Election 2010 Ballot Measures

[fathertime]

When I was in Portland they were cracking down on the sex crime Private Indecency. Neighbor is walking by your house in the morning and sees you walking out to the kitchen in your birthday suit to make some coffee...bam.

Come on man, did that really happen?  I suppose it is legit. if a person has a window that is really close to the street and is intentionally grabbing the attention of others just to put their naked body on display, It would appear the court would have to consider all the details to make a determination. 

When my kids are elsewhere, I walk around naked sometimes at night and there are windows in my house but we are set back pretty far and no neighbor goes out of there way to see me nude nowadays! 

Fathertime!

[jm21-2]

I remember that it was surprisingly easy to prove that someone was displaying themselves for their own sexual satisfaction/to arouse themselves (even if they were limp). Basically the prosecutors made the argument "what other reason would you have to act that way?" I can't remember whether there was some sort of case law on what that part of the law meant or not. So, although it was a requirement to show the person was exposing themselves for some sort of sexual gratification or arousal it was incredibly easy to prove.

Another example is that if you look at pictures of a nudist beach on the internet and there are photos involving kids, well there's encouraging child sexual abuse in the second degree (class C felony). However, if you went to the beach and leered at the children in person it apparently is not a crime.

There was a case a while back where a teenage couple broke up and the guy forwarded a nude pic his GF had sent him via cell phone to a couple of his friends. Dumb ass decision but it's a felony for all of them, arguably including the girl who sent the pic to her boyfriend. I can't remember whether they charged the girl or not but I know there was some discussion about it. It would certainly fit under the definition of the crime. Arguably the girl should be punished more under the law than the guy and his friends since she's the one who actually created the image. Now there's justice.

[Researcher]

   All this stuff is amazing to me.I wonder how much time and money is wasted because of the hangups about nudity here in the US.


  Researcher

[robert angel]

In Georgia, if an 18 y/o has sex w/ a 17 y/o GF--BF, the 18 y/o is charged as a sex offender.

[thekfc]

Arizona:
* Proposition 106: The Anti-"Obamacare" measure pass by 55 to 45.
* Proposition 107: Affirmative action foes pass by 60 percent to 40 %.
* Proposition 113: Labor unions shouldn't mess with secret ballots pass by 60 percent of voters.
* Prop 203, the medical marijuana initiative - fail by 50.25 to 49.75%.
 
Arkansas:
* Right to hunt, fish and trap wildlife  Pass

California:
* Legalize and tax marijuana - fail
* Suspend AB 32, the "Global Warming Solutions Act" until unemployment falls below 5.5% for a year - Fail
 
Idaho:
* Allow public medical facilities to enter debt to upgrade facilities - Pass
* Allow airports in the state to take on debt for endeavors that would improve facilities - pass

Illinois:
* Allows voters to recall the governor - pass

Kansas:
* Allow citizens to bear arms in the state - pass
Eliminate mental illness as a voting disqualification - pass

Louisiana:
* State elected official salary increases  - pass
* Gives Judges and Prosecutors say in criminal's choice of a bench trial - pass

Maine:
* Calls for a casino in Oxford, Maine - pass

Massachusetts:
* Roll 6.25% sales tax back to 3% - fail
* Sales tax eliminated for alcohol sales in the state - pass
 
Michigan:
* Would bar any office holder convicted of a felony involving deceit and fraud from holding public office for 20 years - pass
 
North Carolina:
* Prohibit convicted felons from running for sheriff in the state - pass
 
Oklahoma:
* Potential voters must provide proof of identity - pass
* English is "common and unifying language of Oklahoma" - pass

Oregon:
* Requires an increased minimum sentence for some sex crimes and repeat DUIs - pass 57 to 42%

Rhode Island:
* Change the state's official name - fail

South Carolina:
* Allow secret union ballots as fundamental rights to workers - pass

South Dakota
* Extends smoking ban to apply statewide - pass
* Proposes legalization of medical marijuana - fail

Tennessee:
* Personal right to hunt and fish within state laws and property rights - pass

Vermont:
* Would allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they turn 18 by Election Day - pass

Virginia:
* Exempt elderly & veterans from property taxes - pass

Washington:
* Gives judges authority to deny bail whenever they deem the public at risk - pass
* Closes state liquor stores and authorizes sale, distribution, & importation by private parties - fail
* Taxes gross income above $200,000 for individuals, $400,000 for couples. Reduces state property tax by 20% and reduces certain business and occupation taxes - fail


And the GOP gain control of the house while the democrats held onto control of the senate.

[robert angel]

I'm surprised that the 'pot laws' didn't pass--I guess the stoners didn't turn out. On the one hand, marijuana has gotten so strong that some strains can produce hallucinations and that's obviously of concern, but on the other hand, I think that legal or not, the same people are going to produce, sell and smoke it.


It's a huge business in California--colleges even openly offer courses on how to handle it from a business point of view.


