Eric has some good commentary on the perils of ballot initiative systems such as the one we have here in Washington State. Each time Tim Eyman introduces a new cut-the-taxes initiative he strikes another blow at what makes our country run. Regardless of whether one agrees completely with how the government spends our money (few people do), we must realize that simply cutting off the money that funds programs is not the way to reform it. Taking money away from public transit will not solve road problems. Refusing to vote for school bonds will not fix the education system. Irresponsible initiatives that blindly cut as many taxes as they can almost unfailingly to irreparable harm to society without having any impact on the problem their proponents claim they solve.

If this keeps up, I’ll be very tempted to move to a state with a more reasonable political system.