tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216861022011-07-29T05:53:00.557-04:00Welcome to "Leading from the Left." Fundamentally, this blog is about ideas. The issues we face today are best addressed with bold, forward-looking ideas that speak to our vision for the future. "Leading from the Left" will explore difference-makers: ideas, people, values, and politics that make us think, move us forward, and inspire us. mikenelsonnc@aol.comMike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comBlogger3271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-81517435577741405392009-11-15T10:30:00.002-05:002009-11-15T10:39:44.744-05:00

Rogers Rd activist, the Reverend Robert Campbell, has been invited to the White House to discuss environmental racism. Read the Chapel Hill Herald article here. Rev. Campbell has toiled long and hard to bring attention to the plight of the historic Rogers Road neighbhorhood. This neighbhorhood, which borders the Orange County landfill, has been fighting the County Commissioners regarding the

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-28306857552400881662009-10-28T22:53:00.002-04:002009-10-28T22:56:23.384-04:00

Two years ago today long-time Chapel Hill activist and politico Joe Herzenberg died. Today, Joe's friend Erik Ose posted the two videos to remind us of Joe and his legacy.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-75104645617858386582009-10-09T10:55:00.010-04:002009-10-12T22:56:08.693-04:00

I will not be running for reelection to the Orange County Board of Commissioners. Though the primary is next May, the filing period begins shortly after the first of the year. I’m announcing early to provide sufficient notice to those who have interest in running for the Board.It takes considerable effort to create a campaign organization, recruit volunteers, raise money and to do all the other

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-71453876887491835312009-09-29T23:33:00.002-04:002009-09-29T23:41:38.364-04:00

I was part of a group of local elected officials who entertained a group of lesbian and gay travel professionals from around country. These travel writers, agents and tour group leaders were visiting Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough at the invitation of our Visitor's Center. Laurie Paolicelli, the Visitor's Center Executive Director, is spear-heading an effort to market Orange County to

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-37502992058462932752009-09-12T10:14:00.002-04:002009-09-12T10:21:31.644-04:00

There is so much we never knew about our own history. Or, perhaps, it's history that forgotten, swept under the carpet. Or, perhaps, it was simply ignored because it was too uncomfortable. The life of Alan Turing, father of computer science and a pivotal figure in the defeat of Nazi Germany, is one of those interesting bits of our past that went missing for 50 years. Chemically castrated by the

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-60145965396005847232009-08-26T13:10:00.003-04:002009-08-26T13:23:49.113-04:00

Lots of news today about the effects of water pollution on people and places. First, major fishkills in eastern NC. Then a report about inordinately high numbers of breast cancer cases in male Marines who'd been stationed at Camp LeJeune here in North Carolina.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-92064843619282559302009-08-11T09:24:00.002-04:002009-08-11T09:31:23.257-04:00

Local artist and community organizer, Nerys Levy, is spending several weeks in the Scandanavian Artic and sent the following report via email. She has joined a group of artists who are attempting to document the effects of global warming on our natural environment. Her report--particularly the last few paragraphs--is interesting reading, and I thought you all might enjoy it as much as I.Dear

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-70209968307869619752009-07-31T11:45:00.003-04:002009-07-31T11:57:00.608-04:00

The federal "Cash for Clunkers" program is a prime example of government leaders creating a win-win situation. News that the program may have run out of money already should be viewed in a positive light. Clearly the program is resonating with the American public. If it works as intended, people will be replacing gas guzzlers (defined by the feds as vehicles that get less that 18 miles per

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-83874493557836342812009-07-27T16:50:00.002-04:002009-07-27T16:53:06.214-04:00

This is cool. The Town of Carrboro his hiring a goat to take care of a poison ivy problem at Hank Anderson Park. The park has been plagued with poison ivy, and the public works department has been unable to eradicate it. Carrboro is committed to avoiding the use of herbicides, so officials sought an eco-friendly way to get rid the park of the ivy. Solution: a goat. Read on....

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-19622487673720836792009-07-21T12:02:00.002-04:002009-07-21T12:08:51.469-04:00

If you haven't read Jimmy Carter's essay on why he's leaving the Southern Baptist Convention yet, you should. The former President wrote this for an Australian publication, and I found it online. In this essay, he makes a heartfelt statement about the fundamentalists' treatment of women and girls.While some may argue that the self-proclaimed humanitarian should have made this break years ago,

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-1903758790971751042009-07-09T11:36:00.001-04:002009-07-09T11:37:54.201-04:00

Good morning all. If you follow this blog, you might also want to become a Facebook friend. I find myself commenting on Facebook quite often these days. It's fun and a great way to stay in touch with folks. Become my Facebook friend. www.facebook.com.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-70425821920713119322009-07-01T13:08:00.004-04:002009-07-02T09:45:11.023-04:00

