From Grist
California, as you probably know, has a lovely litte experiment in direct democracy that allows citizens to vote on Propositions. This year's Proposition 6 has gotten most of the buzz--it's about gay marriage. But the often-overlooked Proposition 2 deserves some love. Normally, I wouldn't be writing about California Popositions because neither state I call home is California and the vast majority of my tiny readership is not from California. But, when GZA of The Wu-Tang Clan chimes in on an issue, you know I have to write something.
This is the official summery of Prop. 2 from the CA Attorney General:
STANDARDS FOR CONFINING FARM ANIMALS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
-Requires that calves raised for veal, egg-laying hens and pregnant pigs be confined only in ways that allow these animals to lie down, stand up, fully extend their limbs and turn around freely.
-Exceptions made for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research and veterinary purposes.
-Provides misdemeanor penalties, including a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment in jail for up to 180 days.
If you ask me, this is a pretty modest proposal. It's not forcing factory farms to become free range, it's just giving animals enough room to, you know, live. Here's the ad for it (all video's via Ezra Klein):
Nevertheless, it's attracted some heat:
NO on Prop. 2 from NO on Prop. 2 on Vimeo.
How's a poor boy to vote? Well, GZA has something to say:
Awesome.
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