How will you vote on the amendment to increase sales tax in order to fund wildlife and the arts?

[mirror wall]

I voted no since I generally feel that increasing the sales tax isn't a good way of going about things. I think we should try upping taxes that affect the rich more exclusively such as certain levels of property or income instead. What do you think?

[dflprincess]

1. I'm leaning toward voting for it

but I have problems with budgeting by Consitutional Amendment.

[Minnesota Raindog]

2. I'm voting no

This is a bullshit way of running government--not to mention lazy. If something is worth funding, then politicians need to fund it, and people need to demand that they fund it. That's their job--and it's our job to make sure they do fund these things. If it's written into the Constitution, the next time you ask for more money for arts or wildlife, the politicians will point to the Constitutionally mandated funding and say "What do you mean, look at all this money we're giving to the arts and wildlife--and you want more?"

And what's next--an amendment to fund this, or that, or the other thing. Pretty soon, we can eliminate the legislature altogether and just guarantee everyone money in the Constitution. Wheee! Free money without having to work for it or vote for it!

Sounds like a great idea for wildlife and the arts, but it's a lousy idea for government. Vote no.

[question everything]

4. Thank you. As the Strib reported on Sunday survey

most would tend to support it while not knowing much about it.

This is like the ballot system in California when on every election there are about a dozen of them. I voted NO on most because I thought then, and now, that this is why we have the legislative bodies, to debate and to compromise and to legislate.

Ballot initiatives rely on yesterday's headline: look at Prop. 13 to limit property tax that killed public schools, and the three strikes law. It only calls for a YES or NO instead of a lengthy debate that looks at all sides.

[dflprincess]

6. Very good points.

You have given me much to think about.

[CubFan7125]

3. No, No, No, No & Hell No

This is a gutless way to tax. Let the politicians and bureaucrats make a decision about how to budget.

[ogneopasno]

5. No, because I don't like amending the constitution

for something like this.

[HopeFor2006]

7. No way

[Mister Ed]

8. Much as I hate to deprive wildlife of any opportunity to enjoy the arts...

...I'll have to vote no. I agree that this is a run-of-the mill legislative issue, and not a matter that justifies amending the constitution.