Rabies continues to be a big problem in Orange County. For some reason it doesn't get talked about much or mentioned much in the local papers, but Orange County has more than our fair share of rabid raccoons, foxes, etc. Please keep your pet's rabies vaccination up-to-date. If you don't, and your dog is attacked by a rabid animal, you will be forced to either euthanize Spot or quarantine him for

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-82360907721606248642009-06-24T17:34:00.002-04:002009-06-24T17:45:55.798-04:00

On Monday evening I logged into the audio stream from the NC State House. I wanted to listen to the debate about the school bullying bill, a bill I'd followed for nearly 3 years, and a bill I knew would go a long way towards protecting gay and lesbian students in our public classrooms. I went online knowing I'd hear some things from from the right wing that would be appalling and, yes, hurtful.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-76358727200633961092009-06-24T14:12:00.002-04:002009-06-24T14:14:33.663-04:00

There is a good article in this week's News of Orange about the possible construction of new UNC-affiliated hospital in Hillsborough. From an economic development standpoint, and from the standpoint of meeting the healthcare needs of residents of central Orange County, this is an very exciting possibility.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-44637389388810395072009-06-04T13:41:00.003-04:002009-06-04T13:51:27.580-04:00

This article highlights the potential losses to NC's economy because we're an anti-equality state.You've probably heard before about the specific economic losses for local businesses when gay couples wed in New England. Caterers, hoteliers, florists, wedding planners and so forth are all denied lucrative business when couples leave our state to exchange their vows in a state that welcomes them.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-85276109620424146052009-06-04T10:50:00.002-04:002009-06-04T11:00:16.880-04:00

If this article doesn't make you believe our prison system is in need of reform, you have no soul. No one deserves to be treated the way this man was. Regardless of any real or alledged malevolent action on his part, he did not deserve to be beaten like a dog by state employees.Governor Perdue should demand the resignation the prison guards who were on duty at the time and their supervisors.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-84225428765681847272009-06-03T22:10:00.003-04:002009-06-03T22:11:59.213-04:00

New Hampshire today became the 6th state to legalize marriage equality. Hats off to the Granite State where they lived up to their motto: "Live Free or Die."

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-83952414962182090142009-06-03T13:24:00.001-04:002009-06-03T13:48:50.267-04:00

Last night the Orange County Board of Commissioners had an opportunity to prohibit new drive thru windows. Why would we be interested in banning drive thru windows? Many folks view them as a necessary convenience of early 21st century life. There are two reasons to consider prohibiting them (an action, by the way, that Carrboro took over a decade ago). First, we talk a good game about

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-42920206313771702602009-06-01T09:28:00.002-04:002009-06-01T09:32:20.414-04:00

Here's the latest insightful analysis from Paul Krugman. Well worth a read.At last folks are starting to examine the genesis of this economic crisis. Until we understand when and where it all started to go wrong--that is, at what point the US started to dismantle safe-guards put in place in the Great Depression, safe-guards designed to protect our economy--we'll not be able to make informed

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-66339201465777960172009-05-29T11:25:00.000-04:002009-05-29T11:28:33.910-04:00

I just read that California may close up to 220 state parks. Wow, that’s pretty hard to imagine. California has a budget shortfall of over $20 billion dollars. There are a lot of reasons why California is in such a mess; it’s a complicated tale starting with the passage of Prop 13 in the late 70’s, but the bottom line is that state is teetering on bankruptcy and is virtually ungovernable. It’

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-7653899055225075342009-05-28T18:16:00.002-04:002009-05-28T18:19:42.004-04:00

Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy announced late this afternoon that he will not be seeking another term in office. Kevin is serving his 4th two year term as Mayor. My tenure as Mayor of Carrboro coincided with the first 4 years of Kevin's service as Mayor of Chapel Hill. It was my distinct pleasure to work with him on issues of mutual concern. I've always been impressed with Kevin's commitment to put

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-3430204025182965542009-05-22T11:03:00.002-04:002009-05-22T11:05:34.838-04:00

The ABC News report shows us just how silly anti-gay prejudice can be. Some folks in Hendersonville are upset over a 'gay apple' in their downtown. There might just be more important things in the world to worry about.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-70540077774548212342009-05-20T11:25:00.002-04:002009-05-20T11:27:03.725-04:00

Our own Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina is working to undermine one of the key components of Obama's health care reform plan. That's a shame. Read about it here.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-6294033478589780892009-05-18T11:09:00.003-04:002009-05-18T11:14:08.896-04:00

A new study reports that Marriage Equality has pumped over $100m into the Massachussetts economy since that state equalized marriage rights in 2004. Governor Perdue, you've got a big budget gap to fill. How 'bout it....

