Referendums for nothing
James Widgerson wigs out in his first Waukesha Freeman column, over the idea that voters in some Wisconsin communities will have a chance to express themselves on the Iraq War in the April 4 election.
We're all for democracy in Iraq, of course. But if we asked the Iraqi people whether the US should withdraw its troops, 80% would say yes.
That's why we don't ask, except in public opinion polls.
Here, from the American Friends Service Committee, are 10 reasons why the U.S. must leave Iraq. Pay special attention to numbers 3 and 4.
posted by xoff @ 2:57 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Okay, what does any of that have to do with the wasting of time and tax dollars for local governments to have referendums on questions of foreign policy?
Unless you were just looking for an excuse to plug my column... Thanks!
It's not about getting local governments involved in foreign policy. It's about letting citizens express themselves. Elections for President and Congress are not a good measure; people's decisions in those races are multi-faceted.
I just don't understand: What could be wrong with asking the people what they think?
Isn't that what polling is for? Let's put it in reverse: should we ask Congress what they think of Mequon rejecting the school board's attempt to raise taxes?
What would be the point, other than making you feel better?
I got an idea, let's have a referendum on whether we should refer to you as Xoff, Christofferson, or McLiberal (I kinda like the last one). And then let's only ask Kenosha County, the Town of Milton, and the Village of Wales. What sense would it make? "But we're just letting voters express themselves."
There's a time and a place for everything. The time for people to do and say meaningless things just to feel good is on Oprah. Call her.
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