Why did Prop 5 fail? And what’s going on with California these days?
Saturday, November 8th, 2008Paul Krugman posts a picture announcing that “The Civil War is over.” Well, yes, it is, but blatant racism still exists in our country, despite our new Presidential flavor.
Meanwhile, Makani Themba-Nixon offers a better illustration:
If anyone doubts that racism is alive and well in American politics, the fact that more than 55 million people voted for McCain in spite of his negative, racist and politically vacuous campaign; his lack of charisma and terrible media performance; his scary choice of running mate and inconsistent positions on virtually every issue of importance; and in spite of his obvious ineptitude for the bread and butter issues facing the majority of electorate should be proof enough. Being White and male gave him the handicap (in golf terms) that got him 50 million plus votes “just because.”
She also brings up a clear point of contention by asking; “I mean what kind of system won’t mandate time off to vote or allow Ted Stevens (R-AK) to run for Senate as a convicted felon but not allow our ex-offenders to vote who have done their time?”
Just because we had a liberal ticket that seemed to take on the culture war at the top chain of command, doesn’t mean the grassroots armies weren’t busy doing battle with Props that were anti-gay, anti-choice, racist and draconian.
Let’s take California for instance, heralded as a progressive state, yet many props on the California 08 ballot indicated the exact opposite. (more…)