Populism in Fort Wayne
Posted by Jeff Pruitt - 2/28/09 @ 12:17 am - Filed Under Uncategorized
So the mayor wants to hold a referendum on the gambling issue eh? While I’m no fan of government controlling casinos I realize that cat has already been let out of the bag so why not let the people vote?
The elitists always bring up the “representative democracy” argument. The idea that we elect our leaders to make these decisions because the masses couldn’t possibly follow all the various issues and be able to make an informed decision. On some level this is true - like whether or not some company should be given a contract for concrete work.
But on major issues such as smoking, gambling, Harrison Square, etc, I think people understand the issue. It isn’t that complicated and you don’t need to be a part-time legislator to figure it out. So since we understand the issue why not just go ahead and let us vote? It’s not like our elected representatives have been doing a bang-up job as our surrogates.
Kudos to mayor Henry for attempting to force local government to finally represent the people…
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The reason you can’t have a popular vote on smoking and Harrison Square is that they would have lost those and, of course, we could not let that happen. There was too much at stake, like putting the Acme out of business.
Gambling, on the other hand, is controversial enough and the results unknown, that it makes sense to pass the buck. If its approved or denied the pols can always later blame the voters for any future perceived negative consequences.
While I am indifferent on this issue, I fear the Mayor is misreading public support for gambling (please Mr. Mayor, stop using “gaming”). I hope he has conducted some polling on this issue before getting egg on his face if a referendum shoots the issue down. It is comical that he says he doesn’t have an opinion; this is his baby and he is sticking his political neck out big time.
Mr. Z Man: Hizzonor is correct (how could he not be?) in his use of “gaming” rather than “gambling.” You see, “gambling” occurs when people voluntarily bet on the outcomes of allegedly-random events or sporting events without the gooberment’s approval, and it’s very, very, VERY bad. It’s immoral! “Gaming,” on the other hand, is when people voluntarily bet on the outcomes of allegedly-random events or sporting events WITH the gooberment’s approval, and it’s a fine thing indeed. “You can’t win if you don’t play. Please play responsibly.” In fact, “gaming” is supported by a whole industry, as in the gaming industry.
Distinctions are critical, you know.
Should every new building or business be put to a vote? Should we hold referenda for strip clubs and strip malls? There are some issues that should not be decided by a vote. What if a majority opposed the construction of a new mosque or a family of minorities moving into Aboite?
I like Mayor Henry’s proposal.
Things like this should be determined by the people…
Mike Sylvester