The 2004 Election

Yesterday, I took part in the democratic process: I voted.

One of the things I love about Oregon: vote by mail. No more running to the polls! And it gives you the opportunity to vote while on the toilet....which, although crass, is somehow appropriate.

And here, in short, is how I voted and why:

PRESIDENT: John Kerry
MAYOR: Tom Potter

MEASURE 31: NO
This would amend the Oregon consitution (something I'm loathe to do for most circumstances) to postpone elections if one of the nominees dies. I might vote for a bill like this that DOESN'T amend the constitution...but the way this bill is written, my vote had to be "no."

MEASURE 32: YES
This law will overturn a silly, outdated, ridiculous law that I can't believe is still on the books. Basically, the current law considers mobile homes to be VEHICLES, and taxes people accordingly. Oregonians who live in trailors are even expected to get license plates for their mobile homes and put them in the windows. This is just silly....which is why, I assume, there is no opposition to this bill. Most people who live in trailors are either senior citizens or poor....neither group should be forced to pay property taxes on their home and, on top of that, vehicle taxes because the state thinks they routinely take their home on the road.

MEASURE 33: NO
Please see my blog entry, PASS THE BOWL AND PASS ON THIS BILL, for why it is crucial we in Oregon vote NO on 33.

MEASURE 34: YES
This is one of the measures I was torn on. Both sides put out ads insisting that they alone will protect us from forest fire and bad drinking water. Both insisted that an opposing vote would insure lost jobs and tax revenues. But after reading the bill, I've come to agree with the "yes" side. All this bill will do is to firmly and permanently define what "permanent value use" of the Tillamook and Clatsop Forests means. Up until now, the Board of Forestry could decide what it meant under the law, and change their minds at will. I prefer to have it defined...with no loopholes.

MEASURE 35: YES
This bill will replace the noneconomic damages caps Oregon used to have on medical malpractice suits. Such suits have cost the consumers and healthcare industry a shitload of money. Many doctors, particularly specialists such as OB/GYNs, have been forced out of the field by ever-rising insurance costs (which reminds me, once again, of the absolute stupidity of the government holding a monopoly on malpractice insurance, and why it is that monopoly that is REALLY at the heart of all these problems; but I digress....). The only thing I dislike about this bill is that it doesn't set aside a clause for malicious malpractice, which is a whole different ball of wax from accidental or even negligent malpractice. Here's a good example: many years ago, in Dayton, Ohio, there was a gynocologist referred to in the media as "the love doctor." This sick bastard used to perform surgery against a patient's will for his own experimental "curiosity." I knew a woman who was his victim; because of his complete lack of ethics and human decency, she can never have enjoyable sex again. He completely re-arranged her external and internal genitalia. Sick nutbags like that should not get off easy under a noneconomic cap in my opinion. I urge the opponents of Measure 35 to consider a bill for next year addressing this issue.

MEASURE 36: NO
Please see my blog entry, MEASURE 36, OR WHY ARE WE STILL CURTAILING CIVIL RIGHTS IN THE NEW MILLENIUM?

MEASURE 37: NO
This is an arbitrary and confusing law, poorly written and with possible unforeseen consequences to farmers and landowners. It would cost the taxpayers millions, and hurt individual landowners.

MEASURE 38: YES
I am no fan of monopolies, and SAIF is as unethical a monopoly as you can get. Measure 38 would open the market to other insurance carriers and lower costs for the consumer. It would allow people to open small businesses who might not have been able to do so under SAIF. SAIF has screwed over the Oregon people long enough; it's time to bid it adeiu.

MEASURE 26-64 REPEAL: NO
We voted on this once already, people. Oregon cannot afford to repeal the county income tax. Our schools and social services are hurting enough under Bush's tender care and our failing economy; don't do any more damage. Please, vote NO.


And so that, in a nutshell, is how I voted. Whether you agree with me or not, I urge you to cast your vote and make your voice heard.

VOTE!

And on that subject, here are the lyrics to Deee-Lite's "Vote Baby Vote":

Vote, baby, vote
vote, baby, vote
vote, baby, vote
are you registered, baby?