Veto the Governor 
It is beyond time to let the genie out of the bottle. For months, I have been fighting a losing battle to establish a coalition of pro-second amendment groups to check their egos at the door and focus on the OBJECTIVE. Routinely, when I suggest an aggressive pro-active approach to combating the gun grabbers, the alleged pro-gun types get scared.  They fear the wrath (and money) of Handgun Control Incorporated. I am beyond frustrated, p.o.-ed, and ashamed.   I am a realist, and frankly, I have a keener insight into the procedural nightmare that masquerades as lawmaking in the California BillMill than many.  I am sensitive to how the game is played in Sacramento, why tactics which appear myopic may be mitigated by longer-range strategic considerations. CalNews.com 5/31/99
 
More from Down Under: Government Gun Control Monumental Failure 
California is about to suffer an anti-gun assault of epic proportions. Well intended elected officials are about to do fatal harm to the republic they are supposed to serve. Public safety will be endangered because of political hubris. Facts which contradict their preconceived (ill conceived) opinions will be ignored, and people will die. CalNews.com 2/5/99 

Gun Control Failure 
In the wake of the democratic ascendancy in the Sacramento Capitol, defenders of the second amendment are all hangdog and pouting. The conventional wisdom is, now that California has a Democrat as Governor to compliment the democratic controlled Assembly and Senate, the gun-grabbing crowd will have carte blanc to disarm law-abiding Californians. Maybe...maybe not. CalNews.com 1/23/99 

Consequences of Prop 226 Vote 
Thomas Jefferson once noted a fundamental axiom, that: "To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."  Previously I had written a piece for CalNews entitled "Arrogance of Power", and everything written then still applies now.  However, back then some 67 percent of union households agreed with me and thought Prop 226 wasn't only a good idea, but a great idea. CalNews.com 6/13/98 

The Problem with Initiatives 
The California Initiative process is both a blessing and a curse.  Frequently, we have needed to use the Initiative as a tool to create law which our elected/alleged representatives don't have the courage, insight, or character to introduce. DeGaulle was really correct when he observed that "Politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians." CalNews.com 6/4/98 

Part Time Legislature--YES 
Previously I had raised the question of a part-time versus a full time state legislature.  In the wake of the questions, I have reviewed a lot of paper and  reviewed the arguments in favor of a full time legislature, and analysis the  numbers.  I am now comfortable, and excited about proposing and recommending  California return to a part time legislature.  CalNews.com 4/15/98 

Hide & Seek  
I have been a vocal critic of Proposition 227 (English for the Children) since first having read it. I have been troubled by the differences between perception and the reality of the language.  The perception (that it would end bi-lingual education) is how many were induced to sign the petition to get the initiative on the ballot.  The reality is, it does not end bi-lingual education (even Ron Unz finally conceded that). CalNews.com 4/7/98 

Do we really need a full time legislature?  
Do we really need a full time legislature?  That's a question I've been struggling with for some time.  I asked my listening audience on KSFO what they thought, and I was kinda surprised at the overwhelming support for a return to a part time legislature.  CalNews.com 3/27/98 

Myopia 
I've got a problem with singlevissue/two dimensional folks. vNotwithstanding their good intentionsvand tenacity, far too many goodvpeople are getting wrapped aroundvsingle issue axles, and they don'tvrecognize that their veryvsingle-mindedness is their own tragic flaw.  CalNews.com 3/4/98 

Arrogance of Power: A Cure Prop 226 
Once upon a time, not too long ago, and not that far away,  the American worker was being abused by a management class.  Factory owners subscribed to that special "Golden Rule"/The guy with the gold makes the rules.  There was routine and consistent abuse of power under the presumed color of authority (sound familiar?).  In order to redress wrongs, and provide a forum for good faith negotiations, the Labor movement was born.  CalNews.com 2/16/98 

Why We Need to Support Dan Lungren 
To all those Constitutional Conservatives, Libertarians, and radical right wingers who may be reluctant to embrace a Lungren gubernatorial victory, wake up and smell the coffee.  If you want smaller government, less bureaucracy, at least the possibility of restoring the Republic to what the framers intended, then you must vote for Dan Lungren for Governor.  CalNews.com 1/30/98 

Reality: Point/Counterpoint  
Considering it took Ron Unz 20 days to respond to my initial litany of concerns about his 'English for the Children' Initiative, his rebuttal was disappointing.  I won't make him wait as long for my response.   CalNews.com 1/24/98 

TROJ-UNZ HORSE: Follow Up   
Last week I wrote my first commentary for Cal News.com.  In it I presented  my concerns about the so called "English for the Children Initiative"  being squired by Ron Unz  (Troj-Unz Horse CalNews.com 1/3/98). Reaction to last weeks commentary has been interesting, if not surprising.  I continue to delve into the "devil in the details" and have spoken with, and will speak with, many legislators and assorted community organizations.  CalNews.com 1/11/98  

TROJ-UNZ HORSE  
Californians have been conned, stroked, finessed, and b.s-ed.....AGAIN.  "English for the Children" is a Trojan (Troj-Unz) horse.  Bi-lingual education is counterproductive, divisive, and has failed miserably in preparing students to live, function, and work in American society.  What started out as a liberal boutique industry has turned into a bureaucratic and regulatory nightmare.  CalNews.com 1/3/98 
 

Geoff Metcalf can be heard Monday through Friday from 9:30am to Noon on KSFO at 560AM.  Information on his newsletter can be found at:  http://www.ksfo560.com/Personalities/GM.htm