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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Would Gay Marriage Initiative Benefit From Marijuana Legalization Measure?
Supporters of same-sex marriage seem to be moving to delay a ballot initiative campaign to overturn Prop 8 and legalize such marriages from 2010 until 2012. Their thinking is that they need more time to convert voters, and that the 2012 electorate will be larger -- and younger, and thus more inclined to back same-sex marriage.
But I wonder if they're right about that. The 2010 ballot in California could draw a number of young and new voters sympathetic to same sex marriage for one reason: an initiative legalizing marijuana. I have not seen polling on this (does anyone out there have surveys to share), but one would suspect that there's more than a little overlap between supporters of legalizing pot possession and legalizing same-sex marriage. (Your blogger, for the record, thinks the case for legalizing same-sex marriage is strong and the case for legalizing marijuana is weak). The marijuana initiative is likely to dominate the news and public discussion. That could help the cause of same-sex marriage.
good point
good point. how great would that be for those too to come together, to get what they both want.
prop 8 + ab 390. Lets doit.
California marijuana initiative
Actually, marijuana policy reformers are having precisely the same debate about timing of an initiative as the same-sex marriage advocates. There are folks who support an effort in 2010, but also plenty who think waiting till 2012 would be better. A Field Poll released April 30 found 56% in favor of taxing and regulating marijuana: http://media.sacbee.com/smedia/2009/04/29/15/0429rls.source.prod_affilia.... But of course, that poll didn't measure support to specific provisions of an initiative, and the devil is always in the details. Oh, and Joe: If you think the case for legal regulation of marijuana is "weak," can we talk? Seriously.
Kudos to civil marriage
Kudos to New England and Iowa for supporting civil marriage.
This summer I have been busy officiating for many couples who are coming to CT to wed from around the country, because they aren't allowed (?) to do so in their own home states just yet.
Marriage licenses are issued by town halls not church halls, and in America,we have freedom of religion, and freedom FROM religion, too.
So folks, get use to it... Can I vote on your marriage (LOL)?
Joe Mustich, Justice of the Peace,
Washington, Connecticut USA
And to the marriage foes, and sexually phobic, please find something else to do with your time, because life's too short. Find love.
2010 v 2012....the jury's out...
Equality is the issue.
I'd say "yes". The legalization movement has *definitely* benefited from the gay rights efforts. Equality is equality, and people should NOT be discriminated against based on their gender, age, sexual orientation or the substances they choose to put into their own bodies.
Every effort for equality helps every other effort for equality.
Not a bad concept...
I would be eager to see polling data to correlate or refute this idea.
Irregardless, I would like to see Prop. 8 overturned sooner, rather than later, and so I am purposefully involving myself with the Courage Campaign's 2010 repeal effort.
Gay marriage in 2009, or 2010, in California.
Maybe another reason why pro-gay rights groups are deciding to wait to vote on gay marriage is because they won't have too. Perry vs. Schwarzenegger may become a success. If we vote to legalize gay marriage, the case would die in court. I would rather a court grant us our right to get married. Nobody has had to ask permission, from absolute strangers, for the right to get married, except gay people. That reality is dead wrong!
Simple
Marijuana legalization is clearly not a liberal/conservative issue. 56% of Californians favor legalization from a poll. California voted to not allow gay marriage. Marriage is a traditional religious term. Most religions preach against homosexuality. Unions are clearly an option for tax and health care purposes.
Anyways...
Percentage of politicians favoring legalization... no one knows because they listen to the SPECIAL INTERESTS usually of police, lawyers, and corporations (pharmaceutical). Of course marijuana is going to take away business for all of those I mentioned.
I am for legalizing both
I am for legalizing both marijuana and same sex marriages. I am not gay, but I think its pathetic that this kind of discrimination still exists. I can't wait till these old ways of thinking die off...
You forgot the major Reason
I think you also forgot the obvious. If Obama is not on the ticket then less Blacks and lower income minorities will vote. So that might actually help the anti-Prop8. The majority of Blacks and Latinos will believe that marriage will be defined as a man and a woman. Since Blacks go to their own Black churches. The Black Pastors have not budged an inch. I won't see a large change in attitudes. Latinos are very devout Catholics. This whole gay marriage issue is breaking up White households. Most other ethnicities and cultures have made up their mind and wont change at least for decades. Before Homosexuals go in a tizzy they should understand that other cultures aren't going to change everything they are and believe to appease their wants. They will get gay marriage but only because the majority of whites want it that way.
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