I’m confused. Opponents of Prop 54 have asserted repeatedly
that, if the state is prohibited from sorting Californians into
racial categories, public health will be endangered.
But, gee whiz, today I opened my voter information pamphlet and,
well, the legislative analyst’s summary couldn’t be any
plainer:
”
Exemptions include: medical data; law enforcement descriptions;
prisoner and undercover assignments; actions maintaining federal
funding.
”
I’m confused. Opponents of Prop 54 have asserted repeatedly that, if the state is prohibited from sorting Californians into racial categories, public health will be endangered.
But, gee whiz, today I opened my voter information pamphlet and, well, the legislative analyst’s summary couldn’t be any plainer: “Exemptions include: medical data; law enforcement descriptions; prisoner and undercover assignments; actions maintaining federal funding.”
It also says the legislature, with a two-thirds majority, can override the law and OK the collection of absolutely any racial data it deems fit. Hard to believe the legislature would stand by and permit public health to be jeopardized.
So, is there a hidden agenda here? Is the public health argument just the best thing opponents can come up with to swing some votes? Is it possible that their true concern is that Prop 54 will dampen their push for a system of racial spoils?
Just wondering.
T.J. Pierce,
San Francisco
