Dear Editor,

I still say no to Prop 32

In response to my earlier "No on Prop 32" (Stop Special Interest Money Now) letter to the editor, Mr. Ron Arteno's Aug. 16 letter makes his opposition to using his union dues for political purposes very clear and understandable. His union doesn't ask for or reflect his views.

But, do corporations ask for or reflect the views of their customers, or employees or communities which accommodate them when supporting a political candidate or position? No, they don't. They don't even ask their fellow owners (i.e. stock holders).

What stock holder wants his dividend diluted by a political campaign contribution that he may not even agree with? Corporate donations are not private -- They become private when they come from the salaries, bonuses and dividends earned by the management, board members and stock holders. And unlike Mr. Arteno, I don't rely on current regulations to limit their political input -- obviously it isn't happening, and Prop 32 doesn't change any of that.

The real question then becomes whether Mr. Arteno and the Tea Party believe that wealthy institutions should be able to determine the outcome of elections.

Ed Estes, Oakhurst