So... Election 2012
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- 74LEO0
Every major movement, from suffrage to civil and labor rights, has had an electoral component pushing the agenda in our state houses and capitols. Join me in building demand for progressive change with the Green Party and Jill Stein’s presidential campaign.
People around the world wish they had a voice in American politics. We have the capacity to direct leaders to international war, shape relations in the Middle East, and peak or crash markets in far-reaching places. Our national policies that in turn shape policies in every corner of the earth.
~ Noam Chomsky- wow, I never heard of that chom sky guy,sound like kommunism
//sGeorgesII - Never heard of Chomsky? your either lying or an idiot. I take the later.74LEO
- Communism. Stop it with the FAG talk Georges.74LEO
- What you callin me an idiot because I don't know anything about chom sky, wow, that is so kommunist like ////////////sGeorgesII
- haha!yurimon
- *sigh
peopel have completely lost their senses of humor and their sarcasm detectors are failingmonospaced - Commune74LEO
- Im calling you a FAG Georges for your FAG talk.74LEO
- * Prepares lube tube,
flies to the US,
screams 74 WHERE YOU AT!!GeorgesII
- wow, I never heard of that chom sky guy,sound like kommunism
- monospaced0
Got my polling location post card. Sweet! I was worried I didn't re-register with my new address, but it seems they found me anyway.
- you need to bring photo I.D. with correct address if this is 1st time voting in new location.74LEO
- link please?monospaced
- cannonball19780
Nope. Didn't vote. The electoral college is a sham that determines who wins the liar contest.
- Are you lying when you say you don't care who wins?CyBrainX
- HijoDMaite0
For all the California voters that are still not informed on the Propositions, here are some descriptions from both sides of the political spectrum:
The first is from a good friend, mentor and Pulitzer prize winning economy journalist here in San Diego.
(Democrat Liberal)
For anyone who's interested, here are my recommendations on the ballot propositions in California (borrowed, with some amendments, from FB friend Douglas Saunders):
YES on Prop 30: More funding for schools and colleges
Helps bridge the gap for the state's bleeding school system with a TEMPORARY tax on the richest Californians, plus a TEMPORARY 0.25 percent raise in the sales tax.NO on Prop 31 (but I sympathize with the yes side): State Budget Process
Prop 31 would introduce a two-year budget cycle, place limits on the state legislature's ability to tax and spend, and give local government greater control over public programs. Those are mostly good goals, and I think that at some point down the road it would be nice to adopt them. But I don't think we're ready for them right now and that they might worsen our current situation rather than improve it. (Bottom line: We need to get our act together better before implementing this).NO on Prop 32: Political Contributions
Prop 32 is a very one-sided measure that would quash VOLUNTARY contributions from union members while letting corporations continue to donate tens of millions of dollars to candidates.NO on Prop 33: Auto Insurance Rates
Prop 33 would allow insurance companies to offer a "continuous coverage" discount to new customers who already have coverage elsewhere.YES on Prop 34: Death Penalty Repeal
I've always had mixed feelings about the death penalty. But especially in light of the innocent people who have gone to Death Row, I don't think we can afford to take that risk. Besides, I think in many ways that life with zero possibility of parole is a tougher penalty than death.NO on Prop 35: Human Trafficking/Sex Offender
Prop 35 would introduce much stiffer penalties for convicted sex and labor traffickers - a noble goal - but in my opinion it goes way too far and could brand people for a lifetime for making a one-time mistake. Theoretically, it could even brand/affect their innocent relatives as well.YES on Prop 36: Three Strikes Law
Prop 36 would amend California's Three Strikes Law to shorten the sentencing for some nonviolent offenders.YES on Prop 37: Genetically Modified Foods
Supporters want to label food that contains genetically engineered material to give consumers more knowledge and choices about what they eat.NO on Prop 38 (unless you're voting yes on BOTH 30 and 38: School Tax Proposal
Prop 38 would raise the income tax rate on most Californians to help pay for schools and pay down the state's hefty education bond debt. I think some of its backers hope it will split the vote with Prop 30 so both will fail. I hope they're proven wrong.YES on Prop 39: Multistate Business Tax
Prop 39 would change the way multistate businesses pay taxes in California. The increased revenues would benefit schools and help pay for clean energy retrofitting and alternative energy programs in California.YES! Prop 40: Redistricting
Prop 40 is a referendum on California's newly redrawn state Senate districts, but the original proponents are no longer seeking to reject them.The other side is from two of the most successful radio talk show hosts in the country, it's a local show in Los Angeles, they are the only local show with over a million listeners. These guys are loud and obnoxious at times, but to their credit they don't jump on any party platform. They thrash a politician no matter which party he is with. Their investigative journalism is top notch and they care strictly about the issues.
