Guest Commentary
by Barbara Decker
As the general election draws close, I am surprised at voter apathy. People are not voting! I think back on voting throughout my lifetime and I consider it
I have watched as the California legislature passed more and more freedom restricting laws as they prepare for the future population growth without taking care of the present. I ask, “Just what is the role of government?” Isn’t the government’s job to maintain and repair the roads and highways, provide services like water, police, and fire, as well as libraries, parks and recreation centers.
These are simple roles but the legislature has expanded their role to legislating so much of our lives that I want to say, “Lawmakers, leave me alone!” I can choose…what light bulb I want to use, what grocery bag I want to use, what car I want to drive, what house I want to live in (if I can afford it) and on and on. Where does this end? There are far too many laws being passed! What are they doing in Sacramento?
Well, it stops at the ballot box because voting has consequences. We vote for people who make decisions for us and we may not always like their decisions. We have a voice — we can vote them out.
One law in particular is going to impact us in the near future. AB32 is California’s Cap and Trade bill, which passed in 2006. Because of AB32, this January 2015, our gas tax will increase an additional 15 to 75 cents per gallon. This is the unforeseen consequence of making a bill a law without knowing the real monetary impact further down the line. This hurts everyone’s wallet. Does the legislature consider the impact on every citizen or just a select few? Voting has consequences!
In case you didn’t know, the reason AB32 became a law was to require California to reduce its CO2 emissions back to the level in the year 1990. My question is was there any documentation of CO2 levels in 1990? I do not believe it was on the radar. AB32 also requires our energy usage to be twenty percent renewable, which it is now, moving towards thirty-three percent renewable by 2020 (www.energy.ca.gov/renewables). I believe in clean energy but at whose expense — the citizens of California???
I think back on the price of freedom paid for by the signers of The Declaration of Independence. They empowered each of us. Upon signing our Constitution they pledged, “For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” This was the birth of our freedom and led to the right to vote. We must vote!
I am inspired by the story of one man who signed The Declaration of Independence named John Hart. He was the father of 13 children and his wife was gravely ill. After signing The Declaration of Independence he was elected Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. British forces made him a marked man and he was driven from his home at harvest time. He survived in the forests and caves, sleeping under overhangs. When he returned home he found his wife had died, his 13 children had fled for their lives and his farm had been laid to waste.
And people think, “Why vote?” Well, let me suggest that you think of those who went before us and in honor of them WE VOTE. VOTING HAS CONSEQUENCES.
My name is Barbara Decker and I have been inspired to run for State Assembly because of the Great Americans who have gone before me. I pledge to fight the gas tax and protect your wallet! Please vote for me in your 78th Assembly District on November 4. Thank you for your support! www.Decker78Assembly.com