I am not joking and this is no "if xyzz wins, I will leave" threat. I can see what is going to happen and it is ugly.
She and I have discussed this at length and made our decision last night. We have already made plans to donate all our goods to local charities (OK, we will sell some of the furniture) and have looked into properties in Grapevine and Irving.
We have had it -- L.A. is one of the highest tax areas in the country -- worse than Boston. And now, because I have the AUDACITY to make a 6 figure income, I must be PUNISHED! And, we "hire" the legislators to do one thing -- and one thing only -- manage the budget and do so like all of us "little people" do -- keep costs below income (plus perhaps some prudent borrowing -- think a mortgage and maybe a car for an average American). Instead, they pass bill after bill that makes THEM (the legislators) feel good, while sticking the bill to us EVIL SALARY EARNERS. Yes, I can see them sleeping after passing the latest "help someone" bill, thinking "I did something GOOD today" ON MY ****ING DIME.
This should come as no surprise to Californians, but California has assuaged the conscience of its lawmakers by having BILLIONS of dollars of programs that exactly parallel Federal programs (think colostomy bags for the poor) but do not require proof of citizenship. Much/most of our debt is a direct result of financially supporting illegal immigration. The rest are a result of directly subsidizing sloth. If I wanted to, I am willing to wager that I (see below for qualifications) could get California Food Stamps.
Speaking of illegal immigration, did you know that there have been many debates in the California Congress conducted in Spanish? And that the Sergeant At Arms has not halted proceedings nor have objections been entered into the record?.
I wish I could comfort myself with knowing that sales tax (the new idea) hits the illegals harder worse than I, but that doesn't change the fact that when I am in other states, I buy "high cost -- small footprint" when I am out of state -- how many people do the same?
OK, let's look at the cost to California for my Wealth Flight:
Income: mid-6 figures
Direct Income Taxes 2007: 6K
The median income tax payment in California is 2K -- so to replace my income tax will take 3 families.
BUT WAIT! I have no children and have 2 vehicles which have less than 1,000 miles per year each (not 10K, but 1K), so not only will California require 3 median income families to replace my income, but it will need apx. 2 times those to pay for the usage of the infrastructure I do not use! Good luck getting that!
Yes, there are really wealthy people in Marin County and the like who have inherited wealth and thus don't understand what really generates it.
But I think there will be more wealth flight from Kalifornia by individuals -- and companies. Kalifornia is already one of the most business hostile states in the country. I am sure the new tax-saturated plans the sleep-well liberals cobble together will run many others like me out of the state.
Texans in the DFW area: I have lived 3 years in the DFW (2 years in Ft. Worth, 1 year in Plano) area. I am familiar with the idea that "if there ain't no road, we make one for ourselves." Any and all advice for residents will be appreciated. The current plan is spring of 2009 (we can't really move before then).
We are starting this weekend by giving stuff away -- if I am lucky, we won't have much by moving day.
