(:)(:)(:)(:) for Sicko directed by Michael Moore now playing in theaters everywhere (I hope). Even though Ralph and Mike are at odds, I consider this another great Nader date movie--Bill and I and the two or three other couples who both worked for … [Read more...] about A health care advocate’s take on Sicko
Archives for 2007
Three and a Half Snouts Up for Evan Almighty
(:)(:)(:)(: for Evan Almighty directed by Tom Shadyac, starring Steve Carell playing in theaters now. I loved this movie, yet I give it only 3 1/2 snouts out of a possible five. Why? Because I can tell that not everyone is the target demographic: … [Read more...] about Three and a Half Snouts Up for Evan Almighty
Health care quagmire screams for public financing of elections
Here's that Cliff's Notes version of an old joke: a U.S. Senator spends his whole life fighting for single-payer (Medicare for all) health care. He loses a lot of battles. Towards the end of his life, people ask the Senator, "will the U.S. ever … [Read more...] about Health care quagmire screams for public financing of elections
Public Outcry: “Garamendi, Name the Smelt!”
Delta--With the number of smelt in the California Delta dwindling daily, the public is an uproar calling for Lt. Governor John Garamendi to name the remaining smelt."Let's get real," said Gloria Gussmacher, a petite resident of the Delta region, … [Read more...] about Public Outcry: “Garamendi, Name the Smelt!”
I love you, Chuck Calderon
I'm here to impart some shocking news. After 15 years of examining Congressmen and California state legislators at close range, I've determined that they are human beings. In fact, I think a mistake that many public interest advocates make (and … [Read more...] about I love you, Chuck Calderon
Craig’s List is God
I have determined that's Craig's List is God--not figuratively, and not in the sense that we're all, like, God, but, literally, Craig's List is God. Craig's List has all the qualities of God:It is ever present, all-knowing, all powerful.It is free … [Read more...] about Craig’s List is God
Elizabeth Edwards is Inspiring
You need to watch Elizabeth Edwards' inspiring speech captured by the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights at their recent annual "Rage for Justice" Awards Dinner. I believe her when she says that she and John Edwards are running for … [Read more...] about Elizabeth Edwards is Inspiring
4 Snouts Up for The House of the Scorpion
(:)(:)(:)(:) for The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. This is the best "children's" book I have read in years. Anyone who likes good fiction should read it.Written from the perspective of a brilliant, inquisitive growing boy who is painfully … [Read more...] about 4 Snouts Up for The House of the Scorpion
Mark Leno Ends the Suspense on Clean Money
Having written before how the Assembly Appropriations Committee was keeping me in suspense, I am remiss in not stating precisely that Assemblymember Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, ended the suspense last … [Read more...] about Mark Leno Ends the Suspense on Clean Money
Clean Money to Assembly Floor
SACRAMENTO - Last Thursday, an amended version of the Clean Money and Fair Elections Act of 2007 (AB 583) was voted out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee by a vote of 12 to 5. The bill now moves on for a vote of the full Assembly, most likely … [Read more...] about Clean Money to Assembly Floor
Hillary Nightmare Starting to Come True
It's happening, people. Hillary Clinton is scooping up prime endorsements and fattening her campaign account at an alarming rate. It's starting to look possible, even probable, that she will win the Democratic nomination (hence lose Democrats the … [Read more...] about Hillary Nightmare Starting to Come True
I’m Grateful for Bill Magavern reducing Diesel Emissions
Every day I start my day making a list of 10 things for which I am grateful (well, truth be told, the first thing I have to be grateful for is that I often start my day cuddling with a sleepy 10 year old girl and prodding her gently to get on with … [Read more...] about I’m Grateful for Bill Magavern reducing Diesel Emissions