Vote "NO" on California Proposition 77

Of all the ballot initiatives being put forward by Governor Schwarzenegger, I was the most uncertain about Proposition 77. (Read the Text of Prop. 77 Here) While the other initiatives seemed to take obvious aim at the governor’s political opposition, Prop. 77 seemed to be remarkably fair. In short, it takes the responsibility of drawing up new congressional and representative districts out of the hands of partisan politicians and gives it to a panel of three retired judges. That sounds quite fair on the face of the matter. But in reading the text carefully and thinking about the matter, I have decided that this is not a good idea. Three is an awfully small number, especially when you consider that none of these judges would be elected by the people nor would be directly answerable to the public. While the panel would be required to have hearings open to lawmakers and the public, they would not be required to follow their recommendations. This initiative would also make it easier for districts to be drawn in such a way as to ignore physical geography, thus allowing gerrymandered districts that divide traditional communities and combine others illogically. Even worse is the fact that the redistricting plan (if Proposition 77 passes) would actually go into effect before voters would have the opportunity to approve it.
I agree that it is probably a good idea to take the power to draw up electoral districts away from the politicians who stand to benefit the most through their manipulation. However, this plan is not good for California or Democracy in general. I strongly urge all Californians to vote no on Proposition 77.

Why I am a Progressive

Why I am a Progressive


I am a Progressive. Why? First of all, I believe that the ideal society is one in which all of its members have the opportunity to flourish and express themselves to the best of their desires and abilities. I'm sure many, if not most, conservatives would agree with such ideas. However, I believe that we, as a society, have a responsibility to help those less fortunate then ourselves. This is in our own interests, but it is not solely for these reasons that I advocate helping the disadvantaged better themselves. It is simply the right thing to do. To that end, I believe that communities acting through their elected representatives have a unique duty and ability to carry out this task. Some people may disagree and derisively call such notions “social engineering” and prefer to leave the fate of the poor and disadvantaged up to a hodgepodge of charities and the whim of wealthier people’s spare change and table scraps. Don’t misunderstand me, charities are wonderful institutions who try to fill the needs of society. But charitable contributions are subject to the whim of people's income and attention. When a new disaster arises, other, especially constant problem areas are often neglected. I prefer a system that is more stable, consistent and that has more resources at its disposal. In short, I believe that the government has a role to play here. After all, in a democracy, if it is the will of the people to help those in need, why should not our representatives carry out our will? In fact, it is the government’s obligation to carry out our will and to act in our interest as a whole society.
I am a Progressive because I see the problems in society today.. This does not exclude me from wishing our country to be strong, prosperous and an example for the rest of the world to follow. I simply see America today, and because I love my country I want it to flourish and be the best that it can possibly be. I, like most Progressives am an optimist, I believe there is much that we can do to help our country become a better place. Conservatives, on the other hand, are such pessimists, they would rather CONSERVE the present, freeze society with all of it’s problems rather than “risk” changing it for the better. At worst, Conservatives pine for the “good old days” when things may have provided their narrow group with more money, power and prestige, even if the majority’s days were not-so-good.
I am a Progressive because I know that society’s current structure is flawed and many are deigned a chance to better themselves despite working hard and having a strong desire to do so. Some naively believe that if you work hard, you’ll automatically be rewarded. I wish that were true, but I know of too many people who have struggled to find work, have worked themselves ragged with two or even three jobs and still not be able to make ends meet. Treated like cogs in a machine, they are cast aside as soon as there is a minor economic fluctuation, or even when they become ill. I do not trust big business. Why should anyone delude themselves into thinking big business cares about them, as a human being? They are interested in a person only so long as they can buy their products, and only insofar as they can buy their products or services. That's not necessarily wrong, but that means we should be wary of businesses. After all, they exist to make money, not to be insitutions for the common good.
I am a Progressive because I believe in not only tolerating those who are different then myself, but accepting people who are different. I believe that all people and all cultures, sub-cultures, faiths, philosophies, and world experiences have something to share with the rest of the world. Not only does this sense of tolerance foster a climate that is more open and fair, it also is much more conducive to innovation and self-expression in all areas of human endeavors.
Simply put, I am a Progressive because I see the ways in which society can be improved. I yearn for a fairer, more just, and healthier society, and I believe that our government has the ability and duty to assist in this effort.