A few day ago my iPhone needed a system update. I gave the phone permission — this makes me feel like I have some control — for the update to proceed over night.
When I woke up my phone was using version 12.0.1. Before I could use my phone I had to agree to the new updated EULA, or End-User License Agreement, from Apple.
So, I downloaded the 6,907 word document and sent it off to my lawyer and had him check it over before I agreed to anything —NOT.
I did what everyone else does in this instance, I scrolled down to the bottom and clicked the little agree button and continued to use my phone.
We have all become oblivious to the many software licensing agreements that we agree to in order to use our computers, cell phones and tablets, trusting that we are not signing our life away.
To prove a point that no one reads EULAs, PC Pitstop once had the following clause in its EULA:
A special consideration which may include financial compensation will be awarded to a limited number of authorize licensee to read this section of the license agreement and contact PC Pitsotp at consideration@pcpitop.com. This offer can be withdrawn at any time.
It took four months before someone noticed and claimed a $1,000 prize.
Companies have been known to hide terms in the EULA knowing that no one will read it. In 2012 those who agreed to PlayStation Network’s terms and conditions signed away their right to a class action lawsuit against Sony.
In just 13 days, Missourian’s of voting age have the privilege to go to the polls and determine our future with four constitutional amendments and three propositions.
In order to save time and our sanity the ballots given to us when we vote will have a summary of each amendment or proposition in 100 or fewer words.
The actual word count for each issue is as follows:
• Amendment 1: “Clean Missouri” redistricting and ethics changes — 4,698 words.
• Amendment 2: Medical Marijuana legalization — 7,696 words.
• Amendment 3: Medical Marijuana legalization— 15,537 words.
• Amendment 4: Bingo Gaming — 723 words
• Proposition B: Minimum Wage Increase— 917 words.
• Proposition C: Medical Marijuana legalization — 22,219 words.
• Proposition D: Transportation Funding — 3,790 words.
Do you think that maybe, just maybe, there are words hidden inside these amendments and propositions that will change our state for the worse?
My recommendation to you, if you are going to vote in November, is to do your research on these issues before you vote yes on any of them. If you don’t know or are unsure then vote no or leave it blank.
Listen to what trustworthy organizations like the Missouri Farm Bureau has to say about these. They have the finances and the staff to research these issues and give solid advice. They are on line at: mofb.org/missouri-farm-bureau-announces-positions-on-ballot-issues/.
For the three issues on medical marijuana consider that both the Missouri State Medical Association and the Missouri Sheriff’s Association are against this.
At a meeting I attended last week a representative from the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group stated that all the proponents of medical marijuana should spend their time and money to petition the federal government to recognize that marijuana has medical uses. Then marijuana would be regulated by the DEA and handled properly like other drugs.
If you think that making medical marijuana legal will be cost effective for a patient consider that, according to this officer, a month’s supply of medical marijuana will cost upwards of $5,000 per month.
These issues are too important to go into the voting booth without any knowledge of what you are voting on. Remember, this election could change our state constitution, and not for the better.
