why I will not be voting for nadar:
I already made this mistake once.
I'm not from cananda.
I don't want to live in socialized europe.
because the big three didn't kill my baby.
he even freaks the green party out.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
why I can not for..
I will be doing a series on why I can't vote for the national candidates who are runnig for president. I would recommend you all write someone in becasue these guys are all nuts.
On being proud to be an American
Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. - Adlai E. Stevenson, Jr.
We, the people, are the rightful masters of both congress and the courts - not to overthrow the constitution, but to overthrow men who pervert the constitution. - Lincoln
We, the people, are the rightful masters of both congress and the courts - not to overthrow the constitution, but to overthrow men who pervert the constitution. - Lincoln
on liberty
No constitution, no court, no law can save liberty when it dies in the hearts and minds of men. - John Perkins
Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it. - George Bernard Shaw
Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it. - George Bernard Shaw
on the protection of freedom
He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent which will reach to himself. - Thomas Paine, Dissertation on First Principles of Government, 1795
I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. - James Madison
I would remind you, that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And... moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. - Barry Goldwater
A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government. - Edward Abbey
I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. - James Madison
I would remind you, that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And... moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. - Barry Goldwater
A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government. - Edward Abbey
on freedom
Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom.
- Alexis de Tocqueville "Democracy in America" (1835)
- Alexis de Tocqueville "Democracy in America" (1835)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
no on 105!
One of the reasons why I find prop 105 wanting is that it is attempting to abandon the traditional democratic mechanism that have served us so well for so many years. The bill says that to “A "yes" vote shall have the effect of requiring that a majority of registered voters approve any initiative measure establishing, imposing or raising a tax, fee, or other revenue, or mandating a spending obligation, whether on a private person, labor organization, other private legal entity, or the state, in order to become law.” This is not how it works. If you don’t vote you are not counted as a no. that is exactly what this prop is trying to do.
If this bill was in place today a number of props that passed by larger margins would not be law. The average turn out for election in America is very low. For example only about 50% of Americans vote in presidential elections. This number gets smaller and smaller the more removed for that national context one gets. If prop 105 passes there is little chance that any prop with a money increase will pass.
Additionally, I believe that because we have an expressed right as American citizens to vote, this implies a right to abstain from voting. There have been times in the past were I have exercised this implied right. If Prop 105 were to pass this right to not vote would be infringed upon because my vote would count as a “no” vote. When I chose to abstain I am choosing to do just that. I am not choosing to abstain to vote no. If I wanted to vote no I would have gone to my polling location and voted no. at the end of the day this prop is infringing on my voting rights.
This can only lead to people staying home and not participating in the political process at all. This is so dangerous to our civic virtue. At a time in which our poltics are so polarized we need to be creating incentives for the middle to vote not creating obstacles. In his 1830 work entitled democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville talks the dangers of this. He calls it a soft despotism. In Volume II, Book 4, Chapter 6 of Democracy in America, de Tocqueville writes the following about soft despotism:
“After having thus successively taken each member of the community in its powerful grasp and fashioned him at will, the supreme power then extends its arm over the whole community. It covers the surface of society with a network of small complicated rules, minute and uniform, through which the most original minds and the most energetic characters cannot penetrate, to rise above the crowd. The will of man is not shattered, but softened, bent, and guided; men are seldom forced by it to act, but they are constantly restrained from acting. Such a power does not destroy, but it prevents existence; it does not tyrannize, but it compresses, enervates, extinguishes, and stupefies a people, till each nation is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd.”
This soft despotism leads to a tyranny of the majority. A tyranny of the majority is when the majority creates political situation in which it takes advantage of the political minority or minorities.
This is exactly what would happen if prop 105 passes. Those who do not want to increase government spending of any kind become unlikely bed fellows with registered voters who choose to not vote to prevent the most noble employment of the direct Initiative system; the betterment of the common good of Arizonans.
If this bill was in place today a number of props that passed by larger margins would not be law. The average turn out for election in America is very low. For example only about 50% of Americans vote in presidential elections. This number gets smaller and smaller the more removed for that national context one gets. If prop 105 passes there is little chance that any prop with a money increase will pass.
Additionally, I believe that because we have an expressed right as American citizens to vote, this implies a right to abstain from voting. There have been times in the past were I have exercised this implied right. If Prop 105 were to pass this right to not vote would be infringed upon because my vote would count as a “no” vote. When I chose to abstain I am choosing to do just that. I am not choosing to abstain to vote no. If I wanted to vote no I would have gone to my polling location and voted no. at the end of the day this prop is infringing on my voting rights.
