A question about initiatives and referendums

[Lumpy]

Currently Minnesota doesn't have any such provision. Prior rulings suggest it would require amending the Minnesota state constitution, and repeated efforts to do so have fallen short.

My question is, if initiatives and referendums were permitted in Minnesota would this on balance be favorable or unfavorable to gun rights? On the one hand the pro-gun movement is far more active at the grass roots level; but on the other hand the antis and their out of state funding seem much better able to push "astroturf" agendas.

It's currently a moot point, but I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has examined this issue.

[bstrawse]

Currently Minnesota doesn't have any such provision. Prior rulings suggest it would require amending the Minnesota state constitution, and repeated efforts to do so have fallen short.

My question is, if initiatives and referendums were permitted in Minnesota would this on balance be favorable or unfavorable to gun rights? On the one hand the pro-gun movement is far more active at the grass roots level; but on the other hand the antis and their out of state funding seem much better able to push "astroturf" agendas.

It's currently a moot point, but I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has examined this issue.

I think it would be unfavorable to gun rights.
b

[xd ED]

Several decades ago I worked with a guy who was very active in the trade union politics, and well connected politically.
There was, at the time, a movement afoot to get initiative and referendum passed in MN.
Discussing the topic, he was dead set against it.
I assumed he feared his political influence would be diluted. But, as he explained it, even back in the 'good old days', of more reasonable related gun laws, and attitudes about firearms, the concern was more personal; that initiative and referendum would ultimately lead to restrictions, and bans on various hunting activities.
At the time I did not see that happening; but now, I believe anything would be possible.

[jdege]

Initiatives allow for voters to pass laws without the legislatures.

Referenda allow voters to block laws passed by the legislatures.

I'm in favor of the latter and very much opposed to the former.

We don't need to make it easier for the government to do things.

[daleamn]

Would "initiatives, recoalls and referendums" be good for Minnesota?
A good question for which I do NOT have a good answer.
Growing up in ND the sentiment was it made government more responsive to the common folk. But that was in the '50's and '60's. I'm not sure it's a good idea today or for MN.

The "Left/Progressives/DFL" certainly don't seem to have any problems getting ALL the votes they need for ANYTHING they want. (And that leaves me frustrated and sad.)

But on the other hand there were several gun bills that, right now, might not pass...so there SHOULD be some hope.

P.S. I appreciate hearing other people on this forum's opinion on the issue since mine is not fully formed.

[jdege]

George Will had an opinion on making government more "responsive", from back in Ventura days:

One-House Town

[Jackpine Savage]

Initiative would bring us closer to pure democracy, where two wolves and a sheep end up voting on what to have for dinner. Especially with today's news/propaganda and social media the outcome would be manipulated one way or another.

[Rip Van Winkle]

As long as the left can mobilize their useful idiot base, initiative & referendum is a bad idea.

[Holland&Holland]

Maybe the problem is just government?

[Jackpine Savage]

I'd say our government has had a pretty good run at 200+ years. The problem is the commies that have infiltrated it.

[Holland&Holland]

I'd say our government has had a pretty good run at 200+ years. The problem is the commies that have infiltrated it.

Have you been to a city council or school board meeting?

[Jackpine Savage]

Does being a township treasurer count?

[Holland&Holland]

Does being a township treasurer count?

Maybe, are townships as screwed up as cities and school districts are?

[Jackpine Savage]

As far as ours goes, no. I would guess it depends on location, and the percentage of wokeness present.

[crbutler]

Recall is one thing, referendum and initiative another.

Frankly, my view on recall is driven by the absolute unwillingness of the political class to police itself.