California is one almighty mess:

About one in every five dollars spent by the state is now money it doesn't have. Given California is already spending about 7% of its budget servicing its existing debt - a legacy of [its] reluctance to countenance adequate tax levels - that's more than merely a nuisance. If governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is to be believed, it threatens to utterly derail state finances.

Let's be clear. People want services. In a downturn people desperately need services. They have to be paid for. That's what tax is for.

Tax is not a burden, imposition, sequestration or theft as some would like to claim.

Tax is about providing (and sharing) the common wealth.

We can't do without is.

So let's embrace it. With enthusiasm. It's a good thing.

Looks like California is going to have to learn that the hard way.