In this new year let’s get serious, I mean really serious, about the global climate emergency. This is truly an EMERGENCY – our planetary life support system is more than threatened – it is already in severe decline. The levels of CO2 and other global warming gases in the atmosphere are already too high, and we continue adding more.

From LP at Corvallis-Scene:
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OK, so I'm not wild about the idea of a regressive tax, or about the way the City of Corvallis has promoted this thing, but I don't believe the opposition has made a fair argument, either. So, here's why I'm going to vote yes on the phone tax (02-54).

The city needs the money. That's not at question here. And they say they're going to use the money to buy fire trucks and train firefighters -- increasing the safety of all citizens. After that, it will continue to go into the general fund where it will likely be used to pay for other essential services.

Rarely mentioned in news reports of the FDA approval of Plan B without a prescription for women over age 18 is the fact that many pharmacies are refusing to carry it. I think it is important to find out which local pharmacies do carry it and give them our business. I've discovered that I'm going to have to switch pharmacies.

The following message is from Kim Gandy, President of the National Organization for Women:

The BC Democrats picnic had a new setting and some special entertainment this year. I'm not sure how many people came, but it was more than 50 at least. We ate very well with the many delicious side dishes provided by everyone, and the burgers and dogs provided by Merry and Harry Demerest (am I right, Todd?) - many thanks. Having round tables is always nice for having full table conversations. The silent pie auction continued throughout most of the evening, to raise dollars for Dems. Thanks for your generosity, pie bidders!

I can't believe that anyone can support Israel in their pounding of Lebanon - well, I can believe Bush would do so. The incredible damage they are doing to Lebanon, the exceedingly high loss of life and loss of critical infrastructures, because Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and killed eight others.

Israel says they want to "stabilize the legitimate government of Lebanon" but what a crock - they are crippling that country and making thousands of new recruits for Hezbollah in the process! Meanwhile the U.S. stands alone among our allies in blocking United Nations resolutions to get Israel to stop. Even Great Britain doesn't stand with the U.S. on this one.