Parish
Voters Are Happy and Clueless
RECEIVED Fri., Nov. 16, 2007
Dear Editor,
Once again, the people of Texas never saw a bond issue they didn't love. Thank God Lance Armstrong and his foundation didn't propose spending $10 billion on Proposition 15 or $20 billion or the entire budget of the state, because I get the feeling that the majority of voters would just as happily, and cluelessly, have pulled the lever for those, as well [“Travis Co. Vote,” News, Nov. 16].
Contrary to Lance's pronouncements, Election Day was not a triumph for the state but another demonstration that a determined activist minority can get 6% of registered voters to commit the other 94% to something that might not be best for everyone. If the Armstrong Foundation had really wanted to see how much support Texans had for its proposal, it would have asked for voluntary donations to fund the Cancer Prevention Institute. It was smart enough to avoid that dead end, however, and instead relied on coercion at the polls. Party on, Lance. Party on, doctors. I'll be checking in with you in 10 years, after the money's gone, and if you actually have prevented cancer, the cake's on me. If not, I'd like my money back. Deal?
Once again, the people of Texas never saw a bond issue they didn't love. Thank God Lance Armstrong and his foundation didn't propose spending $10 billion on Proposition 15 or $20 billion or the entire budget of the state, because I get the feeling that the majority of voters would just as happily, and cluelessly, have pulled the lever for those, as well [“Travis Co. Vote,” News, Nov. 16].
Contrary to Lance's pronouncements, Election Day was not a triumph for the state but another demonstration that a determined activist minority can get 6% of registered voters to commit the other 94% to something that might not be best for everyone. If the Armstrong Foundation had really wanted to see how much support Texans had for its proposal, it would have asked for voluntary donations to fund the Cancer Prevention Institute. It was smart enough to avoid that dead end, however, and instead relied on coercion at the polls. Party on, Lance. Party on, doctors. I'll be checking in with you in 10 years, after the money's gone, and if you actually have prevented cancer, the cake's on me. If not, I'd like my money back. Deal?
Sincerely,
Alan McKendree
Alan McKendree
