For the Birds

While I am unbelievably happy about Obama’s victory last night, I can’t help but be disappointed in some of the local propositions.

Proposition 7
Proposition 7 is an initiative statute regarding renewable energy.
Result: NO – My Vote: YES

I am really surprised that Propositions 7, 10 and H all failed to pass. In a place full of hybrid cars and recycling, all propositions promoting clean energy were rejected. I would blame it on the abundance of “blank check” commercials (with tiny disclaimers at the bottom stating that PG&E graciously paid for them), but that didn’t seem to change the outcome of Proposition 8.


Proposition 8
Proposition 8 is an initiative constitutional amendment that, if passed, would eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry.
Result: YES – My Vote: NO

There are two reasons I voted against this:

1) It’s none of my fucking business who you decide to marry.

2) I see love, in any form, as a beautiful thing. Even though marriage (in the traditional sense) is a bit silly and old-fashioned, I do appreciate any two people loving each other to the extent of feeling it necessary to proclaim said love to the world. That’s what marriage is about (to me), not a religious bond, not any sort of promise or a misguided feeling of ownership.

I am ecstatic that we have elected a black man to be our next president. That being said, I truly do not understand why selective discrimination is acceptable.


Proposition B
This measure requires the city to take about $30 million out of the budget each year and use the cash to build affordable housing over the next 15 years.
Result: NO – My Vote: YES

Of course! We have one of the worst homeless populations in the country, but I suppose fixing the problem won’t give voters anything to talk about over their chai lattes from Starbucks. (Note: While this proposition failed to pass, Proposition D was approved by a landslide. Hmm…help house the homeless? No. Decorate a pier? Sure!)