The California Supreme Court decision to allow an advisory measure on the statewide ballot may appear to promote democracy. However, there is little doubt that the proposed ballot measure is another in a line of maneuvers by the Democratic majority in the legislature to manipulate the ballot.
The court was asked if it was appropriate for the legislature to ask voters advice on whether the legislature should seek a United States constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court. Recall that the decision allowed labor unions and corporations to make unlimited political donations. Opponents of the Citizens Uniteddecision say it leads to distortion in the political process awash with money.
While there is no denying there is a democratic appeal to allow the people to express their wishes through the ballot, one doesn’t have to peel back too many layers to get a smell of this onion.