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 … [Continue reading] 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, … [Continue reading] 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 … [Continue reading] 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 … [Continue reading] 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 … [Continue reading] 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 … [Continue reading] 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 … [Continue reading] 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 … [Continue reading] 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 … [Continue reading] 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 … [Continue reading] about I’m Grateful for Bill Magavern reducing Diesel Emissions
Sacramento Humans Swim Circles Around Whales
I admit it, I keep up on current events--the things of importance to the world, like whales in the Sacramento River delta. The kids and I scour the news every day for the latest on these large mammals in our midst. I haven't been obsessed enough to … [Continue reading] about Sacramento Humans Swim Circles Around Whales
Four Snouts Up for An Unreasonable Man
(:)(:)(:)(:) for An Unreasonable Man seen tonight. I found this to be a balanced overview of Ralph's career, showing what made him who he is, with lots of air time for his critics.Clearly the world is crying out for a great Nader date movie. Bill … [Continue reading] about Four Snouts Up for An Unreasonable Man