I don't mean to knock CA but, I am amazed at how my perspective of the state has changed in my lifetime.
I grew-up in Detroit & was in highschool in the early 60's. Used to watch TV programs centered in CA, listened to the Beach Boys & heard all about the CA Girls. Three of my friends could not take it anymore & moved to the LA area right after highschool (1964) and I wanted to go in the worst way. They ended up coming back to Detroit, also.
In my lifetime, I can't believe how much CA has appeared to have changed, to me. I wouldn't live there to save my life!!! It seems to me that the biggest changes are related to the Leftist thinking that is prevelant in parts of the state. CA is a beautiful state, physically. It has more to offer than, probably, any other state in the union. Many of the people are terriffic. But, some of them leave a lot to be desired. It's sad to watch the decline of what could be the greatest state in the union.
In 1976, I moved from Detroit to Phoenix, AZ. I loved it here. Really felt like you were out west. No gun control like we had in Detroit. The city & state were beautiful. I guess I had watched one too many westerns when I was a kid but, I loved the western atmosphere. Love western clothing & movies, still. Used to see a lot of people wearing western clothing but, not much, anymore. Too many of us (including me) from back east have moved out here & changed the personality of the city & state. I find that very disappointing. There is a strong Leftist community here, also.
It seems that the term "Cowboy" has come to mean "low class". I think a lot of that has come from the media's calling Predident Bush a "cowboy" in a derogatory fassion. I find that rather offensive & is one more reason for disappointment with our media.
Since moving to AZ. , I've been to many rodeo's & have seen families where the grandfather was dressed western, as was his son, the father & the grandson. When I was a kid, the last thing I wanted to do was dress like my Dad (no offense to my Dad who was a brilliant, wonderful man). The whole family had a common interest, which, is great. I don't see that happening so much, anymore. Too bad, in my opinion.
I wonder, if the Leftist thinking is so correct, why is CA in the condition it is in, today? It has gone from being the top state in the union to one very near the bottom. What is wrong with that picture? The citizens of CA deserve better. It's a great state with a lot of fantastic people!!!
Joe F.