Archive for November, 2008

Princeton Prop 8: Preserving Traditional Sidewalk Values

Some much needed comic relief from Princeton students.

From americablog.com:

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From some wonderful students at Princeton:

CAMPAIGN TO REMOVE FRESHMEN FROM SIDEWALKS IN SECOND SUCCESSFUL WEEK
11/24/08–Princeton, NJ

A group of students at Princeton University would like to eliminate the right of freshmen to walk on campus sidewalks. Stating that they would like to “preserve traditional sidewalk values” that define a sidewalk as a “pathway for sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students, faculty, staff, and other members of the university community,” the group, which is acting in support of a measure termed “Princeton Proposition 8,” is now entering its second successful week of demonstration.

The students emphasize that they are not “froshophobic” and that some of their best friends are freshmen, but they maintain that freshmen on the sidewalk degrade the sacred institution of sidewalks, and jeopardize the validity of upperclassmen’s own perambulation. It also makes some of them uncomfortable. They are very excited that California’s Proposition 8 has set a clear precedent for a majority to eliminate a minority group’s civil rights, and they see it as a perfect opportunity to utilize this development for their own gain.

The demonstration, which has featured signs, chants, and original music, has collected almost 500 signatures for a petition in support of Princeton Proposition 8, including those of many professors and even University President Shirley M. Tilghman. A video report of the protest produced by the University’s ‘Daily Princetonian’ has received 21,000 views on YouTube in just two days. It has also been featured on dozens of regional and national blogs including Campus Progress Action’s Pushback, DailyKos, and Andrew Sullivan’s Daily Dish. The organizers of the demonstration have also begun outreach to other universities.

The demonstration will continue at the plaza in front of Firestone Library on the Princeton campus between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday 11/24 and Tuesday 11/25.

The Princeton Proposition 8 campaign aims to secure the definition of Princeton University sidewalks as a means of pedestrian transit for sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students, faculty, staff, and other members of the university community, but supports the elimination of the right of freshmen to walk on sidewalks.

Only walking on sidewalks by sophomores, juniors, and senior students is valid or recognized at Princeton.

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Contact: Christopher Simpson
cjsimpso@princeton.edu

SB Fire

I’m grateful that firefighters have gained control of 40% of the Tea Fire in Santa Barbara County. With a reduction in winds, things may improve soon. However, 111 people have lost their homes; I personally know of at least two families who have lost their home. I am enthralled by the heroic fight to save homes and stories of communities working together, especially the one below from Santa Barbara’s Independent.

On Las Canoas Road, Plumber Fills Firefighters’ Tanks Using Undocumented Hookup

Patty Look Lewis tells the story of how Peter Kornbluth, a plumber by trade, saved her home and others, having years ago tapped into a water main in preparation for the inevitable. Lewis had evacuated with her husband Walter, her daughter Estelle, and her two dogs. There are three houses on the property: That of the landlord, Kornbluth, and below it his mother-in-law Laura Bissel’s home and next to that, the Lewis’s home. Location: 1976 Las Canoas Rd., adjacent Skofield Park on the Mission Canyon side.

“In the two lower houses horses were being ridden off the property, down toward Mission Canyon to be evacuated, and we were loading up our cars. Everybody on property was ready to leave except for Peter. He had parked his truck facing downhill, but he was still on the property trying to figure out what he was going to do next when a police officer came up and told him about the mandatory evacuation. He said “OK” and drove downhill and took a sharp left through the avocado grove and turned off his headlights.

“When the police car left the driveway, he returned. He told us he’d known for 19 years living in that area that this day was coming, and he’s a plumber, so in the deck area of our house he had a huge fire hose connected to the water main for just this purpose.

“He started hosing down our house and was joined by firemen who then arrived. He ended up refilling their tanks with the water hose. Those guys and Peter stopped the fire right at our driveway. Our house was inches from being completely consumed.

“All the fire trucks in that area were coming to him to get their tanks refilled.

“He was there all night long. At 6:30 a.m., he called and said, “Your house is safe.”

“And Peter was so cute, because he said, “I have all these new friends now. They’re not from here, and they all wear yellow.”

“So we decided that yellow is the new black. “

As a new fire rages in LA and thousands are under evacuation orders in SB and LA, my heart goes out to everyone.

Watching those Firey Hills

I just took this video from my front porch of the Tea Fire that just started in Santa Barbara a few hours ago (about 6pm). I hope everyone is staying safe…

Via Google Video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7078803154012886941

Thanks Keith!

A special comment by Keith Olbermann on gay marriage and California’s Prop 8.
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I still haven’t taken down my No on Prop 8 sign or my bumper sticker. I’ll remain in solidarity and protest with those who believe that discrimination does not belong in our Constitution.