One needs to have a modicum of intelligence, and a fair amount of time, to sort through all of the State of California’s propositions that come up every election cycle. This being a presidential election year, there are thirteen initiatives on the ballot.
The State sent out its Official Voter Information Guide a
few weeks ago. The quick reference guide in the front of the pamphlet is somewhat
informative, but often quite unclear. To be properly informed, one must read
the arguments, for and against, see who is endorsing what, read the State’s
fiscal analysis, and often do further research. It takes time. Most people I
know do not bother. Rather, they rely on the Voting Guides they receive in the
mail.
Possibly, if I lived in another area, I might receive voter
information from both sides of any given argument. But I don’t. I live in a
socialist, brain-dead zip code, where the intelligentsia, and more than a few
very wealthy tech folks, reside. It still surprises me that they do not accept
diversity of thought.
My counter is filled with voting guides from Teachers’
unions, the AFL-CIO, local politicians, and no doubt I’ll receive more from similar-minded
organizations. I realize that any groups with differing opinions feel it is not
cost-effective to mail out voting information to my area, but couldn’t they at
least try to present an opposing view? Maybe
a few voters would take a look.
I suppose these brochures are helpful if I am not quite sure
what a given initiative entails. If the Teacher’s Union is for it, I am against
it. (Side note: I am still a State of CA credentialed teacher and have been so
for decades. I know whereof I speak.)
For anyone who does not live in The Golden State, and wants
a bit of insight on why we have been descending deeper into the Nine Circles of
Hell for several decades, peruse what is on the menu for the State this year. Lots
of government control and millions and millions of dollars which the State does
not have.
14 – Authorizes Bonds Continuing Stem Cell Research – Total
estimated Cost: $7.8 Billion ($260 million a year for roughly the next 30
years.)
15 – Funding for Public Schools, Community Colleges, Local Government
Services by Changing Tax Assessment on Commercial and Industrial Property – Cost
to Property Owners $6.5 - $11.5 Billion
16 – Permits government decision-making policies to consider
race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin to address diversity by repealing
constitutional provision prohibiting such policies. (i.e., racism in its finest form.)
17 – Restores Right to Vote after Completion of Prison Term,
(but before completing Parole, which is part of a sentence.)
18 – Gives 17-year-olds the right to vote in a primary if
they will turn 18 by next general election.
Cost up to $1 million
19 – Changes Certain Property Tax Rules. Removes two voter-approved taxpayer
protections form the State Constitution.
(Takes away Prop 13-related protections which states that: Property transferred from
parents to children/grandparents to grandchildren are excluded from
reassessment.)
20 – Restricts Parole for Certain Offenses/Authorizes Felony
Sentences for Current Misdemeanors. (This is one of those crazy initiatives
that leaves one’s head spinning). Bottom line: Cost Estimate: $10’s of
millions annually.
21 – Expands Local Governments’ Authority to Enact Rent Control
on Residential Property. Cost: (it’s
time to sell up and get out if you own rental property.)
22 – Exempts App-Based Transportation and Delivery Companies
from Providing Employee Benefits to Certain Drivers. (Keeps Uber and Lyft Drivers, etc., independent
contractors.)
23 – Establishes State Requirements for Kidney Dialysis Clinics. (Big Brother CA takes over Dialysis Clinics)
Estimated Health Care Costs: $10’s - $100’s of millions annually
24 – Amends Consumer Privacy Laws. (sounds good but the text is very
concerning. Be warned: Big Tech had a huge
part in developing this initiative.)
25 – Referendum on Law That Replaced Money Bail with System Based
on Public Safety. (Get out of jail free
card – no bail requirements.)
I find this all so depressing. I drive through town and see
the homeless camps, the filth, the intolerance. I see the money wasted on schools, projects that never come to fruition, and politicians' salaries who only care about power. I cannot forsee a time when California will come back from the brink.
Yes, It is time to leave.
