THE UNITED STATES IS NO LONGER A DEMOCRACY

[LETTER #1]

Didn't we overwhelmingly pass Proposition 5, which would let tribes
continue their gambling establishments on their land? Now we have a
few people who oppose it clogging up the courts, saying it is
unconstitutional.

In 1996, the people of California passed Proposition 215, the
medicinal marijuana initiative. Sure enough, a few people bring the
federal government in and shut down all cannabis clubs, which were
not causing any harm but rather helping sick and suffering people.

The United States is no longer a democracy, or rule by the many. It
has become rather an oligarchy, rule by the few. Too bad the "few" are
old, white, male and conservative, who do not care about what I want,
what my generation wants or what the American public as a whole wants
for the country. No wonder no one votes anymore.

Laura Gallagher
Davis

[LETTER #2]

It's a wonder anyone bothers to vote. Any proposition passed by the
voters that has a negative financial impact upon big business is
automatically held up in court for years, due to the fact that big
business can afford to pay attorneys' fees and pass the costs incurred
on to their customers. It is evident in this particular instance that
the Nevada casinos are threatened by this proposition.

There are two tragedies here. First, the votes of millions of
Californias have been silenced for years to come, maybe even
permanently. Second, the Nevada casinos, which take in billions of
dollars every year, have hindered the Indians' efforts to make a
better life for themselves.

Maybe we should reverse the whole process when it comes to
propositions. Before it can go on the ballot, it must first be
declared constitutional. That way, when voters pass a proposition,
they know their decision is final.

Brian C. Kehoe
El Dorado Hills