New President, but still the same old problems

By ANTHONY LAPOMARDO
Special to The Collegian

The election is over and the problems we’ve been debating for the last six months are going to continue for the next four years. And, although it is impossible to place the blame on one man, it is at least convenient to try.

So, the first post-election bet should be when will the draft be imposed?

The answer: As soon as the electoral votes were all officially tallied. So for all those men and maybe women between the ages of 19-25, you better prepare for that phone call.

Even you only children out there better not wipe your brow yet, the word is out that the military has deferred that rule so you too are eligible to receive a call.

Now, for all the hypocritical voices that claimed they were tired of being lied to, and dislike being forced into something regardless of personal beliefs yet you were part of the nearly 45 percent that did not vote. Or maybe you were part of our voting public, but you were just so easily swayed by false provisos that you chose to allow the trend to continue.

Thankfully, for issues relevant in our state we were able to create some positive change.

Led by Governor Schwarzenegger, voters were able to defeat propositions 68 and 70, which would

have allowed the extension of Indian gambling. These initiatives would not have benefited our state.
The American Indians, or more specifically, the “private sector” of Table Mountain would like us to believe that they would have been more than forthcoming with sharing their revenue had they been asked.

Well, not only did we have to ask, we had to pass a law stating that they must share their revenue through taxes. It was never going to happen otherwise.

And in the field of science, the controversial stem cell research bill was passed. This could have been a direct result of the death of Christopher Reeve, but over 80 percent of the voting public seemed interested in putting stem-cell research to good use.

Lastly, on an indifferent note, Proposition Z also passed enabling our zoo to receive the proper funds to keep it in business.

Not to burst the nostalgic bubble of those who voted for it, but maybe you should have asked yourself why you did. All funds the zoo receives will first be sent to a private organization who will then decide how best to use the funds.

Well, while they are choosing who will pocket the money, PETA will be rightly freeing the animals from their destitution. So if you run into a lion roaming around in the park, you can thank your nostalgic feelings for that meeting.

This list can go on and plenty of fingers can be pointed, but it will all be in vain. The only way we can hope to prompt change is to have the American public think beyond checking a box, and have them find a greater source of information than is on Fox news!