Controversy over Mexico's release of a suspect in the tragic killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent is overshadowing separate news that should mark a crowning moment in U.S.-Mexico cooperation in the mutual battle against drug trafficking and border violence. But American officials frustrated at the suspect's release may have only themselves to blame.

For four months, Democrats from Senate President Don Perata on down have said the time for budget gimmicks is over and that the state needs higher taxes to pay for vital programs. In a May interview shortly after taking over as Assembly speaker, Los Angeles Democrat Karen Bass spoke matter-of-factly about a wide variety of tax increases – including ending some of Proposition 13's protections against huge property tax hikes on commercial parcels during housing bubbles.