63% is a D

Sorry to be a downer, but figures are coming out (and I did my own election night math in a messy spreadsheet that isn't as scientific as the pontificators) that around 63% of eligible voters actually voted.

That's barely a passing grade. And it's sadly one of the highest turnouts ever.

So for all of the newly registered voters, there's the cashier at Target who didn't have time before she rushed to class that morning, the pessimistic father who feels disenfranchised from all systems, and those who didn't even access multitudinous voter registration opps.

Obviously, many people feel disenfranchised from the political system. Or something else is going on.
What to do? Who? Why?

Where were the other two-thirds?? I'm going to have to hope that none of them were women, or maybe they'd just as soon that we didn't have the right to vote.

Are you kidding?!

We have a long way to go to improve this country. Tomorrow is just a small step, and here's just one example of how much work there is to do:

Stevens Juror Dismissed, Lied About Father's Death
She said she did not expect the trial to last so long and had purchased her airline tickets and tickets to the Breeders' Cup months ago.
U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan declined to sanction the juror.

Apples & Oranges

They don't always compare, but this NPR graphic just condenses the election into a bite-sized piece of info, doesn't it?

Voting Guide Part 1: The NOs

As with past Renegade Crafters voting guides- we suggest you vote "No" with few exceptions. This year the Nos includes a mix of good ideas that just shouldn't be included in the state constitution and pure evil anti-choice right wing bullshit (defining a person to include fertilized eggs).

No on Amendment 46: Discrimination and Preferential Treatment by Governments
No on Amendment 47: Prohibition on Mandatory Labor Union Membership and Dues
No on Amendment 48: Definition of Person
No on Amendment 49: Allowable Government Paycheck Deductions
No on Amendment 51: State Sales Tax Increase for Services for People with Developmental Disabilities (no constitutional earmarks)
No on Amendment 52: Use of Severance Tax Revenue for Highways (no constitutional earmarks)
No on Amendment 53: Criminal Accountability of Business Executives
No on Amendment 54: Campaign Contributions from Certain Government Contractors
No on Amendment 55: Allowable Reasons for Employee Discharge or Suspension
No on Amendment 56: Employer Responsibility for Health Insurance
No on Amendment 57: Additional Remedies for Injured Employees

The Pinocchio Test

It's about time! The Wash Post blog has created a campaign Pinocchio Test to rate truthiness.

Candidates on Service

If you missed the televised coverage, here are 8 video segments letting the 2 candidates say their piece on national service, following up on the issue of TIME that promoted national service.

I'm biased, but I thought McCain was creepy, off-message, and avoided articulating any specifics, while Obama eloquently spoke about his superior knowledge and specific plans regarding the issue while reaching out to say that government and military service are equally important as community service. I did think that the interview questions left much to be desired; I thought they were biased towards Obama's views and also let the candidates talk about whatever they wanted.

Mistaken Identity?

Headline from Comcast.net home page today: Is Clooney secretly advising Obama?
And I ask, or could it just be a case of Mistaken Identity?

On a more serious note, don't forget to vote today. No waiting at my precinct. There is a sneaky ballot issue allowing police to impound cars and jail anyone stopped without their license in hand. Bummer if you ever run to the store and forget your license. Even more of a bummer in my hood where traffic cops could become immigration enforcers.

Think with your BRAIN for a change!

Okay, men are evidently not only skeevy, but also IDIOTS. Please add to my presidential wish list "does not sleep around." If our misogynist society would elect a woman, we at least might not have to worry about this aspect as much.

While I'm on another harangue, the government, I am reminded $20 later, is also in collusion with television converter manufacturers. You see, only a certain number of the models are available, so once the lower-priced ones are gone, you'll just have to invest more money. I know I already complained about this, but I was reminded today during my purchasing event before my coupon made its untimely expiration.

Buying Votes?? Help Me Understand....

As lifted from NYT commentary on the latest political endorsement,
"(Obama)has been giving the max. amount allowed to the superdelegates. Obama has given 3 times as much as Clinton. He has given $710,900 to superdelegates, and Clinton’s (sic) has given $236,100."

Okay, so not that I'm completely oblivious to the influence of money on politics, but could someone enlighten me about these contributions? Are they to the individuals who are superdelegates or to their personal or employment entities, say, a state government office where they are employed or a new climate change nonprofit that's seeking $300 million? And can anyone construct for me a scenario in which these are anything other than payoffs to secure votes????

Last question--isn't buying votes illegal?

NW Denver - District 5

Thanks DHP for the voting guide info below. For the NW Denver crowd, I started some research on the 4 candidates for District 5: Mr. Silva, Mr. Gutierrez, Mr. Jimenez, and Mr. Curcio.*

The most difficult to google award goes to Raymond J Gutierrez. He has yard signs in the 'hood but I couldn't dig up anything about him online.

Most likely NOT to get IC's vote goes to Jose G Silva.

