Whatever Happened to the “Out of Iraq” Referendum?Paul Hogarthbyline‚ Jan. 25‚ 2008Remember when Democrats were pushing George Bush on the War in Iraq? Remember when presidential candidates were getting heat for having supported the War – or their being wishy-washy about getting us out? With California’s presidential primary in just two weeks, we were supposed to have a Proposition on the February ballot – making it official policy that the people of California support withdrawal. State Senate President Don Perata championed the issue and the legislature voted to put it on the ballot, but then Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed it. If Democrats were serious, however, they could have gathered signatures to put it on the ballot – regardless of what Arnold did. Doing so would have boosted Democratic turnout, kept the issue alive and held all presidential candidates accountable. Instead, we have allowed Iraq to slip from the consciousness of politicians – eluding a golden opportunity to help end this quagmire. |