Self-inflicted? Since when is a government of the people for the people not a sign of a functioning democracy? Oh yes when it is controlled by those with the money (conservatives) who love to privatize the profit and social the costs.

That bastion of liberal demagogy—Nevada—has remarkable similar stupidities. One staunchly republican controlled county returns 11 day late tax payment checks telling you they want you to write a new check and add in the late penalty yourself—they can not accept a “partial payment” so rip up the check. Oh yes, you now have another 89 days before you need to send in your delinquent payment + penalty! WTF?

But dig a little deeper and you’ll find the real cause. Fiscal irresponsibility by the the fiscally endowed: in “cutting the fat” they obligate the county to use 30 year payment system that will not allow them to do partial payments… never mind accept credit cards or use that Gore promoted modern thing called the “internet” because the fiscal tight asses think that any sort of government expenditure is wasteful.

The only thing a “true conservative” talks about is their own self-interest.

I agree totally regarding the surcharge for paying your parking ticket online! I think that charge may actually be from the company that provides online parking ticketing services (pticket.com?), not from the city of San Jose itself. If that is the case, it makes a little more sense, but is still not ideal.