Like many stereotypes, the image of California as a super liberal, hippie-filled state full of peace, love, and marijuana is very much off-base. Instead, it is a much more moderate state that has pockets of liberals and conservatives, but is gradually becoming more independent. So, I give you a list of facts that contradict the Californian stereotypes; my list of reasons why California is not that liberal:
If California were as liberal as they say, then Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage, would not have passed. However, there are five other states that do allow gay marriage: Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. And currently, Maine, which passed a law earlier this year allowing gay marriage, is voting on whether or not to keep that law in place.
If California were as liberal as they say, then assisted suicide would be legal. Both Oregon and Washington allow doctor-assisted suicide.
If California were as liberal as they say, then the state would have better public transportation. Southern California, especially, is notorious for its high traffic (particularly in Los Angeles) and pretty much everyone has a car and not everyone carpools. And yes, I know California plans on building a high-speed rail, but currently it does not have enough money to fund that project, which costs approximately $40 billion to build. The state has about a $26 billion deficit.
If California were as liberal as they say, then it would not be the only state that does not tax for oil.
If California were as liberal as they say, then Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Republican “Governator,” would not be the governor. However, he has a fairly moderate political position.
If California were as liberal as they say, then it would not be ranked 49th out of 50 states for its public education system.
If California were as liberal as they say, then there would be more liberal counties. Orange County is one of the most conservative areas in California, and according to the Sacramento Bee, four of the ten most conservative cities in the state are in Orange County: Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Yorba Linda, and Newport Beach. And as an Orange County native, I know many people who were really upset when Obama was elected president who also really believed Sarah Palin was qualified to be a leader of our country. In addition, San Diego has a large naval base and is another conservative county. Even in Northern California, which is considered to be more liberal than Southern California, has cities such as San Jose and Redding which are conservative.
References
http://gaylife.about.com/od/samesexmarriage/a/legalgaymarriag.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_High-Speed_Rail
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/141318.php
http://www.wavenewspapers.com/news/regional/37673589.html
http://www.sfchronicle.us/cgi-bin/blogs/scavenger/detail?blogid=111&entry_id=40320
