Monday, November 05, 2012

Something We Can All Agree On


This past weekend CG pulled off a surprise 24th birthday party for Waterboy centered on the Maryland Georgia Tech game. The game started at noon which meant the tailgate had to begin early and that the real party would naturally continue afterwards…at our house. In other words, I spent all day Saturday drinking beer with about thirty other people, most of whom were under 25.

I had a blast. I spoke with most, if not all of them throughout the day, often about the elections. From my own informal, beer influenced survey, the majority of the younger contingent were in favor of Question 7 (Gaming Expansion). They largely dismissed the dirty politics and deception associated with the legislation as if to say that is to be expected. I shared our recent conversation with Peter Franchot but I don’t think I changed any minds.

The twentysomethings also heavily favored Question 6 (Civil Marriage Protection), without question.

Question 4 (Public Institutions of Higher Education-Tuition Rates) was more problematic for this seemingly libertarian group. I found that many were not aware of all the provisions of this bill, also known as the "Dream Act," and the many hurdles it places in front of the undocumented immigrants its meant to help. After explaining it I may have influenced a vote or two. On the other hand, one young woman wanted to know that, if it passes, who was going to police this act to see that it wasn't abused.

Good question.

It was Question 5 however where everyone found common ground. Each individual I spoke with seemed to understand what was going on here and they weren't happy about it. Many even expressed disgust for the deceitful way the question is worded, “Establishes the boundaries for the State’s eight United States Congressional Districts, based on recent census figures, as required by the United States Constitution.”

It makes it sound as if voting “for the referred law” is simply a formality.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The Maryland congressional district map, drawn up by our Dem controlled General Assembly, is the laughingstock of the nation. It is comforting to know that, in spite of virtually no advertising campaign to vote against this measure, a surprising number of people seem to have gotten the message that this is a bad map.

I’ll drink to that.
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