Reading the Props: Proposition 18 has triggered me.
Every two years, I read the full text of all statewide ballot propositions—because at least one Californian should. Next is Prop 18. The measure
Joe Mathews
October 6, 2020
Author: Joe Mathews
Connecting California Columnist and Editor, Zócalo Public Square, Fellow at the Center for Social Cohesion at Arizona State University and co-author of California Crackup: How Reform Broke the Golden State and How We Can Fix It (UC Press, 2010)
A Californian’s Plan for a National Referendum
California has a solution for America’s putrid populism and political paralysis: adopting direct democracy at the national level. Allowing Americans to vote, by referendum, on
Joe Mathews
October 5, 2020
Pressure DiFi to Quit—And Then Appoint 2 ‘War’ Senators
As the national government enters a period of total political war, California needs two senators who will fight the feds full-time. Now we have zero
Joe Mathews
October 2, 2020
Reading the Props: Does 17 Go Far Enough?
Every two years, I read the full text of all statewide ballot propositions—because at least one Californian should. Next is Prop 17. If California is
Joe Mathews
October 1, 2020
Reading the Props. 16: This Is Simple Repeal. Really!
Every two years, I read the full text of all statewide ballot propositions—because at least one Californian should. Next is Prop 16. Whatever you think
Joe Mathews
September 30, 2020
From California’s Miracle Country, Post-Apocalyptic Life Lessons
Recovery from recession, fire, pandemic and political conflict might require a miracle. Where can Californians find one? In Miracle Country. Miracle Country is the title
Joe Mathews
September 29, 2020
Reading the Props: Prop 15—Who Cares?
Every two years, I read the full text of all statewide ballot propositions—because at least one Californian should. Next is Prop 15. Proposition 15 is
Joe Mathews
September 28, 2020
You Too Can Attend a Global Forum on Direct Democracy on Tuesday
(Editor’ Note—Previously published, just a reminder.) For 12 years, I’ve been putting on Global Forums on Modern Direct Democracy, to look at initiative and referendum
Joe Mathews
September 28, 2020
Reading the Props 14 Stem Cell Bonds Reproduce Themselves
Every two years, I read the full text of all statewide ballot propositions—because at least one Californian should. OK, it’s possible that others may read
Joe Mathews
September 25, 2020