July 2008: Politicking in Promenade Park

Sun 22 March 2009, 10:35PM | posted in politics

From the recesses of the inbox:

from: Diana Schnuth
to: Aaron R. Schnuth
date: Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 1:13 PM
subject: during today's walk

I’ll probably end up blogging about this later…

I was walking up by Promenade Park when a college kid with a clipboard approached me. I decided to actually let him do his spiel, since he was polite about it. He said that he was collecting signatures to put an issue on the ballot: the government is apparently taxing cash advance companies out of existence, and “we” feel that the issue should be put to the voters, instead of letting the government decide. Since I think cash advance places are a Very Bad Idea, and only make bad finances worse, I politely told him I’d pass, but thanks for approaching me. I love being nice when I reject someone, because they get really confused. This kid was no exception - it took him until I nodded my goodbyes and taken two steps away before he managed a Have A Nice Day. Heh.

Then, past the other side of Promenade Park, there was a college chick with a cooler on a wheeled luggage caddy. She asked if I’d like some free bottled water, and I said yes, and steeled myself for whatever proselytization I’d just agreed to. She just handed me a water and a flyer and bid me good day. The flyer? Was for Cash AdvantEdge, located inside Rent-A-Center on Starr Ave. The bottled water had a custom label, too (which, incidentally, said nothing about the number of fluid ounces in the bottle).

When I took another turn around the park about 20 minutes later, there were a bunch of young people huddled under a tree, comparing notes and packing backpacks. I’m guessing they all came out with their various methods of spreading the word, and spent the lunch hour ensnaring the downtown workers (who, interestingly enough, probably don’t need cash advances).

I just thought that was amusingly transparent, and probably not very effective overall.

Incidentally, that issue was on the ballot for the November election, and I voted against the cash advance places, in favor of more restrictive lending.

A Victory For Science

Mon 9 March 2009, 11:40PM | posted in news; politics

While I don't usually talk about politics / morality / touchy subjects on my blog, I did want to make mention of this:

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama signed an executive order Monday repealing a Bush-era policy that limited federal tax dollars for embryonic stem cell research.

Obama's move overturns an order signed by President Bush in 2001 that barred the National Institutes of Health from funding research on embryonic stem cells beyond using 60 cell lines that existed at that time.

I'm not a biologist, or a geneticist, or a scientist of any type. However, I do know enough about cell biology and DNA and related sciences to be strongly supportive of stem cell research. Stem cell research may likely lead to cures for neurological diseases that have plagued my husband's family, and who knows what other good it could lead to.

In my admittedly layman's opinion, this is a huge step in the right direction for science.

Oddly enough, the specific quote I had been hoping to include here has been edited out of CNN's article since I first read it, and has been replaced with Nancy Reagan's thankful statement to President Obama in response to him lifting the ban.

The quote I had intended to include — and would have posted via Twitter earlier today, had it been under 140 characters — referred to the fact that massive numbers of embryos are destroyed in fertility clinics, and that those embryos can now be used to save the lives of others.

This has been one of my own main points in the discussion on stem cell research. Not to sound like I'm belittling human life, but the first comparison that comes to mind is dumpster diving: fetching perfectly good unwanted foodstuffs (and other items) out of someone else's trash, then either using them yourself or donating them to charity. It was going to a landfill somewhere, anyway; isn't it better that it be used for a good cause? It was already at the end of its original presumed usefulness, whether it was a head of cabbage or Ms. Suleman's ninth embryo.

Like I said, I don't usually venture out into sensitive territory, but I felt this deserved mentioning. I welcome your opinion in the comments, whether or not you agree with me on this.

Twitter Update (#990646032)

Tue 4 November 2008, 9:25PM | posted in politics; status ABC News predicts Ohio will go to Obama. Fucking A. *fist-pumping ensues*

read more...

Twitter Update (#990490339)

Tue 4 November 2008, 8:14PM | posted in politics; status Are you serious, New York Times? Texas is leaning Democratic right now? *checks CNN* Yep, it's narrow, but it's a lead.

read more...

Twitter Update (#986893558)

Sun 2 November 2008, 6:31PM | posted in politics; status Just got back from early voting. The 2+ hours spent in line were definitely worth it.