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-1873546585960846522009-05-13T13:00:00.002-04:002009-05-13T13:02:57.222-04:00

The Republican National Committee will be entertaining a resolution to rebrand the Democratic Party as "Democratic Socialists." You can't make this stuff up. Not even their Chairman, the ever silly Michael Steele, thinks the resolution is a good idea.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-82511218542711061902009-05-13T10:46:00.003-04:002009-05-13T10:50:53.191-04:00

Last night the New York State Assembly passed a marriage equality bill by a very strong 89-52 margin. The bill now goes to the State Senate where passage is not assured. Governor Paterson, a marriage equality supporter, has promised to sign the bill and is working hard on it's behalf.Meanwhile, we're still waiting for word from NH Governor John Lynch as to whether or not he will sign that state's

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-30843102229939842902009-05-10T11:04:00.002-04:002009-05-10T11:08:47.784-04:00

You've gotta watch this video of Wanda Sykes skewering everybody in sight at the Correspondent's Dinner last night.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-25411254283108816072009-05-08T10:14:00.001-04:002009-05-08T10:14:00.301-04:00

The following is an excerpt from remarks made the debate on marriage equality in Maine's State House this week. As the House prepared to vote, this arch-conservative New England Republican rose to his feet, and quietly, dispassionately explained why he would vote for equal rights. It's worth a read. Wish there were more like him."But a few days ago when I was selfishly feeling a little too

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-30747578723618052492009-05-07T09:39:00.003-04:002009-05-07T09:47:17.969-04:00

The following is a text of an email Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton sent to various parties the other day. It was forwarded to me, and I'm posting an abridged version here because I think the issue is very important. Apparently there is an effort underway to increase develop in the University Lake Watershed.Carrboro's progressive era was cemented in place in 1987 when Ellie Kinnaird and others

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-1826746004555716262009-05-06T14:26:00.002-04:002009-05-06T14:29:35.527-04:00

Governor Baldacci of Maine signed a bill today equalizing marriage rights for gay people. Maine becomes the 5th state to do so. The Bangor Daily News has the story. Yesterday the Washington, DC City Council voted to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. And later this afternoon, the New Hampshire State House will likely give final approval to that state's same sex marriage

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-69845258549178443792009-05-01T15:23:00.002-04:002009-05-01T15:32:12.514-04:00

This was a big week for LGBT people and others who care about equality. Here's a list of the measures that passed this week with links to newspaper articles. Next week is shaping to being even more significant as both Maine and New Hampshire may finish the process of equalizing access to the institution of civil marriage. But first things first...The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act passed the

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-24572106730437851822009-04-30T11:22:00.004-04:002009-04-30T11:46:30.259-04:00

The Maine State Senate, just moments ago, voted to equalize marriage rights so gay people can marry there. The bill now moves to the House, which is more liberal than the Senate, so passage seems assured. Gov. Baldacci is thought to be leaning towards signing the Bill. Thank God for New England!

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-71074596061855960132009-04-30T09:49:00.002-04:002009-04-30T09:57:29.344-04:00

Olbermann is, as usual, overblown. But when he's right, he's right. Check out what he has to say about NC's Virginia Foxx, one of three dumbest people serving in Congress. Fortunately, her arguments didn't carry the day and the Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Act was passed by a strong margin in the House. Kudos to the House.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-87193883181973408942009-04-29T14:28:00.002-04:002009-04-29T14:35:29.630-04:00

The New Hampshire State Senate voted FOR gay marriage today. The bill, which was amended in the Senate, now goes to conference committee before being formally adopted. It's unclear if the Governor will veto the bill once it gets to his desk. Governor Lynch is a Democrat but has expressed reservations about equal marriage rights in the past. A good day!

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-89249899433762740932009-04-28T13:12:00.003-04:002009-04-28T13:36:07.691-04:00

I tell people all the time that all you need to know about governing is how to count. On the Chapel Hill Town Council, for example, you must be able to count to 5 because that's how many votes you need to pass an ordinance. If you can add, everything else falls in place.For the US Senate, the magic number is 60. It takes 60 votes to end a filibuster and bring a controversial matter to a vote. And

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-58586656759152877732009-04-27T12:17:00.000-04:002009-04-27T12:18:16.729-04:00

Midwest couples start marrying in Iowa!

