William Vallow submitted a letter to the editor that appeared in the August 24, 2007 Los Angeles Times. As it was heavily edited for publication, we present the unedited version:

By stealing the transportation bond money, the state legislature has insured that I, and millions of others, will never again vote for another bond issue proposed by state lawmakers . Why should we? That money was specifically designated for bus, rail, and highway improvements, but the legislature has totally disregarded the will of the voters and STOLEN the bond money. How do we know this would not happen again?

As a lifelong Democrat, I am shamed that my party capitulated to 14 stubborn, unprincipled Republican Senators (Regretfully, I am represented by one) and allowed this theft to occur.

Transportation is not a minor issue. The improvements voted for in this bond would have made a tremendous difference in the ease of getting around in this state, but, once again, the will of the voters carries no weight with the politicians of this state.

This legislature has the nerve to approach the voters with a proposition to increase their terms in office?

Fat chance! This transportation fiasco has deservedly doomed this effort from the start.

To the Republicans, I say you have once again shown you have no concern for the ordinary people of California. You showed no interest in the businesses and people who suffered because of your stubborn refusal to bend, your obscure political reasoning which made no sense and which did not remotely justify the damage you have done.

To the Democrats, I say shame upon you. How could you let the 14 Republican senators get away with their unjustified action?

Finally, I call upon someone, anyone, to submit a proposition that the 2/3 requirement to pass the budget be reduced to a simple majority. California is one of only three states that has the 2/3 requirement; this, as the past few months have shown, only invites the tyranny of the minority.