Some thoughts on November ballot

[deborahjross]

The initiative on the California November ballot that would amend the State constitution to ban gay marriage is, of course, predictable. But staggering in its arrogance. Not specifically because of the gay issue, but because it proposes, by a simple majority vote, 50% + 1, to take away a right that has been already recognized by the State Supreme Court.

Suppose the voters in some state decided it wasn't in accord with their religious principles (or whatever) to allow women or blacks or Asians or people of Irish descent to vote. Or hold public office. Or own property. Or marry someone of a different race. Or send their kids to school. And they poured huge amounts of money into a campaign, much of it from out of state. And all they need is 50% + 1 votes.

Is there any legal precedent for taking away such a freedom? If so, I'd like to propose taking away Dubya's "right" to run for President. Retroactively.

Comments

[onyxhawke.livejournal.com]

Democracy is two wolves and a sheep deciding what to have for lunch. -(or something close to that) Ben Franklin.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

As I get older, I become less comfortable with the idea of majority rule. I remember as a student reciting, "keeping in mind the rights of the minority," but I wonder how often it really works that way. In most areas, majority vote is the simplest and most expedient method of making group decisions, but I question whether it, as a method, should remain on the pedestal upon which it has been placed by American popular culture. Masses of people can be persuaded or deluded into some pretty terrible actions.

I'm not proposing to chuck majority rule, just to question it as the perfect solution. We are all, individually and collectively, a work in progress.

Just an agreement......

[(Anonymous)]

"Is there any legal precedent for taking away such a freedom? If so, I'd like to propose taking away Dubya's "right" to run for President. Retroactively."

AMEN!!! Especially for that farce of a first term vote-in!!!!!

Severessa@yahoo.com

Re: Just an agreement......

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Not to mention a second-term stolen election.