(Fiscal Conservatives)
Proposition 30: VOTE NO
Increases personal income tax on annual earnings over $250,000 for seven years. Increases sales and use tax by ¼ cent for four years. Allocates temporary tax revenues 89 percent to K-12 schools and 11 percent to community colleges.
John and Ken say: NO, NO, a thousand times NO. With the highest tax rates in many key categories, raising the sales tax and income taxes in a weak economy is exactly the WRONG thing to do. And it’s been proven that relying on income taxes from the “rich” is a budget recipe for disaster. Plus, holding the “kid’s education” hostage must not be rewarded. If you only vote on one proposition this year, make sure it’s “NO” on Proposition 30.Proposition 31: VOTE NO
Establishes two-year state budget cycle. Prohibits Legislature from creating expenditures of more than $25 million unless offsetting revenues or spending cuts are identified. Permits Governor to cut budget unilaterally during declared fiscal emergencies if Legislature fails to act.John and Ken say: This oddity is packed with dense language, probably meant to disguise its true intent. It’s a battle between state and local governments over a pile of tax money and the budgeting process. When in doubt, throw it out.
Proposition 32: VOTE YES
Restricts union political fundraising by prohibiting use of payroll-deducted funds for political purposes. Same use restriction would apply to payroll deductions, if any, by corporations or government contractors. Permits voluntary employee contributions to employer or union committees if authorized yearly, in writing. Prohibits unions and corporations from contributing directly or indirectly to candidates and candidate-controlled committees.
John and Ken say: If you are going to vote on only two propositions this year, this should be the other one you vote on and it’s a resounding “YES.” It could very well destroy the stranglehold public employee unions have on Sacramento politicians, and everywhere else in the state for that matter. Union members should have a say on how their money is spent, especially if it’s for oils and lotions for political hacks’ messages.
Proposition 33: VOTE YES
Changes current law to permit insurance companies to set prices based on whether the driver previously carried auto insurance with any insurance company. Allows insurance companies to give proportional discounts to drivers with some prior insurance coverage. Will allow insurance companies to increase cost of insurance to drivers who have not maintained continuous coverage.
John and Ken say: You should be able to be eligible for continuous coverage discounts even if you switch companies.
Proposition 34: VOTE NO
Repeals death penalty as maximum punishment for persons found guilty of murder and replaces it with life imprisonment without possibility of parole. Applies retroactively to persons already sentenced to death. Requires persons found guilty of murder to work while in prison, with their wages to be applied to any victim restitution fines or orders against them.
John and Ken say: We need to shorten the appeals process which leads to all the money spent on the whole death penalty system. Don’t be fooled by the argument that sentencing someone to death causes big taxpayer bills.
Proposition 35: VOTE YES
Increases criminal penalties for human trafficking, including prison sentences up to 15-years-to-life and fines up to $1,500,000. Fines collected to be used for victim services and law enforcement. Requires person convicted of trafficking to register as sex offender.
John and Ken say: This might be a solution in search of a bigger problem, but we are not usually against more penalties for crimes.
Proposition 36: VOTE NO
Revises three strikes law to impose life sentence only when new felony conviction is serious or violent. Authorizes re-sentencing for offenders currently serving life sentences if third strike conviction was not serious or violent and judge determines sentence does not pose unreasonable risk to public safety.
