Moon Beam Over California

Notes of Concern…
…Jack Blair


“The Moon Beams Over LaLaLand”


The mid term elections are over.

Do I hear a sigh of relief?

Many years ago, in my youth, a dashing young “hippie” named Jerry Brown was all the rage in “LaLaLand”. His much more establishment-oriented father, Edmund “Pat” Brown, had been the state’s Governor. Now the son was seeking to follow in Dad’s footsteps, although probably not in wing tips and a business suit.

Let me cut to the chase. Jerry was elected. He was pretty flashy and dated some Hollywood starlet types so he got a lot of national press attention. In fact, he got so much attention that he announced he would like to be president.

In those days one needed more than the gift of gab and an attraction to the ladies to be seriously considered for president so it was not long before he became somewhat of a national joke. He was labeled “Governor Moonbeam” by his detractors.

“Moonbeam” completed his term and quietly slipped into anonymity. His last known job of any significance was as Mayor of Oakland, CA.

He must have been dreaming of the good old days because he decided to throw his hat in the ring for Governor again. He doesn’t look too “hippie” these days and one doesn’t see any “starlets” vying to be seen walking on his arm, so what was the attraction?

Some will say Californians, like many Americans, had a longing for the past. Perhaps they are tired of the new type of politician. But I think it had more to do with the ballot question about legalizing marijuana in California. Is it possible that “Governor Moonbeam” envisioned himself as leading the “LaLaLand” at a time when he could happily and safely engage in what heretofore was considered illegal?

I need to mention that I do not dislike California. I have a son, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters living out there. Fortunately my son and daughter-in-law had good strong East Coast upbringings so I permit myself to envision them as sort of missionaries sent out to LaLaLand to bring sense and order to those so desperately in need of both.

May I point out that my LaLaLand family does not place much faith in my dreaming, nor support my hopes and expectations for their missionary work with any sort of zeal, and have actually been won over by the natives. But I comfort myself in knowing that had they stayed in the East they would clearly have been titans of industry and pillars of society.

I digress. Back to “Governor Moonbeam” and his dream.

Well the fickle finger of fate tripped (using this verb lightly) up that dream. “Moonbeam” got elected but “LaLaLand” voters defeated the legalization of marijuana.

In the “Land of Crazies” there has to be a happy ending. After all, the movies are made out there. So I envision “Governor Moonbeam” and former Speaker Pelosi enjoying some Pina Coladas on a beach facing the Pacific Ocean while reminiscing about happier more carefree times. Maybe they will be joined by Barbara Boxer.

I am hoping they don’t inhale.