Tales of Seven

The Constitution and the Simple Majority

This November 4th, Californians were asked to vote on a particularly impactful proposition -- one that would affect the state constitution itself. It passed 52% 'Yes' to 48% 'No' in a vote that showed a clearly divided opinion and nearly equal support on both sides.  

A look into the demographics of the vote also show just how diverse and varied in opinion our population was on this issue. 

% Yes (voting to amend the constituion) % No (against the amendment)

Group	% Yes	% No
Obama voters	21%	73%
McCain voters	84%	13%
Female voters	42%	51%
Male voters	46%	47%
Voters over 60	62%	32%
Voters Under 24	30%	66%
Conservative	87%	10%
Liberal	10%	86%
Protestants	60%	33%
Catholics	44%	48%

In this particular case, our state will now write in language to constrain rights of a group whose case had previously been upheld in court.

Regardless of how we each feel about Proposition 8, isn't there risk to all of us in the ability to change a document so universal and fundamental through a simple 51% majority vote? If our constitution is the rule book designed to protect and provide guidelines for all of us, and one the plays such a crucial role in protecting our rights despite all our differences, shouldn't we hold a higher bar for changing it? 

Time to Get Out and Vote!

'nough said.

BallotPedia.org

As well written as the voter guides try to be, I'm finding that I'm not able to make a decision on all the upcoming initiatives just from the content in the guides.  Searching online for more information, I recently stumbled on BallotPedia.org, a site that offers more robust information in a much better format. Found on the site are:

  

• Major arguments for and against measures summarized (with less rhetoric)

• Financial impact analyses         

• Full detail on who is funding each proposition and with how much money          

• Current voter sentiment on each ballot initiative

• Links to promotional ads and related websites

• A complete and up-to-date list of *all* newspapers and organizations for / against each initiative
  

The information felt robust, well organized and thoughtful. Something to check out!

 

The Monster

So beautifully on point.

Thought Sharing in Two Flavors (BIL and TED)

Flavors:  Caviar and Champagne  (flavorful, rare and exclusive)

The Organization: TED (Technology Entertainment and Design) "brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives. We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. So we're building here a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most inspired thinkers."

Admission and Events: $6000, invite only, event registration closed through 2009. Check out their site for recorded talks!

Flavors: A Nice Microbrew and Chips  (tasty, accessible, and filling)

The Organization: BIL is "an open, self-organizing, emergent, and anarchic science and technology conference that was created in response to those interested in but unable to afford TED. BIL has been created as a free space for people with ideas to come together and share them."

Admission and Events: Free, March 1-2 2008, Monterey

BIL and TED

Yes We Can

Whatever your political affliliation, there's a beauty to be found in when people get some fire under them for progress and change.

This music video overlays a speech by Obama creating a certain sense of poetry and inspiration.

Vote

They stood on opposite street corners with their dualing signs and big smiles.

They posted names in two foot tall letters on overpasses, and put them back up again when they were taken down.

They watched debates in unprecented numbers and had an opinion.

Is that some fire and spirit we see?

"There is No Rule Against Falsifying the News...."

This is an older story, but one still relevant to the news and information we receive today. This video clip outlines the obstacles and ultimate defeat two reporters faced in trying to air a story about the dangers bovine growth hormone (BGH); a substance manufactured by Monsanto Corporation.

In trying to expose the dangers of the substance and what they claim was the lack of any reasonable testing or oversight prior to release to the market, these reporters state Fox News ultimately fired them for not being willing to falsify their findings in favor of Monsanto.

When the reporters sued Fox News, the courts reached this judgement.

"In February 2003, a Florida Court of Appeals unanimously agreed with an assertion by FOX News that there is no rule against distorting or falsifying the news in the United States."

It's a reminder that News is truly a business, subject to market pressures and influence by those in power. It's well worth seeking out alternative sources of information.

Westland Meat Plant Video

For nearly 15 years I was vegetarian, not out of moral opposition to eating meat, but rather out of severe concerns for how we raise animals in factory farms. This video demonstrates some of the alarming, inhumane and unsafe practices that can occur. WARNING: the video contains very graphic images.

While the USDA notes that this was an isolated incident and has no intent to revise its oversight policy or regulations, standard factory farming policies demonstrate these problems are not only common but in fact endemic to the industry.

A huge thanks to the Humane Society for continuing to keep this issue in front of us. This video made it into the evening news, certainly helping to raise awareness.

There is opportunity to reduce this type of suffering by moderating consumption and by supporting farms that raise animals in healthy and humane environments. When animals are mass produced for our consumption, it's hard to imagine incidents like this are uncommon, even with oversight. I always opt for the free range eggs, organic producers and meats from small, local producers -- where I feel there is greater chance that incidents like this won't occur.

2/3/08 Westland Meats has issued a statement on their website. The statements emphasize the excellent oversight measures that are already in place, in apparent contradiction to the video evidence. Westland has been cited at least once in the past for using prods on animals.

2/5/08 As an update, the HSUS has done a brilliant job highlighting issues, then acting to address them more globally through protective legislation. On their site, they now highlight the proposed  Farm Animal Stewardship Act designed to provide basic protection for animal welfare in factory farms. Visit this link to send a message of support to legislators.

Enjoy Your Coffee?

-- a clever little set of mugs I received for my housewarming ;). Pour in hot water and watch civil liberties and coastlines disappear before your eyes with the Civil Liberties and Global Warming Mugs.