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 Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:19 pm
In the process of filling propositions. Post comments as you feel fit.
On November 8th, 2005, the state of California will hold a special election to decide several key issues. While the election itself is largely the work of one Arnold Schwarzenegger, it is the voters that will ultimately decide the fate of each proposition. This guide was created to inform those California Gaians on the current topics, so that they can make informed decisions.
As always, the proposition will be described, along with non-partisan pros and cons. Afterwards, a separate commentary will be provided by yours truly. Information has been provided by (i.e. stolen from) The League of Women Voters of California.
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:26 pm
Proposition 73: Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy
Should the California Constitution be amended to require notification of the parent or legal guardian of an unemancipated, pregnant minor at least 48 hours before performing an abortion on the minor?
Description: Amends California Constitution, defining and prohibiting abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor's parent/guardian, except in medical emergency or with parental waiver. Mandates reporting requirements. Authorizes monetary damages against physicians for violation.
Pros: Would limit/reduce the number of teenage abortions each year.
Cons: Would deter teenagers from having abortions after rape/incest.
Soleq's Commentary: The cons far outweight the pros on this proposition. For the state to take charge in notifying parents if their daughters are having abortions crosses the privacy line for me, and far exceeds it. The classic example of why this proposition shouldn't be passed is this: a teenage girl is raped by her abusive father and tries to seek an abortion. However, in order for the abortion to take place, the parents (i.e. abusive father) must be notified and give consent, or she must weight two days. Two days is an awfully long time for an abusive father to get back at an abused daughter. Vote NO
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:32 pm
Proposition 74: Public School Teachers. Waiting Period for Permanent Status. Dismissal.
Should the probationary period for public school teachers be increased from two to five years, and should the process by which school boards can dismiss a permanent certificated employee be modified?
Description: Increases probationary period for public school teachers from two to five years. Modifies the process by which school boards can dismiss a teaching employee who receives two consecutive unsatisfactory performance evaluations.
Pros: Would hold teachers accountable for a longer initiation period.
Cons: Would push new teachers away from the profession. (Would cause Soleq to not get tenure for another 4 years... cry )
Soleq's Commentary: This is another fine example of how politicians hope to pass the buck when it comes to education. Surely it isn't the political mandates that are causing education to suffer! Surely it isn't drastically reduced budgets! No, it's those damn teachers who work for two years then decide to slack off. Yup, that must be it. Solution? To raise the number of years from two to five. Yes, those teacher will learn their lesson! Hardly. The fact is, is that as a new teacher myself, I've worked 5 years getting to the point where I am today. I've worked hard, I'm dedicated to my students, and all I want it some protection saying that I don't have to worry about crazy parents trying to get me fired. Is that so much to ask for? Vote NO
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:34 pm
Proposition 75: Public Employee Union Dues. Restrictions on Political Contributions. Employee Consent Requirement.
Should public employee unions be required to obtain annual written consent from each member in order to use a portion of that member's dues for political activity?
Description: Prohibits using public employee union dues for political contributions without individual employees' prior consent. Excludes contributions benefitting charities or employees. Requires unions to maintain and, upon request, report member political contributions to Fair Political Practices Commission.
Pros: Provides a layer of protection for union members who do not fully support the union's political stances.
Cons: Creates different laws for labor unions. May be used to limit education's political influence.
Soleq's Commentary: This proposition is a snake in the grass. Even though I may not fully agree with CTA's (my labor union) actions at time, I fully support that my wages go to help the cause. I personally will be voting NO.
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:35 pm
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:37 pm
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:38 pm
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:39 pm
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:40 pm
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 7:40 pm
*blesses her fortune of living in Canada*
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Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 8:24 pm
Very informative topic, thanks. While I live in Minnesota, I'm always interested in issues throughout the rest of the country. heart
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Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 8:06 pm
Ah *is happy*. I am glad for this topic, because it pertains to where I live, and I get to vote.
What I am interested in is a little input on the perscription drug ones (78 and 79). Those things are confusing the hell out of me. Most of the others I know how I will likely end up voting.
I bet prop 73 passes, even though I think it's a bad idea. A lot of the people voting are parents after all, and abortion is a very touchy issue.
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Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 5:10 pm
Prop 73. Absolutely no. As I've said before, it's just another reason to prove ignorance in parenting. Parents should take care of their damn kids.
Prop 74. I don't know, I'd honestly say Yes to it, no offense Soleq. I don't like how the governator is all hyped up about it but I think there are a lot of bad teachers out there you know? I don't see why those bad teachers should get permanency in a job. Although, I don't really get the whole tenure issue because you can still fire teachers after that 2 year mark. Plus, 2 years just doesn't seem like enough. I don't know, that's just me. I've seen a lot of shitty teachers. I don't see why they should get more support for their job.
Prop 75. Don't know much about unions and I probably won't care until I work but from what I do know I would have to say that it's up to the unions and their unionees or whatever you want to call them (the people apart of the union) to decide on those matters. Shouldn't be something for the governor to decide or the law or whatever.
