So this blog, despite its diversions and meanderings, is supposed to be about getting outside and doing things. On election day (and despite my multiple unpopular and misguided opinions) perhaps it is best to think about how our votes, and which votes, influence our ability to enjoy the out-of-doors. An Allan voting guide of what I've found important.
So let's think about California first:
1. Prop 21--the State Parks Initiative: If this passes, anyone with a California license plate can get free access to any State Park. This is the most important ballot measure that directly influences the ability of all to enjoy nature.
2. Prop. 23: This measure attempts to stop California's meek efforts to reduce carbon pollution. Millions of trees that are being eaten by bark beetles care about this measure. I hope it is defeated. Vote in order to save the trees!
3. Barbara Boxer. She has been a friend to environmental groups and has been tagged as being too friendly to radical environmentalists.
4. Green Party candidates---it will be interesting to see how they do at the local and lesser state wide race levels. I'm hoping they poll three percent in these races.
Nationally:
1. Many of the Tea Party Folk tend to be climate change deniers. Especially Sharon Angle in Nevada and O'Donnell in Delaware. Climate change legislation ends with this election. Goodbye cap and trade. Goodbye fuel efficiencies. So long to Renewables. Forget all hope of having a Marshall Plan for Clean Energy. If a candidate is against getting off of fossil fuels and/or denies climate change--that candidate is not friendly to getting outside.
2. There is a Green Senate candidate in Arkansas (can't remember his name right now) who is quite interesting. I'm hoping he gets a few votes.
3. The Green Party on a national basis. Will they poll one percent anywhere?
4. Russ Feingold in Wisconsin. If he loses we should abandon all hope and go live in a cardboard box.
By the way, it is a beautiful day in Napa and I had a nice walk through a vineyard.
3 comments:
Thanks for this, Allan. It's hard to believe that so many know-nothings actually stand a good chance of reaching positions of political power.
It doesn't look good for Feingold here in Wisconsin. HIs opponent says that climate change is likely caused by sunspots...and that we need more evidence.
I'm afraid I am going to go to bed as a sad man tonight!
Larry,
I was so sad to see Feingold lost. He said "on to 2012"---wonder what he has in mind?
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