They Sure Make Oakland Look Like Paradise!

Don't Visit The East Bay; It's OccupiedA few years ago my company sponsored a sales contest (back when companies were allowed to do business by selling things). It was a big deal. First prize was a week-long vacation in Hawaii. Second prize was a week in San Diego. Third prize was a week in Palm Springs. There was also a consolation prize for next-to-last place: a week in Oakland.
Last place got two weeks in Oakland.
Needless to say, I sat on my hands for the duration of the contest, because I wanted that fortnight in paradise! I really wished I could live in Oakland. Besides the obvious attractions of the crime rate and poverty level, Oakland was known to me and all students of public administration as one of the holy shrines of the "progressive" socialist movement.
Tell you what, Oakland, you're awesome. You got Jack London Square, down at the wharf, named after the seminal socialist writer and agitator from a century ago. You got the prominent grand experiments in social policy that made you such a pastoral wonderland in the 1960s. Of course, you got Jerry Brown, your far-left former mayor who's now the governor of your smooth-running state. And right next door? The People's Republic of Berkeley!
Of course, Oakland's a big city, so you're gonna see reports and news footage of the sort of occasional violence that's unavoidable in such places. Recent video has shown police in riot gear, Oakland citizens throwing rocks and bottles at cops and at each other, businesses being vandalized, property being damaged, and out-of-town visitors being savagely beaten by hordes of black-clad thugs.
But lately it's spread beyond the typical Raiders game. Protestors are actually perpetrating this sort of violence in the streets of Oakland, right downtown!
The purpose is obvious, of course. Oakland, like all cities in these tough economic times, is in heavy competition with other cities (not least among them their neighbors across the bay) for tourism dollars. They also want to attract new businesses to their city. They need that expanded tax base to fund things like football and protesting. So when the cameras are rolling, Oaklanders are out there showing off!
If you own a business, you definitely want to move it to Oakland. Or maybe you should just move there and start one! Risk your capital, build some wealth, get some folks off the unemployment rolls. Do all that in Oakland, and see what a warm welcome you'll get!
Sure, they have a little violence out there, but Oakland is still a socialist utopia in America. What you won't find there are any objective journalists, Tea Partiers, or humor writers ragging on the noble protestors or wagging their critical little fingers. After all, while conservatives are accustomed to sarcasm from everyone from Jon Stewart to "The Onion," leftists definitely cannot take a joke.
Sticks and stones? Never hurt anybody. But words? Those might just break your bones!
by Michael D. Hume, M.S.
Michael Hume is a speaker, writer, and consultant specializing in helping people maximize their potential and enjoy inspiring lives. As part of his inspirational leadership mission, he coaches executives and leaders in growing their personal sense of well-being through wealth creation and management, along with personal vitality.
Michael and his wife, Kathryn, divide their time between homes in California and Colorado. They are very proud of their offspring, who grew up to include a homemaker, a rock star, a service talent, and a television expert. Two grandchildren also warm their hearts! Visit Michael's web site at http://michaelhume.net/

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