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Twitter Update (#984500262)

Fri 31 October 2008, 6:54PM | posted in politics; status Can't believe that some people actually think that gay marriage will lead to pedophilia and bestiality. "Why can't I marry my dog?" *sigh*

read more...

I <3 Geeky Political Satire

Fri 16 September 2005, 6:26PM | posted in humor; politics; potpourri

These are great. You don't have to have played Magic: The Gathering to appreciate these Katrina: The Gathering cards, but it'll make it that much funnier.

[Courtesy of krustukles]

Overkill

Mon 29 August 2005, 8:00PM | posted in politics; ruminations

Tacked onto the bottom of a forward I received today at work:

Hunt the terrorists to the ends of the earth. Since most of the people of the United States, indeed most of the world's population, will not live their lives as the terrorists demand it the only way to make the world safe. The terrorists will not be allowed to rest, regroup, or lay low. Death, not capture, is the only way to deal with zealots who will not compromise on their goal of a non-tolerate Islamite one world religion/government.

The co-worker that forwarded the e-mail to me did so just so I could see this amazing worldview that someone had apparently included as a sig. WTF. We both agreed that this approach is just as scary as the terrorists'.

And... "non-tolerate"? "Islamite"? Way to convert the intelligent citizens of the U.S. to your cause.

Gay... Madrid?

Thu 30 June 2005, 7:12PM | posted in news; politics

First, Canada:

OTTAWA, Ontario (Reuters) -- Canada's Parliament Tuesday approved legislation to allow same sex-marriages across the country, despite fierce opposition from conservative politicians and religious groups.

Legislators voted by 158-133 to support the bill, which makes Canada only the third country in the world after Belgium and the Netherlands to permit gay marriages.

Most Canadian provinces already allow same-sex marriages, and Canada has become a popular destination for gay and lesbian couples from countries where these unions are banned.

The minority Liberal government said it had to draw up the legislation after courts in eight of the country's 10 provinces ruled that a ban same-sex marriages was unconstitutional because it violated Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Next, Spain:

MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Parliament legalized gay marriage Thursday, defying conservatives and clergy who opposed making traditionally Roman Catholic Spain the third country in the world to officially recognize same-sex unions. Gay rights activists cheered lawmakers and blew them kisses.

The measure passed the 350-seat Congress of Deputies by a vote of 187-147 with four abstentions. The bill, part of the ruling Socialists' aggressive agenda for social reform, also lets gay couples adopt children and inherit each others' property.

The bill is now law. The Senate, where conservatives hold the largest number of seats, rejected the bill last week, but the Senate is an advisory body and final say on legislation rested with the Congress of Deputies.

Gay couples will be allowed to marry as soon as the law is published in the official government registry, the Boletin Oficial del Estado. This could come as early as Friday or within two weeks at the latest, the parliament's press office said.

The Netherlands and Belgium were already up in this whole gay marriage thing. The U.S.? Well, it's no secret that Dubya supports an amendment to ban gay marriage.

My question is, where in this whole "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" thing does it say that... oh, forget it. I'm so annoyed with the general intolerance of the right wing that I can't even formulate a proper argument.

I just hope that lots of gay American couples have at least one partner who meets the Employment Requirements of Canadian Immigration and Citizenship.

Never Again

Sat 5 March 2005, 11:58AM | posted in politics; ruminations

Sometimes I come across a piece of writing, on the web or in print, that helps to clarify some idea or association that's been trying to connect in my brain for a while. This article did just that.

Daily Kos :: A Promise to My Grandfather: A Follow Up

How is it that those of us who have proclaimed ourselves agnostic or atheist can end up being more tolerant than those who proclaim themselves "moral people"? If we don't speak out for the gays, or the minorities, or the Constitution, if we don't fight oppression and intolerance in our society... who will? Never again should there be another Holocaust, or another round of McCarthyism, or any number of historical atrocities I could mention. No more.

First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.

—Pastor Martin Niem?ller

[insert enraged scream here]

Tue 25 January 2005, 6:55PM | posted in news; politics

This is why we need to get the fuck out of Iraq. How many innocent people have to die before we finally get our heads out of our asses and come up with a new solution?

This photo is graphic, but needs to be seen.