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-16564963426754273942009-04-25T11:07:00.000-04:002009-04-25T11:07:00.841-04:00

A friend just emailed Frank Rich's NYT column on "The Gathering Storm," the right wing-nuts' latest 'sky-is-falling' volley against love & marriage. As always Rich is worth the read. I've never been able to figure out why the right wingers want gay people to continue to 'live in sin' rather than in happy, secure marriages.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-8693983808077286822009-04-24T09:20:00.002-04:002009-04-24T09:28:59.028-04:00

As you know, we had a facebook group dedicated to saving the Carrboro Cybrary. The group was formed after a recommendation emerged from county staff to close it as well as the Cedar Grove Branch library in order to save money.The newest recommendation, which surfaced just a few days ago, is to leave the Cybrary open but close the McDougle Branch library in North Carrboro instead. Cedar Grove

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-4363235357440885092009-04-22T00:49:00.001-04:002009-04-22T00:50:32.933-04:00

Sen. Feingold on torture. Peggy Noonan has no soul.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-85028191634291945512009-04-20T10:12:00.002-04:002009-04-20T12:36:03.071-04:00

Torture.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-31368310289308340662009-04-19T17:51:00.002-04:002009-04-19T17:55:00.372-04:00

The State DOT has announced transportation improvements that have been approved. These projects are made possible by federal stimulus monies. The Herald had a good summary of the projects in an article this morning.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-74437994634190599492009-04-16T14:49:00.002-04:002009-04-16T14:51:51.141-04:00

The Governor of Texas may want for Texas to secede from the Union according to reports.I say "Let Her Go!"

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-80763252190450740842009-04-15T15:55:00.001-04:002009-04-15T15:56:37.797-04:00

Martha Tyson had an excellent opinion piece in the Chapel Hill news today. Worth a read for all of us who are concerned about how to meet the community's library needs.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-53935503806818292582009-04-09T13:11:00.002-04:002009-04-09T15:45:59.683-04:00

Here's another fact that underscores the significance of the vote this week by the Vermont Legislature to give same sex couples the same rights as straight couples. The Vermont legislature has over-ridden a governor's veto only six times in that state's history. Thanks guys!Mother Jones has a good article on the vote and what it means here.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-91606700124519690712009-04-09T09:44:00.002-04:002009-04-09T09:52:22.039-04:00

UNC Hospitals is looking at building a facility in Hillsborough. I'm very excited about this opportunity as it opens new doors for us in terms of Economic Development. When a medical facility locates in an area, other businesses opt to locate near by: restaurants, hotels, doctors offices, etc. But, more importantly, if local governments are proactive and plan property, a hospital can become an

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-86014792488388574992009-04-08T17:40:00.002-04:002009-04-08T17:46:38.183-04:00

The County's budget situation is bad. We seem to get one bad piece of news after another.However, there is one potential bright spot. If all goes well, we could be bringing in some much needed cash to help balance the budget.Last night, the Board of County Commissioners voted to sell four properties that we no longer need, three in Hillsborough and one in Carrboro. They are:112 N. Churton St118

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-81336623249932079542009-04-07T18:51:00.002-04:002009-04-07T18:55:56.064-04:00

Watch this video of the leader of the Iowa State Senate declining to discriminate against gay Iowans.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-58848570586608049482009-04-07T11:33:00.003-04:002009-04-07T18:31:00.631-04:00

Vermont!There are now a grand total of 4 US states that treat gay people like real live, actual human beings. Four down, forty six to go! Onward....

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-74044503760219089172009-04-06T10:59:00.001-04:002009-04-06T11:01:01.059-04:00

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting tomorrow night. When I opened up my packet yesterday and started reading, I was confronted by the following sentence. It was supposed to explain one of the items on our agenda. Instead, it left me bewildered. See if you can figure it out.“Purpose Statement: To consider approval of Omnibus Contract Amendments to the Purchase and Sale Agreements for

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-32422256508833607372009-04-03T14:02:00.000-04:002009-04-03T14:03:23.681-04:00

Iowa!

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-61590251391478540182009-04-02T15:33:00.002-04:002009-04-02T15:36:45.683-04:00

Excellent article sent to me by Bridget Booher, President of The Friends of the Orange County Public Library. The piece clearly articulates the demands being placed on libraries around the country right now. Libraries are needed more in a bad times than good.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-32207745782431359012009-04-01T23:38:00.002-04:002009-04-01T23:44:22.844-04:00

Orange County news is all over the papers today: property revaluations, the new county attorney, and the search for a new county manager. These are just the tip of the iceberg. We've also got a budget crisis, libraries that may be forced to close, a waste transfer station, and the Orange Rescue Squad is now lawyered up and ready to sue us. It'll be a long, hot summer.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-64533450768576164872009-03-31T13:10:00.000-04:002009-03-31T13:12:14.219-04:00

