How to Be a Successful Politician in California

By Edward Ring
11/18/2022
The following conversation never happened. It is for the reader to decide to what extent, however, this conversation reflects political reality in California today.   Candidate (C): It’s a surprise that you contacted me. I never thought I would run for office, I don’t know how to run a campaign, and I’m not well informed...

TAGS: California public sector unions, elected office, Government, government unions, politicians, special interests

California Pioneers Subsidized Housing for Public Employees

By Edward Ring
12/04/2019
When it comes to affordable housing, what California’s state legislators have done epitomizes what happens when you have a government bureaucracy that serves itself instead of the public, one that is under the complete control of special interests. They have enacted laws that make it nearly impossible for the private sector to build homes, which...

TAGS: affordable housing, cronyism, Edward Ring, special interests, subsidies

California Cronyism and its Consequences

By Edward Ring
02/27/2019
Crony capitalism is an economy in which businesses thrive not as a result of risk, but rather as a return on money amassed through a nexus between a business class and the political class. This is done using state power to crush genuine competition in handing out permits, government grants, special tax breaks, or other...

TAGS: corporate cronyism, special interests, subsidies

Government Employee Unions – The Root Cause of California's Challenges

By Edward Ring
06/03/2014
Spokespersons for California’s government employee unions perpetuate a myth of staggering absurdity and tragic consequences – that they are protecting working Californians from wealthy corporations and wealthy individuals. The reality is that government employee unions are focused on one thing: Expanding government employee pay, benefits and privileges. This requires expanding government, and that priority comes...

TAGS: crony capitalism, government employee unions, government unions, public sector unions, special interests, unionized government

Why Public Sector Unions are “Special” Special Interests

By Edward Ring
06/11/2013
California’s November 2012 statewide ballot included Prop. 32, the “Stop Special Interest Money Now” initiative. Among the provisions included in this campaign finance reform measure was the requirement that public sector unions obtain permission from each member prior to using a portion of their dues to support political campaigns. It’s hard to precisely determine just...

TAGS: difference between public and private sector unions, Prop. 32, public sector unions, special interests