The Minuteman
From the September 2008 Print Edition
Cyclists: "We Should be Above the Law"
Bicyclists frequently fl out traffi c laws, ignoring stop signs, speeding through red lights, and failing to signal turns using hand signs, but a proposed change to the state vehicle code might put an end to bicyclists’ fl agrant law breaking. No, the change wouldn’t make it easier to enforce existing traffi c safety laws –it would eliminate them. The idea is based on an Idaho state law that allows cyclists to treat stops signs as yield signs, reported KCBS. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has been lobbying in support of the change. However, while this proposal might work on the un-crowded roads of rural Idaho, implementing such as scheme on the congested streets of San Francisco and Berkeley would be a recipe for disaster. In the name of safety, lawmakers should reject this ridiculous proposal which would jeopardize pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists alike.
Senator Should Hang Up and Drive Too
You can hold a phone while driving… to dial a phone number. You can talk on the phone while driving… if you’re not holding the phone. But, you can hold a phone while driving… if you’re sending or reading text messages? Does this make any sense? Not really, but as of July 1, that’s the law in California. Among those in favor of the change, is State Senator Carol Migden, who made headlines last year when she was involved in a string of accidents while driving and talking on her phone. Maybe this law isn’t such a bad idea… if it can keep our elected offi cials from running us off the road.
Judge on Oaks: “Give’em the axe!”
On Tuesday, July 22, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Barbara Miller cleared the way for the U.C. Berkeley to begin clearing trees in the stadium oak grove, where a student-athlete center is set to be built. The ruling was a victory for the University, but obstacles remain. While Berkeley City Council made the smart decision (for once) and voted not to appeal the decision, two other groups have appealed; extending the injection against removing the trees until the Appeals Court decides whether or not it will hear the case.
The Juno Effect?
For the fi rst time in 15 years, teen pregnancy is on the rise in America, up 3% since 2006. In Gloucester, Massachusetts, the number of pregnancies at the public high school is more than four times the number the school faced last year. 17 girls at the school of 1,200, are expecting, half of whom made a pact to get pregnant, according to Time magazine. Many are wondering: are Juno and teen-star Jamie-Lynn Spears to blame? Conversely, the increasing number of teenage mothers may be a sign of a more encouraging trend. Time’s Nancy Gibbs suggests, “Kids aren’t necessarily having more sex or more girls aren’t getting pregnant, but more of those who do are deciding to keep the baby rather than abort it.”
One in Five Atheists Believes in God
File this news item under “People Unclear on the Concept.” According to a new study released in June by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, one in fi ve Americans who identify themselves as atheists also said they believe in God.
The Pew study also found what may be good news for the GOP. According to the study, which was conducted between May and August of 2007, for conservative voters social issues, like abortion, trump economic concerns. “It suggests that the efforts of Democrats to peel away Republican and conservative voters based on economic issues face a real limit because of the role these cultural issues play.” said John C. Green, an author of the report and a senior fellow on religion and American politics at Pew.
Democrats Fail to Abort Free Speech in House
When the House of Representatives adjourned August 1 for a fi ve-week recess without having voted on a proposal to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling, Democrats thought they had prevented Republicans from advocating for the proposal. However, House Republicans remained on the fl oor and continued speaking –even after the Democratic leadership order the lights and microphones turned off in an attempt to silence them. While Republicans were disappointed Democrats staged such resistance to free speech, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) said of the protest ““It was amazing. It was truly like the people’s House,” reported the Detroit Free Press.
Terror Attacks Target UC Santa Cruz Researchers
On August 2, an explosion outside the home of a UCSC researcher sent him and his wife and children fl eeing for safety, while another bomb destroyed a car outside the home of another UCSC scientist. Authorities believe the terror attacks to be the work of animal rights extremists, and say the biologists were targeted because their work involved the use of animals. The attacks follow other attempts on the lives of UC scientists earlier this year. While mainstream animal protection organizations, including the Human Society, have condemned the attacks, Jerry Vlasak, a former spokesman for the North American Animal Liberation Press Offi ce, called the violence a “morally acceptable tactic.” In light of the violence, the legislature should move swiftly to enact AB2296, which would allow UC offi cials to classify the names of animal researchers to prevent attempts on their lives and harassment of their families. The University must have the ability to protect its facility and students from violent extremists who resort to terror to advance their agenda.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider supporting the Patriot