December 16, 2010
Two Californias
by Victor Davis Hanson
National Review Online
The last three weeks I have traveled about, taking the pulse of the more forgotten areas of central California. I wanted to witness, even if superficially, what is happening to a state that has the highest sales and income taxes, the most lavish entitlements, the near-worst public schools (based on federal test scores), and the largest number of illegal aliens in the nation, along with an overregulated private sector, a stagnant and shrinking manufacturing base, and an elite environmental ethos that restricts commerce and productivity without curbing consumption.
During this unscientific experiment, three times a week I rode a bike on a 20-mile trip over various rural roads in southwestern Fresno County. I also drove my car over to the coast to work, on various routes through towns like San Joaquin, Mendota, and Firebaugh. And near my home I have been driving, shopping, and touring by intent the rather segregated and impoverished areas of Caruthers, Fowler, Laton, Orange Cove, Parlier, and Selma. My own farmhouse is now in an area of abject poverty and almost no ethnic diversity; the closest elementary school (my alma mater, two miles away) is 94 percent Hispanic and 1 percent white, and well below federal testing norms in math and English.
READ MORE HERE
Hi! Thank u for a very fresh idea. I am wondering why i have never though of this as well. I will definately try to use your blog for getting some more fresh info!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
BR, Aaron
check my site
Its awesome all of the time to view how folks can compose wonderful stuff about people topics! Thank you and I ve bookmarked you
ReplyDeletegreat blog If you are the type to update your blog regulary, then you have gained one daily reader in me today. keep up the super work.
ReplyDeleteI real pleased to find this website on bing, just what I was searching for : D as well bookmarked .
ReplyDeletesome genuinely interesting points you have written.
Hi this issue is extremely interesting. Keep it going man !
ReplyDelete