How I Intend to Vote: The Constitutional Amendment Propositions

It's a long ballot so we'll do this in parts. These are my views only and don't even necessarily represent Marily's...but she still loves me anyway! :) And do I have to disclose that these are not endorsed by any candidate? At least I approve of this message. If you have any insights to share please leave a comment!

I'm sure most ya'll already know that the propositions in the 100's are constitutional amendments, the 200's are statutes placed on the ballot via the initiative process, and the 300's are referendum statutes (referred from the legislators to the voters for approval).

Proposition 100: Tax on Real Estate Sales
No.
Arizona does not have a sales tax on sales of homes so Prop 100 wouldn't actually change things as they currently stand. It would prevent the legislature, voters, or judges from imposing one in the future. Although I'm not in favor of a real estate sales tax I'm voting "no" on Prop 100 because I think we need to totally re-do our tax system and Prop 100 would limit our options in the future.

For example, there have been a number of ideas put forth that would do away with our current income tax system and replace it with, say, a consumption (sales) tax. If we were to totally reform our tax system, Prop 100 could get in the way.

Proposition 101: Health Care Choice
Yes.
This amendment simply states that you should always have the right to choose your own health care. Like, Prop 100 this is a preventative measure that does not change the way things are right now. But it really upsets those who like the Socialist idea of universal health care.

Opponents of Prop 101 give themselves away by saying in the publicity pamphlet that they oppose the measure because it would prohibit "a government backed universal health care plan". Another group by the name of Arizona Coalition for a State and National Health Plan opposes Prop 101. Why? Well clearly they want "a State and National Health Plan" where bureaucrats call the shots, whereas most folks would rather make their own choices.

To get info on how the governor is using illegal tactics to campaign against Prop 101 check this out.

Proposition 102: The Marriage Amendment
YES, YES, YES!
If you don't know how this will affect you watch this video produced by the California Marriage Amendment campaign, and this one that Marily posted earlier. Marily and I wrote about the Wirthlins' experience in our Publicity Pamphlet article.

I think it says a lot to consider how many opponents are resorting to theft, violence, and harassment to silence those of us who want to protect marriage. Most of us have already had our Yes on 102 yard signs stolen at least once or know friends who have been victims of theft. The "sign guy" at the campaign office (I don't know his official title but that's what we call him) says that they can't keep up with repairing or replacing the large signs that are being vandalized and stolen. If you were in California you might take a punch to the face for defending marriage; "Jose Nunez, 37, was brutally assaulted while waiting to distribute yard signs to other supporters of the initiative after church services at the St. Stanislaus Parish in Modesto."

Proposition 105: Majority Rules
Unsure.
Prop 105 makes it very difficult, almost impossible, to raise taxes in Arizona through a ballot proposition. That's a good thing, especially because businesses and other special interests have learned that it's often easier and cheaper to convince voters to give them tax money than to convince politicians to do so.

Consider Janet's T.I.M.E initiative that failed to get on the ballot this year. It would have raised sales taxes and then allowed the governor to hand pick favored contractors to do the special construction projects. Why didn't she do what most governors do and work with the legislature to pass a tax increase? Two reasons: 1) tax increases require a super majority of legislators; 2) experienced lawmakers would not likely be tricked into supporting something that allowed the governor to make sweetheart deals to her friends. But ordinary voters are easier to fool. Just put together some slick ads about how some proposition will be an economic engine, and pay for new fire stations, and provide pencils for school children and you've got a winning campaign.

Something that would make tax increases more difficult to pass--like Prop 105 does--would be very helpful in Arizona. My one concern is that the idea of counting a majority of all registered voters instead of a majority of those who actually vote would become accepted into other areas of legislation. In any case, I guarantee that you will annoy a lot of liberals in a big way if you vote "yes" on Prop 105.