Issues with Stuff

There are still outstanding ballots uncounted, but it seems virtually certain that Proposition 1A has passed in California. This will enable high speed rail from San Francisco to Los Angeles (all the way to Irvine, actually). It’s certainly more difficult to pass a bond measure in a down economy, but an infrastructure project of this scale is an excellent way for a government to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

Perhaps Californians are finally willing to reconsider the hegemony of the automobile.

According to an item on Bruce Schneier’s blog, Maryland State Police classified 53 nonviolent activists as terrorists. The police were participating in a surveillance operation which targeted opponents of the death penalty and the Iraq war.

A couple of months ago, Andrew Posner over at TreeHugger posted an excellent essay that summarized why cycling is often ignored as a solution to our environmental problems.

Years ago, Miller got bicycle advocacy right.

According to a poll by KPIX California voters now favor passage of California Proposition 8, which would permanently eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry in the state.

I urge everyone to vote NO on Proposition 8.

If you aren’t convinced yet, check out these YouTube PSAs:

• Vote No on Prop 8 - Procreation
• Vote no on Prop 8 - Icky

I am registered as a permanent absentee voter here in California, and my ballot arrived in the mail yesterday.  Voting in California has officially begun!

If you live in California and aren’t yet registered to vote, you have until Ocotober 20th to get registered in time for the Presidential election.