CALIFORNIA PROPOSITIONS: VOTER GUIDE

After some research, I've decided on how I will be voting on the California propositions on Tuesday's state ballot. I encourage you to leave comments if you disagree, however, as I haven't actually voted yet.

For those who simply trust me and don't want to arrive at their own conclusions, here above and below is my (Junichi's) voter guide for Tuesday's state initiatives:


Proposition 1A: Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act - YES

Los Angeles was recently selected as the city with the worst public transportation system in the world. With a high speed rail that will get travelers from L.A. to S.F. in under 3 hours for under $60, L.A. can move up that list and surpass at least Phoenix, Houston, Baltimore, Baghdad, and Kabul. The only flawed aspect of the initiative is that it doesn't increase safety by banning train engineers from text messaging high school students.


Proposition 2: Standards for Confining Farm Animals. - NO

I'm torn on this one.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not big on animal rights, especially when efforts to advance them are at the expense of human rights. But as a general principle, I support the notion that animals should be treated as humanely as possible. Moreover, I'm willing to pay a premium for organic eggs from free-range chickens and hope that other consumers will do the same.

But it's not hard to imagine how an initiative that increases production costs by 20 percent will put the entire chicken farming industry in California out of business. In the last few decades, I've already seen plenty of farms go out of business in and nearby my hometown of Hanford.

Moreover, if we're going to raise farmers' production costs by 20 percent, I'd rather it be because of more humane conditions for workers -- and not just the chickens.


Proposition 3: Children’s Hospital Bond Act. - NO

Why are we giving money to private hospitals that are flush with cash? Some of the beneficiary hospitals aren't even children's hospitals.


Proposition 4: Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy - NO, PLEASE, NO

Because anything that increases the likelihood of self-induced abortions is a really, really bad idea.


Proposition 5: Nonviolent Drug Offenses. Sentencing, Parole, and Rehabilitation. - YES

Why isn't this prop getting more props? Prop 5 is quite revolutionary in that it treats drug offenders as people with medical problems, as opposed to incarcerating them in the same cells as violent predators. Most notably, Prop 5 would reduce many marijuana misdemeanor crimes to the level of an infraction.

While some parts give me pause, I support any effort to expand drug treatment programs, save $2.5 billion in revenue, and reduce the number of nonviolent citizens behind bars.


Proposition 6: Police and Law Enforcement Funding. Criminal Penalties and Laws. - NO

Another $1 billion for new prisons? No thanks.


Proposition 7: Renewable Energy Generation. - NO

Normally, when PG&E is spending millions against an initiative, I vote in favor of the initiative. But Prop 7's good intentions are outweighed by its poor drafting and its backers' failure to consult with other environmental groups like the NRDC and the Sierra Club, who both oppose 7.


Prop 8: Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry. - HELL TO THE NO

Because Jesus would not vote to legislate hate.

More here.


Proposition 9: Criminal Justice System. Victims Rights. Parole. - NO

Most of the text of this initiative deals with victims' rights that are already in place. Thus, the real effect of this proposition is to stop the early release of inmates who would otherwise be granted parole, thereby increasing our already outrageously high prison population.


Proposition 10: Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy. Bonds. - NO

Like Prop 7, Prop 10 is a green-sounding initiative with good intentions. But if it passes, the real winners are those companies that supply natural gas. And guess who backed this measure? T. Boone Pickens, the ubiquitous oilman, who also happens to supply natural gas.

I want a real green initiative. Not one that puts green in T. Boone Pickens' pocket.


Proposition 11: Redistricting. - NO

Have you seen the boundaries for California's districts? They look like a rabid insane abstract painter drew them while high on crystal meth.

But Prop 11 -- in its efforts to be non-partisan -- seems to give too much to the state GOP. Democrats account for 42% of the state's voters while Republicans only account for 34%. Yet, Prop 11 would match five Democratic commissioners with five Republican ones. Plus, if they can't agree, the State Supreme Court -- 6/7th of which was appointed by Republican governors -- would have final say.

This does not bode well for various communities of color whose voting power will likely be diluted with a Republican majority drawing the new districts. One can see why MALDEF, the NAACP, and many Asian American political groups are lining up against Prop. 11.


Proposition 12: Veterans Bond Act of 2008. - YES

Because our veterans deserve better.

--Junichi