First thoughts about Nov '08 state propositions

Today I got my first query about my electoral recommendations. So I'm trying a new tack this year. Here are my initial thoughts, with lots of unfinished thoughts: I welcome comments.

Strong opinions:
Prop 1A: YES YES YES for High Speed Rail to connect Northern and Southern CA and reduce global warming. My organization campaigned hard to make this a good measure, and we won changes to make it better (see our explanation). Now we need voters to agree: help the campaign.

Prop 8: NO NO NO. Don't eliminate my sister's right to marry the person she loves. Please support marriage equality, at www.noonprop8.com

Prop 4: NO on parental notification requirements that make teenage girls less safe - learn why. And it is ridiculous that we keep having vote on this?

Leaning Pro/Con:
Props 5, 6, 9 on the criminal justice issues. Why so many, why are they on the ballot instead of going through the Legislature? I'm leaning Yes on 5 and No on 6+9, but I'm going to check into analysts I trust and see what they think.

Props 7 + 10 on renewable energy issues: I'm leaning No on both of these from what little I've seen. I've seen lots of opposition statements from groups I trust on 7 and arguments that seem reasonable against 10, but I want to look into both of them enough to be completely confident.

Prop 11: Leaning Yes for more rational redistricting: This is the one measure on this ballot that clearly HAS to go on the ballot. Good people support it, it sounds reasonable, but I want to research it more before being completely confident.

I need advice:
Prop 2: "Standards for Confining Farm Animals": at first blush, this appeals to my sensibilities. But why is this on the ballot instead of going through the Legislature?

Prop 3: Children's Hospital Bond: I want kids to be healthy, and real children's hospitals do good work, but I don't like bonds much and the "con" arguments raise doubts I want to research.

Prop 12: Veterans' bond to buy housing and farms: Purpose pulls my heart-strings, but I don't like bonds and the "con" arguments raise doubts. Also, why is this on the ballot instead of going through the Legislature?