Statistically, the age group of 18-29, your age group, is the least likely to vote. It is imperative that we not let that happen this Nov. 6. There is too much at stake for our age group to remain silent, and allow the fat cats to decide everything for us.
Every four years the president faces off against a person offering a desperately different viewpoint in an attempt to sway voters. More importantly, in California, every two years, we have a chance to vote on specific issues that we have the ability to affect.
In this election year, we have the ability to make some really significant changes in our state, Californian. The Death Penalty could be abolished with Proposition 34, Three Strikes Law could be reformed with Proposition 36, and the economic woes plaguing California education can be addressed with Propositions 30 and 38.
The Rampage editorial board deliberated on these issues extensively and has come up with some endorsements and oppositions of important propositions. These views do not represent the opinions of Fresno City College, nor its faculty and staff, but simply the views of the Rampage Editorial Board.
Yes on Proposition 30: Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax initiative aims to increase taxes on the wealthiest Californians for seven years and increases state sales tax by one-quarter of one cent.
People making $250,000 or more will see their income tax go up by 1 percent; for those earning $300,000, it will go up 2 percent, and for people making $500,000 or more, it will go up 3 percent.
Historically, the wealthy pay more in taxes than the middle and lower class combined. But as far as percentages go, the wealthy do not pay the same rates as everyone else.
Some say it is unfair that Americans who already pay the most should pay more, but speaking about percentages, middle and lower class Americans pay more of their salaries than the rich.
The expected monetary gain is $6 billion annually. This money will go to California education. The educational system is collapsing, and Proposition 30 will throw it a lifeline. It will give 88 percent of the money to K-12 and the other 11 percent to higher education.
Fresno City College is looking at losing around 60 courses from its offerings if the proposition fails. For any student in California, this should be an easy “yes” vote.
No on Proposition 32: This will bar unions in California from donating money collected from its paying union members for political purposes.
This sounds like it could be a good idea, until you realize that this is a Republican attempt to stifle unions that tend to support Democrats and their values. This proposition says nothing of wealthy businessmen contributing to super PACs, an organization that pools their money to donate to political candidate or issue.
Yes on Proposition 35: This is a simple “yes” vote. It mandates harsher punishments for sex traffickers and sex offenders. There is no actual campaign against this proposition.
We would like to take the opportunity to say that if you’re against Proposition 35, please register with Megan’s Law.
Yes on Proposition 37: Do you want to know what you’re eating? So do we. Proposition 37 will label food that is genetically engineered. It could be possible that it is not hurting us, but what if it could. Isn’t that worth knowing? We think so too. The Rampage is standing behind this proposition for our health.
No on Proposition 38: This proposition is similar to Proposition 38, but there is one major difference. Proposition 38 goes to K-12 education only. If you’re a college student, this will not help you. This will not help your college to prevent trigger cuts that could cripple your ability to get a degree. Vote “no” on 38.
Yes on Proposition 39: This item will tax out-of-state businesses more money. Right now businesses uses the loophole of not being based in California, but doing a lot of business here. This would help close that loophole and could generate $1 billion for California as well as create 40,000 new jobs.
Yes on Proposition 40: This is a veto referendum, whatever that is supposed to mean. A referendum is when voters vote for something, and some people want us to say, “just kidding,” and take back our original decision. Attaching description of it being a veto confuses the matter. A “yes” vote means we want the original plan to stay in effect. We still have the ability to vote “yes” and preserve our democratic process.
Yes on Measure B: How can you vote “no” on Measure B? With a failing educational system in California, it is vital that we maintain our libraries as best we can. Measure B is nothing new, we are simply voting to renew it. Vote “yes” on B.
Nov. 6 is Election Day, and it is imperative that we all get out there and let our voices be heard. If we fail to vote in this election, we do so to our peril. Education as we know it might just disappear, unless we’re ready to stand for what will benefit us long term.
