Continuing its pattern of exceptionally broad and deep coverage of Proposition 227—the “English for the Children” initiative—the San Jose Mercury News carried a series of seven more editorial and op-ed articles in this Sunday’s opinion section, covering another 250 column-inches. I’m including the lead editorial, an inciteful piece by columnist Joanne Jacobs, and an insert analyzing the actual wording of the initiative.
Given the considerable amount of coverage which we’ve received in other newspapers, I would honestly say that ours may be the most thoroughly analyzed and debated initiative in California history. At this stage, Proposition 227 may also hold the record for fewest endorsements and most opposition by elected officials and establishment organizations, least expensive campaign, and highest poll numbers for a contested initiative this close to the election—an interesting combination of “firsts.”
- Status quo is no go, Editorial
San Jose Mercury News, Sunday, April 19, 1998
