The passage of Amendment 1, even with the 60 per cent threshold, is a reminder of what is so critical to the passing of a referendum issue. How well financed the opposing sides are and who has the better demagogues are obvious. But even more determinative is how the issue is viewed in its most simplistic terms.
We have the law of unintended consequences imposed upon us thanks to “smaller class sizes.” Who’s not in favor of better student-teacher ratios? The average homesteaded home owner will now save $240 per annum, but might not like the quid pro quo of services reduced or eliminated. Who’s not in favor of paying less in taxes?
And remember how Gov. Jeb Bush characterized his educational reforms and initiatives? We have the onerous FCATs because the issue was couched in terms of “accountability” in our schools. Who’s not in favor of accountability?
The question ultimately begged is this: Anyone not in favor of reading the fine print?