Why democracy is dumb

[averygoodun42]

Or: Why the masses get what they deserve...

"Only 46 percent of voters realized that the amendment would ban civil unions for gay couples as well as marriage, according to a Public Policy Polling poll. A majority of North Carolina voters support civil unions."

Comments

[bonsaibetz.livejournal.com]

And the way Prop. 8 was worded and sold in California before the election few years back, people didn't know if voting for Prop. 8 would be to ban or legalize gay marriage. I think they intentionally word these ballot measures in order to trick people into voting for something they are against.

[averygoodun.livejournal.com]

Just like Amendment 2 in Colorado, a decade before. Although, I think that with prop 8, it was as much a matter of who came out to vote as the wording. Though the vague wording probably encouraged the turnout...

[evieeros.livejournal.com]

Same thing happened in Michigan--I was so happy I had read the bill ahead of time it was something about "I don't not, not vote against the ban of the approval to not legalize of gay marriage." (Okay not quite that ridiculous but close!) Most of my friends who had wanted to vote FOR legalizing gay marriage accidentally voted the other way. And for everyone else, their church told them which way to vote. Argh!

Edit for icon.

[averygoodun.livejournal.com]

Yeah, my BIL accidentally voted for amendment 2 way back when and was really upset about it. The wording was like that double (or quadruple) negative, in legalese, and there wasn't a clear explanation out there (except for in the churches). Really scuzzy stuff.

[shiv5468.livejournal.com]

The big problem with democracy is other people getting the vote when they can't find their arse even with the aid of a map

[averygoodun.livejournal.com]

Exactly.

[satismagic.livejournal.com]

*words fail*
:(

[averygoodun.livejournal.com]

Don't they though? There are now two things on my "better make a ruckus about after the general election" list (assuming Obama gets reelected): the repeal of the provision allowing the indefinite detention without a trial of ANYONE, but especially citizens, and a federal act granting gay marriage (or even civil unions, but might as well start big and compromise down) a nationwide legal status.

[littleone-17.livejournal.com]

I work in the LGBTQ community in WA State. With the high probability of the recent legislation legalizing marriage equality (ME) coming up for a vote this November, we've been watching what's happening in other states very closely. Additionally my cousin, her partner, and their son, live in N. Carolina. So, the results of the voting were especially sad to us.
It's very confusing here in WA because when you vote in Nov. you vote to either approve Ref. 74 or reject Ref. 74. People are confused about which way they should vote and so most of what the pro-ME folks are doing right now is education.

[averygoodun.livejournal.com]

My regrets to your cousin and her family.

I wish people could wrap their heads around the fact that it really is a civil rights issue. And I wish the powers that be would recognize that winning by obfuscation is not really winning. It's just stalling.