The BoCC has named a new county attorney. The appointment will be made official at our April 7 Board meeting. The following is the text of the press release issued this morning.Roberts Named as New Attorney for Orange CountyValerie Foushee, Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, announced the selection of John L. Roberts as the new Attorney for Orange County starting April 23, 2009.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-33946469287052216042009-03-28T11:17:00.002-04:002009-03-28T11:20:19.453-04:00

The following letter, signed by all 7 members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, will appear in local papers in coming days. It's an attempt to get the facts out on the table, after months of misinformation being thrown about. Read on...To The Editor: Let’s set the record straight. The Orange County Board of Commissioners seeks to avoid a tax increase in 2009 and

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-85679590656406347112009-03-22T20:08:00.003-04:002009-03-22T20:11:22.728-04:00

Carrboro Alderman Dan Coleman sent me a link to the following article. It highlights one of the points many of us have been making about the importance of libraries in hard times. Read on....

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-31986062800652565142009-03-15T15:31:00.004-04:002009-03-15T15:39:20.566-04:00

There was a good editorial in the Chapel Hill News today about the tough choices the County Commissioners with regard to budget cuts. Check it out here. Kirk Ross also had a conversation-provoking piece in the Citizen this week. He's advocating for a reduction in county property taxes in conjunction with the implementation of a county Income Tax. While you may or may not agree, it makes for

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-62439287298692479192009-03-09T21:42:00.002-04:002009-03-09T21:47:26.977-04:00

A major national pesticide conference will be held in Carrboro in a few weeks. The organizers have sent the following information:We wanted to let you know about an exciting environmental conference focusing on a range issues facing NC and the nation. Bridge to an Organic Future: Opportunities for health and the environment, will be held April 3-4, 2009 at the Century Center in Carrboro, NC.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-10172825142363107352009-03-08T18:02:00.002-04:002009-03-08T18:09:49.702-04:00

We started a facebook group to help us organize to save the Cybrary in downtown Carrboro. Here's the link. Check it out and join if you want to help keep the library open. I'm hoping someone starts an effort to keep the Cedar Grove Library open as well.As of late Sunday afternoon, 130 people have joined our group to save the Cybrary. A petition was circulated at the Carrboro Farmer's Market

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-46058449898467091892009-03-06T00:24:00.002-05:002009-03-06T01:10:53.536-05:00

Ok, y'all are gonna be ticked off. The Board of County Commissioners got our first look at a (partial) list of potential cuts to county government. The cuts are deep; the manager directed each department head to cut his/her departmental budget by 10%. The bottom line is the county is facing a possible 8.7 million dollar shortfall and cuts will have to be made if we stick to our pledge not to

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-29131997824835570042009-03-05T13:56:00.002-05:002009-03-05T14:00:02.448-05:00

As I reported here a week or so ago, my precinct elected an 18 year old precinct chair at our annual meeting. Apparently, another Orange County precinct--Grady Brown, in Hillsborough--also elected an 18 year old precinct chair. Great news! Congratulations to Kimberly Rider the new precinct chair of Grady Brown!Here's an article from today's Chapel Hill Herald about my precinct Chair, Matt

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-60017004129848141832009-02-27T12:43:00.003-05:002009-02-27T12:48:54.413-05:00

Good editorial in the current issue of the Carrboro Citizen. It's well-reasoned and thoughful. I certainly learned something: Freedomworks.org, which is behind the Orange County "tax revolt" is closely affiliated with Dick Armey and the Republican Party. Interesting....

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-53021622609300651632009-02-26T22:37:00.002-05:002009-03-02T12:11:37.771-05:00

Margot Lester and Rich Fowler have a good article in this issue of the Carrboro Citizen about the effect of property revaluations. Check it out.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-20515696561994459922009-02-25T22:45:00.002-05:002009-02-25T23:21:49.650-05:00

I attended the annual Hillsborough precinct meeting on Tuesday night. It was my first since moving to Hillsborough in the spring of 2007. It was a great meeting. We elected an 18 year old precinct chair, Matt Hughes! A senior at Cedar Ridge High School, Matt is Student Body president and will be attending UNC-CH in the fall. Only minutes after getting elected chair, Matt was already

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-78307799029213993292009-02-16T21:17:00.003-05:002009-02-16T21:33:34.215-05:00

I've been hearing quite a bit from citizens about county taxes. In recent months people who normally are willing to bear higher taxes to support community values--such as good schools and environmental protection--are expressing genuine concern at the county's high tax rate. These folks have been clear that they don't want taxes to increase for the time being.One constituent sent this op-ed to

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-46759616604281742182009-02-16T20:19:00.003-05:002009-02-16T20:24:03.267-05:00

