Poll on Massachusetts state ballot questions

[ron_newman]

Now that we've had posts about all three ballot questions, it's time for the davis_square poll.
For more info: Question 1; Question 2 (and earlier discussion); Question 3 (thank you, teele_sq!)

[Poll #1276472]

Comments

[shirt-seeker.livejournal.com]

I think that there is an issue that the least interesting question is most controversive. Go you peeps :D

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

"least interesting????"

Hating on dogs is un-American. I bet you're supporting Obama and hang with William Ayers too. And we know "a Jewish girl" is code for SUPER Top Sekrit MUSLIM.

[shirt-seeker.livejournal.com]

No wait I am German, my wife is Jewish, sorry about that....

[beowabbit]

I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to greyhound racing in theory, but I'm opposed to it the way it's practiced here. I'd rather see a law that was narrower in that it didn't necessarily outlaw betting on dog racing, but broader in that it mandated better treatment for working animals in general (in sufficiently specific language that, if it continued at all, dog racing would have to be conducted in a way I didn't object to). Realistically, I strongly doubt dog racing would continue under those circumstances.

But on that as well as on Question 2, I feel like I'm voting for a law that's not perfect, but represents an improvement.

Sorry for formatting; I'm on the train.

[ron_newman]

And if it's true that the state currently subsidizes dog racing, my preference would be to vote for a question that simply ends the subsidy. But that's not on the ballot.

[syarzhuk.livejournal.com]

There is a law, it's called Chapter 272: Section 77. Cruelty to animals (http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/272-77.htm)
The problem is it's not enforced, at least at the greyhound tracks. Instead of getting the authorities to enforce it, the proponents of Q2 went the easy road of banning racing altogether

I personally don't like to stop the people from an activity they enjoy, so I will vote No on this question.

[usernamenumber.livejournal.com]

Ditto. I'm a vegetarian and am generally not into being mean to doggies, but this looks like using a sledgehammer to solve a problem we need... well, whatever the best hardware store analogy for stricter regulation and enforcement is, that's what I'd say we need.

I sympathize with the people behind Q3, but since when does the government not doing its job call for more government?

[purpless77.livejournal.com]

41 voted yes on 2. That is sick and scary, shows how much of a problem drugs has become in Somerville.

[ron_newman]

Why is it 'sick' or 'scary' ? Voting to make something non-criminal isn't the same thing as actually favoring it or using it.

[shirt-seeker.livejournal.com]

It seems though that this is something Americans can't quite grasp.

[ocschwar.livejournal.com]

Don't worry. It's 44 now.

[dylanesque29.livejournal.com]

You're way off....it's 57 and counting.

[exsplusohs.livejournal.com]

Inflammatory troll is inflammatory.

[chenoameg.livejournal.com]

Aside from voting no on 2, what do you recommend people do to help fight the drug problem in Somerville?

[hissilliness.livejournal.com]

[grammar flame here]

[ifotismeni]

personally i have never touched the stuff and have no interest in it. i just don't like the police wasting their time on stoners. they have better things to worry about than stupid college kids who want to smoke weed and eat doritos.

[curiositykt.livejournal.com]

agreed. fully.

[annalauwa.livejournal.com]

i have not once experimented with any variety of drug (not counting caffeine, or alcohol) and i would vote yes on #2. i am far from being sick or scary

[joyfulkel.livejournal.com]

I don't think making substance use/abuse a criminal issue is a way to help people who may have a psychiatric issue (substance dependence). It keeps people who might otherwise seek treatment from admitting they are using, and it clogs the criminal justice system with people who have an illness. The only good keeping it criminalized would do is that it can give the police some leverage in getting people who's primary crime is posession to rat out their dealers and work up the chain...but it often doesn't work that way.

also, for a lot of people it isn't any more of a problem than alcohol. Why make posession illegal. If someone can use responsibly, what the heck do I care if someone is smoking up or not? Sure, if they are stealing or making poor choices due to their habit then enforce THOSE laws (also, that is a sign of abuse and they should be offered treatment), but posession in and of itself is not an indicator of problem behavior, much like the fact that I had a beer tonight doesnt mean I am going to cause an accident (I don't plan on driving) or rob a store or do anything illegal.

[nalz.livejournal.com]

Nah, people like you are why the prison system is overloaded and costs millions of dollars to house non-violent criminals. Perhaps you should look deep into yourself and see why it is you feel the need to control what other people do for their enjoyment that doesn't affect others.

It makes no sense for the police to be bogged down with pot smokers. Dealers - perhaps..if they're involved with harder things.

[syarzhuk.livejournal.com]

I don't use drugs, but I'm voting Yes on this one. Small amounts of marijuana are innocent. If instead of "directing traffic" at road repairs and prosecuting marijuana users cops were fighting real crime, we would be much better off.

[nonnihil.livejournal.com]

Just as a heads-up to folks -- because anyone can "view detailed results" on this poll, everyone can see which way you voted. Don't mistake this for the usual anonymous sort of poll on finds elsewhere on the web.

[ron_newman]

This is the first time I've posted an LJ poll, but I don't think LJ has the option of a totally anonymous poll. Even if I had made detailed results viewable to "None", I would still have been able to see the results. If I'm wrong about this, let me know.

[two-stabs.livejournal.com]

I really, really hope we vote yes on 3.

[ron_newman]

I closed this poll yesterday, right before posting a link to it on Universal Hub.