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Initiative equalizer serves 'little guys'
Initiative equalizer serves 'little guys'
From both sides: Are initiatives overused? Isn't there a better way to govern?
Americans as a whole are not apathetic about voting. They simply feel powerless.
The philosophy behind a representative government assumes the people we elect
will represent our interests. For years now, we've watched in horror as a progression
of Democrats and Republicans have taken turns ransacking the treasury on behalf
of the powerful special interests that buy elections.
That's un-American and we all know it.
But in the true American spirit, the little guys are fighting back. We may
not be able to control our politicians but with the initiative process we can
force them to enact certain laws.
That's why so many Washington residents support Initiative 695, which repeals
the hated motor vehicle excise tax. The initiative is not perfect. Parts of
it are kind of scary. But the state would survive passage of the initiative.
Politicians and bureaucrats may even earn their pay figuring out how to cope
with it.
There are those who complain that it's too easy to get initiatives on the
ballot and that the process is being abused by people who don't get their way
when a particular issue is decided by their representatives.
But what are they afraid of? That the voters are too dumb to be trusted? Or
that the voters make decisions based on emotion rather than reason? The truth
is, most successful initiatives are a result of widespread frustration with
politicians who won't listen.
There's a perfect example of voter discontent brewing in Kootenai County.
County commissioners are considering approving a railroad refueling depot over
the aquifer despite overwhelming opposition from residents.
Railroad officials have made a wonderful case for the depot. It makes great
business sense and they've tried everything to convince residents it will be
safe. They're probably right.
Doesn't matter. The people flat-out don't want it and they're mad as hell
the commissioners seem likely to approve it anyway.
So what's a disenchanted electorate to do? Give up in frustration? No, they
take up petitions. They hit the streets and vow to take back their government.
America at the end of the 20th century is suffering more from political malfeasance
than voter apathy. And the little guys -- largely through the initiative process
-- are making a difference.
Ken Sands/For the editorial board's dissenters
