Thursday, November 6, 2008

With all of the presidential hoopla, it's easy to lose sight of what is also going to change in our own backyards. The propositions had campaigns as ruthless as some of the presidential mudslinging. Some went a little less unnoticed. And some confused voters with the often ambiguous wording that propositions tend to have.

When Prop. 8, the gay marriage ban, was first introduced it was difficult to tell whether or not it as a good thing or a bad thing. It was simply a ban on any marriage other than a man to a woman; however, commercials alluded that by allowing gay marriages the schools and children would be influenced as well. Parents are protective, the ban is now effective.

Below are some of the propositions that California voters faced:


1A: High-speed rail           Yes 52.1% 

This proposition allows the state to sell $9.95 billion in bonds to help fund a $45-billion bullet train that is proposed to go between Orange County and the Bay Area. The state would incur payment of $647 million annually for the next 30 years.

The electric-powered train would help road and airport traffic, as well as decrease air pollution and dependence of foreign oil.

2: Farm animals                   Yes 63.1% 
This proposition provides for better farm conditions for hens, calves and sows. In 2015, rooms will be required for these animals and cages will be outlawed so those animals can extend their limbs, move around and stand up.

The treatment of those farm animals will be more humane and will be less likely to cause disease. In result, about a penny per egg for the farmers and a few extra cents per carton for consumers will be needed for the new living arrangements.

4: Abortion notification     No 52.0%
This proposition would have restricted unemancipated minors from getting an abortion until 48 hours after the physician notifies the girl's parents.

7: Renewable energy           No 64.8% 
This proposition would have required private and public utilities to use 20% renewable energy sources by 2010 and 50% by 2025. Apparently, the passing of this would have delayed research of alternative energy like solar power. 

8: Gay marriage ban           Yes 52.5% 
This proposition holds the Constitution's definition of marriage between a man and woman. In 2000, California voters voted on similar Prop 22, which defined marriage strictly between man and woman, which denied gays and lesbians the right to marry to begin with. 


 
After the Nov. 4 voting, Jaime Chambers reports from Westwood as Prop. 8 supporters continue their protests two days later against the unsatisfactory 52.5% vote to affirm marriage as a union between man and woman.


10: Alternative fuels           No 59.7%
This proposition would have given rebates to owners of alternatively fueled vehicles. The rebates would total about $5 billion, which would add to the current whopping state debt. 

12: Loans for veterans       Yes 63.5% 
This proposition provides $900 million in bonds to war veterans for low-cost housing in order to honor them for serving our country. The money would come from mortgages, not taxpayers, and would stimulate the state economy. 

1 comment:

Jackie said...

Hey Meriah,

I took info from the LA Times and reinterpreted in my own words, have an imbedded video, links to more information on each proposition, and original photos.

Jackie