for you, California. You have not had many politicians both local and in DC and in both parties who have really cared about your interests. Please do some serious house cleaning this next election day!

How about kicking out the illegals? That will save plenty of money. Good for CA voters to say no to increased taxes while the state of CA continues to serve as a sanctuary state.

This is a HUGE defeat for the liberal ideology of tax, spend and control. If Californians have begun to reject the liberal ideology, Obama and crew are probably sweating bullets.

Steven Cobb wrote: What the hell is wrong with society. hell has definatly overflowed when gay is a option. no its a obomanation of life.reproduse that is your sole perpouse in life.

Wow, what a sad little world you live in. I sincerely feel sorry for you. Nice spelling and grammar, by the way. Have a nice day!

Hey Govenator, get your Hollyweird buddies like Brad Pitt, Angelina and the rest of that motley crew and come up with a solution. Heck, they spent millions of Dollars to elect the Obama Man now they need to help their state and fork over some more millions.

Apparently there are fools voting in CA. If they had all voted, there were be less of an idea that only the crazies vote. I hope people in CA are ready for a massive cut in everything that they get from the state. When people complain about the lack of services, then they can only blame themselves.

Message sent! Start cutting spending – beginning with about 80,000 state jobs. Slash every single program 10% across the board. Get rid of state government worker pensions and make these people contribute to their own plan like the private sector. No more taxes!!!!! Less Spending!!!!!

This is the result when liberals run a government for years and years and years... high taxes and lots of debt.

lol, Whatever happens now, Californians have no one to blame but themselves. This is the time when people have to make tough choices, but instead they will do nothing and complain about it later. Does their state have to go bankrupt before the citizens start caring?

I'm curious, at what point did he look in the checkbook and decide the state still had money to spend? I know that if I continued to write checks, without having the money to back them up, it's considered fraud, and I can go to jail. Why is it that the government can continue without any repurcussions? I guess this is what happens when you continue to elect actors that seem to think that since they can portray a president or other elected official on television or in the movies, they can be on in "real life".

Now if California voters would have the good sense to vote Pelosi out.

This is why republicans should not run states. Palin is drowning her state, cali is underwater, and now AZ is losing its butt in education thanks to our new lunatic gov...

Us Texans are laughin. More proof the Liberal Democratic State can't and doesn't work. You hired a Republican, who did try to work with the Democrats in CA., but that wasn't good enough. Try cutting 90% of your budget, lower taxes and lure back the rich people that have left your state in droves. Its time we stopped trying to manipulate the law of the strongest survive.

Word to the wise, never referendum a budget.

You know he was a childhood hero. Still is. But the funny thing is that I now see that for the better of this nation I guess the dems are now socialists and republicans are Nazis. I think I will pull for the socialists. I hope Schwarzenegger's reign is not all in vein.

I live in California, but I am not from California.

3 problems.

1. Strong Union voters, (Teachers, Police, Fire etc..)
2. Democratic legislature
3. Illegal Aliens

Does not matter what Schwarzenegger wants.
This place is a mess, a real big mess. Too many peopl on the state
Government's payroll. Basically what the Federal Government is heading too.

How is that when politicians fail to spend within their limits the tax payers are the one's who pay the high price?

Whatever happened to balanced budgets and spending within our means?

Being elected doesn't equal an unlimited credit card. Every politician in California needs to be voted out of office next election.

" . . . others were put off by the complex issues."

PRECISELY why binding, lay person voter initiatives/refernda are unwise.

If you must have them, make them advisory!!

It sickens me that Californians are more interested in American Idol than they are a political election. The deadly combination in CA is a failing public school system, an uninformed public & voter initiatives & propositions. That sort of direct democracy requires both an interested and well-educated public.

Did they really think we the voters would vote to raise our own taxes. Why should someone be able to buy a yacht, drive it off-shore park it for a few weeks, bring it back and pay "no sales tax". I can't do that with a car, bike, trailer. that's about 2 billon lost tax, yet they are raising my car tag fees. You know the thing I drive to work to pay taxes.

The people of California have had it with the "spend,spend,spend" mentality of Sacramento. We are the highest taxed state in the country now with the last round of tax increases in place. There are two ways to cut a deficit, increase revenues (tax the people) or cut expenses. The people of California have made sure, with the defeat of these measures, that cutting expenses will be the solution for the first time in memory and let lthe chips, jobs, programs fall where they may. As Californians, we have had it!

