Recall Effort Rocks State

In “Who’d Want This Job?” (Commentary, Aug. 11), Charles E. Cook Jr. puts the blame for much of California’s fiscal crisis where it squarely belongs -- on the shoulders of its citizens. Too many of us forgot that our government is a representative democracy. We wandered into the risky operations of a direct democracy. Using the initiative process, we disempowered our elected representatives, directly installed some of the state’s most important financial measures and now, through the recall process, are trying to extricate the state from the crisis we helped to create.

We must recover our good sense and get back to representative democracy -- selecting qualified leaders through the normal electoral process and entrusting to them the government operations during their terms of office. The only safe way out of the present mess is to defeat the recall now and do a better job next time of selecting the successor to our present leader.

Dewey Wasser

Thousand Oaks

*

I commend your Aug. 11 editorial “Criticism Alone Won’t Do It: Would-be governors must now offer the voters some solutions” and Cook’s commentary. It’s time the candidates started addressing the issues and offering solutions rather than criticizing Gov. Gray Davis. If our governor is recalled, whoever succeeds him will face exactly the same problems.

Joan Irvine Smith

San Juan Capistrano

*

A week or so ago, I mentioned to friends that Arnold Schwarzenegger could bring in Warren Buffett, Bill Gates or Alan Greenspan -- it would not make a difference. Schwarzenegger, utilizing political special effects, has brought aboard Buffett (Aug. 14). I reiterate, Buffett and now former Secretary of State George Shultz (Aug. 15) cannot bring an economic remedy to California. At the bare minimum, it will take two to five years for recovery. This is not a movie. Economic recovery cannot be scripted.

Ernie Garcia

Redlands

*

Approximately 20% of those who voted for Davis want him out. Why? The job is too big for him. He never got the energy problem and vacillated about the size of California’s deficit. He gave away the store to workers’ comp attorneys (100% to 200% rate increases to business), and businesses are leaving the state. He sold out the schools and teachers. He hid when the going got tough, hedged his bets poorly and it caught up with him. ‘Nuff said. Let’s get him out of there.

Roland Cordobes

Ventura

*

I admit that I voted for Davis in the past two elections, to my great regret. In hindsight, it is difficult to understand how someone with so much knowledge and experience could not have foreseen many of the problems resulting from the deregulation of the electric utilities during the Wilson administration. The state Legislature surely deserves as much blame for the energy crisis as Davis, but the albatross of ever higher energy costs will surely result in Davis’ recall.

When I opened my electric bill in early July and discovered a bill for $452 for the month, I instantly decided how I would vote on Oct. 7. I only wish that the voters had the opportunity to recall the entire Legislature.

Herman A. Inman

Cerritos

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As an embarrassed native Californian, I have one small suggestion that might prove an invaluable voters’ guide in October. The candidates who seek to replace Davis should be required to take a test to determine their knowledge of the 2003 California budget. The major features of the budget are clearly set forth on the legislative analyst’s Web site. All the candidates would be assembled at the same time and given the same test, with monitors to ensure that there are no crib notes. I know cheating would hardly disqualify anyone in this circus, but it is worth a try. Then the results should be released to the public with at least one or two suggestions from the candidate as to how he or she plans to fix the budget.

Dick Hamblin

Sherman Oaks

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I would like to respond to Davis’ claims that the recall effort is somehow “shameful” and an “insult” to voters. Need we remind the governor that registered voters signed the petitions in the first place? If he had displayed some sort of leadership qualities and attacked the problems plaguing this state, then chances are the recall would never have been necessary. Don’t tell us we’re insulted by the recall.

He isn’t getting the job done and the people of California need to take matters into their own hands and shake things up. What has been shameful and insulting is his performance.

Scott Sackett

Glendale

*

I understand the desire of California Republicans to win back the governorship, but someone needs to do a reality check. Schwarzenegger is no Ronald Reagan. Schwarzenegger has been vague about virtually every important issue. In fact, other than on taxes, he is barely a Republican.

The Terminator is pro-abortion and pro-homosexual rights. Second Amendment supporters will be surprised to discover he wants more laws restricting gun ownership. He may also find himself explaining why, during the impeachment of Bill Clinton, he said he was “ashamed” to be a Republican.

Yardena Anat Even

Beverly Hills

*

Many untalented folks are trying to unseat Davis, but Schwarzenegger is definitely the least talented of them all. Much as I abhorred their politics, Reagan could act and George Murphy could sing and dance. Arnold’s biggest boost so far has come from being a terrible actor who is selling the voters a song and dance.

Joan Walston

Santa Monica

*

I do not necessarily agree with the California recall process, but it does give us the opportunity to correct a mistake. How many candidates would there be if the filing fee were $25,000, with 200 signatures?

The most viable candidate is Peter Ueberroth. He has demonstrated business sense, organization and planning capability and a no-nonsense approach to getting things done. He owes nothing to lobbyists and can campaign with his own assets. So, Republicans: Do you want to win the recall election or do you wish to continue to promote ultraconservative ideology?

Paul Bernstein

Beverly Hills

*

Here’s my dilemma. As a citizen, I am inclined to vote for Ueberroth. As a comedy writer in search of viable material, I have to vote for Schwarzenegger.

Michael Beatrice

Venice

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Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) presents Circus California. In the center ring, on the high wire, Davis balances high finance and special interests at great peril to self-preservation. In the ring on the right, Strongman Schwarzenegger will attempt to lift California to its feet without even a platform to stand on.

Lion Tamer Bill Simon rides in on an elephant but has trouble maintaining control and may get trampled. In the ring on the left, Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante will demonstrate his knife-throwing abilities. Contortionist Mary Carey will bend over backward and forward in a taxing display while juggling breast implants. Leo Gallagher arrives with Sledge-A-Matic in hand as 200 clowns pile out of a Volkswagen Bug. This circus needs a magician to make it disappear. Ringling Bros. doesn’t have anything on us.

Roger Hardester

Bakersfield

*

Another groundbreaking strategy introduced to a grateful nation by the California electorate: We’ll jump-start our state’s economy through the sale of bumper stickers and T-shirts. Anyone know where I can get an “Impeach Arnold!” or maybe a marked-down carton of “Ventura for Governor”?

Patrick McNulty

Santa Barbara

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Last Saturday I returned from a lengthy stay overseas. On the news there were reports of the “California circus” regarding the filings for candidacy for governor. I am a little confused as to what all of the hubbub is about. Whether one agrees with the intent or necessity of the recall of Davis, or the potential candidates for his replacement, no laws have been broken. This is what the democratic process is all about.

Some of the places I have been lately do not have the opportunity to host a “circus.” I trust the voters to get all of it sorted out. The main point is to vote ... whatever your affiliations or views. I am proud to be a citizen in a country and state that allow this process to unfold as it will. Perhaps if the critics step back, take a breath and unclench their fists, the “circus” will transform from a frenzy to a “ceremony of democracy.”

Mitchell G. Lindsay-Lewis

San Gabriel

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The recall is the best thing that could happen. Although it took a millionaire actor, a smut peddler and a wacky cast of hundreds, Californians are finally getting involved in politics and our state government.

Richard Greene

Beverly Hills