Shownotes Transcript
In this Life Matters, Commissioner Johnston examines the elections of Spring of 2022 in California. Most importantly, he delves into how the principles that need to be applied there, also apply everywhere that citizens have the freedom to vote. Brian puts particular emphasis on understanding the nature of the electoral and civic system under which an individual lives. As election processes now vary from state to state, there are better ways to analyze the ballot and vote on candidates, rather than on your simple ‘feelings.’ California’s election system has been dramatically altered in the last two decades, and Californians must make an effort to grasp the nature of the top–two, “jungle primary” system.
Brian places additional emphasis on the importance of understanding the power of your local vote. Whenever a centralized form of government moves into place, this top down approach allows great abuses by those who control the system. But it is much more difficult for these power-hungry bureaucrats to control the most local of elections. It is there that the local individual can help elect school board, city and county offices. It is also by remaining active in the civic process that citizens can hope and work to change those holding the highest level of government.
Regarding the importance of paying attention to local school boards, Brian read a tweet from Jo Leuhmann, from May 18, 2022.
“I would rather have an abortion than have a brown child who ends up being adopted by white evangelicals. It is not kindness to children of the global majority to give them to people who traumatize them with self-loathing and ancestor hatred. An abortion is an act of love.”
While Ms. Leuhmann resigned shortly afterwards, her frank openness is not an uncommon attitude amongst the far left who seek to hold positions of local responsibility. Very few however are as frank and honest.
It is very important therefore to determine the mindset and policy inclinations of candidates BEFORE they are elected, if one is hopeful of retaining influence on their local school boards, city councils, etc.