Tyranny of the Mob Rules in California

Should the golden promise of California fade in the 21st century, as it appears to be doing economically, and should other states continue to gain on what was once the nation's most blessed land, California citizens might eventually ask a useful question: Why do almost all other states choose not to have California's easy form of recall, or its insane tradition of initiative-led government?

For most states, the fail-safe checks on a runaway governor are legislative impeachment, as well as automatic forfeiture of office upon conviction of a serious crime, and these are quite enough. Moreover, voters across the U.S. generally use elections, not initiatives, to send popular messages to elected leaders. These messages are received loud and clear, and without the awful unintended consequences that often come with initiatives.

The nation's founders, not the Progressives, were right. Representative democracy is far superior to pure democracy. Recall, except in a dire emergency, destroys rather than enhances effective government, as does excessive use of the initiative process.

Davis may or may not be worth supporting, but this vital principle of American constitutional democracy is. Consider it before you vote -- and maybe take a clothespin for your nose when you go to the polls. It might help in this season of abundant bad choices.