About this Blog
Direct democracy -- the Switzerland-inspired system of initiatives, referenda and recalls that allows voters to make and repeal laws in 24 states -- is poorly understood. It isn’t even very direct. Direct democracy has become blockbuster democracy: a half-billion-dollar international industry of signature gatherers, consultants, and election lawyers who use ballot measures less as a method of making law and more as a tool of mega-communications to boost some politicians, hurt others, and supplement lobbying campaigns.
Blockbuster democracy is a decentralized business that practices wide-open politics. This blog aims to provide a center of news, analysis and conversation for and about the industry. We will report from blockbuster democracy’s capital -- California -- but we’ll monitor ballot measures from across the country and around the globe.
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Obama's California Headache
Writing at the very progressive Calitics blog, Robert Cruickshank calls the Obama administration "clueless" when it comes to California and makes the case for federal loan guarantees for the state. Expect to hear more anger from the left if Obama leaves California to twist in the wind.
I believe that the state should get those guarantees. They come at very low risk (and no cost) to the Treasury. In fact, the state is likely to pay a substantial fee for the guarantees. But as I argue in today's New York Times, the Obama folks should -- for political and policy reasons -- attach serious strings to the guarantees, which would help the state with cash flow problems this summer and fall. Essentially, the administration (and Congress for that matter) should only help California with its cash flow if the state puts forward a real plan to fix its long-term structural budget problems. Such a deal would be good for the state and for the country.
Let the battle begin.
Again a call by the LEFT to curb the PEOPLE'S POWER!! So we must get rid of VOTER APPROVED (Prop 13 and other Props) ballot initiatives because politicians won't adhere to the constituents. The politicians in Sacramento loathe the people they represent. JUST SHUT UP, WORK AND GIVE US YOUR DAMN TAX DOLLARS!! So we must bring in the Federal Government and have a coup d'etat of California sovereignty. The Obama Regime will love to have sole dictatorship of the 8th largest economy. What happened to state's rights? OK, we still live in a Republic!! The people of California granted Obama federal powers not state powers. However the Liberals have this notion he is omnipotent and KING OBAMA. They rationalize he got 61% of the vote for President and that he now has supreme power over California. I think Liberals don't understand Seperation of Power. Under what power does the Federal Government (Executive Power) dictate changing our State Constitution? If that is so, will we change from being a Republic to a Federalist Nation? A civil war was fought over this.
I say bring it on!! John and Ken will now focus on Obama if this power play goes into effect. Tom McClintock will do our talking for the Conservatives at the Federal Level. Court challenges will ensue. There is no way that Prop 13 will be trashed because the President want strings attached. We have elections. They are supposed to be executed. Elections have consequences and the May 19th election had results. No more taxes and borrowing. The only modifications to Prop 13 must be by the People of California. I didn't suspect the Revolution to start in California, but The Tea Partys and Tax Revolts and Recalls are coming. If Obama want some of California. He is going to have to fight for it. Obviously he could win, but we aren't laying down. It will expose him for raising taxes on us. The rest of the country will be watching.
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