so, whatcha all think about the con con?

[mopinko]

much as i would like to wave a magic wand and fix a couple things in our constitution, i am just a little leery of some of the folks who would actually be waving the wands on this one.


discuss.

[Radical Activist]

1. Vote yes.

The people writing it will be the people we vote for. Don't buy into the special interest scare tactics.

[mopinko]

2. i'm not buying into anything. i haven't really heard jack about it.

i came to that conclusion all by my little self.

i do understand the process. but i also know that the people who end up on the ballot are not going to be picked out of thin air.
i seriously do not know how i will vote.

[Radical Activist]

3. Its one of the main arguments

used by the corporate backed opposition front groups. The people on the ballot will be the ones who choose to run and I'm sure there will be many people interested who aren't part of the current system. This is the best and most likely chance and fundamental reform to change the system we have now. Special interests want things to stay the same because they have power in the current system and don't want to risk a change.

[mopinko]

4. well, it doesn't take a lot of research to come to the conclusion that

in illinois, large amounts of power can and do fall into the wrong hands. anywhere else, i guess.

if you have links to groups on either side, i would be interested to read them. but again, good people will no doubt run. but the connected will always have the advantage. and iirc, the last con con didn't produce the kind of changes that were hoped for.

i am open minded, just a little cynical.

[Radical Activist]

7. The current system benefits those with power and money.

Its designed for their benefit. That's why we need a new constitution. We have a much better chance at changing that system through a con-con than without one.

[mopinko]

8. that "system"

make the world go round, friend. it is the human animal. it is who we are. changing the rules will do nothing to change human nature.
the way to change "the system" is to get in it and win it.
do you have a local dfa? join it. no? start one. the one on the northside of chicago is working hard to elect progressives at every level, which is what you need to change the system. don't let either party have a monopoly on who gets on the ballot in the first place. actual contested primaries is where the rubber meets the road.

[Radical Activist]

9. In post four you thought

the system was so great that there's no point voting for a con-con because the people in power now will make sure nothing good happens. The fact that the two parties have a monopoly over who gets on the ballot is a legal issues in a system rigged for the special interests. We're playing a game rigged to benefit the other side and this is the chance to make a more level playing field.

[olkaz]

5. Against it.

I don't like who will be doing it. If there is a different way to implement a mechanism for recall, I'd support that.

[Radical Activist]

6. You don't like the voters?

All changes will be up for a vote by all citizens.

The only other way to get recall or other major reforms is to get the general assembly to vote to put it on the ballot. Fat chance.

[olkaz]

10. Nope, don't like the voters.

So, I don't know where that leaves me.

[Doug 1973]

11. Vote Yes

If anything it will bring up important issues and give some well needed attention to things like campaign finance reform, executive term limits, property tax reform, etc.

[terrya]

12. Is there any promises that the social conservatives won't swoop in?

And make mischief with such things as abortion and same-sex marriage?

[murielm99]

13. Where will we get the 78 million dollars that it may cost?

The current constitution can be amended.

[skorpo]

14. Retirees NO

One of the changes that the CON-CON will provide
is the TAXING ALL PENSIONS in the State of Illinois.

To all my retired friends and those that will retire in the future, get the word
out to vote NO!!!!! For those of us that get municipal pensions, our Social
Security is already cut, thank you Dan Rostenkowski. Do not let the State tax
our pensions.

Tell all your Illinois friends that on Nov. 4th vote NO to CON-CON.

Let's get the word out.

Thanks for you help.