Fun with the 2005 Special Statewide Election Voter Information Guide: Prop. 76
Sometimes all you need is one phrase to help you make your mind up about a ballot initiative. Take Proposition 76 for example: State Spending and School Funding Limits. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. The argument PRO states the following:
PROPOSITION 76 CONTROLS STATE SPENDING AND FIXES CALIFORNIA’S BROKEN BUDGET SYSTEM. Yes on 76 protects against future deficits and eliminates wasteful spending, making more money available for roads, healthcare and law enforcement without raising taxes. It establishes “checks and balances,” encouraging bipartisan budget solutions — YES on 76.
Now, without even really knowing what the proposition would do, we have good reason to question it. Why did the argument PRO feel it necessary to put “checks and balances” in quotes? They could have just stated that proposition 76 establishes checks and balances. Anybody who’s been through grade school civics (or Saturday morning cartoons, for that matter) knows what checks and balances are. This wink wink, nudge nudge “checks and balances” in quotes, though, is a little more mysterious. It’s like they’re saying “it will establish checks and balances, but some people will be more balanced than others.” I don’t know about you, but I’d just as soon my checks and balances be on the level.
The argument CON does not feel the need to qualify any of its claims with quotation marks. I guess this means that it has nothing to hide.
As usual, the only good way to make up your mind on these important ballot propositions is to do the appropriate research. You can find the League of Women Voters page for Prop. 76 at the same old place. Read it yourself and make up your own mind.