EDITOR,

A classic definition of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting a different result. Our continual practice of re-electing career politicians is, therefore, insane. 

The most recent and most obvious example is a perfect illustration.

The state Legislature has nearly succeeded in destroying California’s economy. With its voracious passion for pandering and spending, it refuses to live within its means, ratchets up spending during boom times and continually misses mandated budget adoption deadlines. 

Last year’s go-around was the worst ever. After presiding over this financial fiasco with absolute impunity, legislators then had the astounding nerve to stick us taxpayers with the bill by jacking up our income tax, sales tax and vehicle registration fees. 

Now in Tuesday’s special election, we are given the opportunity to “fix” our budget woes by voting ourselves further into taxation (Proposition 1A), authorizing a shell-game of non-existent fund shuffling (Propositions 1B, 1D and 1E), and pinning our budget hopes on future gambling proceeds (Proposition 1C). 

Enough is enough! Send a real message to the politicians of both major parties (remember, the Republican sellouts are just as responsible as the Democrat majority).

First, vote no on every one of these phony, deceptively worded propositions — each one was authored by the charlatans responsible for this mess — and hold them responsible for cutting their spending, just like you and I are when we run out of money.

Second, in all elections for the foreseeable future, vote against every incumbent politician, regardless of party. If we pursue this diligently, elected officials eventually will understand that they serve and represent us, not the other way around.