[SierraWasp]

With the historic exception of Proposition 13 in 1978, the initiative, referrendum and recall direct democracy processes in CA that were started by Governor Hiram Johnson, whom stupid Schwartzenegger thinks he's emulating, has turned into nothing but a tool for political consultants, cowardly politicians and leftist candidates to run in parallel with their speculative campaigns.

In other words, the whole process has become fouled and abused in CA!!! It says:"CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC" right on our state flag, yet this over-worked process is trying to change our state into a "direct democracy" that resembles "mob rule!" (agressive unions and communutty organizers come to mind)

It's what's feeding "group-think" in our politics and completely favors "special interest groups" which it was originally designed to "tamp down!"

[calcowgirl]

turned into nothing but a tool for political consultants, cowardly politicians and leftist candidates to run in parallel with their speculative campaigns.

I would add "wealthy individuals pushing programs that result in their personal enrichment" (Think Prop 71, Stem Cell Research)

I agree with you about mob rule. I especially like Zap's suggestion:

I would like to see changes in the initiative process so that any proposition
(including bond spending) that imposed taxes or mandated spending requires
a 2/3 majority for approval, the same requirement as on the legislature. Right now
voters can increase taxes or mandate spending with a simple majority.

[fifedom]

“yet this over-worked process is trying to change our state into a “direct democracy” that resembles “mob rule!”

So, what do you think about Proposition 8? Is that mob rule?