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IPAS is a locally-based international women's health and reproductive rights organization. The following message came today:
IPAS has been sponsoring WUNC and we have a short announcement that is read on-air. Recently, WUNC decided that the phrase 'reproductive rights' which we use in our announcement was in violation of FCC regulations because it advocates for a particular position that is not universally endorsed. They admit that this is a conservative interpretation of the regulations, but nonetheless they will not let Ipas use this phrase in its on-air announcement.
I have been arguing with them to make the case that reproductive rights is not a euphemism for abortion and that, indeed, the whole point of rights is that they are universally held, e.g. the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I doubt that my arguments will be successful.
I know that many of you are supporters of WUNC and I think some questions from listeners on this policy might help open their eyes to this issue.
There are four major electoral changes that Orange County voters should consider. Take note everyone, I said ‘consider.' I am not entirely sure what the best approach would be, but I do think the current system doesn't adequately reflect the diversity of viewpoints in Orange County.
For what they are worth, here are four ideas for County electoral reform that have been bandied about:
1. Increasing Membership
NC WARN will hold it's Fourth Annual Auction and Dance Party Saturday night from 6:30 to 11:30 at the Eno Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 4907 Garrett Road.
As well as offering a rollicking good time, the event is an opportunity to learn about WARN's new Power Reduction campaign. This campaign gives us the opportunity to engage locally in an effort whose ramifications are truly global, one that ties consumption choices directly to policy making, and one that promotes an energy strategy exactly opposite to that of Dick Cheney.
We know that both Moses Carey and Valerie Foushee won the Commissioners race, but how did Valerie come out on top? Let's take a look at what really went down in the Orange County Commissioners race.
To draw out some conclusions about the County Commissioners race, I split up the precincts into five (value neutral) groups based on the results in this race. At the bottom of this post you will find those groupings (inadequately) defined.
DISCLAIMER: There is no significance to the order in which the Groups were lettered. There is nothing implicitly better about Group A versus Group D, for example. They are just identifying terms. Also, I hope I am merely presenting what I found, rather than what I wish that I found, so please do not read this post as reflecting what I think about merger etc. For the record, I voted for Val and Moses, just like almost all voters in my precinct.
Looking at those Groups, here is what I conclude (initially):
Although I don't consider it over, I do consider the 2004 Presidential race quite demoralizing. For so many people to have worked so hard to have it be this close really makes you want to give up on national politics.
But the great thing is that we can look at the good outcome of our local races and many of our state races and be reminded of how much more impact we can make at the local level. This is what this website is all about.
Imagine if just a fraction of the energy that Orange County poured into the presidential races was directed toward the municipal election next fall. We could have a grassroots revolution on our hands! Let's take all the lessons we learned this year about community organizing and put them to work here at home where we can really make a difference.
Consider this an open thread to discuss whatever is on your mind today about local, state, and national elections this year... or next.
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