Attorney General Jerry Brown, at the age of 70, is still a hard working public servant. At his age he has every right to retire and enjoy these years doing whatever it is that people who have worked long and full productive lives do.
But instead he is California’s Attorney General. And before that he served in other public offices. Brown has spent a lifetime serving California. As a Californian, whose spouse has long and deep roots in a state filled with transient citizens, we appreciate Brown’s commitment and service. Is he the perfect candidate? There are many that argue that he is not. But on the other hand, he is a candidate with vast experience in the public sector, including as Governor and would walk into that office and immediately begin working on our behalf.
Meg Whitman is a neophyte. Since she left the helm at eBay, what has she done that has prepared her for the office of Governor? Voting? Whitman’s backers picked a candidate that represented their interests which include wealth, lower taxes for wealthier people, less regulation for business and getting rid of one of the most important (yet imperfect )green laws, AB32. The bottom line? This group likes to keep their own checkbooks fat and happy. They actually only care about governance as it relates to their personal best interests, not that of a huge populous that makes far less money than they do.
Whitman brings to the table the ability to learn, to memorize and to prepare for debates and public speaking. We all know she has improved mightily in that regard since she first announced her candidacy and ran away from reporters. She is still on a short leash, though, by her handlers given her remarks to the San Jose Mercury News editorial board when she compared Fresno to Detroit.
Here’s the thing about Whitman that irks many. She never apologizes for missteps that are her own doing. Let’s review. First up was the voting record – she did a half-caf decaf apology adding that she was very busy with a career and motherhood as reasons contributing why she didn’t vote. Then there was (and is) her lack of understanding of the CA constitution. Sure, it is long and boring reading, but if I were running for office, I would think that it would be primary reading material with a few scholars tossed in for good measure and debate. But when Whitman enthusiastically came up with her “legislative teams” plan, it was clear she missed that chapter on government.
During the domino economy fail was her friend and colleague, Goldman Sachs et al. Turns out there were nefarious dealings with GS that once again, Whitman never apologized for or explained. GS and eBay. GS and Whitman on the board. GS and Whitman gaining millions from short deals. Certainly, wealth has to be managed, but here’s a guess there are actually good fund managers out there with scruples.
And more recently, the Nicky Diaz deal – nannygate, which has gone awfully quiet. But no matter. She publicly hung the young woman out to dry. Once again, Whitman had an opportunity to relate to the commoner in her (imaginary) constituency who does hire service workers for say, housecleaning or lawn service. It is almost mandatory in many CA zip codes to hire for these services. And many undoubtedly hire illegal immigrants without ever knowing. All Whitman had to do was to step up and be human to the person who served her family’s needs for almost a decade. But instead she dismissed her as pawn and didn’t apologize for not treating the woman as a human being at the end of her employment, instead firing her and offering no assistance. Whether Whitman knew about her status or not is almost irrelevant.
The lesson of who Governor Whitman would be is in the treatment of Nicky Diaz. It is also in the treatment of her employee at eBay who sued after being pushed by Whitman. You actually don’t get a settlement from a company unless there is some smattering of truth to the issue; General Counsel’s would not advise a settlement unless they saw some serious damage to the corporation.
Do not underestimate the machine that tows around candidate Whitman. It is powerful and wants the reigns of the state back into its hands. It is sorely disappointed in Governor Ahnold and wants another chance to rule from the sidelines with a candidate that will do their bidding. And that candidate is neophyte Meg Whitman.
It takes a whole lot of hubris to be Meg Whitman.
A whole lot of hubris.
Comments
oh seriously. spam?
Everything I read about Whitman is frightening. It would be interesting to watch as a "story" if the outcome wasn't so important and far-reaching. From Florida...my prayers are with you.
Brava, people have to vote in California. This idiocy of having the amateurs running our government is finished.
Whitman couldn't govern her way out of a brown paper bag while facing the open end. The trouble is, she thinks she CAN.
But I'm definitely giving Jerry Brown another go.
rated!
But I'm definitely giving Jerry Brown another go.
rated!
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