Can't we all just get along?

According to this article in the LA Times, the crazy politicians are at it again... Republicans want to start offshore oil drilling in the Santa Barbara Channel (what's new?); Democrats want to tax oil drilled onshore. They're at an impasse (again, what's new?). Reps don't want tax; Dems don't want to fuck up what's left of California. What I want to know is this: Can't we be friends? This state needs some cash-o-la! As the author says:

" The $100-million oil deal might seem like chump change. But it could have saved the parks ($14 million), the program for abused and neglected children ($80 million) and community services for the elderly, including Alzheimer's patients ($4 million)."

Alternative scenarios:

1. Take a long look at what caused the financial mess; get citizens involved and invested in fixing the problems we have caused. Nah, that's too difficult, time consuming, and might cost some folks their jobs (yeah, I'm talking about YOU, Arnie).

2. Go for the easy out. Drill for oil in what remains of California's open space AND charge the fuck out of residents for the privilege. In fact, I am kind of liking the designs crude oil is putting on the deck of my board. It's starting to remind me of da islands, brah.

3. Better yet, let's all abandon our obsession 'modern life.' Let's all grow our own food, ride bikes, and write off communications with anyone further than 50 miles away. I'm sick of sitting in traffic anyways. Oh yeah, that cuts off these places to all but a few of us:

(That's Bells Beach, J Bay & Padang Padang, to be explicit) FAARK! Why is modern life so damn complicated?