Gov. Moonbeam's Mystique

California Gov. Jerry Brown's State of the State address Thursday was befitting someone nicknamed Governor Moonbeam. The 74-year-old Democrat used the occasion to highlight his policy objectives and achievements. But more importantly, he took advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate his quirky governing style and philosophy.

Mr. Brown began by recalling the biblical story in which Joseph advises the Pharaoh to hoard grain during years of plenty so "when famine came, Egypt was ready." Similarly, he instructed the legislature, the "people have given us seven years of extra taxes. Let...