Just Say No To Arnold

Teri Mills is a longtime Democracy For America community member. Her guest column on health care appears on Blog for America on Fridays and she blogs at nationalnurse.blogspot.com.

Only a few more days until Californians unite to say NO to Arnold and his "special" election. Interest in this election is increasing as the time to vote grows near, and public opinion polls now show most of the ballot measures to be losing or to close to call, very different than just two weeks ago. The only Californian who seems to be sitting this election out is Maria Shriver, the Governor's wife. Speculators say the First Lady of California still remains loyal to her legacy as a Kennedy.

The ballot measures have a wide topic range, and it is difficult to understand what is making this election so "special" or different that it couldn't wait until the regularly scheduled date. One example is the measure that would require parental notification before a teenager would be allowed to undergo an abortion. Opponents feel this could lead to further restrictions on abortion should it pass.

Another ballot measure prohibits a public employee labor organization from using dues or fees for political contributions unless the employee provides prior consent each year on a specified written form. Just a thought, but if this measure passes, where does that leave big business and corporations? Shouldn't they then be required to ask every employee to give written permission for their campaign contributions?

Ballot Measure 77 which amends the state Constitution's process for redistricting California's Senate, Assembly, Congressional and Board of Equalization districts must be one of the Governor's personal favorites. California is one of the bluest states in the nation and should it be redistricted, look for a color change to red.

There are more Democrats registered in California, so a heavy turnout will spell trouble for Schwarzenegger. Four out of five voters are now paying attention to the election that the California governor called to "help him solve the problems in his state." The citizens in California have found that their vote is their voice—this would make Jessica in Vermont (jjem) very proud!

Jim Dean gave us some suggestions on ways we can help California. Don't let your voice be silenced. Let's all join together and scream a big loud NO to Arnold on November 8th.

—Teri Mills, RN, MS, ANP
Democracy for Oregon

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