Out here in California, there were several resolutions/propositions on the ballot -- many were confusing in terms of what they would mean as well as there financial impact on individuals. But, there were a couple such propositions that
I thought were no-brainers. Proposition 2 is a very, very minimal farm animal rights measure that simply states that by 2015, farm animals have to be in cages large enough that they can stand and turn around most of the day. As it is now, virtually all factory farm animals --especially chickens and pigs-- are kept in cages barely bigger than the animals. It really is sickening, but most people don't even realize that this is the case. Anyway, the proposition is an absurdly small step towards treating animals as the sensitive, sentient beings they are, but baby steps are better than nothing. Thankfully Prop 2 passed.A disturbing turn: Prop 8 which was a hotly contested proposal to ban gay marriage in the state also passed - by a close margin of 52% to 48%. Even out here in 'liberal California,' apparently there are many folks who believe that they have the right to tell others who they should
and shouldn't love and who they can and can't marry. In this day and age, for a state like California to legislate such personal decisions -- and in my mind, rights -- is disappointing. Apparently though, some people are very excited -- see the clowns in the accompanying photo, pictured after hearing the results -- geez, as 
if two men or two women being married would make this dude's life any worse.So, in summation, I feel uplifted by the direction of the government after yesterday, but also realize that we have a long way to go...
Nice analysis, Boehmer. I'm excited about Barack, too.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear Prop 2 passed. And yes, very disappointing Prop 8 didn't.