“Whereas the San Fernando Valley Republican Club supports the conservative principles of limited government, lower taxes, fiscal responsibility, free enterprise, strong national defense and individual freedom … therefore, be it resolved, that the San Fernando Valley Republican Club will neither endorse nor support either Cong. Sherman or Cong. Berman in the 2012 Congressional contest in the 30th Congressional District in the San Fernando Valley.”
Frankly, I was astonished by this email blast from a group I know well, having been invited to speak to its members on local political issues many times over the years.
But boycott the election for Congress? Has it come to that? Are we so alienated from our politicians and political processes that “none of the above” seems like a reasonable option?
“The San Fernando Valley Republican Club commends both Cong. Berman and Cong. Sherman on their strong support for Israel, but the SFVRC will take no position in the congressional race,” said Gary Aminoff, the group’s president, in the email. “It would not be possible for Republicans who believe in conservative principles to be able to support either candidate in good conscience.”
I feel his pain. I’m fed up with having to choose between the lesser of two evils in election after election and then finding out that even when the lesser evil overcomes the big money and wins with the support of grassroots people, they quickly become indistinguishable from the greater of the two evils.
That happens because the system itself brings the men and women we elect to their knees in subservience, no matter what values they brought into the halls of power, no matter what promises they made to voters.
It’s the system. Money, power, influence and access rule the day. That’s why there is gridlock in Washington and stalemate in Sacramento, why we are going around in political circles instead of forward as a nation.
But refusing to participate is not act of civil disobedience. It is an abdication of responsibility to work for the betterment of our society and its people, the crushing of hope for all of us.
In the case of Reps. Howard Berman and Brad Sherman — two long-time Democratic members of Congress engaged in one of the costliest partisan campaigns in history — it probably doesn’t matter which one wins because their voting records are so similar.
Ron, great article and you’re correct: our choice is between Mr. Berman or Mr. Sherman, that’s our decision. Both Gentlemen must be congratulated that one didn’t relocate (carpetbag) and rent an apartment in the new re-districted area and again run as an incumbent. A situation where this did occur is where John Perez decided that Betsy Butler should re-locate and run as an incumbent in the new re-districted Assembly District 50, because Michael Feuer is termed out. Ms. Butler has no history in the 50th, but is an “incumbent” because she held office in another region.
Now I need to change the subject: The Judge that is reviewing Mr. Alarcon’s case is the Mayor’s Sister.
Who in their right mind would allow/assign a Judge to review/hear a case, of an elected official, in which they are personally related to another elected official of the same government? This is crazy and not good business tactics at all. Surely, in the Court system there is an administrator who does case assignments and possible conflicts of interest are reviewed prior to assigning “a” judge to “a” case.
Courts and judges Nationally have taken a big hit recently and this will only lead to more dissatisfaction, apprehension and distrust. Also, I would imagine the Mayor Tony V had some influence in getting his sister appointed to the judgeship. For him to be interviewed and to say he didn’t is another lie. Tony V and Mr. Alarcon have a friendship that goes back decades, and I’m sure he has already called sis and advised her to play legal verbal dodge-ball and rule “there is no case” or words to that effect.
By kicking out the case will also have a major financial impact on the City of Los Angeles: Councilmember’s who hold office ten years or more can add all of their Sacramento years to their City pensions based on their annual City salary of $178,000. Do we really want to pay Mr. Alarcon a pension of $100,000 + Health benefits to him and his Wife for 20 to 30 years after he retires? If he carpetbagged during his time in City Office?
In my humble opinion the only evidence that’s needs to be reviewed are the utility Bills. Was a reasonable amount of water & power used monthly to determine residency? Yes or No?
Mark Reed went to all the SFV Republicratic meetings and he’s the only Republicrat that is running vs. Berman and Sherman! But if you must vote for either of the Jewish Liberal Sistas of the SFV, who is the MOST responsible for the 405 Project being what it is today? SHERMAN!!!! He let the 405 from the 101 to Wilshire become the PARKING LOT IT IS TODAY for the last 3 years and maybe 2 or 3 more!! If the “Bald One” would of played hardball on how the renovation was assigned, WE’D BE ALOT BETTER! RETIREMENT FOR SHERMAN would be a tiny fractional step for the advancement of humanity. After the 405 is finished THEN YOU’LL LEARN WHAT THE NEW LANES ARE REALLY FOR—TOLL CHARGE LANES!!!!!!! TAKE A DRIVE DOWN THE 5 FREEWAY ALL THE WAY TO SAN DIEGO AND YOU’LL SEE THE FUTURE OF THE 405 IN THE SFV! You’ll all go to your voter booths here in Corruptopia and blindley vote for your Dumbo-Crat buddy Obama and his associated communists and welfare-providers. Most of you really don’t get it yet—YOU NEED TO STOP VOTING HERE IN CALIFORNIA LIKE YOU DO! Go to Arizona and see the cost of gas—YES RIGHT ACROSS THE STATE BORDER IS THE CHEAPEST GAS PER GALLON IN THE ENTIRE USA!!! And it costs MORE TO TRUCK THE FUEL FROM OUR CALIFORNIA REFINERIES TO THEM!!! When the hell will you dummies begin to arise from the Left Wing Fantasy Coma you live in? When? Why don’t you want to pay the lowest price for gas in the nation too? You think about it
Reed was one of several Republicans on the ballot, I was pleased to see all three at the Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences in April, before the primary…not sure if Wayne is suggesting Mr. Reed is persisting as a write-in.
It’s intriguing to see the suggestion that the younger Sherman should be retired, as the elder will surely be less likely to have (yet) another encore term after this one…making room for a realistic challenge (should the open primary novelty wear off).
In the meantime, it’d be more refreshing to see the SFVRC not take ‘official’ sides (leaving it to our conscience doesn’t mean staying at home) if the Valley GOP kingpins actually kept their checkbooks closed (something tells me we’re due for another wave of earnest endorsements)…or better yet: From a cost-benefit standpoint, those campaign contributions would wield a lot more torque if they were applied – not to a seesaw battle between two repeat offenders – but levered towards one or two of the adjoining challengers (David Hernandez and/or Phil Jennerjahn) whose recumbent opponents snooze through there presumed re-elections, needing only wake up when they sign over their donations to other parties (ala Blumenfield?).
the first comment…
“both Gentlemen…(B & S) …must be congratulated that one didn’t relocate…
in the new redistricted area…”wrong…so wrong…
both B & S represented People in this area and decided to sacrifice the People
to a self-serving-duplicitous-unethical-low-life…Tony Cardenas…
remember, he worked to initiate a “lactation-room feasibility study”…
remember, he worked to bring us “the first ever elephant awareness day”…
thanks B & S…
making the People in the redistricted area just collateral damage in the
political career of Cardenas…apologist, advocate, associate of gangsters…
thanks B & S…
Cardenas is so bad that either one of you would be preferable…