Why I am running: I am running for school board cause I have been able to bring effictive change to my community for over 15 years. My exprerience in Washington D.C working with Federal Agencies and raising over 20 million dollars shows that I have the respect of National Educators and can raise private sector dollars to support the need for supplemental programs that is badly needed in DPS. Also I am the only candidate that is an educator, and I am the only candidate that has actually taught in the classroom. I know the needs of students and am the only candidate that can fully address them and bring change!

Most likely to have an REI loyalty card: Tony Curcio

My interests and hobbies: My hobbies used to include rock climbing, snow boarding, fishing, and kayaking. Except for rock climbing, which still happens only rarely, most of these activities are relegated to my pre-kid life.

Also, Mr. Curcio wins the highest score for Buzzword Bingo

Why I am running: We are at the tipping point of providing great education to all kids in DPS.

What makes me stand out as a candidate? I am reform-minded, experienced, and action-oriented.

This leaves Arturo Jimenez in the lead by default. The Colorado Parent Coalition (he is the president of the board) is funded by good folk and seems less annoying than the NorthWest Parents for Excellent Schools linked to Tony Curcio.

I am still not sold and need to do more research. If anyone knows this Gutierrez character, can you tell him to get on the web already.

*One of these candidates is not like the others. Couldn't even get one token Latino to your house party, Mr. Curcio?

Finally, DPS election recommendations

Wash Park Prophet has done our homework for us, and I'm going with his recommendation. At-Large: Theresa Pena (that is the only one I vote in, so you'll have to read the rest for yourselves).

Also of note, it was pointed out to me this morning that Rita Montero was the main proponent of the engilsh-only in schools initiative a few years back.

West Virginia, mountain mama . . .

Look out blog, I'm back. West Virginia was beautiful! Photos are here. The trip was very cool, even though when I landed in DC it was 85 degrees/85% humidity. Turned out to be cool in the "mountains" of West VA. HP01's cabin was amazing and the changing colors were spectacular! Puts our sad Aspens to shame.

Denver Elections: I spoke to my friends at SEIU today and they recommend a "Yes" on A-I. I'm probably going to vote against 1G because I believe that the cultural facilities can be taken care of through other means like federal and state grants, and if they don't meet that criteria they are not worthy. My biggest concern was actually with 1A because of the huge debt accumulated on the backs of the taxpayers, but I'm going to trust SEIU on that one. Personally, I'm also voting against Initiated Question 100 mainly because it makes "the private use and possession of marijuana ... the City's lowest law-enforcement priority". Here is my reasoning. There are offenses on our books that I personally feel should have a lower priority than a marijuana offense. Sodomy, loitering, more than 3 non-relatives living on the premises, more than 3 dogs on the premises, not wearing a seat belt, smoking within 15 ft. of the door of a public place. These are just a few of our justified, yet relatively arbitrary laws (except for the sodomy thing, totally unjustified). I'm still checking on the School Board issue. I have many differing opinions on that one. I'll get back to you on my decision.

Favorite Quote of the Week: I paraphrase HPO1 . . . I believe in gun rights. I'll be damned if anyone will tell me to leave my property without my dogs in an evacuation (ala New Orleans).

New Favorite Song: Hold On by KT Tunstall, which I obtained thanks to DC 4-bucks. Not to be confused with the epic soft rock ballad Hold On by Jamie Walters (which stuck in my head thanks to HP01's love of 90's music on her ipod). Truth be told I downloaded both. Damn that 4-bucks and 90210.

Speaking of nut cases . . .

Following a truth finding expetition today that discovered that the email contending that Nancy Pelosi is a "nut case" was in fact false, I also found that Cindy Sheehan has decided to take on Pelosi at the ballot box. She's running for Congress against the Speaker. Well, that ought to bring a level of decorum and sanity to the House. Our relatives are certainly lining up to vote for her, no?

Someone please tell me that Colbert has covered this earth-shattering event.

Blog Silence

I know CD2E is on the road so she is excused. I have much to say and no time to say it:
McCain wanting to overturn Roe, throw down between Clinton and Obama. I won't even link to Britney Spears and Anna Nicole. That's news?

Stay tuned. This weekend's "craft" for DHP will be blogging.

Also, in staying true to one of my new year's resolutions, DHP's upcoming concert calendar includes:
March 22: The Thermals
April 1: Apples in Stereo
April 22: The Decemberists

If you would like to join, please let me know.

Another 1A, Another No?

So a ballot arrived today for another 1A. (We were disappointed to learn it wasn't a recount ballot with a chance to overturn the last 1A- stupid pre-school voucher crap.)

No one thinks that the Denver elections went well this last time around. But how will electing someone to replace appointments really fix the issue? Thoughts from other Crafters?

Here is CO Confidential on the Topic. (Co Confidential also tracked all the 41-loophole-yahoos who resigned in December so they could go to holiday parties & not wait for 2 years to lobby.)

