I think I love you....let's run away together.  We need to take over a state to be run by Libertarians (we Libertarians ARE trying in New Hampshire) and re-read all of Robert Heinlein's books.

I used to live in the SF Bay Area (East Bay), but fortunately, was not in THIS business at the time so did not have to deal with city/county government (although I did live amongst attorneys....that can be pretty bad, but at least the vast majority of them work hard and know how to hustle for clients).  I could imagine very clearly what you were going through.  Despite the fact Michigan has the worst economy in the nation (and has for the last three years), I still prefer HERE to California.  (And agree completely with your assessment of the GM fiasco.)  Living in the-middle-of-nowhere Michigan surrounded by people who are, by and large, fiscal conservatives is preferable to what's been going on in The City for decades.   I honestly don't say this to bash California.  I actually love the state.  I love The City!  My aunt has lived in Tiburon (across the bay in Marin County with the Golden Gate bridge within view of her house) for 30 years -- love it there.  But the attitude you have been talking about permeates a large percentage of the population.

Your postings have been a pleasure to read.