California Propositions 16 and 17.

[Lunner]

http://vote.sos.ca.gov/returns/props/59.htm

Faith in democracy restored.

Though I would have liked to see 15 pass, this is very good news.

Just in case anyone cared, 16 and 17 got shot down. :)

[87e30]

Very wordy. Perhaps you should go into Law.

Lets see what you've established? Here's what I've gathered (in my broken reading between finals): You... 1. value hard work, 2. do not respect receiving something for nothing (lets call it a "hand out") [ie someone who fell into money with out working for it], and 3. want to fund social programs.

I simply don't understand how someone who values hard work would be in favor of supporting programs which do not instill those same values.

Perhaps I've been brainwashed by the right and the liberal ticket doesn't actually spend tax dollars on social hand outs? (aside from national healthcare haven't many social hand outs been made by both parties?)
^serious, non sarcastic, questions

[Lunner]

^serious, non sarcastic, questions

All such questions about what I personally (as if I'm so important?) think should be directed to PM, because while I have no problems answering them, it's really off topic from where this thread was supposed to go, and to reiterate, it wasn't supposed to be about me and my principles or ideas, or anyone else's for that matter.

And to touch back on the point real quick, the propositions failed, I'm happy and content with the outcomes the legislative process has given for the moment, and this thread probably serves no future purpose, except as a "nah-nah-nah-nah-nah-nah-hah-hah-hah-hah-hah-hah" to PG&E and Mercury Insurance, but I doubt they'll read it. ;)

That being said, if demand for a "Lunner's Soap Box" thread is so pressing that it needs to be created I'll gladly participate, but somehow I just don't think everyone cares that much, or at all. And, one should probably read all my writing in prior pages if they do care that much, as it's from those exact ideas that I'd probably answer your questions 87e30.

The short version, while I'm still writing, is that I don't buy into this widely touted idea of a lazy welfare recipient who takes the money and go purchases some crack rocks/booze/etc. The overwhelming majority of people on some form of aid work (or transition to work as the case may be), and a great deal of them work harder than I probably ever will have to, and I acknowledge and am grateful for that. I've never heard it portrayed as a comfortable lifestyle by anyone but the affluent (from a comparative standpoint of course). But maybe I think that way because I interact with a lot of people on some form of aid in my daily life, and it's easier to maintain the former image if you never (or rarely) deal with the population in question. Which isn't to say you might not have had only negative direct experience with a large amount of individuals on aid, I certainly don't know your story.</rant>

Thanks again for everyone's interest and consideration, even if it wasn't where I wanted to necessarily go. Again, if you care enough to take the time to PM me about what I think, I'll gladly give you the consideration of a complete and thorough reply. But until then, you'll just have to wait until I feel some burning desire to mouth off in the politics subforum again, which hopefully will take a while, given the whole cheetah-lion analogy which seems so very applicable...