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lauraredcloud at 05:22pm on 14/10/2008 under politics
lauraredcloud at 05:22pm on 14/10/2008 under politicsThe Massachusetts ballot questions are really interesting this election; more interesting than the presidential race, since it's by no means a swing state.
Proposition 1: Elimination of state income tax.
How I'll vote: GOD, NO. NONONONO.
I like public works, public transit, public building projects, public libraries, public schools, and public hospitals, thanks. The state can keep the $20 or whatever they get from me each year. Proponents like to talk about an "average" savings of 3,000 a year which really only means the rich folks are getting a whole bunch and average joes are getting a couple hundred, maybe, tops. And property taxes will go up, so our rent will go up by more than we save. Not that we'll be able to pay our rent anyway since we'll all be unemployed and unable to get to a job even if we had one. Also, we'll get bit by uncaught raccoons scavenging in our uncollected garbage and contract untreated rabies. It will be just be a bad scene.
Proposition 2: Decriminilzation of possession of marijuana.
How I'll vote: Yes.
This just means that if you're found with an ounce or less, you get a fine of $100 and no criminal record. It'll be a nice way for localities to collect some extra cash if prop. 1 passes, god forbid.
Proposition 3: Outlawing dog racing.
How I'll vote: I figure I'll wing it.
A girl in my art class wants us all to vote "yes" because dogs are treated so cruelly in the racing circuit, but as Anna points out, criminalizing only dog racing unfairly punishes poor people since only rich people can afford to race horses, which are unaffected by the law. So it will depend on if I'm feeling especially pro-animal or pro-class-equality-w/r/t-shady-ways-to-make-money that day. Both are worthy causes.
Proposition 1: Elimination of state income tax.
How I'll vote: GOD, NO. NONONONO.
I like public works, public transit, public building projects, public libraries, public schools, and public hospitals, thanks. The state can keep the $20 or whatever they get from me each year. Proponents like to talk about an "average" savings of 3,000 a year which really only means the rich folks are getting a whole bunch and average joes are getting a couple hundred, maybe, tops. And property taxes will go up, so our rent will go up by more than we save. Not that we'll be able to pay our rent anyway since we'll all be unemployed and unable to get to a job even if we had one. Also, we'll get bit by uncaught raccoons scavenging in our uncollected garbage and contract untreated rabies. It will be just be a bad scene.
Proposition 2: Decriminilzation of possession of marijuana.
How I'll vote: Yes.
This just means that if you're found with an ounce or less, you get a fine of $100 and no criminal record. It'll be a nice way for localities to collect some extra cash if prop. 1 passes, god forbid.
Proposition 3: Outlawing dog racing.
How I'll vote: I figure I'll wing it.
A girl in my art class wants us all to vote "yes" because dogs are treated so cruelly in the racing circuit, but as Anna points out, criminalizing only dog racing unfairly punishes poor people since only rich people can afford to race horses, which are unaffected by the law. So it will depend on if I'm feeling especially pro-animal or pro-class-equality-w/r/t-shady-ways-to-make-money that day. Both are worthy causes.
from caolan, in starbucks in london
I agree with all your voting positions. W/r/t the dogs, I might consider that the poor people aren't necessarily getting a ton out of dog racing (or do you mean the dog owners themselves? Like Cheese in The Wire!) and maybe the dog law will become a precedent that people wanting to outlaw horse racing can build upon? Although no one is going to want to get rid of the Triple Crown, even if they did have to shoot that poor horse.
Why does everyone hate income tax? Mom & I had a big argument with some of her friends about this. I think income tax is great and I would totally pay more if the rich people also had to pay more, and of course it would be best if it went towards public services and not towards endless, pointless, poorly-managed military conflicts. I guess the people who hate income tax would make the same statement, except they would be like, "I'm fine with income tax going towards making our nation safe, but instead it's going towards crappy schools that are full of guns and stupid art where they put Jesus Christ in pee!"
(I just committed the error of assuming that everyone who disagrees with you politically on one point disagrees with you on every point, which is dumb!)
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