Hey Arnold....any cuts to the bloated government out there? Here is a thought: What would Ronald Reagan do?

5 of 6 measures were defeated because – you don't have the electorate make budgetary decisions. These decisions are to be made by the legislative and executive branches.

What a surprise. A Republican who can't balance a budget. Who would've thunk it?

I can't believe they didn't show up to vote. Seriously.

Go ahead and axe education. It isn't as though a well-educated citizenry is desireable or beneficial in any way.

Isn't this what Schwarznegger used to oust Gray Davis?
"A failure of leadership?"

the same state that passed Prop 8 now gets what it deserves...tax hikes and drastic cuts in services...I hope the state burns in its next wild fire season.

Why isn't AArnold looking to cut back on the welfare payments to undocumented people? Why is he not deporting people who don't belong in California. Nope, once again we just release prisoners, don't deport the illegals, shut down schools, lay off firefighters, decimate the ranks of police. The usual "get even with the voters for not keeping us wallowing in money." Just like the auto workers, the overpayed state workers remuneration needs to be renegotiated. Get rid of the lavish defined retirement and health care benefits for our "servants." We who are paying these salaries and perks have to make due with Social Security and Medi-care and so should they.

This dummy can't even pronounce California, let alone RUN it! He is NOT a Republican...he is a "moderate," which is a retarded Democrat...too "slow" to comprend the entire Manifesto.
Another Ronald Reagan is what "Colliefornia" needs.

Why is it that when government officials talk about a budget deficit, and there going to have to cut services you always see about a half a dozen suits hanging around them, but they wind up laying off the people who actually help the average person. Maybe if we made government officials run their offices leaner, and had the official actually do some work not their aides we could reduce costs. It's not the programs that help people that have gotten bloated, it's the staff of the officials. What can't they make their own Xerox copies?

The country as a whole is in the same situation. The difference is the Federal Government has the authority to print money to make up the gap.

And yet Obama continues to promise cash for this, that and the other.

The "shortfall" is the Governor! As a native Californian I question how this man was ever elected and then elected a second time.

Cut the programs for illegals and that would help their economy more than anything.

Only when they all go down the toilet will the voters wake up

I wonder how long before the Governor asks for a bailout. That being said, it is the voters of California's, the legislature and Governors fault that we are in this mess.

Voters seem to pass bond measures and spending that we don't have.

Governor and legislature don't know how to work together.

It didn't seem complex to me. It seems very straight forward ... pass these or the budget crunch and thus the recession will get worse.

I am not surprised at his loss, he tried to do the right thing! I recently retired from the "city management" business after many years of working for politicians who kept promising the people more services and lower taxes, saddling the taxpayers with legacy costs that will burden future taxpayers dearly and kissing the unions butt in return for a few votes! You can't spend your way out of deficits!

It seems fairly logical to me that if you want your state to provide services, you eventually will have to pay them through taxation.
California is a wealthy state, with a GDP comparable to France. The American economical system, with low taxation, low minimum wages, inefficient health care, no social safety-net boasts that job-creation is higher and more dynamic than in Europe. Yet California has a higher unemployment rate than France...
But what do we europeans know, with our leftist, evil socialism?
Think about it...

California has to get their act together. There is some big money in that state, motion picture industry for one. California needs to get them to start paying their fair share. Obviously, even with the excessively high taxes, there is not enough money coming in. When this happens, it is always the rich not paying enough. There must not be enough middle class to support the wealthy in California.

"Defeat of the provisions also could free 38,000 inmates and force the sale of the notorious San Quentin prison."

Is it just me, or is this very disturbing to read?

The terminator has been terminated! No matter how big or powerful you think you are, the will of the people will prevail. The end is knocking at the door for California Republican; the Americans continue to loose interest in the big elephant symbol. It is time for change!

Maybe he won't be backl

Maybe now Gov. Schwarzenegger will push through legalization, regulation, and taxation of his state's (no, wait, the COUNTRY'S) biggest cash crop: cannabis.
Tax revenue, jobs, and new industries... oh, my!

