In fact, because the electorate tends to be more conservative than the governing class, most initiatives and referenda tend to achieve conservative ends. That's why liberals are so fond of the judiciary. It's much easier to convince one Supreme Court Justice (Sandra Day O'Connor) than 51 percent of the voters.
And yet, is it really such a great idea to let the people rule completely? California (unwisely in my opinion, but they didn't ask my advice) re-elected Gov. Gray Davis. Now they regret it. But he hasn't done anything different from what he did during his first term. Times have changed, that's all. I could understand a recall based on the same principles as impeachment -- crimes, moral turpitude, that sort of thing. But for being a lousy governor?
One of the reasons our society is so successful is our adherence to the rule of law. Following the rules provides stability and order. Yanking people out of governor's mansions only 11 months after they've been elected to a four-year term begins to look like Italy or Bolivia. Yes, yes, it's all perfectly legal. I'm aware of that. But it's a bad law, and it ought to be changed.
As for the California Republicans, who've been on the critical list for the past several election cycles, they've mounted a tiger. Schwarzenegger is unpredictable. Some libertarians believe he is one of them. Let's hope so. But so far, his campaign rhetoric is dismally familiar. He's gonna kick out the "special interests" and run the state for the benefit of the people. How original. Ross Perot said the same thing in a different accent.
And Perot was full of baloney.