Why California is a failed state with dismal prospects for the future.

As one who has lived 37 years in this state with perhaps the world's best climate, it is painful to see California literally sinking under the weight of a political class run amok.  I encourage you to read this comprehensive article in Reason Magazine by Steven Greenhut who provides the clear evidence and reasons for California's demise.  It is a story of the break down of the political process, runaway unionism, oversight neglect by the media, and lack of involvement of the electorate.  In order to right the ship, California now faces the prospect of undoing what has been codified in law -- the entrenchment of an elite political class of rulers who control most of the levers of power.  This will be a daunting task and one not achieved without blood in the streets.  California is no longer the "Golden State", it is the "Corrupt State", the reason it is losing businesses and wealthy citizens at an alarming rate.  IMO the trigger event leading to this outcome was President Kennedy's Executive Order in 1963 which legalized the unionization of federal Civil Service employees.  California followed this precedent passing a similar law in the late '60's for state employees, a law providing the impetus for the accretion of power into the hands of public service unions.  These unions, and the votes they control, are easily the most powerful political force at work in state today.  They are the reason the income of public service employees now almost doubles that of private sector employees, and why taxes on private sector employees must continue to rise in the future.  Goodby California.

ADDED:  5/20/10.  A reason to think there may be hope for California after all is articulated in this City Journal article here.