Chris Fitzsimon has a good piece today on how the federal stimulus bill may not have to reach we'd been hoping for. Read for yourself here.The Orange County Commissioners, in consultation with the two school boards and our own staff, have come up with a list of shovel ready projects that may be appropriate for stimulus funds. But, as Chris points out, there needs are great and their may not be

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-29640235482439763952009-02-14T10:46:00.004-05:002009-02-14T20:30:11.694-05:00

I grew up in Eastern North Carolina. Lots of poverty. There was a wrong side of the tracks and a right side of the tracks, and everyone knew the difference though nobody could remember ever being told. It was just one of those things you simply knew.And until Mexicans started arriving in the early 1990's, there was a black side of town and a white side of town. Segregation, de facto though no

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-89751417151632904262009-02-10T08:46:00.002-05:002009-02-10T08:51:15.373-05:00

Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy, in his annual "State of the Town" address, urged the creation of a linked, regional transit system. Yup, Kevin, it's about darn time we took the next step. TTA is an excellent resource locally, but it's only the beginning. The Triangle won't truly be a world class region until we master the transit challenge. Read more about Mayor Foy's statement here.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-51606171059406781292009-02-01T22:19:00.006-05:002009-02-08T15:30:10.491-05:00

I've received a number of emails from citizens concerned about the revaluation of property that is currently underway in Orange County. Many worry that the revals will lead to significant jump in the taxes they'll pay this year. The level of discomfort seems to be higher this year than in years past due to the current economic downtown and the stresses the recession is placing on our citizens.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-71544542594600869862009-01-24T12:03:00.002-05:002009-01-24T12:10:38.697-05:00

The following is a memo that Marty Rosenbluth, an Orange County resident and staff attorney for Southern Coalition for Social Justice, sent to the County Commissioners. I post it here to help folks understand the underlying issues and the questions being raised by the Sheriff's decision to participate in the "Secure Communities" program.Brief Analysis of the “Secure Communities”Program"Secure

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-17096687716326674572009-01-22T12:42:00.005-05:002009-01-22T13:08:17.216-05:00

You may have read about the Sheriff's decision to join a federal program called ICE.  There was an article in the News & Observer  over the weekend explaining Sheriff Pendergrass' position.  Since that article ran, I have received numerous emails from concerned citizens including members of the County's Human Relations Commission.  Below is the text of an email from a member of the HRC.  He

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-1453379473446485132009-01-18T13:08:00.003-05:002009-01-18T13:36:10.041-05:00

Brian Russell has a good piece in the Carrboro Citizen about economic development and access to highspeed internet. Brian couches his point in a Carrboro context, but his argument applies as much to the broader community as it does to a thriving downtown.As we know businesses today operate in a new world in which technology plays the key role. If your business doesn't keep up, you'll fall behind

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-15032686153710289712009-01-17T09:59:00.003-05:002009-01-17T10:01:24.899-05:00

Krugman's got it right; check out his op-ed here.  Bush, Cheney and their army of evil-doers don't deserve to be let off the hook.  To protect the integrity of our Republic they should NOT be held above the law.  

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-67064288495632744942009-01-15T09:38:00.002-05:002009-01-15T10:16:55.923-05:00

I am looking forward to Obama keeping his promise to ease US relations with Cuba.  US policy towards Cuba needs to change.  It needed to change decades ago but has been held hostage by a loud, angry minority with clout--conservative Cuban's in Miami who've been major donors to Republican candidates.   It's time to change. The current US embargo only hurts our own interests.  Even though business

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-18700357537884367602009-01-14T20:10:00.003-05:002009-01-14T20:17:38.405-05:00

This evening I dropped  by an open house sponsored by a committee of Orange County residents who are trying to secure a train station in Hillsborough.  They've done a great job developing the criteria for selecting a site and making the case for a local station.  I'm on board!It's a shame Orange County isn't connected to the nation's passenger rail network.  I have friends, for example, who are

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-32881234901901284222009-01-12T09:48:00.002-05:002009-01-12T10:00:26.105-05:00

Chancellor Holden Thorp's decision to suspend the search for a new UNC-affiliated airport in Orange County has earned much-deserved kudos from the community.  Thorp showed prudence and wisdom in deciding to alter course.  As he accurately pointed out, the manner in which this search was initiated doomed it from the beginning.  I admire Thorp's willingness to re-think the situation.  He showed the

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-17090823665722021812009-01-09T10:14:00.001-05:002009-01-09T10:15:58.307-05:00

The Chancellor has called a press conference for 11am, under an hour from now.  I have been told that he will be announcing that UNC will NOT be pursuing an airport at this time!  Good news for the people of Bingham Township!