John and Ken say: The 3 Strikes Law works fine. It has to be a factor in lowered crime rates. This idea that the third strike has to be a serious or violent one will cost lives, or at the least, serious injury. Period.
Proposition 37: VOTE NO
Requires labeling on raw or processed food offered for sale to consumers if made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in specified ways. Prohibits labeling or advertising such food as “natural.”
John and Ken say: Another silly labeling law. Genetically engineered food is not scary, it’s advanced technology. This one could result in more lawsuits and higher food prices.
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Proposition 38: VOTE NO
Increases personal income tax rates for annual earnings over $7,316 using sliding scale from 0.4% for lowest individual earners to 2.2% for individuals earning over $2.5 million, ending after twelve years. During first four years, 60% of revenues go to K-12 schools, 30% to repaying state debt, and 10% to early childhood programs. Thereafter, allocates 85% of revenues to K-12 schools, 15% to early childhood programs.John and Ken say: It’s the other individual tax grab, the one by Molly Munger. The money might actually go to the schools, but everyone will see their income tax bills go up.
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Proposition 39: VOTE NO
Requires multistate businesses to calculate their California income tax liability based on the percentage of their sales in California. Repeals existing law giving multistate businesses an option to choose a tax liability formula that provides favorable tax treatment for businesses with property and payroll outside California.
John and Ken say: Now it’s a tax grab from business. With one of the worst business climates in the nation, why give California businesses another reason to leave?
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Proposition 40: VOTE YES
State Senate districts are revised every ten years following the federal census. This year, the voter-approved California Citizens Redistricting Commission revised the boundaries of the 40 Senate districts. This referendum petition, if signed by the required number of registered voters and filed with the Secretary of State, will: (1) Place the revised State Senate boundaries on the ballot and prevent them from taking effect unless approved by the voters at the next statewide election; and (2) Require court-appointed officials to set interim boundaries for use in the next statewide election.
John and Ken say: This is about the new voting districts for the California State Senate. It remains to be seen whether the “Citizen Redistricting Commission” really worked or was just another scam. A “YES” vote is to keep the Senate districts as the commission drew them up. The proponents of this initiative (the “NO” side) actually gave up already.
- 74LEO0
DON'T FORGET:
All states need to bring photo I.D. with correct address if this is 1st time voting in new location.Also check if your state voted YES to voter ID required to vote.
- That is largely untrue. Here are the state requirements. http://www.ncsl.org/…CyBrainX
- yurimon0
We are so fck'd either way. 2 puppets and a nation of idiots. perfect formula for an orgy. The kind where you are an unwilling participant and a bunch of bureaucrats, uniform police form a line to take turns on your az. You pretend you are not here to cope with incident.
metaphorically speaking.. lol
- monospaced0
@74LEO
I use a passport as my ID right now since my state ID expired awhile back and I don't drive (hence, not going to DMV). The passport has no address. Does this mean I can't vote in NYC? I can easily prove I live at the new address, so I can't imagine it'd be a problem. What do you think?
- if you cant vote it a perfect formula for a law suit. which probably is going to be common in most states.yurimon
- thanks for not helping yurimonmonospaced
- bring a coned bill or other utility bills just incase and other forms of id just incase.yurimon
- yeah, that's what I meant by "I can easily prove I live a the new address"monospaced
- you should be ok but $13.50 check or money order get a picture ID if you can.74LEO
- the north east votes will take a while to calculate because of Sandy. do you have your voter card?74LEO
- ID from where? Not time for that, dude. Voter card? I don't even know what that is.monospaced
- monospaced0
@yurimon
Where do you live?- NYCyurimon
- What neighborhood?monospaced
- You coming to visit? give me your address :-)yurimon
- I live near 95th and 1st. What neighborhood are you in? I didn't ask for your address.monospaced
- I was playing I am in brooklyn temporarily. bensonhusrt.yurimon
- that would be a shamalayanesque twist if your were neighborsGeorgesII
- I'm still curious as to what neighborhood you live in in NYC. No interest in where you're temporarily staying.monospaced
- chossy0
Voting in America is absurd!
