This piece really caught my attention. What a stunning piece of writing. A worthwhile read if ever one was posted.

California is truly doomed by the liberal elite and the inattentive go along to get along Republicans. California´s epitaph will read "Death by Political Correctness and Sheer Stupidity".

Fabulous piece and as #1 said, beautiful writing. I grew up in the 50-60´s in California when it was a conservative stronghold and when orchards of orange trees lined the 5 freeway northof San Vlemente up thru San Juan Capistrano. We didnt lock our doors either; but then, conscience and sense of pride kept crime rates low if nonexistent in my small town. What he writes is so true and its heartbreaking.

After 30+ years, I left a downward trending California for Beautiful South Carolina.
Perhaps the best move I have ever made.

I think it is just strange that all those people thought they had a right to come on private property uninvited. Sounds like some of them got mad that they were denied.

I said something similar - if not so eloquently - on a post here, yesterday.

I´m thinking places like San Francisco are going to have re-institute feudalism - living on the master´s land and paying him a tithe in money or labor for the privilege of a safe place to live.

How else is the pool boy going to afford to living within 30 miles of San Francisco?

Makes me feel so sad for the incredibly articulate Victor Davis Hanson and his attempts to stay on land that has been in his family for so long. Surrounded by insanity is no way to live.

Had heard the central valley was getting bad. Don´t go to los angeles, unless absolutely necessary.

The situation described by the author, brings to mind Argentina. Hollowing out the middle class.

Its difficult to visualize how things will end up in California. Its only a matter of time before a California Hugo Chavez emerges to unite the mass of poor immigrants against the powerful leftest intelligenia and public service unions. The moonbats will be persecuted, the wealthy bled dry and the powerful public service union oppostion turned into enemies of the people. The middle class that has not already fled will be wiped out. Of course with a Chavez no one really knows what will happen, but if you are the establishment, you´d better run and hide.

Reading VDH is bittersweet. I will never stop mourning my beautiful home. His writing brilliantly shows the reality of California.

Born, raised, married, had seven children; moved away six years ago. I feel like an exile every day. My family and friends are just as Victor describes: working, enduring, desiring to find a way to make life better, but unable to change a thing.
Rand Paul´s actions last night gave me some hope today. There are people out there who change things by merely standing up and saying no.
California produced Reagan. There are millions who live there and speak the truth, though quietly still.
The Dark Ages ended with the sound of a hammer nailing a piece of paper to a church door. I don´t know what it will take for California, but I hope.

The same is happening in South Africa, except they are murdered for their land.

"There are people out there who change things by merely standing up and saying no."

Not in California, there aren´t. There is only one solution for us, a very messy one. And it will never happen.