Silliness about Driver's Licenses and Oaths

Written by: michael gentile on Nov 17, 2007 2:09 AM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy for Riverside

Two recent presidential "debates" had questions about providing driver's licenses for undocumented workers, and both Hillary Clinton in the first debate, and Barack Obama this week stumbled a bit over the question.  I was surprised that neither candidate, nor anyone else on stage, made the point that a President's position on the issue is irrelevant, since it is a state issue. The Federal Government should work on the immigration issue (either reform, or border enforcement, or both), but really has no say about issuing driver's licenses. 
 
I think if someone in the debates had made this point, the question wouldn't continue to be asked, but maybe that is too much to expect from candidates that don't know the oath that the president takes.  Both Dodd and Clinton in the recent debate talked about security trumping human rights, based on what they think is the presidential oath.  Dodd added something about "protecting us from enemies, foreign and domestic" to the oath.

For the record, here is the official oath (see the U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 1, last paragraph):  "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."  That's it!

Rewind: Watch Nova episode on PBS "Judgment Day"

Written by: michael gentile on Nov 15, 2007 12:26 PM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy for Riverside

PBS program, Nova, broadcast an episode entitled "Judgment Day" about the Dover, PA school board that tried to incorporate "Intelligent Design" into the curriculum.  The program has re-enactments from the trial.  I thought the best part of the broadcast was learning about new developments in evolutionary science that provide even stronger support for the theory.  
Please check your local listings for a repeat of this important broadcast.  If you are unable to find it on TV, you can watch online here:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/
Perhaps we should notify some recent Riverside Unified School Board candidates about this broadcast as well!

Bill Moyers Journal Explores Pre-War Media Coverage Tonight

Written by: michael gentile on Apr 25, 2007 11:19 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Riverside

"Bill Moyers Journal" is back on PBS and it kicks off tonight with a program entitled "Buying the War,"  The program will explore how the major media outlets let us down in the run-up to the war.  This is somewhat well-trodden ground, but I'm sure under Moyers' authorship the program will provide some valuable insights.

The program is on from 9:00 to 10:30 on 4/25 on KCET. "Bill Moyers Journal" will start airing regularly on PBS on Friday evenings after tonights premiere.

"Crazy Lefty" Thomas Friedman (NYT) Likes Prop. 87

Written by: michael gentile on Nov 2, 2006 10:28 AM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy for Riverside

Thomas Friedman wrote an article on October 20 in favor of California's Proposition 87. Like him or not, one thing about Mr. Friedman is that he doesn't jump to conclusions without some careful analysis of the issue at hand.  His article has good counter-arguments to the half-truths (charitably) in the ads sponsored by big oil.  
His article can be found here:  http://mparent7777.livejournal.com/13676936.html 

Prop 87 - A choice between the future and the past

Written by: michael gentile on Oct 27, 2006 9:47 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Riverside

Unless you've been living in a cave the past few weeks, you've no doubt seen advertisements for and against Proposition 87, the alternative energy initiative funded by a drilling fee on the oil companies. Both sides have been spending a lot of money trying to persuade us to vote their way.

Here is another way to look at the issue that doesn't take a lot of financial and economic analysis (and on average those types of predictions rarely hit the mark). One of the basic questions to ask is if you want to be in a state that is going to try to do something about making us less dependent on foreign oil, more aggressive in addressing global warming, and better established in the economy of the future.

With Proposition 87, California can take a leadership role in this important issue. There are always arguments against the government taking these kinds of risks, because there is a level of comfort in the status quo. But what is the risk of not acting?

I think the appeal of Proposition 87 is that it points to a better future, and that has always been the California dream. Vote Yes on Prop. 87.

No on 85 website

Written by: michael gentile on Oct 26, 2006 1:06 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Riverside

If you can't make it to the No on 85 fundraiser, please visit their website:
http://www.noon85.com
There is a lot of good information there and you can help support the effort through the website.

Benefit Show for Planned Parenthood and No on Prop. 85

Written by: michael gentile on Oct 18, 2006 8:18 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Riverside

A benefit show for Planned Parenthood and No on Prop. 85 will be held on November 3 at Back to the Grind, 3575 University Avenue, Riverside. $5 cover. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Bands scheduled to appear: all or nothing h.c.; No Reform; Malice of Forethought; Riot This!; Socialized Crucifixion; Gruk; Bruise Violet.

Coffee Hour with RCC Board Candidate David St. Pierre

Written by: michael gentile on Oct 18, 2006 8:08 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Riverside

Please join RCC Board of Trustees Candidate David St. Pierre for coffee a the home of Chani Beeman, 4450 12th Street, Riverside, 92501, on Friday October 20 at 5:30 p.m. RSVP 951-341-9225. Mr. St. Pierre is running to provide "Leadership and a stable voice on the RCC Board."

Attend Meet & Greet for Laurel Nicholson on October 21!

Written by: michael gentile on Oct 16, 2006 9:10 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Riverside

Please come out to meet Laurel Nicholson, candidate for the 66th Assembly District, on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 5:00 PM. You can RSVP at:

www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=147..." title="www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=147..." target="_blank">www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=147...

What: Meet Laurel Nicholson
When: Saturday, October 21, 2006, 5:00 PM
Where: Home of Diana Orchard
2910 Stockton Court
Riverside CA

Riverside County absentee ballots will require extra postage

Written by: michael gentile on Oct 16, 2006 8:57 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Riverside

For all of you who plan to vote by absentee ballot, please make sure to put the correct postage on your absentee ballot. The required amount is 63 cents. Please see the link below for the official announcement from the Registrar of Voters:

www.election.co.riverside.ca.us/...