This can only lead to people staying home and not participating in the political process at all. This is so dangerous to our civic virtue. At a time in which our poltics are so polarized we need to be creating incentives for the middle to vote not creating obstacles. In his 1830 work entitled democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville talks the dangers of this. He calls it a soft despotism. In Volume II, Book 4, Chapter 6 of Democracy in America, de Tocqueville writes the following about soft despotism:
“After having thus successively taken each member of the community in its powerful grasp and fashioned him at will, the supreme power then extends its arm over the whole community. It covers the surface of society with a network of small complicated rules, minute and uniform, through which the most original minds and the most energetic characters cannot penetrate, to rise above the crowd. The will of man is not shattered, but softened, bent, and guided; men are seldom forced by it to act, but they are constantly restrained from acting. Such a power does not destroy, but it prevents existence; it does not tyrannize, but it compresses, enervates, extinguishes, and stupefies a people, till each nation is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd.”
This soft despotism leads to a tyranny of the majority. A tyranny of the majority is when the majority creates political situation in which it takes advantage of the political minority or minorities.
This is exactly what would happen if prop 105 passes. Those who do not want to increase government spending of any kind become unlikely bed fellows with registered voters who choose to not vote to prevent the most noble employment of the direct Initiative system; the betterment of the common good of Arizonans.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Vote no on prop 105 part 1: what does it propose?
To prevent myself from becoming victim to one of my own pet pevs I'm going to start by looking at the orginal document and not just start talking about it. So here it is in its own words:
The Constitution of Arizona is proposed to be amended by adding Section 1.1 to Article IV, Part 1 as follows, if approved by a majority of the votes cast thereon and on proclamation of the Governor:
Section 1. Article IV, Part 1, Constitution of Arizona, is amended by adding Section 1.1, as follows:
§1.1. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH TRUE MAJORITY RULE
SECTION 1.1. TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH TRUE MAJORITY RULE, AN INITIATIVE MEASURE THAT ESTABLISHES, IMPOSES OR RAISES A TAX, FEE, OR OTHER REVENUE, OR MANDATES A SPENDING OBLIGATION, WHETHER ON A PRIVATE PERSON, LABOR ORGANIZATION, OTHER PRIVATE LEGAL ENTITY OR THIS STATE, SHALL NOT BECOME LAW UNLESS THE MEASURE IS APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF QUALIFIED ELECTORS THEN REGISTERED TO VOTE IN THIS STATE.
Section 2. Short Title: This Constitutional Amendment shall be known as the "Majority Rule--Let the People Decide Act."
ANALYSIS BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Proposition 105 would amend the Arizona Constitution to provide that an initiative measure that establishes, imposes or raises a tax, a fee or other revenue or mandates a spending obligation on a private person, a labor organization, other private legal entity or this state shall not become law unless the initiative measure is approved at the election by a majority of qualified electors registered to vote in the state.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
State law requires the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) Staff to prepare a summary of the fiscal impact of certain ballot measures. The fiscal impact cannot be determined in advance. Ballot propositions are currently approved by a majority of votes cast on a measure. By increasing the current vote threshold for an initiative that increases a tax or fee or creates a mandatory spending obligation, Proposition 105 may reduce the number of such initiatives that are approved in the future.
BALLOT FORMAT
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION
BY THE INITIATIVE RELATING TO THE INITIATIVE
OFFICIAL TITLE
MAJORITY RULE-LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE ACT
PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA: AMENDING ARTICLE IV, PART 1, CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA, BY ADDING SECTION 1.1 RELATING TO INITIATIVE MEASURES AND REQUIRING THAT ANY MANDATORY TAX OR SPENDING INCREASE BE ENACTED BY A MAJORITY OF QUALIFIED ELECTORS.
DESCRIPTIVE TITLE
REQUIRES AN INITIATIVE MEASURE THAT ESTABLISHES, IMPOSES OR RAISES A TAX, FEE, OR OTHER REVENUE, OR MANDATES A SPENDING OBLIGATION, WHETHER ON A PRIVATE PERSON, LABOR ORGANIZATION, OTHER PRIVATE LEGAL ENTITY OR STATE, SHALL NOT BECOME LAW UNLESS THE MEASURE IS APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF QUALIFIED ELECTORS REGISTERED TO VOTE.
A "yes" vote shall have the effect of requiring that a majority of registered voters approve any initiative measure establishing, imposing or raising a tax, fee, or other revenue, or mandating a spending obligation, whether on a private person, labor organization, other private legal entity, or the state, in order to become law.
