(GoRealNewsNow.com) – In a shocking blow for blue state liberals, California voters have made a bold statement by saying no to Proposition 6, a measure that would have banned forced prison labor in the state.
Proposition 6 aimed to amend the California Constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude as punishment for crime.
Currently, the state constitution allows for this practice, mirroring the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The measure’s defeat preserves the status quo, allowing prisons to continue their work programs without disruption.
Supporters of this proposition claimed it was part of a broader reparations package to address historical discrimination against Black Californians.
However, many voters saw through this thinly veiled attempt to prioritize the comfort of criminals over the safety and economic interests of citizens.
Meanwhile, the rejection of Proposition 6 aligns with a growing trend in California toward tougher crime policies.
Voters have recently passed measures to increase penalties for shoplifting and fentanyl possession, signaling a shift away from the soft-on-crime approach that has plagued the state for years.
George Eyles, a retired teacher in Brea who voted against Proposition 6, said he found it confusing that the initiative aimed to ban slavery, which was outlawed in the U.S. in the 19th century.
“I really couldn’t get any in-depth information about … the thinking behind putting that whole Prop 6 forward, so that made me leery of it. If I really can’t understand something, then I’m usually going to shake my head, ‘No,'” he said.
Eyles’ statement reflects the sentiment of many Californians who found the proposition confusing and potentially harmful to the state’s economy.
Currently, incarcerated individuals in California earn between $0.16 per hour and $10.24 a day, with firefighters at the top of the pay scale.
These work programs provide valuable skills and structure for inmates while also benefiting the state’s economy. Eliminating these programs could have increased the taxpayer burden and reduced rehabilitation opportunities for prisoners.
Moreover, it is worth noting that several other states, including Colorado, Tennessee, Alabama, Vermont, and Nevada, have removed forced labor exemptions from their constitutions.
Nevertheless, California voters have shown wisdom in rejecting this misguided proposal, recognizing that work programs in prisons serve an essential purpose in maintaining order and providing rehabilitation.
Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom, known for his left-leaning policies, has shown some support for reparations but stopped short of fully endorsing Proposition 6.
In addition, the defeat of Proposition 6 is a victory for common sense and public safety in California.
It demonstrates that voters are rejecting the misguided notion that criminals should be absolved of their responsibilities to society.
Instead, Californians are embracing policies that prioritize law and order, personal responsibility, and citizen protection.
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