CAMPAIGN 2005: San Francisco Measures - Voters to decide on banning guns, military recruitment

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 10/20/5 | Cecilia M. Vega

[SmithL]

From banning firearms and keeping firehouses open, to opposing military recruitment in public schools, San Francisco voters will decide on a variety of measures on election day that keep true to the spirit of San Francisco politics.

A coalition of anti-war groups placed Proposition I on the Nov. 8 ballot, which they say would make San Francisco the first city in the country to have a policy that opposes military recruiting in public schools.

Supporters hope to continue the momentum of last year's Proposition N, in which San Franciscans voted overwhelmingly to call on the U.S. government to withdraw all military personnel from Iraq.

"We see this as a way of ending the war," said Ragina Johnson, spokeswoman for College Not Combat. "If they don't have new recruits to join the military, ultimately in the long run they won't be able to continue the war."

Though the measure is largely symbolic and would not forbid recruiting, opponents say it ends the wrong message to young people.

"This measure would bring the erosion of respect for our military armed forces, and I don't want to entertain one change," said Gail Neira, president of the San Francisco Republican Alliance.

Another hot-button issue on the ballot, gun control, is sponsored by four members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Proposition H would make it illegal for city residents to possess handguns and would ban the manufacture, distribution, sale and transfer of firearms and ammunition within the city.

[SmithL]

Shooting themselves in the foot.

[GeorgiaDawg32]

I'm assuming the corollary to this measure is "if San Francisco is invaded by hostile forces, they will NOT call for military support to repulse the invaders"..

[edcoil]

San Fran has already been invaded - that is why they have all these anti-votes.

[.cnI redruM]

I just like cutting off their Federal funding and letting them try and support a municipal work force with their current cost of living.

[Puppage]

"If they don't have new recruits to join the military, ultimately in the long run they won't be able to continue the war."

Nor protect themselves from those that would kill you all & take over your country. Idiot.

[edcoil]

Also keep in mind that this is where the minority speaker of the house comes from and what the republicans always compremise with on every issue.

[Youngman442002]

A couple of good things to ponder....

they are a prime target in the war on terror...due to their open society.....kumbayah

who would want a bunch of decorators in the marines anyway

[Steve_Seattle]

What's the word on the likelihood of the handgun ban passing?

[Noachian]

"We see this as a way of ending the war," said Ragina Johnson, spokeswoman for College Not Combat. "If they don't have new recruits to join the military, ultimately in the long run they won't be able to continue the war."

Only a myopic liberal democrat would spout this kind of twisted logic.

[absolootezer0]

oh sure, no military recruiting allowed in schools but FLAG and GLAAD can have their own, permanant offices in the schools.

[Jack Black]

I believe, but am not entirely certain, that the anti-gun law is illegal under existing California law. That is the state has a no-local-preemtion ordinance.

There is also the little matter of the two interstate highways that run through the city: Hwy. 101 and Hwy. 80/280. Under this law I guess SF Cops could bust people driving throught their city with guns? Also concealed carry permits are statewide, I see no exception for CCW holders.

Basically I think it ensures SF will spend lots of money litigating and will probably lose.

I wouldn't care except for my 22 year old daughter lives there.