Prop 76. Just briefly looked it up again. Something about cutting school funding? Yeah, I don't really see how that could be a positive in any way really and if you ask me I think we should start sending a few people down South if this really has to be the case. Not naming names or pointing fingers (plus all the other unmentionable people).
Although, technically it doesn't matter because I can't vote anyway.
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Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 8:15 pm
ButterBalls Prop 73. Absolutely no. As I've said before, it's just another reason to prove ignorance in parenting. Parents should take care of their damn kids.
Prop 74. I don't know, I'd honestly say Yes to it, no offense Soleq. I don't like how the governator is all hyped up about it but I think there are a lot of bad teachers out there you know? I don't see why those bad teachers should get permanency in a job. Although, I don't really get the whole tenure issue because you can still fire teachers after that 2 year mark. Plus, 2 years just doesn't seem like enough. I don't know, that's just me. I've seen a lot of shitty teachers. I don't see why they should get more support for their job.
Prop 75. Don't know much about unions and I probably won't care until I work but from what I do know I would have to say that it's up to the unions and their unionees or whatever you want to call them (the people apart of the union) to decide on those matters. Shouldn't be something for the governor to decide or the law or whatever.
Prop 76. Just briefly looked it up again. Something about cutting school funding? Yeah, I don't really see how that could be a positive in any way really and if you ask me I think we should start sending a few people down South if this really has to be the case. Not naming names or pointing fingers (plus all the other unmentionable people).
Although, technically it doesn't matter because I can't vote anyway. In response to the thing about tenure, it is an issue because it is extremely difficult to fire a teacher after they reach that point, even if their students get shitty test scores. It can make sure the teacher keeps a job they don't necessarily deserve. Although I have to agree with Soleq and vote no on that issue. Yeah, there are some bad teachers out there, but there are plenty of good ones. And test scores are not completely the fault of the teacher. My mother is actually a teacher too, and you wouldn't believe how many parents come to the school whining, "OMG this 4th grade standard level work is too hard for my poor child! The stuff you teach is too hard." They fail to realize that their kid is reading at a second grade level, can't spell to save their life, and never learned the subtraction they should have mastered 2 years ago. And when you get to high school level, a lot of the time students don't care. My friend used to design pictures using the dots on the scantron for the standardized tests. How is that the teacher's fault? Not to mention that a portion of my high school barely spoke English, yet the entire test is English. I think the students need to be held accountable more. The teachers should have stricter standards in some areas, but they shouldn't take all the blame.
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Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 2:39 pm
AraTeran ButterBalls Prop 73. Absolutely no. As I've said before, it's just another reason to prove ignorance in parenting. Parents should take care of their damn kids.
Prop 74. I don't know, I'd honestly say Yes to it, no offense Soleq. I don't like how the governator is all hyped up about it but I think there are a lot of bad teachers out there you know? I don't see why those bad teachers should get permanency in a job. Although, I don't really get the whole tenure issue because you can still fire teachers after that 2 year mark. Plus, 2 years just doesn't seem like enough. I don't know, that's just me. I've seen a lot of shitty teachers. I don't see why they should get more support for their job.
Prop 75. Don't know much about unions and I probably won't care until I work but from what I do know I would have to say that it's up to the unions and their unionees or whatever you want to call them (the people apart of the union) to decide on those matters. Shouldn't be something for the governor to decide or the law or whatever.
Prop 76. Just briefly looked it up again. Something about cutting school funding? Yeah, I don't really see how that could be a positive in any way really and if you ask me I think we should start sending a few people down South if this really has to be the case. Not naming names or pointing fingers (plus all the other unmentionable people).
Although, technically it doesn't matter because I can't vote anyway. In response to the thing about tenure, it is an issue because it is extremely difficult to fire a teacher after they reach that point, even if their students get shitty test scores. It can make sure the teacher keeps a job they don't necessarily deserve. Although I have to agree with Soleq and vote no on that issue. Yeah, there are some bad teachers out there, but there are plenty of good ones. And test scores are not completely the fault of the teacher. My mother is actually a teacher too, and you wouldn't believe how many parents come to the school whining, "OMG this 4th grade standard level work is too hard for my poor child! The stuff you teach is too hard." They fail to realize that their kid is reading at a second grade level, can't spell to save their life, and never learned the subtraction they should have mastered 2 years ago. And when you get to high school level, a lot of the time students don't care. My friend used to design pictures using the dots on the scantron for the standardized tests. How is that the teacher's fault? Not to mention that a portion of my high school barely spoke English, yet the entire test is English. I think the students need to be held accountable more. The teachers should have stricter standards in some areas, but they shouldn't take all the blame.
Oh, I know first hand, I'm in High School right now. I still think there are bad teachers out there. I think the kids should be held accountable, obviously, because a lot of them are ********, literally. They'll laugh that they didn't do an assignment that's worth their whole grade.
Oh, now it kind of makes sense. Aren't teachers held accountable for F's in a class? Well, that would heavily influence my opinion. However, as a general statement I think five years is a better idea just because it's more time to get used to everything. I mean, some teachers are teachers for years, are they not? I would still say yes on 5 years but I wouldn't say anymore than that. Like, if there was another prop to put it up to 10 years I would vote no. Although, 5 years is kind of much.
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