Why I Am Voting This Time Around

In the mid 1970’s, at my first opportunity to do so, I took voting seriously. I studied the issues and candidates, read every argument and rebuttal in the voter pamphlet, and made it to the polls to vote. By the early ‘80’s, I began to suspect that they weren’t counting my vote, since nearly every issue and candidate I voted for lost. I gave it up as a lost cause.

This year, it is different. The California Recall is an exciting event, mostly for it’s absurdity. After all, we had an election less than a year ago, and suddenly, the incumbent is deemed too incompetent, or morally corrupt, to continue. This judgment was made just a few months following a democratic election that determined that the people of California thought he was just fine. Hmmm … does makes one think.

But this is not the only reason I am jumping back into the futile pool of the electorate.

The fact is, I decided to take the plunge long before the recall movement hit the road.

Let’s take a look at the situation in California. It seems mighty popular lately to scream, “Throw the bums out!” Especially when things in general aren’t going too well. Especially when extraordinary reactions to extraordinary circumstances turn out badly. So let’s find whom to blame, and make ‘em hang!

It always amuses me when members of Congress convene a committee to string somebody up when some scandal or other has come to light. These congressmen are so righteous; “How could you be so irresponsible as to let this atrocity happen on your watch!?” In the back of my mind is always the question “So, where the hell were you, Mr. Congressman, while all this was happening?” Well . . .

What seems little recognized, but true, is that California’s state government, like any civil government, has its hands tied when it comes to taxing and spending. Most of a government’s expenses are mandated by law. What’s different about California is much of this mandated law is the work of the PEOPLE! Yes, the PEOPLE of California have voted DIRECTLY for some pretty good ideas, that in the aggregate are pretty bad ones.

Proposition 13, prop 98, 38, 187, 209 and term limits have hobbled government in this state. The people of California have gotten, and will continue to get, the government they deserve.

On a broader topic, the despicable acts the Bush administration are committing against the world, the people of the United States, our Constitution, and to common sense are becoming more clear every day. “Iraqi Freedom” was an exciting show, perhaps misguided, but who am I to judge? But the show afterward has provided some pretty thrilling scenes, too, if you’ve been paying attention. Explosions, bloodshed, lost families, trampled traditions, resentments exploding into violence, insurgencies, intrigue, revolutionaries, even a terrorist attack or two. Thrilling! There’s enough action to challenge any Swartzenagger movie. These, however, were not the result of careful studio planning, but of irresponsible, if not criminal, inattention to planning, foresight, or common humane consideration.

I have a recurring nightmare. It is a cherished notion (in the United States, at least) that the great, unwashed masses of the world understand that the people of the US are kind, generous, decent people, even though our government continues to do awful things. One of these days, the people of the world might figure out how Democracy actually works; you know, a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people”? In other words, there is no difference between that awful government, and you and I. We are one and the same. Once the people of the world figure that out, then we will be in big trouble.

Back to the matter at hand. I have listened, and tried to read, what Arnold Swartzenagger has to say. I haven’t succeeded in hearing anything, yet. It’s what my Dad used to call “Mom and apple pie”. No one can argue with these nice platitudes, but what about some actual ideas? By all accounts (including my brother’s, who has to worked for his company), Arnold is a nice, decent guy. So is my brother, but I don’t believe he has what it takes to run a state government. Neither does Arnold. Where were his ideas six weeks ago? Where did he get all the ideas he is handing out this week? Did he get some help? From whom? Do you think maybe he’ll need a little help running the State of California, too? Who will he go to for help? You? Yup. This week, anyway, since you are going to vote on Tuesday (right?).

It astonishes me that a recall that started out as a backlash against incompetence appears to be becoming a popularity contest! The very definition of the incompetent voter is one who listens to, and votes for, a candidate simply because they’ve seen him in a movie. (Hey, don’t get me wrong! I like Mom and apple pie, too!)

If you want an excellent example of a California caliber candidate, take a look at Tom McClintock. He is intelligent, articulate, and committed; a man of high integrity. If you want someone you can trust, there is the man. Unfortunately, I disagree with too many of his policies (and at least I know what they are), and I can trust him to try to implement them. Cruz Bustamonte seems too much of the same old thing; a career politician, and you know how much we hate them? Now that Arianna Huffington is out, that leaves only Peter Camejo (and a hundred-twenty odd others).

You may exclaim, “Don’t throw your vote away! That will just guarantee the despicable (fill in blank) will win the election!” But I ask you; if you go and vote your second choice, instead of who you really want, just which one of us throwing away his vote?

So, I’ll be punching a ballot on Tuesday to cast my one pathetic vote. Then . . .

“I’ll be baack.” (or is that “I shall return.”? My how the English language has deteriorated. Or is it our choice of leaders?)