Here are concise and informative summaries of these three ballot initiatives in Colorado:
These three ballot initiatives would have the individual and combined effect of completely destroying Colorado’s revenue base, eliminating or decimating our last remaining revenue streams, retroactively removing from voters’ discretion the ability to suspend the draconian limitations we’ve placed on the state and local governments’ ability to tax citizens, and disabling us from providing the minimally necessary funding to run our schools and maintain our infrastructure.
If these pass, it will be time to start looking for a new state to call home. Maybe go back to Washington…
Ari: I think you’ve actually identified one of the self-reinforcing feedback loops involved in such bad policies: Not only do they have a host of devastating systemic economic effects, with feedback loops of their own, but also will lead to a flight of human and material capital from the state, and a huge disincentive to any that might have otherwise entered the state. Passing any of these measures would catalyze a very robust spiral downward into economic ruin. Fortunately, even the Republican leadership is discouraging voters from pulling this particular trigger.
A very informative website on Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101, with an entertaining and informative video (lower right of home page): http://thebad3.com/.
Sane v. Insane Conservatives Finally Begin To Duke It Out. The Denver Post published two articles today: One from businesses leaders denouncing the lunatic ballot initiatives 60, 61, and 101 (http://blogs.denverpost.com/thespot/2010/09/27/at-invesco-businesses-say-vote-no/15301/); and one from the Colorado Union of Taxpayers, complaining that they can’t count on people that they thought were as crazy as they are (http://blogs.denverpost.com/thespot/2010/09/27/colorado-union-of-taxpayers-we-cant-count-on-republicans/15267/).
This is a prelude of things to come, with the whacky far-right scaring the bejesus out of those who merely were trying to prosper, whether to others’ benefit or at others’ expense (because, either way, you can’t profit from a completely broken system). Stay tuned….