If the bond plan had been proposed by a Democrat there is no doubt that 90% of FReepers and 70% of Republicans would have oppose it.
But because it was proposed by Republican Schwarzenegger, who is trying to avoid a tax increase, it pulls at Republicans to rally around him.
The last two polls showed about 42% of Republicans supporting it to 37% opposing it.
I'm sure a lot of the 42% supporting it have a lot of reservations about the plan, just as I am sure a lot of the 37% who say they oppose it feel bad about opposing Arnold's bond when they know the Democrats would have a worse prescription for us - TAX INCREASES.
What I really want is to make sure 56 loses, and then if 57/58 pass I won't be thrilled, but I won't be weeping either. But if 56 and 57 lose I'd be quite content. But then if that happens conservatives need to rally up and back Arnold up against the Democrats in opposing a tax increase.
It's a very very complicated chess game here which is why even though I voted NO on 57/58 I don't hold animosity towards Arnold. I believe he did the best deal he thought he could... I just wish he had tried a different track - beat up the Dems for not supporting the spending cap and building public pressure and demands for their to be CUTS to our bloated state budget.
So, no matter what happens, I won't be beating up the Gov. on this one. Now, if he supports Gil Cedillo's drivers' license for illegal alien bill (as he first said he would to the Sacramento Press Club which generated lots of media coverage of his support) I can't say the same. He made a campaign promise to repeal the drivers' license for illegals bill. And if we were all supposed to figure out that he meant 'but I'll support another one with a different bill number on it' well I'd find that disengenous of him. I'll wait to see what he finally decides... but I am hoping these rallies (and hopefully a Kaloogian win) will make him recalculate the politics of the situation. I was SO pleased with his rollback of the car tax and SB 60... I would like to get back to being pleased with him again :)
Don't do it. Your right about doing the right thing - vote NO on 56, 57 AND 58. READ 58 - it's not good.
The Cal Constitution has everything it needs - if the laws are followed. Remember that Arnold said he would use the line item veto? So do. The cuts MUST be made - otherwise, we're just Mexico's Welfare Wagon. Personally, I don't recall being told by my family that being born an American mean't that I owed Vicente Fox a thing. Ultimately, that's what this is about.
Just say No. Arnold will have to deal with it. Comes with the territory. He's trying to put through a political deal to avoid hard choices.
The last two polls showed about 42% of Republicans supporting it to 37% opposing it.
What polls were those?
The numbers sound more like the statewide polls... both Republicans AND Democrats.
I believe there is a STRONG majority of Republicans who oppose it... much more than 42%
Both initiatives have been endorsed by the Democratic Party, Barbara Boxer, Dianne Feinstein, the SEIU, CTA, etc.
What does that tell you?
I strongly oppose both initiatives.