California's direct democracy system got "The Daily Show" treatment Monday night as the satirical news program aired a segment sparked by the now- fizzled ballot battle over the so-called Amazon.com tax.
The segment on the initiative and referendum process quickly became a must-watch at the Capitol and included interviews with two of the most colorful characters on the state political scene – California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton and Republican Assemblyman Tim Donnelly.
Viewers of the Comedy Central show certainly got a taste of Burton's signature sailor mouth. By our count, the former congressman and state senator dropped no fewer than six F-bombs during the several minutes he appeared on the screen, waxing large about Proposition 13 and other voter-passed laws.
"You curse more than a West Coast rapper," correspondent John Oliver said.
Oliver later asked Donnelly what he would tell critics who say direct democracy has been hijacked by major companies.
"I think, in this case, the little guys are standing on Amazon's shoulders, and you know what, we just want to breathe some free air," the Twin Peaks Republican said.
"And that's not overstating it," Oliver said.
Donnelly stared at Oliver.
"No," he replied. "I never overstate."
– Torey Van Oot
BY THE NUMBERS
California is still growing, adding about a quarter-million people during the year that ended June 30, but it's not attracting immigrants from other states and nations as it once did, according to the state's annual population survey. Even so, the Golden State's population, an estimated 37.6 million people as of July 1, is likely to approach 40 million by 2020.
– Dan Walters
WORTH REPEATING
"To backpedal on this project means we reject billions in stimulus funds, lose 100,000 new jobs and, ultimately, pay tens of billions more for congested highways in the long run."
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY, in a prepared statement, reacting to a Field Poll showing Californians want a new public vote on the plan and now oppose it
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