Via Body and Soul and Chepooka

Getting Involved

Thu 4 November 2004, 9:57PM | posted in politics

I wish I would have snagged Waggoner's quotable from his IM away message yesterday. It went something along the lines of "All you liberals who didn't get what you wanted out of the election need to quit whining and stop being as narrow-minded as you accuse conservatives of being." He also expressed an intolerance for people who only get involved in politics once every four years.

I can appreciate where he's coming from, truly. We liberals are being a touch... what's the word? Defeatist? Melodramatic? That's not quite what I'm looking for. We're assuming the worst and planning for our nation to go to hell in a handbasket within the next four years. As the more tolerant of the two major political parties, generally, we owe it to ourselves (perhaps against our better judgement) to be open-minded about Dubya's second term. Everything might not entirely go to shit, and I hope to God that we'll get out of Iraq within the remainder of this administration.

(How long did Vietnam last again? Nearly 20 years, I believe. I'm sure we'll be out by then.)

As for Brian's second statement: as a person who hasn't been politically active until recently, that sentiment really bothered me. One would hope that a vital election such as this would spur those of us who weren't involved to become more involved; one would also hope that the politically-minded would be glad that more citizens were interested in the workings of their government, and would welcome them to the fold, be they Democrat, Republican, or Independent. Instead, I get the same kind of reception that new Indians fans got in the mid-90's: Where were you before this got interesting? Go home!

I personally think that, if Michael Moore and John Kerry and even (gulp) the Evangelical Christians can get people this involved in this election, at least some of those people are going to remain politically and socially active—myself included. I was quite the cynic during most of college, but social injustices began to catch my attention. I was still skeptical about the validity of the political process up until this election. Now, though, I realize that, even though the system isn't perfect, it's all we've got.

I used to say that those who didn't vote couldn't complain about the president; and I took that to heart and remained complacent about politics. That was before 9/11, though, and before Bush invaded Iraq completely unprovoked as part of a War On Terror. Now, I no longer consider myself complacent. Now, I will vote whenever I feel strongly about an issue. Now, I give myself permission to rant about our leader, having voted for his opponent.

Now I'm pissed. Righteously so.

Kerry Concedes

Wed 3 November 2004, 7:35PM | posted in politics

Before I go blogsurfing to read everyone else's rants about the election, I want to try to get my own opinion straight.

First, for posterity, a backlog of events: Kerry and his campaigners finally went to bed at 2am, waiting to see what news the morning would bring. By the time I got up to go to work, there were still half a dozen states not counted. By mid-morning, it was down to Ohio, Iowa, and New Mexico, with Bush leading the count. By midday, Mr. Kerry made a conciliatory phone call to the president, conceding him the victory. Ohio's provisional ballots are still not counted, but the statistics were very much against Kerry.

I do want to say that I respect Mr. Kerry for conceding defeat without a long and drawn-out legal battle. When the Florida recount fiasco went down in the 2000 election, many people felt that Al Gore was being a whiner and a poor sport—including Gore supporters. By conceding at an appropriate time, Mr. Kerry insures that history will remember him in a gracious but narrow defeat.

I would have preferred that he won... but that's another point entirely.

And how do I personally feel about this? Well, I'm torn. The long-suppressed political activist in me is absolutely outraged that 51% of the American people can be so... well, to avoid name-calling, can be so supportive of this president. I begin to feel like the mantra of "four more years" is an evil omen, a portent of things yet to come, or a sentence.

Then the cynic in me takes over, and wonders why I would go out to vote in another election, when this one went so horribly opposite of how I had voted? The president was re-elected, Ohio's gay marriage ban passed, Toledo's smoking ban amendment passed—all issues to which I was (and am) diametrically opposed. So what did my vote accomplish? Squat. How can we swim upstream against a sea of damned right-wing reactionaries?

After the cynic in me gets done with her depressed rantings, the normal me—or perhaps, the more open-minded, accepting, and generally laid-back me—takes the reins and bitch-smacks the other parts of me. After all, this is one election. Four years out of another fifty or so I'll live to see. Things will change. They always do. I'll be content with some changes, and I'll be adamantly against others. But life goes on, society continues, and I still have to go to work every day. As Aaron said this afternoon, we've performed our civic duty, and we've always known we thought a little differently from everyone else. It's no surprise that the rest of the country—or even the community—doesn't necessarily agree with us. That's to be expected on some level.

