Staff Reports
Unexpectedly, Los Angeles businessman Ryan Baggaley, a Democrat from California, has had a startling realization regarding the state's skyrocketing crime statistics, which has caused him to reevaluate his political outlook. Owner of Delta Construction & Electric Co. Baggaley was the victim of bold robbers who drove a stolen car through the security gate and stole construction tools, audio equipment, and musical instruments.
The robbers drove a car that was taken from an LAPD impound yard and had a distinctive chalk mark on the window, which added a degree of comedy to the incident. Having previously backed liberal causes, Baggaley stated his dissatisfaction and acknowledged that he had cast ballots for California Governor Gavin Newsom, President Joe Biden, and LA Mayor Karen Bass. Disappointed in the absence of successful crime prevention strategies, Baggaley declared, "I cast my vote for [LA Mayor] Karen Bass. [President Joe] Biden received my vote. [California Governor] Gavin Newsom received my vote. I'm over it."
Another brazen break-in caught on camera. Another L.A. business owner fed up:
“I voted for Karen Bass. I voted for Biden. I voted for Gavin Newsom. I’m sick of it. At some point you have to give me a reason to vote for you again.”@FOXLA pic.twitter.com/EKGtDE5rb6
— MarlaTellez (@MarlaTellez) December 7, 2023
The Public Policy Institute of California released statistics that showed concerning rises in corporate robbery and commercial burglary rates, with a 13.3 percent jump and a 15.7 percent surge, respectively, between 2019 and 2022. California's Proposition 47, a lax law that appears to encourage addicts and minor offenders to commit crimes as long as the stolen goods are valued less than $950, has been blamed for the increase in crime.
Social media users are responding favorably to Baggaley's change of heart, which is indicative of a growing disenchantment with California's policies. The state seems to be realizing the effects of its decisions. Not only is Baggaley not the only one reevaluating his political affiliations, but the Republican Party is also growing in popularity as a viable option for individuals looking for reform.
Disillusioned and "fed up," Baggaley is looking to the GOP for new ideas and answers to the state's issues. His displeasure could be a sign of things to come—a more significant change in California politics. This story, which reads like a dramatic soap opera, has the potential to be a game-changer for the GOP, with dejected Democrats like Baggaley acting as a catalyst for reform. It remains to be seen if this personal awakening will have an impact on California's larger political environment, offering a new chapter in the state's history.
