The referendum to require a vote of the people before government can take over electric power generation failed to get enough votes to pass. It seems like an odd result to me. People voted to deny themselves the right to vote on something.
Probably PG&E could have run a better campaign. It was about more than just politicians spending money. In addition it was about the collective right to steal or “take” property from the PG&E owners (millions of shareholders throughout the state).
What may have won the day was this feeling that “corporations are greedy evil bastards!” and “they are always ripping us off!” Fair enough.
It reminds me of the campaign against the railroad companies in the late 19th century. Then the complaint then was about how “unfair” it was that some railroad routes were shorter and cost more than some longer routes. It was an obvious rip off! (Or so they thought, the actual reason was economics). So, after the public demanded action, the government took over the pricing and raised the prices of all the cheaper routes. Now things were “fair” and everyone was “happy!”
So the question is, if PG&E are greedy bastards, then what is SSJID or other government entities? They are men, not angels, just as politically greedy as any corporate board. So, in effect the voters decided that greedy men serve you better if they have guns and can extract money from you by force. (Through taxation.)
Look at the results of the election, by county below left. And the map of PG&E “territory.” (There are some small govt utilities in that “service area though)
In the dark counties, the voters rejected prop 16, i.e. they hate greedy PG&E. Notice anything odd? These are generally the counties served by PG&E! At first glance, sure, it makes sense, PG&E must be terrible, they would know, right?
But on the other hand, look who approved prop 16. They hate the government power worse.
Is it just a case of “the grass is greener?” That’s for you to decide. But if public power was all it’s cracked up to be I would have expected people served by government power to not hate it so much. It seems like they wish they could be served by PG&E!
Note particularly, the high level of hatred of government power in Orange and Riverside counties. (Just about 60%). Also, why did San Joaquin approve the measure and demand a vote on the matter? Could it be that we’re tired of the propaganda from SSJID? (15% less than what?) What about Stanislaus county, also rejecting public power. That is the place where SSJID is telling us “they are so happy they got rid of PG&E!” Well it doesn’t seem so from the election results. The warning is clear; people with government power are telling us “don’t do it, it’s worse than PG&E if you can believe that!”
Election Results - June 8, 2010, Statewide Direct Primary - California Secretary of State
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