The smart California journalist Joe Mathews has an op-ed in today's L.A. Times talking about how hard it is to gain access to the official papers of former California governors, thanks to once (and quite possibly future) Gov. Jerry Brown. Explanation:
You and I can't see Brown's records unless we get his written permission first. That was his choice, and that's the way it will be for the foreseeable future -- for 50 years from the end of his administration (which would be 2033) or until his death, whichever period is longer.
Moreover, Brown's rules also apply to any other governor who wants to take advantage of them. And guess what? They all do. [...]
In a way, California's 50-years-or-death rule amounts to theft of public property. "Governors are not allowed to take state cars or furniture as 'personal' when they leave office," said then-state archivist John Burns in 1988 during the debate over legislation that produced the rule. "State documents are just as important and just as valuable."
Whole thing here. Early punk on the pop governor here:
Reason on Facebook
Reason on Twitter
Reason on YouTube
Reason RSS
Editor's Note: We invite comments and request that they be civil and on-topic. We do not moderate or assume any responsibility for comments, which are owned by the readers who post them. Comments do not represent the views of Reason.com or Reason Foundation. We reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason at any time.
Sandy Berger|11.25.09 @ 2:27PM|#
I can get those papers for you.
MARY STACK|11.25.09 @ 2:56PM|#
WITHOUT A DNA SAMPLE?
Old Mexican|11.25.09 @ 2:31PM|#
In a way, California's 50-years-or-death rule amounts to theft of public property.
Actually, that rule is illegal - a Governor cannot sign a law that benefits HIM directly, since it would create a conflict of interests.
If taken to the Supreme Court of California, there are sufficient grounds to have it revoked as being in conflict with public interest and, like the journlist said, it is tantamount to theft (at least for those that believe in IP.)
|11.25.09 @ 2:32PM|#
Oh, you wacky Californians with your nutty politicians and your crazy budgets.
Old Mexican|11.25.09 @ 2:48PM|#
Tell me about it - I live in Santa Cruz, the center of the universe of wackyness.
not the real jb|11.26.09 @ 11:16AM|#
don't forget the best roller coaster in the world.
|11.25.09 @ 2:36PM|#
Great screen capture from "Nightmare at 20,000 feet".
Agent Provacateur|11.25.09 @ 5:46PM|#
Great catch.
With fewer clicks
Agent Provacateur|11.25.09 @ 5:49PM|#
aaargh
Xeones|11.25.09 @ 2:39PM|#
That California still has not fallen into the ocean is all the proof i need that there is a God, and She hates us.
¢|11.25.09 @ 2:41PM|#
She just really likes fake boobs.
Arnold Schwarzenegger|11.25.09 @ 2:46PM|#
I totally agree with Jerry on this issue.
Billy!|11.25.09 @ 2:48PM|#
Dead Kennedys Uber Meh.
Gray Davis|11.25.09 @ 2:50PM|#
I also agree with Jerry!
|11.25.09 @ 2:59PM|#
"Governors are not allowed to take state cars or furniture as 'personal' when they leave office," said then-state archivist John Burns...
Really? Poor bastards.
Apostate Jew|11.25.09 @ 3:17PM|#
I am the first to think that we've got a bigger problem now?
The DKs were the bomb.
Colin|11.25.09 @ 4:17PM|#
Man, Reason has got the best musical references on the net by far. Yesterday, Country Joe, and today the Dead Kennedys.
Wow, is all I can say.
|11.25.09 @ 5:48PM|#
Ronstadt was cute back in the day.
Bill|11.25.09 @ 6:11PM|#
"Ronstadt was cute back in the day."
Shoot. I thought it was Joyce DeWitt.
The Libertarian Guy|11.26.09 @ 10:45AM|#
But Obama was able to get Jack Ryan's divorce records unsealed - for no good reason - which helped get Obama elected to the Senate.
|12.1.09 @ 1:05AM|#
California. Where every fruit's a little nutty and every nut's a little fruity!
mbt|7.29.10 @ 5:29AM|#
hi,
everybody, take your time and a little bit.bshqdrh
Tom|8.28.10 @ 6:44PM|#
California is warm despite bad politics.
Tom|8.28.10 @ 6:45PM|#
Yes and I approved this message.
Tom