California Democrats have proposed extensive tax increases affecting various sectors, including private health insurance, software purchases, wealth, and income. Larry Kudlow has highlighted these proposed changes, emphasizing their potential impact on residents.
Steve Moore underscores the consequences, noting that high taxes have prompted nearly two million people to depart from California over the past decade. He warns that these tax policies lead residents to “vote with their feet.” One of those leaving is British actress Lesley-Anne Down, who moved to Georgia, citing continuous wildfires and the state’s political climate as key reasons.
After living in California for decades, Down became disillusioned with the environment, both natural and political, leading to her decision to relocate. She shared fond memories of raising her children in Malibu but expressed frustration over the deteriorating conditions, particularly with increasing wildfires. She recounted experiencing multiple evacuations during her time there.
The Woolsey fire in 2018 marked a turning point, and Down decided she could no longer endure the frequent evacuations. She and her husband, cinematographer Don E. FauntLeRoy, had contemplated relocating for years. Concerns over California’s liberal politics further influenced their decision.
Earlier in her career, Down faced challenges within the entertainment industry, including encountering the “casting couch.” She felt constrained by the increasing political correctness and difficulty in expressing diverse viewpoints.
Expressing support for California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, Down praised his intelligence. She has been candid about her political stance, suggesting that her views might limit her career opportunities in the current industry landscape.
An exception was her role as Margaret Thatcher in the 2024 biopic “Reagan,” which she described as unexpected but fortunate due to COVID-19 narrowing the pool of candidates. She embraces her role in a Hollywood that favors traditional approaches.
Despite her career in acting, Down revealed she never initially aspired to be in the industry and felt more connected to “old school” Hollywood. She experienced difficulty transitioning to its modern iteration.
The re-release of “Reagan” in 600 theaters provides her a rare opportunity to reflect on this change.
Down now revels in a quieter life near Atlanta, forging strong community ties, enjoying domesticity, and appreciating the wildlife around her home.
Reflecting on her past in Malibu, Down does not miss the politics or frequent wildfires. She criticized the polarizing nature of political discourse, expressing discomfort with the inability to discuss differing viewpoints openly.