Rather then overwhelm readers with another ten issues to consider when it comes to creating a more just society, as I did last week, here are five more questions to think about.
Libraries: Should citizens support and fund their local libraries? While this question might not rise to the top of the list, it comes to mind as library support is on the local ballot this year. As a heavy user of our local library, I am a strong supporter of libraries as it is a way maintain an educated society. I enjoy listening to books and I use an application called Libby. Are ITA readers familiar with this application? I am able to reserve as many as 21 audio books and after downloading, can keep them on my electronic device for 21 days. Most books, but not all, are available on audio format. When traveling, we always have a number of books available to listen to. We also carry additional external speakers to enhance listening.
Vote By Mail: Should all states adopt Vote By Mail as is the case with four or five states, including Oregon? I’ll add my two cents on this one. 1. Vote By Mail is a huge time saver. Instead of waiting hours in line to vote, this morning I filled out my ballot in 15 minutes (excluding time to study the issues), and dropped it at the Post Office which took another 15 minutes. 2. It saves energy. Normally I walk the ballot to a drop box. 3. There is a paper trail. 4. I’m notified when the ballot is mailed to me and I receive another e-mail when the ballot is received by the election office. 5. There is no harassing at the polling place. 6. There are no voting machines to be hacked or break. 7. One does not feel rushed as we sit at the breakfast table and take our time with the voters pamphlet, newspapers, advertisements, and all other voter information we find useful in coming to decisions. 8. There is no fraud and Oregon first began testing this method for voting back in 1981. 9. It is much less expensive. 10. There is no scrambling to find volunteers to “man” the polling sites. 11. Voter suppression is reduced as polling sites are not closed or switched.
Gun Regulations: Are there ways to reduce gun violence? This one is on my mind as I am working with State of Safety, a bi-partisan group to reduce gun violence, particularly death by suicide. The thrust of this statewide effort is to keep guns locked up and out of the hands of those who may harm themselves and/or others. Had this law been in effect, there is a high probability a three-year old might have been saved in Oregon this last week.
Term Limits: Should there be term limits for members of congress and appointed judges?
The Buffett Rule: Warren Buffett quipped about passing a law that says anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election. Would we have a more just society if there were such a law? One might add one exception. The law does not apply during periods when Congress has declared war.
Above are five more questions to ponder and comment on as one thinks about creating a more just society.
1. Libraries should be supported – altho the internet is reducing the need a bit, there remains a valuable function – particularly with respect to limited distribution/expensive books.
2. I have mixed feelings about vote by mail. It certainly makes it easier and less time consuming but I have concerns: a. I don’t think security issues have been addressed. b. I have a concern that people will be voting at different times so with a different knowledge base – what if a candidate dies in the meantime. c. I think it undermines the discipline of voting to make it less meaningful. d. I think it encourages party line voting rather than policy and character. e. I would prefer voting become one or two days of holiday .
3. Guns, a hot topic. Again, it is a matter of personal responsibility. The approach mentioned might be a reasonable middle ground. Since leaving the farm, I’ve never felt the need for one.
4. Term limits. No, that’s why we have the privilege of voting.
5. Buffett rule; I was not aware but doesn’t sound a good idea. As one who grew up during the depression followed by WWII, I do have real concerns for the coming generations. It seems to me that we are due for a major upset within a few years notwithstanding the miracle of MMT. I think schools need to add a strong series of classes regarding economics and money management.
Len,
“2. I have mixed feelings about vote by mail. It certainly makes it easier and less time consuming but I have concerns: a. I don’t think security issues have been addressed. b. I have a concern that people will be voting at different times so with a different knowledge base – what if a candidate dies in the meantime. c. I think it undermines the discipline of voting to make it less meaningful. d. I think it encourages party line voting rather than policy and character. e. I would prefer voting become one or two days of holiday .”
We have been voting by mail more years that I can remember. Oregon began testing this option back in 1981, if my information is correct. I think it was fully implemented in the late 1980s or early 1990s.
This year we expect an 85% turnout in Oregon. This is significantly higher than the national average. I receive an e-mail when the ballot is mailed to me and I will receive an e-mail something this week letting me know my ballot was received and tabulated. Prior to this we receive a voters pamphlet with lots of information. Our signature must be validated in much the same way is was when we voted at a polling location. Fraud is insignificant. Point c carries little water as I consider voting by mail just as significant and it far out weighs the problems of machine breakdowns and the hacking of voting machines. Another big issue is that voting by mail is cost efficient.
Party line voting is not a problem. Likely less so as one is not at all rushed when you sit at the dining table with all the information and think through the issues.
I too would like to see at least one voting day set aside. Yet this is not necessary if one votes by mail as is the case in several states.
It is close to “criminal” to make folks stand in line for hours to vote. This is a form of voter suppression.
Lowell