EDITOR,

We in California don’t live in the state everyone wants to be in any longer. Have the people of the state changed, or has the state itself?

Let’s look closely at the economics — is everyone getting the same deal across the board? No, and the public is sitting back and allowing themselves to be run under the tracks by the machine that calls itself a democracy. The truth is, the machine is so loud and untouchable by its citizens, it can’t hear the cries of the people that pay for it to operate.

“Do a little side step and leave the people alone.” If the reference isn’t clear, watch “Blazing Saddles.” That’s how the machine tightens its belt.

With our twisted budget, money continues to be thrown out of the window with no end in sight. But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s got a plan: Release the prisoners. Empty the jails — it will save us millions.

Forget the court costs that have been paid already. Forget the sentences that have been imposed by judges in good standing with the state of California. I’ll make that money disappear as well — do a little side step!

Schwarzenegger’s actions will make every court case that sent these people to jail in the first place a farce and a huge waste of taxpayer dollars. But don’t worry — all the inmate he’ll be letting out will have work to keep them busy when they’re released from prison. Wait, it seems there is another flaw in the plan — there is no work!

You’d think he’d rethink his idea, but that won’t happen. And when all is said and done, he’ll do a little sidestep and let all of California pay for the mistakes he is making.