Tea Party Republicans well-informed about GOP presidential field

Tea Party Republicans, and even Republican-leaning Independents, know more about the current GOP presidential candidates than Republican voters who disagree with or have no opinion of the Tea Party movement.  According to a survey released Thursday by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, 73% who classify themselves as Republican and who agree with the Tea Party movement correctly answered at least three of four questions posed abo

Babar, the humble crow, and the New York Review

I have never before had a “blog.” But I think I get it.

That said, please know The City Club of San Diego and the Independent Voter Network a working relationship. Part of that relationship involves this blog and online opinion pieces I write for this IVN.US and other publications.

California water system in need of major repair

The California Department of Water Resources warned in a December report that 50% of the state’s aging levees are not up to standard and up to $17 billion is needed in repairs and infrastructure investment. This of course comes at a very bad financial time for California, as it is already suffering from huge budget deficits.

Arizona immunity case sheds light on privileged political class

Arizona Sen. Scott Bundgaard's alleged invocation of a state law, which gave him immunity to arrest last February when he was faced with misdemeanor domestic violence charges, has spawned legislation to amend a provision in the Arizona Constitution that grants partial immunity to lawmakers during and right before session.

Activists work to keep coal trains out of Washington town

Concerns about energy independence notwithstanding, when the odor of coal dust wafting through the town offends the citizenry’s olfactory glands, the trains must be stopped.  At least that’s the way some people in Bellingham, Washington see it. Activists have formed a Political Action Committee (PAC) called No Coal! to halt coal trains from traversing city property. They envision a legal system that would recognize the Rights of Nature, which apparently includes freedom from coal dust.

A look at 3 potential #marijuana initiatives in Cali

1) The Marijuana Penalties Act of 2012: Increase amount of #marijuana that can be possessed, cultivated, sold, or transported from one ounce to two ounces for adults 21+

(2) The Regulate Marijuana Like Wine Act of 2012: Use model of alcohol regulation & control to introduce #marijuana into a legal, regulated market 

(3) The Repeal Cannabis Prohibition Act of 2012: Decriminalize possession, cultivation, sale, transport, & use of #marijuana for 19+