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-24188601600383224492009-01-07T10:35:00.003-05:002009-01-07T10:38:10.046-05:00

Jeff Toobin has a great piece in the New Yorker about Barney Frank, one of the greatest political forces of our time.   

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-48244161986789979222009-01-06T15:12:00.002-05:002009-01-06T15:31:35.584-05:00

In the past few years we've lost Joe and Lucy Straley, Charlotte Adams, and Joe Herzenberg. And now we learn Rebecca Clark has died.  I was struck yesterday that our community, with Rebecca's passing, has closed a chapter in our history.  Our old civil rights & civil liberties fighters of 50's-80's are largely gone.  They defined Chapel Hill progressivism and were our voice to the world.  They

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-24185549194394445422009-01-05T12:18:00.003-05:002009-01-05T12:27:24.930-05:00

Al Franken has been declared the winner in Minnesota, by 225 votes. I thought this race would never end, glad the good guy won.It'll be interesting watching how Al operates in the US Senate. He's used to speaking his mind, often satirizing political events in a manner that makes conservatives heads explode. Moderating that a bit, so he can maximize his effectiveness, without losing his edge

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-33657017140640935252009-01-03T11:05:00.002-05:002009-01-03T11:26:15.261-05:00

I received a great deal of feed back regarding my last post about the schools. The most common was along the lines of "How could our schools get to such a state?"A school board member or the superintendent would be better placed to provide a complete answer to that question, but I believe there are several contributors. First, the Chapel Hill Carrboro system has been building a new school every

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-33860998457857603832008-12-19T14:41:00.001-05:002008-12-19T14:47:18.174-05:00

Some things you have to see for yourself to believe. I recently took a tour of about a half dozen schools, mainly older facilities, in the Chapel Hill Carrboro school system. Because the County Commissioners fund the school systems' budgets, it's important for me to see first hand what the parents, teachers, and school administrators are complaining about. I took a similar tour of facilities

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-55463082654919578122008-12-18T16:10:00.002-05:002008-12-18T16:33:07.868-05:00

Sorry about the long absence from "Leading from the Left." A bad bout of diverticulitis, and a few other distractions, led me to set blogging aside for a few weeks. But I'm back now!One thought for you all for the Holidays: skip the chain stores; buy your gifts locally. Here's the bottom line---when you spend your money in locally owned stores, the money stays here, it doesn't get sent off

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-31471883513840939692008-11-25T11:08:00.004-05:002008-11-25T16:49:42.831-05:00

This Thanksgiving marks the 30th anniversary of the assisination of Harvey Milk. Milk, a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the US and his election caused a shock wave across the Country. At the time anti-gay hate was at a peak (one of many, it turns out), with the rise of Anita Bryant in Florida and the Brigg's initiative in

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-73598052090893939852008-11-21T13:59:00.003-05:002008-11-21T14:37:20.700-05:00

At our day long retreat on Friday November 14th, the Board of County Commissioners brainstormed a vision for energy independence in Orange County. It was an exciting conversation, brimming with good ideas and long-range goals. We discussed energy in context of taking advantage of new economic development opportunities, creating news jobs for our citizens, and doing our part to address global

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-3104382104656277732008-11-19T23:26:00.004-05:002008-11-21T13:59:27.429-05:00

Woman's City(a poem by Dorothy Meister)This windowsill, this curtain blowing, This steady grief,This way a woman has of knowingHer beliefs, are foothillsCraving slurs of snow and rain.Night descending on a woman's cityIs harsh again,Fine white dust of moonless pity,This grain of tears lendingStrange grace to wonder, more sane.More rare, more sweet flowers growing,Tremulous fear, The way a woman

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-79566389908330180592008-11-16T11:07:00.003-05:002008-11-16T11:36:46.801-05:00

When I last wrote about same sex marriage and the passage of Proposition 8 in California, I posited that there was a void to be filled. Namely, there is an important role for prominent African-American gay people to play in terms of engaging black Americans in a productive conversation about LGBT equal rights. There are some conversations that are best held "within the family" and that could be

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-64068342786847231252008-11-11T13:32:00.000-05:002008-11-11T13:33:03.397-05:00

Check this out....

