Green Taxi

I was going to try to do a review of all the propositions and bills on this years ballot.  That was until I realized that there is more propaganda out there than real information.  It is impossible to figure out what is truly at stake in each one of these any more.

The more I read certain publications endorsements on propositions and such, the more I refuse to trust or enjoy that publication.  It is not because of how they have aligned their votes, but because of their explanations.  In every explanation it is made even more clear to me that the writer or editor was influenced by some propaganda and has not read the actual bill itself.

So, if you have not had the time to read the actual bill itself either, like myself, I think there must be a bit of discussion on how to vote with a clear mind.

Here is what I can tell you.  There are a few types of issues on the ballot.

1. Election for an office.  This should be the easiest, because you can base your decision on a person.  However, usually that person is lying about something.  I would suggest basing your decision on how well you know and how well the candidate has clarified how they stand on your and their core issues.
2. Propositions to change laws.  These are extremely important, yet the most difficult to understand.  They all have negative side affects and unless you’ve read in depth on the bill, and then consequently discussed with other politicians and lawmakers, it is very difficult to understand the repercussions of each decision.  In general, I am actually going to avoid voting on these, unless I vote down party lines due to my trust in my parties decision in regards to that subject.
3. Propositions to fund projects.  These are important, but you must always try to figure out the downside to each project.  A majority of the time, the downside is often advertised in a confusing manner.  I like to think of it this way.  How much will it cost?  How will we pay for it?  How will it change the life currently takes place?  Is that change worth that cost to those that have to pay for it?  Most people only focus on that third question, of how will it change life currently.

With all that said, here is how I plan on voting.

President/VP:  McCain/Palin

State Senator: Rick Montaine

Member of the State Assembly: Mark Bernsley

Santa Monica City Council:  Terence Later

Santa Monica Rent Board: Robert Kronovet

Los Angeles Measure R: NO.  More taxes.

Santa Monica Measure T:  NO.

Santa Monica Measure SM:  NO.

Santa Monica Measure AA:  NO.

Prop 1A:  YES.  I support any form of mass transit in California.  This state is far too reliant upon individual passenger transit.  Even if this is a bit of a “boondoggle”, I have to support any measure to try and improve our mass transit system.

Prop 2:  NO.  I prefer local-grown, safe, food.

Prop 3:  NO.  It is tax dollars for health care.  I am against government controlled health care.

Prop 4:  Undecided.  I cannot figure out the consequences of both sides well enough and will probably not vote on this decision.

Prop 5:  NO.  An increase in taxes to help criminals.  No thanks.

Prop 6:  NO.  More taxes.  Nothing guaranteed in regards to what will be done with it.

Prop 7:  NO.  This bill has the right idea, but in my understanding is poorly written, potentially leading to another energy crisis with large energy price increases.  Let’s try this one again on better terms.

Prop 8:  YES.  Judges in San Francisco should not have the power to overturn the state constition that was voted on by the people.  This proposition does not take away rights from gay domestic partners, it merely correctly defines marriage.

Prop 9:  NO.  More taxes to build prisons.

Prop 10:  NO.  Clean air should be earned, not purchased with taxpayer money.

Prop 11:  YES.

Prop 12:  NO.  More taxes.

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