Dave Ives
Dave Ives
Sep 5, 2018 · 2 min read

Arnold, I read your book “Total Recall.” The story about your mother foraging across the countryside looking for food, hit hard — tough going. And I read with excitement as you wrote about going to California where the opportunities to make money, start a business and earn a living were abundant. You stated why, “In America, unlike Europe, there weren’t a million obstacles to starting a business.” Yes, back in the old country it was much more difficult — too much government interference. America — especially California- was the land of opportunity.

So, after reading your article I’m confused. Why would someone who understands the crushing effect of bloated government legislation, red tape and bureaucracy advocate more of it? What makes you think more government is what’s needed to get “clean energy” up and running in California? I’m surprised. I thought you’d be a champion for getting big government off the backs of the people. But, you seem to be a champion for more big bloated government, the very thing you left behind in the old country.

You mention the naysayers. How come when someone cries out, “Big government legislation is killing us!” they’re labeled a naysayer? But, when politicians decree, “No, you need big government. We are the answer. We know better. We are smarter. You can’t do it without us leading the way, creating red tape, bureaucracy, fees, fines, laws and higher taxes to pay for it all” … that’s not naysaying? When politicians doubt the capacity, capability and creativity of individual Californians how come that’s not considered naysaying? Yet, anyone who doubts big government’s ability to solve problems is immediately labeled a naysayer. Not sure I follow the logic.

Arnold, I admire your accomplishments and value your insights and opinions. But, I can’t work out for the life of me why you’ve jumped onto the “government is the answer” bandwagon. I believe your fellow Californian, Ronald Reagan, hit the nail on the head when he said years ago, “Government is the problem.”

    Dave Ives

    Written by

    Dave Ives

    Property investor and author. Wasn’t born in Alice Springs but got here as soon as I could! ivesguy.com