Mixed Salad of Thoughts

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Election Love!

National Security (not to mention peace and prosperity) has a lot to do with the view the rest of the world has of us...and right now, I have a feeling a lot of the world is pretty proud of us. Not only for our historic participation in this election, or the newly found national enthusiasm for the political process (and our freedom and right to participate in it) that has so energized our people...But for the dignity and poise our leaders showed in the end. I was genuinely moved by the heartfelt respect and attitude of humility and service both candidates demonstrated. It is rare that such attributes are present and glorified in our political process and it was a beautiful thing to behold.

“O friends, consort with all the people of the world with joy and fragrance. If there be to you a word or essence whereof others than you are devoid, communicate it and show it forth in the language of affection and kindness: if it be received and be effective the object is attained, and if not leave it to him, and with regard to him deal not harshly but pray. The language of kindness is the lodestone of hearts and the food of the soul; it stands in the relation of ideas to words, and is as an horizon for the shining of the Sun of Wisdom and Knowledge.”

-Abdu’l-Baha


Oh, and if you haven't seen this outpouring of love go visit: http://www.zefrank.com/from52to48withlove/

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Tuesday, November 04, 2008

I voted!

Still sad I didn't get a sticker, but then we do get a huge rally in Grant park, so I'll call it a draw.

Every year when I go to vote I find issues on the ballot and positions up for grabs that I had no idea about. I always wish I could get the take home test in advance.

I mean really: Water Reclamation District Commissioner? Who knew?

But I DID do my research on judges again this year.

If you don't know most areas have groups who evaluate judges up for election (whether it is for a spot to be filled or just to be re-uped. In Chicago there are something like 6 different peer review boards representing the Law Boards, the GLBT Alliance, fellow judges, etc. that put out information on whether a judge is qualified, recommended, not qualified or not recommended.

Since most people don't review this information it is common for people to simply vote "yes" to reinstate every single judge on the ballot. This makes it difficult to remove judges that are not doing their jobs well.

In reviewing the evaluations I typically look at how many of the organizations felt a judge was not qualified. There were some judges that up to 70% of review boards felt were not qualified for their job. This is pretty significant. Imagine having a judge like that in charge of YOUR trial!

Right...so do your research people the information is out there for you!



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