So, David says to Goliath, "Come here! I've got something for you."

[Emit]

Take heart, oh steadfast election reformers, they are not invincible! Not bad for a bunch of stoners. :smoke:


http://www.mpp.org/releases/nr20050126.html

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The power of the initiative petition, when mixed with aggressive litigation, could drive meaningful election reform, regardless of the dynamics of national politics or the extent of infestation in the state houses. Where the initiative option is available, it should be used as a tool of democracy.

...and here is David kicking ass and, literally, taking names...Read the story of this little but effective group taking on the criminal dealings of Nevada's Secretary of State and his big balls....

http://regulatemarijuana.org/home/

[skids]

1. Politicians hate petitions.

I'm not surprized by their actions. Even here in oh-so-blue MA, the legislature really hates it when the voters decide something by referendum. In fact, they have completely defied some referendum in the past.

Moreover, medical marijuana, and even some downright broadbased decriminalization measures, have been winning local "advisory" referendum here over the last six years in district after district after district. These aren't legally binding, but they do take any excuse away from the legislators that their "local constituents would crucify" them if they supported such measures. Aside from a few of the better congresscritters standing up and helping bills along, and a few private, "yeah, I'm with you personally"'s from several, the support we've seen has been abysmal so far.

So much for "we want to hear from our constituents". Not if they say something that they don't want to hear, I guess.