Democrats’ Campaign to Defeat 2 Redistricting Propositions
Lowenstein’s commentary can only be described as repulsive to anybody who believes in democracy and a representative form of government. Contrary to Lowenstein’s claims, the defeat of Props. 118 and 119 was not a mandate for “environmentalists, minorities and abortion rights.” Rather, the campaign against Props. 118 and 119, fronted by James Garner and Jack Lemmon, proved once again the adage that if you tell a big lie often enough people will believe it.
The Lemmon/Garner ads claimed the “politicians and big oil companies” were behind Props. 118 and 119. Only at the end of the campaign was it learned that big oil companies gave more money to the opponents of Props. 118 and 119 then they gave to the proponents.
A democracy functions best when all viewpoints can be heard in the legislative process. What is most disturbing about Lowenstein’s article is his gleeful endorsement of the idea that politicians can silence opposition by restricting the ability of those with opposing views to be elected. That is an idea that went out in Eastern Europe with the fall of the Berlin Wall. How sad that Lowenstein argues for its resurrection in California.
DOUGLAS ROSE
San Diego
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