DO WE WANT AMERICA TO LOOK LIKE CALIFORNIA?

...Only the weather

Volume 82, July 11, 2026

Welcome to Volume 82 of Webber's Whipping Post.

How do you like the new design?

This week we examine Gavin Newsom's presidential ambitions and Illinois economic woes, preview two upcoming books, revisit Cubs legend Ron Santo, and close with a beautiful piano performance of Comfortably Numb.

DO WE WANT AMERICA TO LOOK LIKE CALIFORNIA?

t this early stage, it appears the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028 is California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Kamala Harris remains a possibility, but after her decisive defeat in 2024, I suspect Democratic Party leaders are already looking elsewhere. The party has never been shy about steering its nomination process toward its preferred candidate. Ask Bernie Sanders.

Newsom is very much a product of California’s political establishment, having risen through a network of wealthy donors, business leaders, and powerful politicians. Nothing illustrates that mentality better than the French Laundry incident during COVID.

In November 2020, while Californians were being urged to skip all family gatherings, Newsom attended a dinner at The French Laundry, an exclusive restaurant. Photographs showed guests seated closely together without masks while ordinary Californians were expected to follow strict restrictions.

I happened to be in San Diego around that time. Our group was forced to eat outdoors, wear masks, and comply with the ever-changing rules, while homeless people meandered by to see what we were eating. The message seemed clear: there was one set of rules for Gavin Newsom and his friends, and another for the rest of us, the great unwashed.

ILLINOIS RESIDENTS ARE REACHING THEIR BREAKING POINT

Commentary by Chris Sorensen

As a small business owner employing 20 hardworking Illinoisans, I’ve reached the point where I wonder how much longer businesses like mine can survive under the policies coming out of Springfield. Every year, it seems we’re asked to pay more - higher taxes, higher insurance premiums, higher fuel costs, more regulations, and more fees.

Meanwhile, many of us are simply trying to make payroll, support our employees, and keep our doors open. Government continues to spend as if taxpayers have unlimited resources, but those of us who sign the front of paychecks know better.

Governor J.B. Pritzker often celebrates new government programs, but those budgets are built on the backs of Illinois taxpayers. Illinois already ranks among the states with the highest combined state and local tax burdens. Instead of reducing that burden and encouraging investment, Springfield continues to expand government while asking families and businesses to shoulder the cost. Every tax increase may seem small in isolation, but together they are pushing employers, retirees, and young families to consider leaving Illinois altogether.

One example that frustrates many Illinois residents is the state’s motor fuel tax. Because of automatic annual increases tied to inflation, the tax continues to rise without lawmakers casting another vote each year. While supporters argue the increases were authorized when the law was enacted, many Illinoisans believe taxpayers deserve a direct voice before paying more at the pump. For small businesses operating service vehicles, delivery trucks, or sales fleets, these increases become another hidden cost that ultimately affects customers and employees alike.

Coming soon! TALES FROM THE WHIPPING POST

A collection of short stories of Americana, Memories, Humor & Fiction.

Also , a new novel - Ship of Fools

Ron Santo is one of the greatest players in Cubs history. The man bled Cubby blue. Perhaps the Cubs have never truly replaced him at third base since he was traded to the White Sox following the 1973 season.

During 13 seasons as a Cub, Santo combined stellar defense with power. After his playing career ended, he returned to the Cubs as part of the WGN radio broadcast team. He remained behind the microphone from 1990 until his death in 2010.

Santo was selected to the Cubs All-Century Team in 1999 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. Sadly, he did not live to know about his induction.

Over 2,254 games, Santo was an All-Star 9 times, hit over .300 four times, and topped 30 home runs in four different seasons. He remains the only third baseman in Major League history to record 8 consecutive seasons with 90 or more RBIs. Defensively, he won 5 Gold Glove Awards.

Ron Santo was more than a Hall of Fame baseball player. He was a Cub through and through, and one of the most beloved figures the franchise has ever known.

COMFORTABLY NUMB

Piano cover by Gramazda

My favorite song covered in piano. Doesn’t get much better than that. The wall of sound this young lady produces is truly amazing.

Gamazda is Aleksandra Kuznetsova, from Moscow Russia. She’s been playing piano since the age of three. A graduate of the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory she became a laureate of national and international piano competitions.

© 2026 Black Mountain – Independent Publishing

All rights reserved.

Opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and guest contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Brief quotations may be used with attribution.

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