National Initiative - Yea or Nay?

Mike Gravel is proposing a National Initiative system ( http://www.gravel2008.us/?q=node/403 ), by which I mean certain issues will be decided by the voice of the people. The technology is probably there to make it happen, but is it a good idea?

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

a jab at people who arent madly in love with hugo chavez?

:wank:

Was Chavez called a dictator because he held elections?

Bryant

He wanted to remove term limits, the people voted on it, and said no.

He's also called a dictator because he didn't renew the license of a TV station that called for his assassination, five years and a court battle after the fact.

I don't even like the guy, I think he's way too full of himself, but these days one gets accused of being "madly in love with Hugo" just for not swallowing the hyperbole and sticking to the facts. It's fucking annoying.

Certainly I've seen people who questioned Chavez's sincerity attacked as fascists or corpratists.

Bryant

Your point would be well taken if it were Chavez's sincerity in question rather than my affections, which I am in a better position to know.

...should look at the California tax code before deciding that this is the way to go.

we shouldnt vote on tax's then ;)

And a visit to our chickenpoop state legislature wouldn't hurt, either.

And on September 12, 2001, you might have gotten through a vote to nuke the middle east.

I prefer the deliberate system we have now.

...to see why this is a horrible idea. Or look at the history of initiative (and recall) in the western US states (and DC) to see how it can be abused by well-funded interests. There's already an "initiative-backing" industry out there; I don't think it needs to get a bigger market.

Then again, I'm iffy on the 17th Amendment, too...

We have enough problems in this state with a Republican asshole named Tim Eyman. He used to sell watches for a living. Now he sells initiatives for a living, and every one that manages to get approved further cripples this state's ability to provide services and maintain infrastructure.

You don't want this sick little puke going nationwide. Imagine the same people who voted for Chimpy twice, voting in all kinds of crazy assed laws. Gay marriage amendments. Abolish (insert your favorite federal program here). English as the official language. "Christianity" as the official religion. Budweiser as the official beer. There would be no end to this insanity.

So they might be able to beat back the Budweiser bandwagon.

Bryant