Abuse of the People

October 27, 2002

by Brian W. Peterson

Remember when the initiative process used to be a good thing? Once upon a time, ballot measures were propounded when the Legislature failed to pass a law that enjoyed popular support. When ideological divisions and special interest groups prevented good ideas from progressing through myriad committees and floor votes, the people stepped forward via the initiative process.

Times have changed.

Before going to the polls, count the number of measures seeking funds. Special interest groups have hijacked the initiative process. These groups have learned that the people are a bunch of suckers who will blindly vote for anything that sounds compassionate, regardless of cost or accountability.

Many people seem to believe that to vote for a bond means voting for free money; money magically appears in the state coffer. Meanwhile, special interest groups are as happy as flies on tofu to get their pet projects passed in spite of the status of the budget. Voters go away happy because they had the opportunity to exhibit compassion, unaware that they chose the most expensive route possible for financing the special interest project.

It may be debt, but it feels good.

Ballot measures are put forward for a variety of reasons, including changes to the state constitution; the Legislature lacked the courage to do what needed to be done in the first place; the Legislature failed to heed the will of the people; state spending was prioritized and the subject of the initiative was not important enough. Unless there is a constitutional change, which must be approved by voters, the question that voters should ask themselves is, why didn’t the Legislature address this issue while in session?

If it is a bond measure, chances are that voters are unnecessarily adding to the deficit.

One unintended consequence of the initiative process is that the Legislature is often off the hook for tough decisions. Political beasts that they are, most elected officials are afraid to make people angry lest they cost themselves votes. An unbridled initiative process allows politicians to avoid angering voters and special interest groups, thus extending their time at the public trough.

If politicians would properly perform their public duties, the initiative process would rarely be necessary. If voters would take the time to follow issues and the political process, politicians would be forced to properly perform their public duties. If non-voters would care enough about their country, rather than hiding behind the phony cry of “my vote doesn’t matter” and “all politicians are just alike, so what’s the use,” then they would learn about the issues and would take the time to vote. If more people cast informed ballots, politicians would be forced to exhibit courage and leadership.

Until that time, we are smothered by a system where a few elect the few to guide our lives. Voter turnout is low, so special interest groups need fewer supporters to pass their pet projects. Of course, if they wrap their pet project in compassion and blurbs about “for the children” the measure will pass anyway.

Lost amid the battle cry of “power to the people” is the reality that our country is not- and was not meant to be- a direct democracy. We send people to our capitols for the express purpose of learning all of the issues and representing us in the decision-making process. We citizens lack the time to learn about every single issue. Many of us may know the important issues, but none of us has the time to learn all of the issues.

We employ people to represent us, to stay informed for us, and to make tough decisions.

It’s ironic, but we need a ballot measure that will end this foolishness of special interest initiatives. Politicians would never vote for such a change.

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Brian W. Peterson writes a political column for the Antelope Valley Press (circulation approximately 60,000) in Palmdale, California. He is a graduate of Oral Roberts University, where he majored in TV/Film. Brian’s weekly commentary and newspaper columns can be found at www.LifeAndLiberty.com.

Send the author an E mail at Peterson@ConservativeTruth.org.

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