MY TAKE ON STATEWIDE MEASURES

John Andrews says it best…

No on Amendment T: No Exception to Involuntary Servitude Provision

This is a symbolic gesture to repudiate any hint of slavery in our state constitution, emotionally appealing but meaningless under the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution.

No on Amendment U: Exempt Certain Possessory Interests from Property Taxes

This cleans up a nuisance item for local property-tax filers and collectors, accomplishing a reasonable minor reform in itself but needlessly confusing the less-informed voter in relation to the big, and ugly, measures coming next.

No on Amendment 69: Create a Government-Run Health Care System

Massive new taxes would double the size of state government and force everyone into a mediocre DMV of socialized medicine as dysfunctional, or more so, than the VA.

No on Amendment 70: Raise the State Minimum Wage

The minimum wage favors labor unions and higher-skilled workers at the expense of minorities and youth who are priced out of the job market.

 

No on Amendment 72: Raise Cigarette and Tobacco Taxes

Sin taxes to modify behavior are the wrong use of government power, not to mention this would create a black market and worsen an already over-large state government.

No on Proposition 106: Legalize Doctor-Assisted Suicide

Ghoulish though compassionate-sounding measure would endanger elderly and disabled persons, the most vulnerable among us, while subverting the medical profession from its high calling of saving lives, not ending them.

No on Proposition 107: All-Comers for Presidential Primary Election

Recipe for endless political mischief. Going back to the presidential primaries we used to have is a good idea, but letting individuals from outside a political party help pick that party’s nominee is an awful idea.

No on Proposition 108: All-Comers for All Other Primary Elections

Same reasoning as No on 107.  Everyone at your house works hard getting ready for a family meal, then the government makes you give a seat at the table to the lazy neighbors from next door. Equally absurd for a political party as for a dinner party.