George,

I don't know Rey Barry or Nancy O'Brien but I do know that Russell Perry is absolutely not a "cynical Elitist". Mr. Barry is entitled to his opinion but so are Ms. OBrien and Rus. Name calling demeans Rus and Ms. OBrien but Mr. Barry is demeaning himself more by the act.

That said I firmly believe in referendums: not opinion polls. Opinion polls are to susceptiple to being rigged. Elections are far less so. I lived in California when proposition 13 was passed. This was over 20 years ago. It was opposed by every elected offical. It passed 2 to 1. Governor Jerry "Moonbeam" Brown who had opposed the proposition said that he had heard the people and he would accept their mandate. The destruction of California predicted by many did not occur. I know that California is in terrible financial trouble today and it is true that parts of proposition 13 have contributed to the problem. But the real cause of the financial difficulties can be laid to the financial policies of the elected officals.

To Mr. Sewell [who said "So Why are Councilors elected if we have referendums? Politicians have referendums to duck issues." (electronic mail, February 5, 2004)], I answer that the reason for referendums is that elected officals forget who elected them and get out of touch with the people. They get heavily influenced by large campaign contributions, developers, and other special interests. A referendum every once in a while reminds our elected officals who they are representing and what we want. I can't blame Grey Davis for all of California's financial problems and I doubt anyone (including the Terminator) is going to be able to fix them any time soon. However the referendum to kick Davis out was a message from the people of California heard around the world that they were mad as hell.

Downing Smith (electronic mail, February 5, 2004)