It seems like whoever came up with the system that is in place today is being deliberately obtuse!
- agreedmonospaced
- although those people are no longer aroundmonospaced
- yurimon0
Voting was reserved for property owners at first...
Its a system still based on mistrust for the common person.
It wasn't till much later other people were included in the process.The electoral college i think is an issue in the sense of not allowing anyone out of the 2 party dictatorship. Founding fathers always had an issue with the voting system and were not happy with it. It was right after it was our system was instituted another system I forgot what country was based on popular vote and % party vote. that seemed more favorable after the fact.
- We have a multi-party parliament in Canada and do things a little different... still broken.ETM
- TheBlueOne0
"The electoral college i think is an issue in the sense of not allowing anyone out of the 2 party dictatorship. Founding fathers always had an issue with the voting system and were not happy with it."
The electoral college and many other of those weird structural concessions revolved around the notions of slavery. It was the only way to unite the aristocratic, slave/agrarian based minority elites in the South with the middle class artisan & finance culture of the North.
We had a war about it in fact. We got rid of slavery, but the structural bits that allowed a minority land based aristocracy to wield equal political weight as more populous states stuck around and we're still paying the price. The tools to allow a monied elite to control & influence government beyond it's actual punching weight are mostly structural artifacts from the poisoned compromise over slavery.
- marychain0
I'll be voting tomorrow morning. Waiting in early voting lines on Saturday to vote for either of these two rather than spending the day with my 13th month old son at the park sounded like an awful idea
- yurimon0
I see what your saying. No one thought that slaves where going to vote. also keep in mind slavery was dying in american until the invention of the cotton gin.
I agree it was an elitist safe guard but not so much because of the south.
I disagree about slavery in the fact that it was a war to get rid of it.
Lincoln was a rasict and probably the most tyrannical president. he specifically made speeches and wanted to deport slaves back to africa. He said he didnt care for slaves.I disagree on certain aspects of the civil war because it brought about a more centralized federal government and the federal citizen. in its amendments.
- monospaced0
@74LEO
$13.50 for picture ID? Voter card? What are you talking about?- did you get voter registration card with location to vote?74LEO
- nope, just a post card in my mailboxmonospaced
- is that the smae thing?monospaced
- do you know where to vote and have you voted there before?74LEO
- Yes, dude! The card says where my polling location is (that's the point). I've never voted there though.monospaced
- 74LEO0
@mono
Even though you got your new poling location card you need to bring photo ID since it is your first time voting in a new location. Call your political affiliation to be sure.This pretty much explains it:
I'm in Philly.
http://www.votespa.com/portal/se…
- monospaced0
Voting identification rules in NYC: Not as bad as I thought.
"New York does not require properly registered voters to show ID when they vote in person.
When it is your turn to vote, an election official will ask you for your full name and address, and then will announce your name and residence. You will also be asked to sign your name on the back of your registration poll record. Two poll officials will then compare that signature with the signature on the registration poll record to ensure that the person attempting to vote is the same as the person registered. If the signatures match, you will be permitted to vote.
If you did not provide identification with your voter registration form, you will be asked for it the first time you vote. Forms of "current and valid identification" include but are not limited to:A driver's license or department of motor vehicles non-driver photo ID card or other current and valid photo identification; A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.
If you do not have any of these forms of ID, then you can only vote by affidavit ballot (unless a court order provides otherwise)."
- 74LEO0
Why Get an ID Card?
What if you need to show an ID, but you don't drive and don't need a license (or your license has been revoked)? Fortunately, you don't need to jump through the hoops of getting a driver license just to prove your age or identity.You can get a New York non-driver photo ID card for between $10 and $14 without taking any tests, and you don't need an appointment. Use the ID to:
Cash a check
Apply for a job
Open a bank account
Get an apartment
Apply for college
Board an airplane
- autoflavour0
i tried to vote.. but Sarah Palin isnt running this time..
also.. "apparently" you have to US citizen..pfffft..
AMERICA.. WORLD POLICE..
- im glad cunts like you arent american :)74LEO
- im glad too..autoflavour