We had a conversation with a neighbor today about the republican party punishing members that reminded me of this article by Krugman: The Bankruptcy Boys

Voters may say that they oppose big government, but the programs that actually dominate federal spending — Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security — are very popular. So how can the public be persuaded to accept large spending cuts? …The conservative answer, which evolved in the late 1970s, would be dubbed “starving the beast” during the Reagan years… Rather than proposing unpopular spending cuts, Republicans would push through popular tax cuts, with the deliberate intention of worsening the government’s fiscal position. Spending cuts could then be sold as a necessity rather than a choice, the only way to eliminate an unsustainable budget deficit.”

I suspect California will hit the starvation wall quicker than the rest of the country – CA has been brought to the brink several times – but it doesn’t seem like Republicans have an answer for what they actually want next.

Photos of Yountville and Napa Valley

Anna and I had a lovely visit to Napa Valley in late March. It rained for a good part of the visit, but spring was definitely in full swing. I especially enjoyed our visits to Schramsberg, Frog’s Leap, and The Terraces wineries.

Photos of Borrego Springs Wildflowers

I’m slacking on posting – these photos were taken almost a month ago.

Photos of the Cedar Creek Falls hike

Your knees take a beating on the way there, your thighs on the climb back, but the Cedar Creek Falls hike (aka Devil’s Punchbowl) is lush and gorgeous this time of year. Bring water and expect to spend around 3 hours.