The terminator has been terminated! No matter how big or power you think you are, the will of the people must prevail. The end is knocking at the door for California Republican as Americans continue to loose interest in the big elephant symbol. It is time for change!

The State of California needs to pass a Balanced Budget amendment. California legislators do not have a clue on how to run a state. The excessive social and other unnecessary give away programs need to be terminated and never come back. The supposedly 5th largest economy in the world should be able to Balance its budget without raising taxes on a State that already has the highest taxes in the nation. If this is an example of what a Democratic legislature can do for the people, then we are in even bigger trouble when it comes to the Federal government who is dominated by high spending Dems. The State of California needs to get back to basics and stop spending money it does not have.

Quote from CNN, "The other measures would have capped government spending, protected education funding, changed the state's lottery and redirected money to children's health programs."

You make us Californians sound like monsters! This is NOT what the measures would have done! The measures were actually about channeling money set aside FOR those programs into other areas. These measures were created by the state to try to overturn measures already put forward and passed by the people. As a Californian only a year out of college, I am feeling the pressure and the hardship or our economy- but these measures would have only made things worse.

This photo of Arnold fits well the heading of this article. Quite interesting!

Hopefully this is a good example of the government finally listening to what the people want. – Now if the federal Congress would do the same we would be in much better shape as a country!

I commend the governor for trying to do the right thing, the people will feel the consequences of their actions and they will not like it. Gov. S and the legislature now need to fasten their seat belts, they are in for a rough ride. Florida is next!

Wake up America! Californinia (along with New York) has the highest taxes in the land yet it is near bankrupcy. Big government spending and high taxes do not work! Someone send a memo to the current administration as this is a precursor of what lies ahead for all of us!

The people have spoken. Listen!!

Thank God! Legal California residents pay enough taxes, including over $5 billion in services for illegal immigrants, most of whom don't pay any state income taxes. Now perhaps Sacramento will actually employ fiscal discipline and cut back on the irresponsible and out-of-control spending that has gone on largely unchecked for the last 10+ years.

Couldn't have happened to a nicer state. You let your prisons and schools get overrun with illegal immigrants, and this is what happens. You reap what you sow.

I would like to see this provision "The one ballot measure that passed was a provision that prevents certain state officials from receiving pay raises when California has a budget deficit." passed in my home state and at the national level. Maybe if our lawmakers knew they would not get a raise if they mis-managed our tax-payer dollars, they would do a better job.

Tax Alcohol like you do smokers,You'll Have BILLIONS a Day,California is loaded WITH DRUNKS and DRUG ADDICTS who get off Paying MINIMAL TAXES on the POISON THAT KILLS OTHERS,Unlike a Smoker

fundametally speaking, he came out as an actor. Let me ask this question, people need to understand before electing...what does a movie guy know about the economy and how to fix the state? please do not vote just because of the person being in movie indurstry, just vote for the person who understands the problems and serves the nation....who is selfless rather than sheer his stature financially...god bless california and USA!!!

the staggering budget that California has should be cut in half if they will cut other existing spending such small earmark which is not necessarilly funded, minding the states that has so much people that rely on food stamps which exceeding so much to care of people should realize this cost the state to come up more money to sustain the so much populace city, like L.A....

All the free lunches that Californians have come to expect from big government cost money. Since they are not willing to pay (and that is a good thing – a free market decision), the alternative is simply to cut spending. It is a zero-sum game..... and by the way, I'm in Ohio, so don't be asking me to make up the difference.......

What a surprise, voters say they don't want tax increases but they don't want services cut. What a waste of time and resources that vote was – especially based on the apathetic turn out at the polls. Now the fun part begins – slash, slash, slash.

I thought that Schwarzenegger got elected in 2003 on promises to fix these exact kind of budgetary problems...

The people of California have spoken. They prefer the consequences of saying no. So give it to them already.

The people of California have noone else to blame but themselves.
Their whole property tax structure nees to be redone. these people really pay chump change for taxes. The need strict laws when dealing with illegals when it comes to health care. Im for one am tired of these people. SEND THEM HOME.......There is a lot of nonsense they can cut. Same thing here in Chicago......Enough is enough...There are soo soo many wealthy people living in CA........maybe its time they pay for their huge mansions and ocean front properties....

Perhaps they should consider marijuana now.

