The current issues
Pro or Con

This is likely to turn into an “editorial” more than a “news” article. Bear with me.

Various “issues” are always in the “works” so-to-speak, in any diverse community, even between differing communities. Every population is made up of those who might support, or oppose certain issues for an infinite variety of reasons.

What comes to my mind is the “majority” of our population should (not must) take part in debates and general discussions on specific “issues” in order to “voice one’s concerns, vision and preferences.” In that process, we all to often call “democracy”, there is but one final means of coming to a consensus or ‘mutual’ agreement — compromise, based on the merits and faults alike.

Most readers of this website already know what “my position” is on these matters and those that preceded these dates and those that may appear in the future. I will not publicly voice “my personal opinion” on any of these matters. Why? Well, to be specific, my goal is to “report” things and not inject my personal agenda, emotional concepts, concerns or opinions as that only taints the essence of “reporting”.

All “issues” that concern the general population ought to be addressed by the “general population” as a whole who, indeed, are directly or indirectly affected. Therefore, it is “they” who ought to make final decisions on matters that affect them.

Here, I will divert from not expressing my opinion by suggesting that the population should “vote” their convictions as a matter of public concern. In our democratic process in such matters, we have a “tool” that is recognized throughout the world — “VOTE”.

Now, today, I decided to research the quantity of REGISTERED VOTERS herein our Morongo Basin. Not an easy task. Here’s where my lack of perfect understanding of the “structure” of “districts”, “precincts”, “regions”, “areas” within our Basin befuddled me as I was only able to garner “some” information that tends to suggest how many registered voters there are available that might consider “voting” on any given issue.

Only Yucca Valley and 29-Palms were listed under the heading of “Cities”. All other communities in the Basin were listed under the heading of “Area”. What ever that means. Morongo Valley was listed but it didn’t come under a specific heading… ?

The following, in no particular order, are the total registered voter count, taken from the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters’ available data. I will “assume” these numbers are very close in accuracy as of Feb 19, 2012.

• 29-Palms – 5,234 (2669)
• Yucca Valley – 9,187 (4685)
• Morongo Valley area - 1,688 (861)
• Joshua Tree area -3,785 (1930)
• Landers area – 1,045 (533)
• Pioneertown area – 310 (158)
• Yucca Mesa area – 1,518 (774)

That collection of data suggests there are a total of 22,767 registered voters who are actually eligible to vote within the Morongo Basin — the first requirement is that one’s permanent residence MUST be within, and the voter must be domiciled in the specified area, town or city to be eligible to vote within the voter’s assigned precinct.

More simply stated, if you live in the area AND are registered to vote you are a permanent resident who is domiciled in the assigned precinct. If, however, your permanent residence is located in Lompoc or Los Angeles, Victorville or even Palm Springs, and you are registered to vote “there”, you are not eligible to vote “here”. I hope that makes sense.

What are the numbers in perens (xxxx) in the table above?
When folks vote on an issue, it is usually a SIMPLE MAJORITY that prevails… or wins. That is a simple math calculation as “51%” of the total votes cast. Simply multiply the total votes cast by 0.51 and you get the “majority”.

Of course, not everyone who is registered to vote (anywhere) “always” votes. That’s where the guessing game begins in trying to determine if an “issue” will win or lose in the voting process. And, not everyone actually “registers to vote”. 

How do we cure that problem?
Educate the public (whether they are registered voters or not) on the issue, both pro and con and let the voters decide the outcome. After all, isn’t every “issue” designed for the “good of the masses affected”? The “masses affected” are living beings today and most likely tomorrow as well — but to “affect the masses” in the year 3000 and 20 is “reaching” for blue sky. None of us will be here to watch the global changes that will take place in our absence whether or not society advances, digresses or remains stagnant.

To intelligently voice your likes or dislikes about any given issue, you first must know all aspects, the facts, not speculation, of that issue — not just what you hear from one or two who are promoting “there agenda” or their “take” on the issue. Seek outside the “box” to become fully informed to make a better choice that suites you. Look at both sides of the “coin” to ensure you have “all” the relevant data and information.

The “Vote your Choice” polls I’ve very recently posted on this website are in this case related only to Joshua Tree 92252, but they are presented with very simple questions on which to decide either Yes, No or Undecided. How much simpler could it be? Even though these informal polls have no legal standing under law, they do provoke the reader into wondering what the “issue” is all about. That starts the “educational” process. Expressing your “vote”, even informally, suggests the probable outcome.

Local Meetings to become “involved”.
The vast majority of folks living anywhere know little to nothing about the workings lurking outside their small circle. Few ever intentionally participate in dialogue, debates or even casual discussions on many issues — why? Because they are not “aware” the issue is an “issue”.

We, who have the ability, tools and resources should obligate ourselves to disseminate that information to as many of the affected population as possible to the end “they” can make an informed decision. In order to get a greater quantity of persons “involved” we MUST be proactive in ensuring the masses are clearly aware of the issue at hand. Passing out ice cream samples only to those who already like ice cream denies those who’ve never tried ice cream the opportunity to “savor-the-flavor”.

That’s my “opinion”…. what’s yours? (Please don’t beat on my head too hard, its already pretty soft as it is.)

–Bill Ford