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-41134735471599586902008-11-10T12:13:00.003-05:002008-11-10T12:39:12.904-05:00

Protests continue in California, five straight days and nights. After the passage of Proposition 8--which takes away rights from California's gays--gay Californians and their supporters protested in front of Morman and fundamentalist Christian churces, on the streets of major California cities, at the state capitol, and at city halls. Even Republican Governor Arnold Swartzenegger has weighed in

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-19056141513848761342008-11-07T00:28:00.004-05:002008-11-07T00:46:33.460-05:00

I'm still on cloud nine about President-elect Barack Obama. But for gay Americans it's a bittersweet week. Arkansas voters declared us unfit to be parents. Florida voters passed an amendment that embeds discrimination against LGBT Floridians in their constitution. And worst of all, Californians passed Proposition 8 which stripped gay's and lesbian's of our equal rights, essentially relegating

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-64257309697866179212008-11-05T11:56:00.004-05:002008-11-05T12:01:19.046-05:00

I heard this recently, on the radio. It reflects how I'm feeling today, the day after Americans elected Barack Obama president. I have no idea who wrote it, or where this comes from:Rosa sat so Martin could walk.Martin walked so Jesse could run.Jesse ran so Barack could win.Barack won so our children can fly.Enough said.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-60142293630692313182008-11-02T14:00:00.003-05:002008-11-04T10:44:22.380-05:00

This year I made 3 trips to San Diego so I could get dental work done in Mexico. Yup, that's right. I went to a Tijuana dentist. Why, you ask? Because I couldn't afford to get the dental work I needed done here in the US. And every year, millions of Americans find themselves in the same boat. And more and more of us are ditching US doctors for less expensive care in foreign countries. Let me

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-56743750088631439832008-10-30T21:12:00.002-04:002008-10-30T21:16:06.055-04:00

Jesse Helms would be proud of Elizabeth Dole's new attack ad against Kay Hagan. Entitled "Godless," the ad is, well, truthless. Dole ought to be ashamed of herself. Check out CNN Campbell Brown's scathing editorial about this ad. I think she can be a bit over the top sometimes, but Brown hit this one out of the ballpark.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-13044656147562430392008-10-24T00:58:00.003-04:002008-10-24T01:01:29.559-04:00

If you have, as I do, Republican friends and relatives, this is a must see. Powerful stuff; well said and honest.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-51285228092810311722008-10-22T23:33:00.002-04:002008-10-22T23:41:21.743-04:00

The Republican Party, in a surprise move, has pulled its ads supporting the re-election of right-wing nut job, Rep. Michele Bachmann. Bachmann is the Minnesota Congresswoman who, last week, called Barack Obama's patriotism into question and suggested that newspapers should investigate 'anti-American' members of the House of Representatives.Liberals and moderates from around the country were so

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-6979103065908752802008-10-20T11:45:00.002-04:002008-10-20T11:51:37.875-04:00

Please support John Arrowood in his bid to retain his seat on the NC Court of Appeals. Judge Arrowood was appointed last year to fill a vacancy on the Court. By all accounts, he has been a stellar judge. He works hard, is thoughtful, solicits opinions from others and listens to what they have to say. I've known John Arrowood for many years and know him to be a fair-minded gentleman with a

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-36239468653381216242008-10-16T22:31:00.002-04:002008-10-16T22:33:43.847-04:00

My friend Catherine Devine sent the link to this youtube video. It's video of a speech given by a union guy talking about race, racism and Barack Obama. Very well done and worth a watch.

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-71973027252643692342008-10-16T10:37:00.003-04:002008-10-16T11:01:58.533-04:00

Early voting begins today in NC. This is the most important election of our lifetimes; I think we all know that the stakes are high and whoever wins will have a mess on his hands. To strengthen his hand in straightening this country out, Barack Obama needs a big mandate from the American people.I used to think it was important only that the Democrats win this year--and I didn't care even it

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-18903281531706656502008-10-14T13:49:00.002-04:002008-10-14T14:02:29.341-04:00

One of the great things about our country is our legion of pioneers and unsung heros who go largely unnoticed and un-thanked. Yesterday, one of those pioneers died. He was a man most of you probably never heard of, yet he quietly helped shaped and guide the LGBT movement for decades. He was Allan Spear, a State Senator from Minnesota.Allan, who was a dear friend of mine, came out of the

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-42385648763136182942008-10-14T10:58:00.003-04:002008-10-14T11:09:26.502-04:00

I just received this from the Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest organization working for LGBT equal rights. With all the attention being paid to the presidential race, many of us have lost track of some of the crucial initiatives on the ballot around the US. Including the ant-gay constitutional amendment in California which appears to be in danger of passing. I believe it's wrong to

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21686102.post-55538889532655966312008-10-13T23:27:00.002-04:002008-10-13T23:31:03.182-04:00

Graig Meyer, one of the Orange County Obama delegates to the Democratic National Convention, compiled this slideshow of photos from the Democratic Convention. Graig's got some excellent shots from the convention. Enjoy!Thanks Graig for sharing this!

Mike Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858266833276927941noreply@blogger.com