Proposed Ballot Measure Claims to Strengthen Freedom of Religious Speech

Both the California and federal constitution are explicit on the subject of religious freedom:

“Free exercise and enjoyment of religion without discrimination or preference are guaranteed,” reads the 12-word declaration in Article I, Section 4 of California’s constitution.  With only this 21-word exception:

“This liberty of conscience does not excuse acts that are licentious or inconsistent with the peace or safety of the state.”     Read more »

More

“Politics on Tap” Explores California’s Energy and Economic Future

GOP Assemblyman Jeff Gorell of Camarillo, Elizabeth Ashford — formerly Gov. Jerry Brown’s Communications Director now Chief of Staff to Attorney General Kamala Harris — and John White, Executive Director of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies, Riff on Environmentally Sound Economics    Read more »

More

You’re Not Funny

 

On Capitol Hazing Rituals and Legislative Grab-Ass

By Greg Lucas

(Editor’s Note: Steve Maviglio, press secretary to Assembly Speaker John Perez offered the following comment when this column initially ran: ” You should stop by the Assembly chambers sometime. Media hasn’t been banned and never was. We simply asked that interviews be conducted in a corner instead of just anywhere.    Read more »

More

Today’s Latin Lesson Is the Frustration the Governor Must Periodically Feel

 

Aliud ex Alio: 

“One Thing After Another”    Read more »

More

Another Way of Saying “You Can’t Amend a Bad Bill”

 

“Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks.”

 — Warren Buffett    Read more »

More

The Beauty of the English Language

The same sentiment expressed in two distinct, visually arresting ways: 

 

“Life’s a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!”

 — Rosalind Russell, Auntie Mame

 

 ***** 

 

“I don’t know what’s going to happen but I want to have my kicks before the whole shithouse goes up in flame.”

–Jim Morrison, Boston April 10, 1970

     Read more »

More

The Political Arena Is No Place for Heroes

Politicians may be skilled at consensus building and the art of compromise, but don’t expect them to grow taller than the hedge

By Greg Lucas

San Francisco Chronicle August 1, 1999

Sacramento — Where have all the heroes gone? (Long time passing) Where have all the heroes gone? (Long time ago) 

A hero is defined as:

1.    Read more »

More

Politics on Tap Looks At Education and the Economy

With Education Consultant  John Mockler; California Forward’s President & CEO Jim Mayer and  GOP Assemblymember Marie Waldron How Can It Not Be a Conversation for the Ages?    Read more »

More

Today’s Latin Lesson Is Present in the Capitol — Despite All Evidence to the Contrary

 

 

Anima Mundi

“The creative and energizing force that permeates all nature.”    Read more »

More

Jerry Brown Digs Cemeteries

Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation shoring up the finances of the Kern River Valley Cemetery District – the fifth cemetery district the Democratic governor has aided during the past two years.

Four of the five cemetery districts have seen business drop not because of falling mortality rates but because of competition from nearby, recently opened federal Veterans Administration cemeteries.    Read more »

More