Day: February 5, 2008

As a reminder, here are my endorsements:

• Presidential Preference: Obama. I’ve read through his platform, and find I like his thinking and positions. I also feel he has the best chance to work with Congress without the rancor and baggage that might come with other Democratic candidates. I think he is much more aware of technology and the power of the Internet, and he appears to want to use it in a positive way to provide transparency in government, which is a good thing. He’s garnering interesting endorsements from astute folks.

  Although his positions are very close to Hilary Clinton, I don’t think she is the right candidate because she would bring too much baggage with her in terms of the “Clinton Legacy” — in other words, both the Bush and Clinton dynastys are flashpoints for the other side in Congress, and actually create gridlock because of their history. I strongly believe that Hilary should stay in the Senate — she is this generation’s Ted Kennedy, and should be the voice for the liberal cause, fighting for the downtrodden in the Senate. That’s where she would be most effective. I also worry about the two-body problem: her famous hubby would likely serve only to create distractions in Congress, especially with the GOP as they feel he already had his opportunity. If she ends up being the Democratic nominee I could support her, but I don’t think she is the stronger nominee.

  If you are Republican, I suggest a vote for McCain. Over the years, he has shown the ability to think. Although I don’t agree with his stand on many issues, I think he is the best of the current Republican field.

• Prop 91: Yes. This explains why.
• Prop 92: No. The only way to lower fees without raising taxes is by increasing debt. Much as I believe Community Colleges are a good thing, I don’t think this is the answer.
• Prop 93: No. This is a deceptive way for some folks to extend their terms. I might have supported it if current officeholders didn’t get an extension out of it.
• Props 94-97: No. Much as I would love the extra income, the numbers are inflated. I think better compacts can be negotiated.
• Prop S (Los Angeles): Yes. Although there are some ruses in here (although the rate is lowered, more money is raised; there is no guarantee for policy), the important facts are: (1) without the proposition, the phone tax income may be lost completely due to lawsuits, severely impacting the city’s budget; (2) Federal law prevents this from being a general tax on the internet. Basically, this proposition fixes the problem with the tax that created the lawsuits, and extends it to cover alternate phone services, such as VOIP (but not email).

Disclaimer: These positions reflect my personal thinking only.

According to a poll in the UK:

• 47% of Brits think the 12th century English king Richard the Lionheart was a myth.
• 23% think World War II prime minister Churchill was made up. The same percentage thought Crimean War nurse Florence Nightingale did not actually exist.
• 3% think Charles Dickens is a work of fiction himself.
• Indian political leader Mahatma Gandhi and Battle of Waterloo victor the Duke of Wellington also appeared in the top 10 of people thought to be myths.
• 58% thought Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective Holmes actually existed; 33 percent thought the same of W. E. Johns’ fictional pilot and adventurer Biggles.

We like to think we’re smarter here in America, but then I read the news and realize that I’m quite likely wrong. We must remember that Heinlein said that we must never underestimate the power of human stupidity, or as Homer Simpson put it, “Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers.”

Why do I remind you of this? Today is “Super Tuesday” in many states. Many stupid people will be voting. It is your responsibility to counter them. Go to the polls and make an intelligent and informed choice.

Even if you are not voting today, investigate your candidates, learn their positions and what they say. Think about how politics will work when they are in office. Will they be able to move our country forward in a positive direction, working in a productive manner with congress, providing transparency in government actions, and ensuring your tax dollars are used in an effective fashion. We’ve had political gridlock in Congress since the 1990s — we must move forward in a positive manner. It is up to you to make the intelligent choice.