Propositions, November 2008

Prop 1A: Yes. Call me shallow, but I'm pulling for this one the most. We are decades behind the rest of the modern world when it comes to transit infrastructure. If this works as advertised, expect to see a rail explosion throughout the land. Besides, it seems like a great way to visit Frisco.

Prop 2: Yes. Does little more than require slightly bigger cages for chickens that are laying eggs. We need to face up to where and how we get out meat and eggs. Current conditions for egg production are deplorable. This is a marginal step in the right direction.

Prop 3: No. I'm only voting on one bond this year. Times are tough, sorry kids.

Prop 4: Yes. Abortion should certainly be subject to parental notification like any other elective, non-emergency procedure. This is a no brainer to me and the slippery slope argument is completely unpersuasive, IMHO.

Prop 5: Yes. Observing these thing at a distance, I'm highly skeptical of the efficacy of drug treatment, but I think even less of sending someone to jail.

Prop 6: No. Ease up on the jails already. We spend way more than any other state and we are broke. Besides, we have a train to pay for.

Prop 7: Love the idea, but it doesn't pass the smell test. If I read through a prop a couple of times and I'm still confused, I'll vote no. The burden of proof is on the proponents to make a sale, and i think they're up to something fishy.

Prop 8: No. People are arguing about this on every corner it seems. All other questions aside, when it comes to basic civil rights, I side with Sly Stone, "Different strokes for different folks". One need not get into the pros and cons of any given lifestyle to acknowledge someone else's right to live their life, in basic terms, as they see fit. Divorce is a far greater threat to the institution of marriage, not even close.

Prop 9: No. I was on the fence on this one, having recently seen first hand that restitution hearings are a waste of time, but this seems so wasteful and showy. The problem with putting minor policy like this into the Constitution is that it makes it very hard to correct course if something isn't working. This gives propositions a bad name.

Prop 10: No. All your goodies are gone, Golden State. One bond only.

Prop 11: Yes. I back this every time. Districts do not change hands in California anymore and it's an embarrassment to the two parties that rigged it so everyone's seat is safe. Locally, all races are decided in the GOP primary. This will probably loose, but it's a great idea.

Prop 12: No. No more bonds this year, how many times to I have to tell you?