The Mutual ‘F—k You’ Defines California Politics Today
Both Citizens and Public Officials Need Protection From the Anger and Violence Threatening Civic Life
As he left office in December, Los Angeles City Council member Paul Koretz publicly addressed Angelenos who disrupt meetings of the scandal-plagued council with protests and profanity. “In their own words,” Koretz said, “I yield my time: F—k you.”
This closing comment of a political career—Koretz lost a bid for city controller—might have seemed inappropriate. But in the council chamber, it drew a wildly positive reaction, with council staffers jumping up and down and Koretz’s colleagues standing to applaud. It was as if “F—k you” had replaced “Eureka” as the state …
