Lizzie, I promise I won't say another word...today, at least. But all the stuff you've written about Peoplesoft, water problems, the property tax issue, etc., apply to many MANY other places in the U.S.
California isn't as unique as it might seem.
Atlanta has huge long-range water supply issues. In fact, the whole world faces a global water-supply issue, but you're not hearing about it too much yet. You probably will eventually. (I'm still hunting investment opportunities in this topical area.) Certain jurisdictions in the Wash DC area had mandatory water-use restrictions during last year's drought. We may have them again someday if the current near-flood conditions ever abate.
Do a little research on what started the population boom in Loudoun County, VA--many thought it was the building of the huge AOL and WCOM facilities, which would draw thousands of workers to the area. Those companies have gone you-know-where--- yet Loudoun is still booming and fighting further development against continuing population pressures. After all, the county only has so much money to build new schools for all the new kids every year and only so much money to provide police, fire protection and other services to new residents. Yet the buyers who can't afford pricier locations closer to Washington, DC, or Reston, or other employment centers continue moving further out to Loudoun to "get more for their money".
Virginia state universities have had their state funding cut due to budget restraints and are so overwhelmed with otherwise qualified applicants that not all qualified Virginia students can attend a state school--which means a huge difference in tuition costs for parents.
We have continuing fights over road funding in the state while people are screaming about traffic congestion. We can't afford the type of rail system that would help ease the situation.
There is no "scam against the younger generations" (your words). There is simply too much of a younger generation to accommodate in limited space and with limited money.
Is it possible that Californians have perfected the art of dissembling certain issues and turning them into liberal vs. conservative causes, instead of realizing they are not the only ones with these problems? I don't know. But all the whining just might fall on deaf ears elsewhere in the country. |
