I am surprised to find that I am grieving a little as today Jerry Brown leaves office and the new governor Gavin Newsom is inaugurated. Here are some highlights of my life with Jerry Brown:1965--I am four years old at the opening of the Palm Springs … [Read more...] about My life with Jerry Brown
current events
Voting is the Best Cure for “Common Enemy Intimacy”
Ever since the last presidential election, we've been engaging in “common enemy intimacy”--the problem is it undermines the world we want.As a person who follows politics and public policy closely with a commitment to my own personal integrity, … [Read more...] about Voting is the Best Cure for “Common Enemy Intimacy”
10 People Across Spectrum Speak Out with Love and Leadership
Our president continues continues to be a fascinating gift from Spirit who inspires Americans across the political spectrum to a greatness we didn't know we had. Yesterday the Daily 202 -- a wonderful news collection of The Washington … [Read more...] about 10 People Across Spectrum Speak Out with Love and Leadership
Coyote Trickster Redeemer Caroline Casey Provides A Fresh Language for the Spiritual Politics of the Current Era
"Visionary political astrologer" Caroline Casey has been finding new ways to talk about old things for a long time--people have called her a stand-up philosopher. She gives us tidbits like, the etymology of "protest" means to grab your balls in … [Read more...] about Coyote Trickster Redeemer Caroline Casey Provides A Fresh Language for the Spiritual Politics of the Current Era
The Rip van Winkle Effect
Since I've been back working in and around the state Capitol, I'm experiencing the Rip van Winkle effect. Remember the Washington Irving story of Rip van Winkle? He falls asleep and wakes up some 70 years later after the American … [Read more...] about The Rip van Winkle Effect
(:)(:)(:)(:) for the Descendants
Four enthusiastic snouts up for The Descendants in theaters everywhere. I even toyed with awarding 5 snouts here, but the kids reminded me that as I reserve 5 snouts for movies where I come out saying, "that was the best movie I've ever seen" … [Read more...] about (:)(:)(:)(:) for the Descendants
To F or not to F the Intern? (:)(:)(:) for The Ides of March
3 surprisingly enthusiastic snouts up for The Ides of March directed by George Clooney and starring Ryan Gosling and George Clooney. I had reasonably low expectations of this movie having read several reviews and hearing how sort of predictable it … [Read more...] about To F or not to F the Intern? (:)(:)(:) for The Ides of March
Resounding Victory for Fair Elections in Los Angeles!
(lifted from California Clean Money Campaign)Voters Resoundingly Say "YES" to Fair Elections in Los Angeles! Last night, Los Angeles residents sent a message to leaders across the state and across the country: It's time to end corporate and big … [Read more...] about Resounding Victory for Fair Elections in Los Angeles!
Nine Years After 9/11, Let’s End the Fear
You may want to read a piece on fear and 9/11 that I wrote for ministerial class that was posted on the Center for Spiritual Living Santa Rosa Blog. It begins:--Today marks the 9th Anniversary of the attack by Al-Quaida on the United States. In the … [Read more...] about Nine Years After 9/11, Let’s End the Fear
My Recommendations for Candidates–Statewide
I am a "Decline to State" voter who likes to vote on the Democratic ballot so as to influence the Democratic primary outcomes, so that's what I will be doing this time. Here are my picks for voting:Lieutenant Governor:I plan to vote for Gavin … [Read more...] about My Recommendations for Candidates–Statewide
My take on health care reform
For months I have been assiduously avoiding commenting on the current national health care reform debate. My reasons for this were many: I was too busy; I was cynical about the chances and didn't want to dampen anyone's spirits and most of all, I … [Read more...] about My take on health care reform
Chomsky on The Corporate Takeover of U.S. Democracy
By NOAM CHOMSKYJan. 21, 2010, will go down as a dark day in the history of U.S. democracy, and its decline.On that day the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the government may not ban corporations from political spending on elections—a decision that … [Read more...] about Chomsky on The Corporate Takeover of U.S. Democracy