We did what we thought was right, and damn all the rest.

I can't promise to support Mr. Bush in his future decisions. I can't promise to bend over backwards to unite with my Bush-loving co-workers. I can promise to do what I've always done, and that's to do what is right; let the consequence follow.

Respect and trust is earned, and I will sit back and wait patiently for the President of the United States of America to earn mine.

Exercise Your Right

Mon 1 November 2004, 8:04PM | posted in politics

OK, people. Time for a pep talk.

You know what tomorrow is. And I'm not talking about those crazy Aussies and their Melbourne Cup. It's Election Day, you weenies, and you'd better all be registered.

I'm not going to get all up in your face and tell you who to vote for in the Presidential Election. Just be sure you get out and vote for whomever you think is right. This is the most pissed off our country has been around Election Day in a while, and voter turnout promises to be huge. Make sure you're one of them.

Helpful voting hints (from someone who has never voted in a Presidential Election and has only voted once in her life, but helped her school district's operations levy pass after three failed years and many cutbacks, including bussing):
+ Show up at your correct polling location
+ Bring ID and a piece of mail to confirm your voting precinct
+ Know the issues on the ballot

And speaking of, you might want to make sure you check the wording on the issues before you vote. Some issues on which I'm personally taking care to vote correctly (as presented on the Lucas County ballot):

• Issue 1: Be it Resolved by the People of the State of Ohio: That the Constitution of the State of Ohio be amended by adopting a section to be designated as Section 11 of Article XV thereof, to read as follows:
  "Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions. This state and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effect of marriage."
  Diana's short version: a YES vote means you support this amendment, and believe that Ohio should NOT allow marriage or civil union between same-sex couples; a NO vote means you do support either gay marriage or civil union.
  
• Issue 4. CITY OF TOLEDO - PROPOSED ORDINANCE (By Initiative Petition)
  Shall the ordinance amending Toledo?s Clean Indoor Air Ordinance to ALLOW SMOKING IN ALL BARS, BOWLING ALLEYS, BINGO HALLS, AND IN EATING ESTABLISHMENTS THAT EMPLOY NINE (9) OR FEWER EMPLOYEES, AND BY ENLARGING THE PERMITTED SIZE OF SEPARATE SMOKING LOUNGES be adopted?
  Diana's short version: a YES vote means you would allow smoking in small eating establishments, bars, bowling alleys, etc, similar to Bowling Green's smoking ordinance; a NO vote means you do not want smoking to be allowed in any Toledo eating establishment.
  

There are, of course, other issues on the ballot, such as the Toledo Public Schools levy, the Toledo Port Authority levy, the Lucas County Mental Health levy, and whether to allow various Kroger stores to sell alcohol on Sundays. You should check the ballot for your area and see what issues interest you in particular before you vote. It's a little late now to do research, but do what you can. Don't be uninformed.

Vote for who you want and what you want, but for God's sake, VOTE! People endured some crazy shit throughout history so that we could have this opportunity to decide who should run our country. I'll stop short of getting all patriotic on your collective asses, because it doesn't exactly become me, but just remember all the forwards you've read about What Happened To The Signers Of The Declaration Of Independence and all that sort of thing.

And chew on this: my Granny's mother didn't even have the right to vote! Women didn't get to vote until the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920. And how about all of our "colored" friends? Their great-great-great grandparents were the first ones in their families with the right to vote (due to the 15th Amendment, ratified 1870), although they probably didn't really feel free to vote. It wasn't until the 1960's—yep, for our friends' parents and grandparents—that the Voting Rights Act was passed, making the voting process more equitable for all, including blacks and poor whites (which my family certainly would have been).

Government for the People, by the People. All Men are created Equal. Amazing how long it took for those simple ideas to really be comprehended and acted upon. Amazing how often they still aren't.

*looks around sheepishly from her soapbox*

So, um... please, go out and vote. The polls are open from 6:30am to 7:30pm tomorrow. I'm going after work, and my polling location is less than a mile from my house. Sounds a lot better than driving a horse and buggy all day to vote in the 1800-something election, don't you agree?

*steps down from soapbox*