To tally, they blame the following people: 1) Republicans, 2) anti-vaxxers, 3) Q-Anon, 4) xenophobes, 5) extremists, 6) Proud Boys, and finally, worst of all, 7) Trump supporters.
One has to sift through the lies and sensationalism to approach the truth, which is what I intend to do. I have decided that a Q&A is an easy-to-read format for this post, which will have an educational focus but will broadly outline why I support Gavin Newsom's recall. Let's get started.
Why is he being recalled? Isn't this just because he went to a fancy restaurant?
It's a talking point that he is being recalled for eating at the French Laundry restaurant, sans masking or distancing of course, at the height of the restrictions last year, although he did do that and it was hypocritical and bad enough on its own.
Do you think a governor is being removed for one bad (barely) scandal though? Logic and an examination of the facts suggest otherwise.
Okay, what are the other reasons to recall this guy?
Writers such as Mike Shellenberger have offered compelling arguments as to why. His thread is well worth your time.
Here are my personal top reasons why Governor Newsom should be recalled:
1) He had the worst pandemic response in the country where operations -- including schools & small businesses -- were shut down much too long, too strictly, causing many to close permanently
2) Homelessness and related issues -- assaults on the street, break-ins, overdoses, street defections -- have skyrocketed, with no plan in place or end in sight and the problems worsening
3) This isn't talked about enough: It is obvious that there exists a corrupt homeless-industrial complex in which there are never enough units to house people, and the units cost too much to build at scale. Streets are unsafe and cost taxpayers millions for little in return
4) California was last in the nation in re-opening public schools, dealing a costly blow to the most vulnerable students, families and communities in the state. Tens of thousands of students 'went missing' and never logged into online class
5) Even before the pandemic the public school system was a mess -- his appointees proposed eliminating advanced math courses for middle- and high-school students in the name of "equity," a disgusting gesture to students who depend on these classes for college readiness and success
There are many, many more reasons to oust this man-child -- for which I recommend reading Shellenberger's thread. But the above suffice for my argument.
Okay, but isn't the ballot filled with a bunch of crazies?
The question of who to replace Newsom with is a worthy one, and one that
every individual will make on their own. I have elected to vote for Larry
Elder due to his commitment to school choice and other pro-family positions he promises to encourage.
I like his focus and emphasis on winning. I don't like wasting my vote on losers.
Isn't this a big waste of money that California can't afford right now?
According to the official election guide, the recall election will cost taxpayers $276 million. Compare that to the estimated $8 billion in EDD unemployment fraud that Newsom oversaw. Allowing him to stay in office will ensure that taxpayer money is thrown into a wildfire.
Wait a second, you said you voted for Larry Elder, an AM-talk-radio host with no experience. This sounds bonkers.
It is. The recall election, from the improbable petition to make it happen, to the bizarre holes on the mail-in ballot envelopes which potentially reveal a positive YES vote, to the lack of preparation from the Democrats has been bizarre. If someone like Elder wins and flames out, he can be elected out in the next race in another year.
The point is to send a message to Gavin Newsom and the Democratic cartel that has run this state to the ground.
People are fed up; it's time for action. It's Newsom's race to lose, and if he does it will be due to his incompetence, unlikability and lack of strategy.
As for me, I already turned in my mail-in ballot, the same ones beloved by the governor, to vote against him. If you won't join 'em, why not beat 'em?