A "no" vote shall have the effect of retaining the current law under which an initiative measure is enacted upon approval of a majority of registered voters that vote on the measure.
here is who is in support of this messure:
Chad Kirkpatrick, Arizona Chairman, Americans for Prosperity, Phoenix
Tom Jenney, Arizona Director, Americans for Prosperity
Kevin Rogers, President, Arizona Farm Bureau, Gilbert
Jim Klinker, Chief Administrative Officer, Arizona Farm Bureau, Gilbert
source: http://www.azsos.gov/election/2008/Info/PubPamphlet/english/Prop105.htm
The Constitution of Arizona is proposed to be amended by adding Section 1.1 to Article IV, Part 1 as follows, if approved by a majority of the votes cast thereon and on proclamation of the Governor:
Section 1. Article IV, Part 1, Constitution of Arizona, is amended by adding Section 1.1, as follows:
§1.1. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH TRUE MAJORITY RULE
SECTION 1.1. TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH TRUE MAJORITY RULE, AN INITIATIVE MEASURE THAT ESTABLISHES, IMPOSES OR RAISES A TAX, FEE, OR OTHER REVENUE, OR MANDATES A SPENDING OBLIGATION, WHETHER ON A PRIVATE PERSON, LABOR ORGANIZATION, OTHER PRIVATE LEGAL ENTITY OR THIS STATE, SHALL NOT BECOME LAW UNLESS THE MEASURE IS APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF QUALIFIED ELECTORS THEN REGISTERED TO VOTE IN THIS STATE.
Section 2. Short Title: This Constitutional Amendment shall be known as the "Majority Rule--Let the People Decide Act."
ANALYSIS BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Proposition 105 would amend the Arizona Constitution to provide that an initiative measure that establishes, imposes or raises a tax, a fee or other revenue or mandates a spending obligation on a private person, a labor organization, other private legal entity or this state shall not become law unless the initiative measure is approved at the election by a majority of qualified electors registered to vote in the state.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
State law requires the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) Staff to prepare a summary of the fiscal impact of certain ballot measures. The fiscal impact cannot be determined in advance. Ballot propositions are currently approved by a majority of votes cast on a measure. By increasing the current vote threshold for an initiative that increases a tax or fee or creates a mandatory spending obligation, Proposition 105 may reduce the number of such initiatives that are approved in the future.
BALLOT FORMAT
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION
BY THE INITIATIVE RELATING TO THE INITIATIVE
OFFICIAL TITLE
MAJORITY RULE-LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE ACT
PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA: AMENDING ARTICLE IV, PART 1, CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA, BY ADDING SECTION 1.1 RELATING TO INITIATIVE MEASURES AND REQUIRING THAT ANY MANDATORY TAX OR SPENDING INCREASE BE ENACTED BY A MAJORITY OF QUALIFIED ELECTORS.
DESCRIPTIVE TITLE
REQUIRES AN INITIATIVE MEASURE THAT ESTABLISHES, IMPOSES OR RAISES A TAX, FEE, OR OTHER REVENUE, OR MANDATES A SPENDING OBLIGATION, WHETHER ON A PRIVATE PERSON, LABOR ORGANIZATION, OTHER PRIVATE LEGAL ENTITY OR STATE, SHALL NOT BECOME LAW UNLESS THE MEASURE IS APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF QUALIFIED ELECTORS REGISTERED TO VOTE.
A "yes" vote shall have the effect of requiring that a majority of registered voters approve any initiative measure establishing, imposing or raising a tax, fee, or other revenue, or mandating a spending obligation, whether on a private person, labor organization, other private legal entity, or the state, in order to become law.
A "no" vote shall have the effect of retaining the current law under which an initiative measure is enacted upon approval of a majority of registered voters that vote on the measure.
here is who is in support of this messure:
Chad Kirkpatrick, Arizona Chairman, Americans for Prosperity, Phoenix
Tom Jenney, Arizona Director, Americans for Prosperity
Kevin Rogers, President, Arizona Farm Bureau, Gilbert
Jim Klinker, Chief Administrative Officer, Arizona Farm Bureau, Gilbert
source: http://www.azsos.gov/election/2008/Info/PubPamphlet/english/Prop105.htm
Monday, October 13, 2008
VOTE NO ON PROP. 105
Over the next few days I'll be commenting on why prop 105 is bad for political participation, bad for preventing taxation, bad for democracy and bad for Arizona. Stay tuned.
why write? why blog?
Why on Gods green earth would I want to do this? There are a few reasons.
1. I need the structure and effort that writing some thing down provides me to see if it is worth thinking about. If I'm not willing to commit it to the writing process maybe I should put my mind on other things.
2. I am a Christian of the reformed tradition. I am finding that there is not a lot of political writing coming out of this rich theological tradition. there may be publications out there, I just haven't seen them yet. In an effort to answer some of my theological/political/ethical questions. I thought a blog would be a helpful tool in that it allows me to write it out and receive feed back.
3. To improve as a writer and communicator.
4. Most important to try and bring glory to Jesus by using my mind.
1. I need the structure and effort that writing some thing down provides me to see if it is worth thinking about. If I'm not willing to commit it to the writing process maybe I should put my mind on other things.
2. I am a Christian of the reformed tradition. I am finding that there is not a lot of political writing coming out of this rich theological tradition. there may be publications out there, I just haven't seen them yet. In an effort to answer some of my theological/political/ethical questions. I thought a blog would be a helpful tool in that it allows me to write it out and receive feed back.
3. To improve as a writer and communicator.
4. Most important to try and bring glory to Jesus by using my mind.
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