Arnie, what happened to you? All the talk of change you said was going to happen when you got elected. Let's face it, you gave up and just fell in line with all of the other cronies in Sacramento. Can you please get back to the real and not easily solved problems of the state of California. The unions for the state, county and city workers are at the hart of the problem. They are way too powerful and influential in the state. But, they need to understand that if the money isn't there, it isn't there instead of planning protests and law suits. If the special election was to strip some of the power from these unions, I believe they would have passed.

Shut down the prisons ! Release all the illlegals ! Shut down the schools ! Shut down the police stations ! Shut down the fire department !

Or maybe you could legalize marijuana and release all the non violent offenders.

VOTE

Why is this never on the ballot ?

Maybe Gray Davis was not so bad after all. What a mess California is after six years of Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger! Reminds me of our country after eight years of George W. Bush.

Californians will never learn that they just can't spend, spend, spend! Sad thing is, the U.S. government (meaning us taxpayers) will probably end up bailing out the state.

It's a good day when neo-fascist right wing extremist politicians like Schwarzenegger are defeated. Now he'll have to free the 20 million non-violent cannabis smokers and mexican dishwashers that he locked up for the prison system complex profiteering system. Next we'll have to bring all the troops home from the middle east because the Usa is broke and all our wars will be over with. Even funnier is the republicans wanting the Democrats to be called the socialist party. America would be the only socialist country without universal health care! The opposite of socialism is facism which has been the hallmark of the previous bush regime. It feels good to watch the republican dream end.

Another example of " Trickle Down " economics and the reality of the results! I think the first George Bush called it " Voo Doo Economics ", which is exactly what it is. So, taking California as a model for the United States had John McCain won, Arnold's next step is to lower taxes more and cut more programs; oh yeah and not spread the wealth, so state earned income credit, and other welfare programs must be eliminated. And give back the stimulus money, and wear teabags on your head Terminator!!!

Well, he put it out to the people of California, and they spoke. Now, he has to do what he said he would have to do. If people get involved in the process of government by voting, government takes its course and people benefit. Gov. Schwarzenegger is doing a good job... American citizens have got to wake up to how this Republic works... and vote!

So cut the health and education? Great move! (sarcasm)
Why not cut the beaurocracy?

Arnold is trying, but it may be time for some new blood.

A huge deficit under Republican leadership; this must be an anomaly.

The message is clear and simple Arnold....quit bleeding the people of California and get your act together. The free ride is over!

legalize weed, get those people out of jail, create jobs, create revenue

For once the liberals in California got it right. In 2010 the people will take their country back.

The hypocritical voters and legislators oppose the governor's plan to address the $21.3 billion deficit, but have NO PLAN of their own. Now the responsibility is on the legislators to agree among themselves on a plan or California's mess will sink the entire US economy.
By opposing the governor's plan, the hypocritical voters just caused the release of thousands of non-violent inmates.

What happened to the Progressive voters? Don't Progressives vote in California? How could voters put California in a position where services will have to be cut?

Robbing Peter to pay Paul isn't going to cut it, which is why we voted these propositions down. If Mr. Schwarzenegger (whom I voted for) wants to guilt trip us, he can do so all he wants, but don't for one minute assume we're fools. There are plenty of ways to cut wasteful spending without sacrificing education or health care.

I say BRAVO to the voters in California.

To Ah-Nold – instead of cutting healthcare and education, why don't you try to do something about the illegal immigration problem in your state, along with the sanctuary cities that propogate the problem?

And for the rest of the country – California is the poster child of what happens with out of control spending. Unless something "changes", this is what we will see on a national level.

Sometimes you just have to pay the piper. You can't be all things to all people as the liberals desire, so now watch the fur fly.

Thanks bush, cheyney and republicans for destroying this country, lord knows you tried.

They say California is always a preview of what's going to happen with the federal government...

Oh well, GREEDY California and their ocean lifestyle will just have to adjust. Thats what happens when everything there is expensive and you can no longer live that life style. Come on California, show us some of that Liberial Brainstorming to get you out of this mess. I say RAISE TAXES ON EVERYONE, GOVENATOR!!!!!!

California has been engaging in SOCIAL EXPERIMENTATION. Free health care and education for illegal immigrants etc. If an experiment fails, it's time to try something else. To continue with the same failed policies is insanity.

