Skelton says Dem legislators deserve a monopoly

LAT columnist George Skelton argues this morning that California's legislators and the governator are not responsible for California not having a budget nearly three months into the fiscal year that began last July 1st. Blame the constitution, Skelton says, for requiring a two-thirds majority. If only a simple majority were required, California would already have a budget, Skelton argues.

Skelton is right. A simple majority made up entirely of Dems would by now have voted a tax increase and passed a budget. Californians would have been saddled with higher taxes and unrestrained spending.

LAT tells a whopper

Here's a quote from a recent LAT editorial: "Republicans have held up [California's budget] for nearly the first quarter of the current year."

Either that or Democrats have. It takes a two-thirds majority of both houses of the California legislature to raise taxes, which is how Dems hope to close the $15 billion gap in California's finances. There are not that many Dems. Republicans in the legislature have said they will not support a budget that raises taxes. Dems have insisted. Which one is delaying the budget?

Lexington unhappy over Palin pick

The Lexington columnist for The Economist argues this week that Sarah Palin is inexperienced and that John McCain used poor judgment in selecting her. Besides, according to Lexington, the vetting process was hurried and ineffective. No surprise there and nothing original either. Those were the initial arguments Democrats voiced against Palin.

Palin nervous and unsure of the teleprompter

According to The Economist, during her acceptance speech last week, Sarah Palin looked nervous and unsure of the teleprompter. Palin was justified in being unsure of the teleprompter, according to published reports. As for being nervous, it must have been apparent only to The Economist.

LAT critiques McCain speech

John McCain's speech last night was OK but didn't include some things the LAT wanted to hear, according to today's editorial. McCain probably didn't include LAT editors among those he was trying to convince.

McCain's speech was weak, and in some places is was boring and repetitive. Overall, is was OK but considering how long McCain has been giving speeches he should have done better. Both the delivery and the speech itself needed improvement.

McCain could and should hire better speech writers. And he might ask whoever trained Sarah Palin for help on delivery.

LAT compares Palin to Quayle

LAT reporter Catherine Decker suggests this morning that there is not much difference between Sarah Palin and Dan Quayle. It's a cute theory.

LAT defends the media

LAT reporter Matea Gold writes this morning that while Republicans at the convention blasted the media for its biased coverage of Sarah Palin and her family this week, there really is no substance to their claims. Gold suggests that the media are merely trying to do their jobs and that critics are just too sensitive.