Gov. Jerry Brown Compares California to Egypt in State of the State Address

Fox News

Newly elected Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday blasted opponents of his plan to reduce California's massive deficit by comparing their opposition to a referendum on proposed tax increases to oppression in Egypt and Tunisia.

"When democratic ideals and calls for the right to vote are stirring the imagination of young people in Egypt and Tunisia and other parts of the world, we in California can't say now is the time to block a vote of the people," the Democrat said in his first State of the State speech since being elected in November to a third term as California's chief executive.

The argument from intimidation. The issue has once again began addressed by the voters. So politicians are left with trying to traverse the path of least resistance. The voter pool that leads to reelection - the special interests that have a financial benefits in the government coffers - will remain out of reach of any responsible efforts to curtail runaway spending.