Voters Approve Prop. 22

Well, the California voters have done it again. First, they passed Prop. 187. Before it was tossed out by the courts, this anti-immigrant measure resulted in discriminatory actions against Latinos, even those who were native-born. Next, the voters passed Prop. 209, which eliminated affirmative action programs around the state. In doing so, voters said that disadvantaged minority students should remain disadvantaged.

Now the voters have passed Prop. 22 (March 8). Contrary to the supporters’ claims, this measure clearly discriminates against gays and lesbians by denying them legal rights and protections afforded to heterosexual couples. Who will they go after next? Women? The poor? Left-handers? Perhaps Californians should next vote on whether to change the state nickname from “the Golden State” to “the Great Divide.”

DAVID HOLLAND

Northridge

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The good thing about a democracy is that the government is led by the people. The bad thing about a democracy is that some people forget this democracy is based on the belief “that all men (sic) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” No group, not women, not people of color, not people with disabilities, not gay or lesbian people, should have to work so hard for what the privileged mainstream takes for granted.

KATHLEEN V. WILLIAMS

Los Angeles

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Here is some advice for the opponents of Prop. 22. Please realize that many who voted yes were only affirming that the word “marriage” should keep its traditional, sacred meaning as a sacrament or holy ordinance not subject to revisions by humans. Many of these persons would be open to granting homosexual couples equal rights, including the right to pay higher taxes as married couples do. Let the lawyers and politicians work on issues of equal civil rights. Just don’t tamper with the word “marriage.”

GEORGE L. OLSON

Claremont

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It both angers and frightens me that in the first election of the new millennium, the most blatantly discriminatory ballot measure of my lifetime passed with an overwhelming majority. The political and religious right felt so threatened at the thought of gay marriages one day being legalized that they joined forces and poured money into a deceptive advertising campaign. With the support of the Mormon and Catholic churches, they convinced 60% of the voters to legislate that some love is deserving of recognition while other love is not. In the name of “protecting the sanctity of marriage” they are violating the civil rights of everyone who doesn’t fit into their definition of what a marriage should be. The overwhelming support given to Prop. 22 makes me afraid to ask the question, “What is next?”

TRACY L. FERGUSON

Huntington Beach

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Re passage of Prop. 21: To paraphrase Robert Scheer’s piece, “We Locked ‘Em Up, Threw Away the Key” (Commentary, March 7). What does it say about our society that we vote for a law putting kids in jail just as the police and sheriff’s departments are conducting internal investigations of their gang units?

VICKY NEWMAN

Los Angeles

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Re defeat of Prop. 26: California voters have done it again. After all the demands that students be held to higher standards and that teachers be held accountable to see that they reach those standards, the people of California have shown how much they really value education. Students learn and teachers teach in substandard, often hazardous conditions all over this state. By defeating Prop. 26, voters have sent children and educators a clear message, “Achieve excellence, but don’t expect any help or consideration from us!”

ELAINE LITTLETON

Ridgecrest

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After the overwhelming defeat of Prop. 28, it is time for smokers to accept the reality of this tax and to realize that the real tax is the tax on their health and lives with the continued use of tobacco products.

Hopefully they will hear the message and resolve to quit smoking. They would save the expense of the tax and the worthless tobacco products and could use their money for other things in their lives.

GREG MILLER

Rosemead