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CAL Republicans planning November hijack?

by Save Freedom @ yahoo groups.com (sfBarea [at] yahoogroups.com)
Will California Republicans let same-sex marriage bill pass thru our state legislature -- only to put it on the November 2004 ballot, in order to motivate Republican voters?
Never assume our opponents are too dumb to play skillfully.
Dear allies and fellow queers,

Beware of Republicans crooning lullabies.
Let's not get conned by the seeming passivity of state senator Pete Knight.

Even without Knight, California still has enough right-wingers to hijack and weaponize our proposed Marriage License Non-Discrimination Act, by staging a November referendum.

Here's how: Suppose the bill passes both Democrat-controlled houses of our state legislature, and lands on the Governator's desk. Arnie then has three options: (1) veto it; (2) sign it; or (3) do neither, thus allowing it to become law without his signature.

The first option may go against his own libertarian philosophy; and certainly will anger many moderate, liberal, and queer voters. The second option will anger many fascist, conservative, and moderate voters.

The third option looks neutral, thus angering very few voters. Especially if he also says, "This important issue should be decided by the people directly, at the ballot box -- not by the professional politicians and lobbyists in Sacramento. I will circulate a referendum petition, so that the people themselves can vote Yes or No on this gay-marriage law. Let every Californian be heard! Whatever the people decide, I will accept."

This approach would allow Arnie to look populist, majoritarian, moderate, objective, pragmatic, and even-handedly "fair". Very few voters (mainly ACLU members) understand the subtle differences between populist majoritarianism and true democracy.

[Technical note: California's referendum process, rarely used in recent years, differs from our initiative process. Referendum means that, after the legislature passes a law, it will be "referred" (submitted) to the voters. Initiative means that voters, by petition, "initiate" (propose) a brand-new law.]

But where's the payoff for the Republican Party?
How could a referendum help the GOP more than a veto would?

If Arnie vetoes the bill, this issue becomes less timely; and won't increase California voter turnout on November 2nd.
If same-sex marriage is on the ballot, it will motivate fundis and homophobes to show up at the polls, thus increasing the vote for Republican candidates. Sure, a referendum will also increase queer voter turnout, thus helping Democratic candidates; but Republicans know that fundis vastly outnumber queers. On balance, the referendum could tilt California turnout to the right, perhaps enough to defeat U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer.

In martial arts, clever players can turn an opponent's momentum to their advantage.
Let's not assume Republicans are too dumb to play skillfully. Remember how we under-estimated Bush.

In politics, as in comedy, timing can be vital.


Freedom till death!
Tortuga Bi LIBERTY
San Francisco, CA
Friday, 23 April 2004
http://pages.prodigy.net/seniornude
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SaveFreedom


P.S. Meanwhile.......


APRIL 2004:

PENNSYLVANIA: Philadelphia, April 26- May 2: Equality Forum. [http://www.equalityforum.com ]

CAL: Berkeley: (late April?) : birthday party for People's Park. Top-optional; perhaps clothing-optional.
Get equality and peace symbols painted on your bare skin?
......................

MAY 2004:

CAL: San Francisco: (?) Sunday, 2 May (start time: 10am): Speedway Meadow, in Golden Gate Park. "Running to the Altar" --
5K run/walk fundraiser for marriage equality?
For more information on how to participate, please go to:
http://marriageequalityca.org/running.php

CAL: May 2: SF, Cable 29: "Outlook" [queer news], first Sunday, 5pm.

USA: May 16, Sunday night: Hold a "house party" to
show support for the Massachusetts Marry-In.

USA: May 17, Monday: "National Day of Solidarity Actions" for equal marriage rights,
and against discrimination, bigotry, and racism.
Details at EMS (http://www.equalMarriageSolidarity.org).

NEW YORK, upstate: circa May 17: New Paltz, Ulster County
(in the Hudson Valley):
Defense lawyer for two Unitarian ministers may file motion to dismiss misdemeanor charges of solemnizing marriages without licenses.

MASS.: circa May 17-18: Massachusetts MARRY-IN begins?
[unless Gov. Mitt Romney interferes?]

CAL: SF: ( __ May) : Bay to Breakers:
Same-sex couples could wear wedding costumes?

OREGON: May 18, Tuesday: primary election:
including Bruce Broussard, anti-marriage bigot.

OREGON: Seattle (Multnomah County): May 20: Judge Bearden's April 20 order could go into effect today;
unless blocked by a higher court.
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dave id
Fri, Apr 23, 2004 10:04AM
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