To Ron: I read with interest your comment [01/08/2010] on Referenda, which is a thorny subject.

Sometimes legislatures do the right thing (gay marriage) and the constituents vote it down (CA, ME). I don't think the Civil Rights Act, the various Voters Rights Acts, etc. would have passed a popular vote, especially in the current climate where hysterical pundits inflame the populace with lies (Faux Gnus comes to mind).

Frequently legislatures do horrible things (Wall Street bailouts while Main Street goes into bankruptcy, the public option for health care, as notable examples) that the Public supposedly opposes, but not with their votes, protests, or campaign money.

We seem to have devolved into a corporate-fascist state where moneyed interests get what they want, the populace votes for the tools of corporatism and truly believes it is in their best interest to do so. Which is why Krugman points out that for the last 10 years the middle class has declined in wealth and influence, the stock market lost value, yet a huge number of people believe that Sarah Palin is the New Messiah.

From Ron: All comments, pro or con, are welcome for posting here in "Letters from Men."