Initiatives

Gordon Peterson (“Politicized Courts,” letter, Sept. 10) needs a remedial course in civics. The courts are not defying the will of “the people,” they’re doing their job, preventing “the people” from defying their own will, as expressed by the Constitution. Peterson’s ire would be better directed at the executive and legislative branches, for abdicating their responsibilities. This forces citizens to turn to the initiative process. These measures are not tested for constitutionality before they are presented to the electorate. “The people” could pass an initiative turning California into a monarchy, or one banning letters to the editor, but these would fail, rightly, when challenged.

Other villains are the special interests that have hijacked the initiative process. Knowing that many people don’t look at initiatives too deeply and are easily swayed by noble-sounding titles and flashy ads, these special interests have turned the initiative process into a farce.

ART KAUFMANN

Los Angeles