If you follow the headlines and top news stories, it is easy to believe that our country is turning radical, camps of both Left and Right wing nuts, intent on imposing their will, sometimes violently. But while these anti-freedom groups get the headlines, the American voter has proven to be more sensible and freedom-loving than the media would have us believe.
All over the country, local voters chose freedom over authority, often overcoming millions of dollars in special interest spending. A great example is in California, where voters rejected Proposition 22. This law was designed to destroy the contract worker business like Uber, Door Dash and Lyft, removing the ability of individuals to select their own hours and job choices by forcing them into employee relationships. The legislature, as usual, attempted to create an anti-business law and force it on the public. Unfortunately for the authoritarians, California allows the voter to have a choice, and big money was spent on both sides to get voter support.
The voters rejected the proposition by almost 60%. This is good because the law would have forced control on all kinds of start-ups and people seeking contract employment under their own terms.
Also, on the slate in California was Proposition 16, attempting to overturn the ban on affirmative action when hiring public employees, assigning contracts, and in school admissions. Again, the voters rejected allowing the state to assign power to special interests in the legislature.
All over the US, voters passed laws legalizing recreational drugs or decriminalizing the use. This will reduce the terrible system of incarcerating addicts and personal possession offenders who have lost property and freedom for crimes that had no victim.
In Wyoming, a state representative was elected on the Libertarian ticket, and Libertarians all over the county made it onto the ballot in increasing numbers.
Here in Pennsylvania, our statewide candidates spend almost zero, yet earned enough votes to recapture Minority Party Status, which helps us in future elections and voter registrations. Local candidates did better than ever – Marc Bozzaco, of Montgomery County reached 23% of the vote, and will be running again to win.
The Pa. courts may be coming to their senses as well. Recently the Pa. Supreme Court ruled that warrantless searches of private vehicles, even with the (often imaginary) “probably cause” to be illegal. This ruling makes it difficult to harass drivers and passengers in violation of their rights.
There is much more to do in Pennsylvania in support of the rights of individuals. But if the inclinations of the average American voter is of any indication, Authority is slowly learning that they work for the Voter, and this Voter is asserting their rights in no uncertain terms.