by Jack Lee
For some folks election time is an incredibly important event and for many more, well, it’s practically just another day, almost a non-event. I know…I’ve been out walking my neighborhood precinct in support of my candidate of choice for about two weeks. It’s what I like to do when I can. The bonus is I get to talk to diffent types of people other than my typical hyper-partisan friends. This keeps me grounded. I get a better feel for whats going on, and let me tell you I got an earful this time.
Seems like for every one positive comment I hear 5 or 6 negatives. First people tend to really dislike the President, they almost have a problem with Congress, they are disgusted with Republicans at the national level, they fear California is broke and they’re upset because we’re overrun by illegals,….and the list goes on! Some of the comments from voters are probably the most cynical and discouraging I’ve ever heard!
And then we get down to the excuses why they don’t want to be involved at all, despite these compelling issues! This all points toward a low voter turnout for the primary, especially on the republican side and that can’t be good! Some say this was an unintended consequence of our early presidential primary. Maybe, but I think it’s more than that, like voter apathy or burnout (see below for some of those factors). WE have about 15 million registered voters in California and I’ll bet we don’t get more than 6 million to turn out on Tuesday.
Here’s the top four excuses for not being involved: #4. “I don’t even know who’s running!” Now that makes a person look silly! We’re only three days away from election day, the candidates are running ads every 5 minutes of every day and our mail boxes are filled with campaign literature… and they still don’t know who is running? #3. “I don’t think anything will change, no matter who gets elected.” Things DO change and not always for the best, so we have to stay involved. You know the old saying, “If you are not part of the process then you are part of the problem” It’s true. #2 “They (politicians) say they’re going to this or that, but they never do, so why bother?” Sure, broken campaign promises its a problem, but hardly anything new. Which brings up the next logical question, why do you people keep re-electing the promise breakers? I think I know why… see excuse #4. And now (drum roll please) the most often repeated excuse is, “I don’t know who to believe there’s so many negative campaign ads flying around.” Sound familiar? But, you should know, it’s your duty as a voter to know and it’s not that hard. We’ve had a lot of voter forums, newspaper articles, speeches, Q and A meetings, tons of mailers, radio and tv ads…there is no good excuse why you don’t have an informed opinion about our candidates and issues.
I’m going to sound like Bill Clinton now, but I share your pain! I know we have our problems; when it comes to politics few people could possibly be more cynical than me. Heck, I have so many gripes with the system I lose count, but I’m still here! Im still involved, even though some of my pals on the opposing side probably wish I would croak! Well, some day they will get their wish… but not this day. And I hope not before the primary…I wanna cast my vote! Ok, Im off my soap box for now, but in the immortal words of our GovernorIll be back.
The Chico CHP has a new officer by the name of Todd Bergman. Traffic Officer Bergman transferred from the Willows unit where he had an absolutely outstanding record for traffic enforcement. T/O Bergman has brought his skills to Chico and has continued to set an example for safety enforcement. Based on a number of compliments from local citizens and some from his own peers, his efforts are paying off by improving local seat belt compliance and thereby reducing the risk of death or injury to our area citizens.
Then, they are filling them with anhydrous ammonia (which they now have a recipe for, by the way). After they are finished with them, they return them to the store. They are then refilled with propane and sent back for you and me to buy. Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the tank. It can be very dangerous when mixed with propane and hooked up to our grills, etc. According to the presenter, you should inspect the propane tank for any blue or greenish residue around the valve areas. If it is present, refuse to purchase that one.’