It's been a mighty long time since I partook in the 'wacky tobacky' but even back in the 80's and 90's, there was weed that with two tokes, you were 'two tokes over the line'--stoned stupid.

I figured if any place would pass it, it'd be revenue -- tax hungry California

[jm21-2]

Not just pot laws, looks like we still have state liquor stores here in WA with their 50+% markups. I haven't bought a good bourbon since I lived in CA since liquor is so expensive here in the Northwest.

During prohibition prescriptions for alcohol became common and gave rise to the drugstore businesses. I imagine a slow process will do the same for MJ over the next decade or two. Never tried the stuff and probably never will, but absolutely ridiculous to still have a prohibitionist mentality after what history has shown us.

[thekfc]

I'm surprised that the 'pot laws' didn't pass--I guess the stoners didn't turn out. On the one hand, marijuana has gotten so strong that some strains can produce hallucinations and that's obviously of concern, but on the other hand, I think that legal or not, the same people are going to produce, sell and smoke it.


It's a huge business in California--colleges even openly offer courses on how to handle it from a business point of view.


It's been a mighty long time since I partook in the 'wacky tobacky' but even back in the 80's and 90's, there was weed that with two tokes, you were 'two tokes over the line'--stoned stupid.

I figured if any place would pass it, it'd be revenue -- tax hungry California

It failed by a 53.8% to 46.2%, maybe they were all stoned & voted the "wrong way" . 

Here in NYC, there are street vendors selling this book: "How to roll a blunt for dummies"   

[Jeff S]

California:
* Legalize and tax marijuana - fail
* Suspend AB 32, the "Global Warming Solutions Act" until unemployment falls below 5.5% for a year - Fail

A local columnist in today's newspaper said he wished he owned the U-Haul franchise for all of the small businesses headed out of the state between now and the first of the year when the Global Warming Solutions Act goes into effect.

[fathertime]

It failed by a 53.8% to 46.2%, maybe they were all stoned & voted the "wrong way" . 

Here in NYC, there are street vendors selling this book: "How to roll a blunt for dummies"   

you know that was actually a pretty close vote. Based on that result, I think within the next couple election cycles a similar bill WILL pass. 

Fathertime!

[Ray]

Personally, I will NEVER vote to legalize marijuana and all you stinking dopers out there that don’t like it can kiss my ass!   

Ray

[Researcher]

      With all the election hoopla I was wondering if anybody noticed the Fed's plan for Q2 that was announced today? Looks like days of EZ credit may return.Is this the beginning of another boom/bust bubble?Inflation?I'm sure the dollar is going to take a hit.The Fed claims that the economy is growing too slow and is the reason for Q2.This is supposed to make loans easier for businesses and individuals.But wait, companies are sitting on $1.2 trillion how much money do they need?I thought the problem was uncertainty and now with the election over some of that should be gone now.And with the last mortgage fiasco is making loans easier for individuals to get a good thing?Maybe, as long as no one gets creative with financial instruments that will hide loans of people who can't afford to pay them back.



     Researcher

[Jeff S]

Same uncertainty. No one knows what their tax rate will be come January. A couple of huge corporations aren't sitting on warehouses full of cash, hundreds of thousands of small businessmen are sitting on a few tens of thousands each. They have no idea whether it is enough to cover their quarterly estimated tax payment due on March 15th or not, and they sure as hell aren't going to risk hiring someone until they know.

[jm21-2]

Same uncertainty. No one knows what their tax rate will be come January. A couple of huge corporations aren't sitting on warehouses full of cash, hundreds of thousands of small businessmen are sitting on a few tens of thousands each. They have no idea whether it is enough to cover their quarterly estimated tax payment due on March 15th or not, and they sure as hell aren't going to risk hiring someone until they know.

This has been causing me grief. My taxes were at $0 for 2009 due to tax credits (mainly new homebuyer) so I didn't have to pay quarterlies. I've got quite a bit of money saved up but not going to spend any until I know I can afford my taxes. Hopefully things will become more predictable in the future.

[Researcher]

  I would say that after this election the Bush tax cuts will be extended. That will probably be on the new congress' agenda.I feel alot more secure knowing Nancy Pelosi has been dethroned.The liberals now don't have the ability to ram legislation through.IMHO, that's pretty good certainty but I agree that it may be too soon to judge.The Fed's monetary policy is kinda scary to me.It may be best if Big Ben didn't meddle.


  Researcher

[Jedironin]

hehe... I'm from Steeler's Country.  "Big Ben" is our quarterback, and he won't be messing with anyone's taxes, for certain! 

I am just so incredibly happy that Pelosi and a few of her cronies are out da door!  YAY!!!!

