Reading baexcell's journal

Well, Election Day has come and gone again. This year's elections show that our great country no longer support our President or his policies. The Democrats wanted this to be a referendum on Iraq and that is what they got. Hopefully, the American people are proud of their accomplishment. Many feel that Republicans have lost touch with the public since they took power in 1994, and I can't say I disagree. The difference is that I don't believe the Dems are in more in touch than the GOP.

One of the first acts as a result of the election is the resignation of Sec. of Defense Rumsfeld. This is something liberal leaders have been calling for for 2 years now. It appears they have gotten their wish. While I don't consider this an entirely bad move (as Rummy's policies have been less than perfect). I think it is unfortunate that our policies are being based on public opinion and not what is best for the country. I am sure that in the coming weeks, we will see many more major changes. In the end, I will not be surprised if another liberal wish comes to fruition. Iraq becoming another Vietnam. I am sure that one of Pelosi's first goals will be to get our troops out as soon as she can get congress to let her. As a result of this, when we look back at this war, we will see that it was lost due to the fact not that we were militarily outmatched, but instead because it was highly unpopular.

Now that my diatribe about the federal elections is over, I am moving on to the state and local level.

It would seem that I am not in touch with the views of Cowlitz county or Washington State. Out of all of the ballot measures I voted on yesterday, only 2 were in agreement with the majority, and one of those was because the 2nd person in the race dropped out for personal reasons. Washington residents should be aware of the fact that there were three major ballot initiatives we decided on yesterday. They were:

I-920: Abolishment of the Estate Tax,

I-933: A property-rights measure,

and,

I-937: An Initiative requiring the larger Utility Agencies in the state to use More Renewable Energy Sources.

As of now, 920 and 933, are failing and 937 is passing.

My votes on these issues and the reason behind these votes is as follows. I voted for I-920 because I consider estate taxes to be an unfair tax on the successful. I do not believe that because you have realized the American dream your family should have to pay extra taxes when you pass on. Those who disagree with me, please let me know why and mayhaps we can have a nice debate about it.

I voted against I-933, because we are already given compensation for property that the government takes from us via both the State and Federal Constitutions. I also voted against it due to the fact that it was retroactive 10 years and created a new bureaucracy to deal with the issues it caused.

I also voted against I-937. There were many flaws in this initiative, but the largest by far is the fact that hydroelectric dams were not considered viable renewable energy sources. That in itself was enough to cement my 'No' Vote. But I also voted no because I don't believe that Government interference is the most efficient way to have things accomplished.

That seems to be all for now, but I am far from finished. I will probably be posting follow-ups to this in the coming days and weeks. Thanks to anyone who reads this and especially to those who comment and give me feedback.