How I'm Voting and Why You Should

I have spent more time researching propositions and presidential candidates this election than any other. The presidential election feels like a monumental one, with the entire direction of our country to be decided, the way we will all go, resting on a mark on a piece of paper. Everything from green energy, to abortion, gay marriage, victim's rights and transportation will all decided by us (in California, anyway) this year. Some of these decisions were harder than others, some were easy. It seems this election, they are all important.

At the end of my opinion I have posted statements from both sides of each proposition. Remember, the devil is always in the details, so read the entire voter packet, including the actual language of the proposition proposed. This is true in California or in which ever state you live.

No excuses will be accepted for non-voters. VOTE! It is your responsibility and your right.

President: Barack Obama

I am not a toe-the-line Democrat. I vote for the best person, every time. In the 2,000 primary elections, I voted for McCain (strategic, but a vote none the less) and I did not vote for Obama in the primary election. Even with my history, I am voting for Barack Obama.

Barack Obama seems to be the best choice to truly change the direction America is going. Obama's presence gives me hope, rekindling a wick I thought had burned out long ago. We need his temperament, intelligence, big picture values, and optimism to find our way out of this economic and political mess. I actually have reservations about Obama because of his vote on FISA, but my only hope this election is to take a little bit of a leap of political faith and believe in a candidate that sparks me up a little.

McCain had a shot with me until he nominated Palin, showing us that he will bow down to the religious conservatives if it gets him what he wants. The door shut and locked, never to be opened again.

This is the first time since I have been old enough to vote that I have not voted against someone, but I am casting a vote in favor of a person, a vision and hope.

Proposition 1A - Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act: Yes

High Speed Train in California is absolutely necessary for California to catch up to the world in public transportation. Getting to LA in four hours would be great for businesses in both directions and ease some traffic.

Additionally, as California does, the rest of the country does and we have to take the reins on trains. When we make a high speed train and prove it works, the rest of the country will follow. They always do.

Proposition 2 - Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act: Yes

I am a meat-atarian but I believe we should treat animals humanely until we slaughter them. I am willing to pay more for eggs, pork, beef and chicken to ensure we treat animals in a way that reflects how good we should be.

Proposition 3 - Children's Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program: Yes

I like children's hospitals.

Proposition 4 - Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy: No

I know what could happen to a young woman unable to get a legal abortion. Please, be decent and consider that not all girls can talk to their family without risking more than pregnancy. This is the third time we will vote on this same topic, get mad and make this a landslide no to prevent this from showing up again.

Proposition 5 - Nonviolent Drug Offenses. Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation: Yes

We need to do more to treat drug offenders so when they leave prison, we are safer. It pisses me off that we spend so much time enforcing petty crime, so much money making those who start off non-violently into monsters in prison. We can do more with that money, the money we need to pay for other programs.

Proposition 6 - Police and Law Enforcement Funding. Criminal Penalties and Laws: No

Every year the police have to fight for funding, just like social workers, fire fighters and teachers. We should not set aside money for them at the expense of other programs. We should be doing what we can to lower prison populations, not increase them as Prop 6 would also do.

Proposition 7 - Renewable Energy Generation: No

I think the writers of this bill actually wanted to do something to encourage California to assume leadership in the alternative energy movement but this legislation is so poorly written, it could cause big problems. Right idea, wrong execution.

Proposition 8 - Bigotry Against Gay People Act (Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry) Constitutional Amendment: No

I am not a bigot. Gay people deserve the same rights as anyone else. This will be the topic that our generation will have to explain to future generations and no explanation we give will make sense. Shame on anyone who votes for Proposition 8. If you vote for Proposition Eight, you are a bigot.

Proposition 9 - Criminal Justice System. Victims' Rights. Parole: No

This was the hardest for me to decide. It would mandate victims to be notified when their attacker is let out of jail or prison, which I totally agree with because my mother's husband has violated every single restraining order ever issued against him. There are other provisions that could violate the rights of people on trial and increase the cost of housing criminals or would keep them in jail for extended periods of time. This needs to be rewritten to only cover the notification, then it would get my vote.

Proposition 10 - Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy. Bonds: No

We might feel good voting for this but it doesn't do anything to solve energy problems. We'd be better off funding research, not T-Bone Pickens.

Proposition 11 - Redistricting Reform: California Voters FIRST Act: No

It pisses me off that these redistricting plans all seem to think our vote is predetermined and the only way to get people out of office is to draw the districts differently. We are voting for who we want, not for who you say we should want. Additionally, even if redistricting would be useful, the process here doesn't make too much sense. Rewrite it and come back with a better argument and I might vote for it. This is especially frustrating because we already voted on this in a special election and said NO!

Proposition 12 - Veterans Home and Farm Bonds: Yes

We have been doing these bonds for nearly eighty years and they have not cost California anything. Helping people at no cost to us? Tried and proven? Sounds like a plan to me. (Why don't we do that for everyone?)

Measure Q - Light Rail in Sonoma and Marin Counties: Yes

Imagine spending your last hour of work on the train, on your way home or just relax. No traffic, no hassles, no stopping for gas, no road rage. Just knitting, napping, working, reading or chatting. See concerts and not worry about parking. Stress-free shopping. Avoid city driving. It also has a good chance of getting uninsured motorists off the streets. No one is saying you can't drive, light rail just gives you a choice and that is freedom.

We like to brag about how progressive we are, how much we care for the environment and how we "get it" more than the rest of the country. We have the chance to prove it by showing how progressive we really are and voting for light rail.

I promise, if you like my reviews, if you vote for light rail, there will be more reviews, more often because I'll be able to get there more easily.

Please, do not just follow my recommendations without consideration. Read your voter packet, check what groups you respect say, and make up your own mind. This election is too important for sheepish votes.

Proposition 1A - Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act:

Proposition 2 - Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act:

Proposition 3 - Children's Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program:

Proposition 4 - Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy:

Proposition 5 - Nonviolent Drug Offenses. Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation:

Proposition 6 - Police and Law Enforcement Funding. Criminal Penalties and Laws:

Proposition 7 - Renewable Energy Generation:

Proposition 8 - Bigotry Against Gay People Act (Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry) Constitutional Amendment:

Proposition 9 - Criminal Justice System. Victims' Rights. Parole:

Proposition 10 - Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy. Bonds:

Proposition 11 - Redistricting Reform: California Voters FIRST Act:

Proposition 12 - Veterans Home and Farm Bonds:

Measure Q - Light Rail in Sonoma and Marin Counties: