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Early election results are getting me down. It looks like the Republicans will be controlling the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of our government for at least the next couple of years. In local politics, things are going a little better. However, Oakland, where I live, looks to be supporting increasing the number of police officers by 100, supposedly to "prevent crime" or something. Though there is a wrinkle in their plans... (from the SF Chronicle) "Facing spiraling murder and crime rates, Oakland voters were narrowly approving a measure to hire 100 more cops but rejecting the taxes that would pay for them." Which reminds me of one of my Top 10 scenes from The Simpsons (better seen than read, but oh well): Edna: Oh, "boo" yourself. Our demands are simple: a small cost-of-
living increase and some better equipment and supplies for
your children.
Audience: Yeah! Give it to them! etc.
Skinner: Yeah, in a dream world. We have a very tight budget; to do
what she's asking, we'd have to raise taxes.
Audience: Raise taxes? They're too high as they are. Taxes are bad.
etc.
Edna: It's your children's future.
Audience: That's right. Children are important. etc.
Skinner: It'll cost you.
Audience: No to taxes. My God, they're going to raise taxes. etc.
Edna: C'mon!
Audience: She makes a good case. Good point. etc.
Skinner: [rubs his fingertips together]
Audience: More taxes? The finger thing means the taxes. etc. Sigh.
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COMMENT #1
I highly recommend Michael Moore's, "Bowling for Columbine" if it's playing near you. They had some crazy stats about crime rates dropping like crazy but crime news and coverage rising and rising. So basically, our neighbourhoods are getting safer, but we feel less safe. Yuck. Amazing movie.
Posted by Aaron D @ 11/06/2002 05:09 PM PST [link to this comment]
COMMENT #2
For us liberals, the political scene is getting very bleak. Approaching Iraq invasion, courts packed with conservative judges, no effective gun-control initiatives, inappropriate tax breaks for the very wealthy, fewer supports for the unhealthy/undereducated/unemployed/unlucky, short-sighted energy policy, degradation of privacy & civil liberties, unilateral & non-cooperative foreign policy initiatives. As Peter said, "It looks like the Republicans will be controlling the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of our government for at least the next couple of years." Many key elections have been incredibly close, including the 2000 Presidential election. Third party candidates have often tipped the balance. Nader supporters said they saw no difference between Gore and Bush. I wonder if, among the peterme readers, there are voters for Nader in 2000 who would like to comment on how they feel now...one way or the other. [This is not intended as a slam at Nader supporters; I genuinely would like to know their current feelings, especially in states where the third party voters made a difference in the outcome.] --
Posted by Bernie @ 11/07/2002 09:30 AM PST [link to this comment]
COMMENT #3
I voted third party for california's governor--I couldn't stand gray davis (dem) and I loathe bill simon (rep) as well. I felt that if enough people voted their hearts and went third party, third party candidates might start to be recognized within the system. I can't think of voting for who I believe in to be 'throwing my vote away', or it would be a very depressing thing.
Posted by Moonie @ 11/07/2002 04:43 PM PST [link to this comment]
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