Isn't California just wonderful. Where else can a "low-level Department of Finance functionary" trigger a $4 Billion state-wide tax increase. The LA Times reports that the office of the state controller, with the blessing of Gov. Gray "out" Davis, has tripled the California car tax, because of the "dire financial straits" of the state. While some lawmakers are planning on suing over Davis' liberal interpretation of the law, there is nothing they can do to stop the tax increase because of this little legal tidbit.

The state Constitution prohibits courts from stopping the collection of any tax until the case against it has been fully litigated.

"They know they can collect an illegal tax for at least a few years before the courts can stop them, and that is why they are doing this," [Sen. Tom] McClintock said of the governor and controller.

Well isn't that just dandy. With a law like that, Gray Davis could wield limitless powers of taxation. By the time they get around to litigating the case in court, he'll be long gone, and the taxpayer's money will have been spent.

Where are the tar and feathers when you need them?