A Bloy and his Blog

I really should stop looking at reader comments on news websites. The vitriol posted by some people makes me wonder how the human race has survived this long. But the most frustrating are the comments along the lines of one I saw today:

“The election was last November. Get over it, and honor the democratic process!”

Our duties as citizens in a democracy don’t stop after we cast our ballot. We are obligated to stay in contact with our representatives and let them know how we feel they should lead. Anyone who thinks their responsibilities are over after election day does not understand the principles of a representative democracy.

To the elected leaders of my beloved State of Wisconsin: As it is the citizens’ duty to speak out, it is your duty to listen and represent us — all of us, not just the ones who voted for you. Hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin citizens are speaking out. Listen up!

Saturday brought the largest number of protesters so far, an estimated total of 65,000 people.

While the Tea Party held their rally near the south entrance (estimated at 3,500 people), those of us against Governor Walker’s proposals marched around the square.

read the rest of: 65,000 strong

With the protests against Governor Walker’s budget bill going on for the third day, I felt compelled to go to the Capitol after work.

read the rest of: This is what democracy looks like

From a New York Times editorial, Blizzard of Lies:

I can’t think of any precedent, at least in America, for the blizzard of lies since the Republican convention. The McCain campaign keeps making assertions that anyone with an Internet connection can disprove in a minute, and repeating these assertions over and over again.

And right off the internet comes video proof.

Video proof John McCain’s ads are Lies

Diebold Accidentally Leaks Results Of 2008 Election Early

I don’t even know if I can enjoy the sham election, now that I know who’s going to win.

According to Electoral Compass USA, here’s my position on the current political landscape:

Okay, it’s just a 36 question survey, but given Obama’s win in Iowa last night, I thought my results were interesting. Although, if I had to vote today, I’d go for John Edwards. I generally like what Obama has to say, but I am a little concerned about his lack of experience. Should be an interesting race though.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is considering granting a permit for a developer to place a luxury resort on 62 acres along the Lower Dells, right next door to the Wisconsin River State Natural Area. The D.N.R. is accepting written comments from the public until Friday, December 28. Below is the letter I just wrote. If you’re a concerned Wisconsin citizen, I urge you to write as well. Be sure and reference Docket Number IP-SC-2007-11-2032LW and IP-SC-2007-11-2033LW in your letter, and send it to Dan Hunt, N 7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI 53032.

Dear Sir,

I am writing to you regarding the development project proposed to be placed on the banks of the Wisconsin River’s Lower Dells (Docket Number IP-SC-2007-11-2032LW and IP-SC-2007-11-2033LW). I believe the proposed development would be a bad idea for a number of reasons, and I urge your agency to deny the permit for this development.

read the rest of: State Natural Area threatened