YES…THERE ARE NO GHOST-RIDERS IN CALIFORNIA SKIES
(…because…they’re all busy being ghost-voters in the State Assembly…)

California has always been one of the quirkier states in the country, and, few others can rival some of its weird and whacky customs and mores…particularly when it comes to the shenanigans and conduct of its elected politicos, since their antics could probably provide enough material to keep a host of Hollywood script writers busy with a lifetime of work.

Now, a recent investigative news reporter has revealed a rather oddball if not sordid example of that. It seems that members of the state Assembly have engaged in a long standing “customary” practice called –ghost-voting- even though it is against its own rules that prohibit the practice.

Here’s how that apparently works: under the guise of “expediency” to clear out the clutter of bills up for vote before recessing, and as a mutual “courtesy” service among its members, neighboring seat mates of members who are not present  on the floor for voting, vote for them instead (even if they are not of the same party). Video clips made of that activity show a near empty chamber in which a small crew of present members scramble around like one-arm paper hangers…pushing absent members’ voting buttons…in many cases without a clue about what they’re either voting for or…against.

All of which raises several interesting questions here: how does such a “customary” practice serve the best interests of California’s tax-paying voters? More importantly…how does that practice impact on the validity or legitimacy of any legislation made by the Assembly? Lastly, does that not also create a firm legal basis to challenge anything the Assembly does…or does not do?

Oh, well…not to worry Californios…you may be hosts to a thundering herd of NIMBY-ites ready to oppose almost anything under the sun, and to litigate about it in the blink of an eye; but, at least you can truthfully  say…yes, there are no ghost-riders in California skies… because…they’re all busy being ghost-voters…in the State Assembly.

CENTURION