On a happier note, how much do we love Ritter? Makes you want to go out and get another blue pedi/mani doesn't it?

Just Vote No- except Yes on I

RC Vote Guide

If it makes you feel good it must be bad for you . . . No on the Numbers and Letters (and number/letters)

So, first I’m going to refer everyone to the Bell Action Network analysis of the ballot issues and voting guide.

DHP agrees with their analysis and will inject her own opinions on their “neutral” positions.

If it feels good, it must be bad (or JUST VOTE NO!) . . .

First, we all know to vote NO on Amendment 41 (So Called Ethics). Be sure to check out the website to see who else agrees with us . . . PS, League of Women Voters, Colorado Non-Profit Association, and the OBGYN Society (?!) are among them.

Vote NO on Referendum E: Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Wouldn’t it be nice if we could reward disabled veterans who own property with a tax exemption? Well, since we have TABOR, any money you take out of property taxes is money you take out of public school financing. I like public schools and know they struggle under TABOR. Also Referendum E is CONSTITUTIONAL and is only on the ballot as a referred measure because it is politically incorrect for a legislator to vote against such a referendum. JUST VOTE NO!

Vote NO Referendum F: Recall Deadlines: Do we have a problem with Recalling Elected Officials? I haven’t seen one. Why make it harder? This is a solution in search of a problem. JUST VOTE NO!

Referendum G: Obsolete Constitutional Provisions: Who cares, vote however you like. I’m JUST VOTING NO.

Vote NO on Referendum H: Limiting a State Business Income Tax Deduction (Immigration-related): Ok, anytime we reduce taxes we take money out of important programs like Medicaid, Public Education, Low-Income Housing, Public Safety, you name it. Also, this lovely referendum came out of the “special legislative session on immigration” and is punitive and unnecessary. Another solution in search of a problem. JUST VOTE NO!

Vote NO on Referendum K: Immigration Lawsuit against Federal Government: Our tax dollars are better spent on good social programs and services rather than forcing our Attorney General to sue the Federal Government for reimbursements of the money the state spends on enforcing immigration laws (which, according to the Department heads is next to nothing). I’m damned tired of vilifying hard working people who make sure my lawn is mowed and my food is harvested. JUST VOTE NO!

Just for Denver Voters:
Vote NO on 1A: School Vouchers ('nuf said)
Vote NO on 1B: Again, what problem are they trying to solve?

So, to wrap up, JUST VOTE NO!*
*Except on Referendum I (and Amendment 44 if you think you tax dollars should not be spent on prosecuting mere pot smokers, at least it A-44 is statutory instead of constitutional).

Vote By Mail

Seriously people. A test run by election officials has come back with “time in the voting booth” at 9-25 minutes! And with Vote Centers in Denver, you just know the lines are going to be horrific. And, you will be lucky if you get the right ballot loaded into your machine. Save yourself the hassle and vote by mail. Colorado has a no excuse absentee policy.

Download your absentee ballot request form by clicking here.

And mail it you your county clerk or election division listed here.

RC Voter Guide

No on Referendum E: Extends the senior property tax break to disabled veterans.
No on Referendum F: Modifies recall election laws.
No on Referendum H: Eliminates state business tax deductions for employers who can't verify their employees are U.S. citizens.
No on Referendum J: Requires school districts to spend a portion of their budgets on certain operations.
No on Referendum K: Authorizes the state attorney general to sue the federal government to demand enforcement of federal immigration laws.
No on Amendment 38: Makes it easier for citizens to propose initiatives at alllevels of state and local government.
No on Amendment 39: Similar to Referendum J, it puts requirements on school district spending.
No on Amendment 40: Limits terms that Colorado Supreme Court and Court ofAppeals judges can serve.
No on Amendment 41:Among other things, bans public employees from accepting meals, sporting tickets and other freebies worth $50 or more.
No on Amendment 42: Raises the minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $6.85 perhour for most workers, and makes annual adjustments for inflation.
No on Amendment 43: Defines marriage in Colorado as only a union between one man and one woman.
No on 1A: Establishes a voucher program for preschool.


Here is a link to another progressive blog's voter guide: wash park prophet voter guide There is a "why" section for the thinking types. That said, the key to RC's guide is SNGs simple philosophy: If you become overwhelmed in the voting booth and panic: JUST VOTE NO! Our gay (Yes on I) and pot smoking (Yes on 44) friends will forgive you.

The right to pray & sign petitions.

If I were considering voting for 38- which I am not- the pro-38 commercial would have flipped my vote. It's the one with the annoying kiddy voiceover as they show pictures of crayon drawn hearts and rainbows (the noah's ark variety and not the show about a bar on LOGO network). The little girl talks about how her daddy has taught her about freedom and her right to pray and sign petitions.

I am upgrading SNG's Vote No on 38 to a Vote HELL NO.

PS. If the current petition process is so damn hard, why do we have 14 items on the ballot?