[fathertime]

     With all the election hoopla I was wondering if anybody noticed the Fed's plan for Q2 that was announced today? Looks like days of EZ credit may return.Is this the beginning of another boom/bust bubble?Inflation?I'm sure the dollar is going to take a hit.The Fed claims that the economy is growing too slow and is the reason for Q2.This is supposed to make loans easier for businesses and individuals.But wait, companies are sitting on $1.2 trillion how much money do they need?I thought the problem was uncertainty and now with the election over some of that should be gone now.And with the last mortgage fiasco is making loans easier for individuals to get a good thing?Maybe, as long as no one gets creative with financial instruments that will hide loans of people who can't afford to pay them back.
     Researcher

Well Researcher, it is only 600billion this time, but you can bet your boots their will be a QE3 before too long!  The reason the fed is buying our debt now is because NOBODY else wants it.  This is a very bad sign, our economy has not picked up and if anything things continue to get worse.  I have NO idea what our govt. is thinking, this is going to end with very expensive oil and high inflation.  Those that have been doing the right thing by saving their money are the ones going to be hurt the bad by all this.  We need to have another landslide election like yesterday in 2012, but I really think it is too late by then, if it isn’t already. 
Fathertime!

[Jeff S]

  I would say that after this election the Bush tax cuts will be extended. That will probably be on the new congress' agenda.I feel alot more secure knowing Nancy Pelosi has been dethroned.The liberals now don't have the ability to ram legislation through.IMHO, that's pretty good certainty but I agree that it may be too soon to judge.The Fed's monetary policy is kinda scary to me.It may be best if Big Ben didn't meddle.


  Researcher

Well, your crystal ball must be a lot better than mine because all I heard in today's speech was more of the same how the socialist agenda wasn't articulated clearly enough for us rubes to get it.

I sure wouldn't go investing cash right now into my business until I get little more than that. The IRS doesn't take "Well the president said he might negotiate..." as a acceptable reason for not sending in your check.

[Researcher]

Well Researcher, it is only 600billion this time, but you can bet your boots their will be a QE3 before too long!  The reason the fed is buying our debt now is because NOBODY else wants it.  This is a very bad sign, our economy has not picked up and if anything things continue to get worse.  I have NO idea what our govt. is thinking, this is going to end with very expensive oil and high inflation.  Those that have been doing the right thing by saving their money are the ones going to be hurt the bad by all this.  We need to have another landslide election like yesterday in 2012, but I really think it is too late by then, if it isn’t already. 
Fathertime!

    So true Fathertime. I think most financial disasters have hit in election years.2012 is right on target for the next one.At least when inflation hits those that have saved cash won't need to buy toilet paper.The dollar isn't that soft but that may be all it is good for when the Fed is done.

  Researcher

[Researcher]

Well, your crystal ball must be a lot better than mine because all I heard in today's speech was more of the same how the socialist agenda wasn't articulated clearly enough for us rubes to get it.

I sure wouldn't go investing cash right now into my business until I get little more than that. The IRS doesn't take "Well the president said he might negotiate..." as a acceptable reason for not sending in your check.

   I'd say it would be premature for businesses to do any investing right now.I'm sure many are more or less still in the wait and see mode.I just feel more hopeful now that I have seen the painful look on Obama's face due to his realization that his policies aren't that popular.Focusing on passing Obamacare instead of the economy was a huge mistake for him.I think with this election a message was sent to Republicans and Democrats both: work on the economy! I also think that many who voted believe that gridlock is better than giving the Dems the keys again.

    Researcher

[piglett]

Personally, I will NEVER vote to legalize marijuana and all you stinking dopers out there that don’t like it can kiss my ass!   

Ray

Ray i never knew you had a pet donkey? 

pig

[piglett]

Well, your crystal ball must be a lot better than mine because all I heard in today's speech was more of the same how the socialist agenda wasn't articulated clearly enough for us rubes to get it.

socialist?? try Communist agenda, I had hoped that "BO" would ONLY be a socialist but he is even further left than that. so what do you say gang should we give Communism another try? hell it only killed 10 million of it's own people in the last century.   

I sure wouldn't go investing cash right now into my business until I get little more than that. The IRS doesn't take "Well the president said he might negotiate..." as a acceptable reason for not sending in your check.

where i work they have started to not replace people when they quit/get fired. (can you say down sizing?) 


pig

[Jeff S]

10 Million? Try closer to 150 Million...

http://www.digitalsurvivors.com/archives/communistbodycount.php

[robert angel]

Re:

>>Personally, I will NEVER vote to legalize marijuana and all you stinking dopers out there that don’t like it can kiss my ass!   

Ray<<


Uh--Ray--does that mean that you didn't inhale either?

[jm21-2]

I think with this election a message was sent to Republicans and Democrats both: work on the economy!

Except that that's probably the worst thing for the economy. Oh boy, a bunch of retarded politicians backed by special interest groups taking money from successful people and giving it to pet projects (which are typically subsidizing an industries that can't make a profit in the free market).

We're socialists under both reps and dems and have been for some time. This idea that one is different from the other from a big government/big spending perspective is so bogus...it's jsut their pet projects are different.