We Need Some Ballot Referenda Of Our Own

[ruggerson]

So the Rove plan for '08 to draw the bigots out of their caves and into the polling booths is to have referenda in most southern states that would ban adoption by gay couples.

My question is, where are OUR ideas for referenda which will draw LIBERAL voters out in droves?

Why not a referendum in multiple states that would bar state legislatures from enacting legislation interfering with a family doctor's medical decisions for a dying member?

Why not a referendum in multiple states that would ban state legislatures from barring abortion in the first and second trimester?

Your. Idea. Here.

[ulysses]

1. they hate with greater simiplicity than we do

so it's easier for them. We need a different tool.

[ruggerson]

2. We can play the same game

and if we insist we're "above" playing turn out the vote politics, we will continue to lose.

[ulysses]

3. I'm not saying we should try to be above that.

I think we need to play "turn out the vote politics", absolutely.

I just think referenda lend themselves more to "us versus (insert racial or socioeconomic group)" politics, which doesn't help us.

[ruggerson]

4. Referenda play to wedge issues

And there are plenty of wedge issues which benefit our side. Teri Schiavo for example. Why can't we have medical privacy referendum?

The right to die one in Oregon a couple of years ago turned out progressive voters in droves.

Medical marijuana is another. I think the numbers are something like 65-35 in our favor on that.

[ulysses]

5. fair point.

I'll just say that we need to get better at playing wedge issues that wedge the opposition and not each other, then. :)

[TayTay]

6. What about the referendums to raise the minimum wage?

I thought those were scheduled to be on the ballot in quite a few states this fall.

[dusty64]

7. I have been wondering

the same thing and this is a GREAT idea. Who the hell are these Dem strategists that make this big money, they are idiots or moles.

[ruggerson]

8. That's what I wonder

I mentioned the medical right to privacy one to my state rep a couple of months ago and his response was to stare at me for a few seconds and then say, wow that's a great idea, I wonder why no one's done it.

Shouldn't our leaders in Washington be generating and organizing this stuff? I mean, it doesn't take a fucking rocket scientist.

[Orangepeel]

9. health care and/or minimum wage issues (n/t)