How did we become a country that allows people to enter our nation illegally and then commit crimes without deportation. Ultra-liberal California gets what they deserve. Maybe the Feds can loan you the cash with interest of course.

New slogan California “The Welfare State”

When will CNN report all the news. This was just not a defeat to Arnold, but speaks more to the defeat of the California Democratic congress of tax and spend!

Could somebody please explain to me again how this guy is better for the state than Gray Davis.

I had an Uncle living in California about 15 years ago and until he died. He said that the real estate taxes he was paying on his beautiful ranch style home in Apple Valley (just East of LA), with a 300 x 700 foot lot cost him just $600 per year. Sounds to me as it is catch up time. We pay over $3000 for a similar size house.

What the hell is wrong with society. hell has definatly overflowed when
gay is a option. no its a obomanation of life.reproduse that is your sole perpouse in life.

Schwarzenegger shouldn't threaten tax payers w/ scare tactics such as letting criminals out of prison. If CA wants to balance its budget, it needs to get rid of its overly generous social welfare programs. For example, it should not offer paid maternity leave to every woman. While this is a nice idea, CA simply can't afford it. Moreover, CA should also stop providing free health care to illegal immigrants. If CA got rid of every unecessary social welfare program, I have little doubt that they'd be a lot closer to balancing their budget than they are now. Letting criminals out of prison should be one of the last measures taken to balance the budget, not the first.

Somehow this will try to be spun as a GOP defeat by the voters. #1, Arnold is hardly a right wing republican. #2, California is a super majority blue state. #3, they voted NOT to increase their own taxes. Sounds like they are tired of high taxes and horrible financial mismanagement by their governor and congressional 'leaders'. AND we have to suck up their horrible model for auto emissions in the rest of the country. Have we transformed into bizarro world?

The geniuses taxed businesses and lots of rich people out of the state while providing France-like social programs, then wonder why they have no money and high unemployment.

If the federal government steps in to back up the California debt, I'll begin planning to leave. The rest of the country shouldn't have to pay for their stupidity.

PS: Illegal aliens are illegal... not "undocumented". They are criminals. If you don't like that, change the law.

100 plus comments on Sarah's wardrobe and nothing on the hypocrisy of the dems in congress blindly backing Pelosi. What a joke!!!!

Choices and consequences ....

They intend on releasing 38,000 prisoners who are non-violent offenders. I'm curious to know why they were locked up in the first place. Please don't tell me for marijuana use. What really bothers me is that they intend on cutting childrens health care for 250,000 when the SCHIP program was jsut recently passed. California needs to get rid of the Governator and send him back to Hollywood so he can be in the upcoming Terminator trilogy.

Sounds like to me the people didn't want higher taxes. They want their giveaways and public money, they just don't want to increase taxes to pay for it. They will vote dim to give other folks money away, just not their own, haha!!!

"Listen to me now, believe me later" (Saturday night live skits aside, I think that Governor Arnie is correct).

I don't know if I would characterize this as a defeat of Arnold or the voters in the state NOT wanting to pay higher taxes to fund all of the massive programs in the state. They probably want the rest of us to pay for all their stuff with some Federal money. They don't want higher taxes, start cutting waste, simple. Blue state not wanting to pay more taxes, hmmm, how could this be????

Stupid voters make stupid choices, and then blame the politicians. This is not a problem with the government, it is a problem with ignorant Americans who are absolutely bent on having their cake and eating it too.

I hope they don't mind sharing with those 30,000+ freed prisoners.

You know what's wrong with people? We all want something for nothing. We want America to be a shining city on a hill, but we don't want to pay for it. There is a country you can go to where there are no government taxes or programs, and it is pure capitalism. It's Dubai.

Things aren't going well there at all, though.

Republicans in the state legislature warned for years CA was spending too much money in good times, but the powers that be did not listen. Now the chickens are coming home to roost.

The voters sent a message: you made this mess; you fix it!

but the voters are also to blame for electing the spendthrifts to the governor's mansion and putting them in the majority in the legislature.

let us remember that Arnold is not really a republican–does the name Kennedy come to mind when you see Arnold?

And yet, California is the model Obama lauds. These people have everything upside down, and backwards.