Sometimes it’s hard to remember what good government looks like: government that disciplines itself but looks to the long term; government that inspires trust; government that promotes social mobility without busting the budget.
That kind of government existed for decades right here in California. Between 1911 and the ’60s, California had a series of governors ”” like Hiram Johnson, Earl Warren, Goodwin Knight and Pat Brown ”” who were pro-market and pro-business, but also progressive reformers.
They rode a great wave of prosperity, and people flocked to the Golden State, but they used the fruits of that prosperity in a disciplined way to lay the groundwork for even more growth. They built an outstanding school and university system. They started a series of gigantic public works projects that today are seen as engineering miracles. These included monumental water projects, harbors and ports, the sprawling highway system and even mental health facilities.
They disdained partisanship. They continually reorganized government to make it more businesslike and cost effective….
Tom Joad did not give up. The old okie died. His children, now in their seventies anf eighties, are living in retirement and enjoying many of the benefits provided by progressive state and national governments. His grandchildren and great grandchildren, many educated at the University of California and the California State Universities, are prominent in business and civic affairs throughout the nation. They are faced with the enormous challenge of solving fiscal challenges and restoring state and society to a proper balance. I hope and pray they are up to the assignment. James Kennish