Headlines (Global Edition)
++ In New York City, attacks escalate in final mayoral debate.
++ California voters are continuing to sour on the Governator.
By and large, the survey found the public siding with organized labor and its Democratic allies in their clash with the Republican governor. Only about a third of likely voters favor Proposition 76, his flagship proposal to curb state spending, and Proposition 77, his plan to give retired judges the job of drawing district maps for lawmakers. Also in trouble is Proposition 75, Schwarzenegger's plan to require public-worker unions to get written consent from members each year before spending dues on political campaigns: 40% are for it, and 51% against it.
Beyond the ballot contests, the poll confirmed a steep dive in Schwarzenegger's popularity. His 69% job approval rating a year ago has plummeted to 40%. He remains popular with Republicans, but his support among Democrats has all but collapsed.
This should be fun.
++ Former Virginia Governor and current Richmond Mayor Doug Wilder will be endorsing Tim Kaine this morning. Also, Kaine has an 8 point lead in a Roanoke newspaper poll.
++ There's some kind of corruption scandal with the Canadian Liberal Party going on right now. Here's a quick guide from Wikipedia:
The sponsorship scandal or "AdScam" is an ongoing scandal that may lead to the collapse of the current government of Canada. It has affected the Canadian government, and particularly the ruling Liberal Party of Canada, for a number of years, but rose to especially great national prominence in 2004. The scandal involved the misuse and misdirection of funds that were intended to go to government advertising in Quebec over the preceding decade. The funds were apparently allocated to advertising firms that were allies of the Quebec branch of the federal Liberal Party, and evidence suggests that in some cases few or no services were rendered in return. The Liberal party has thus been accused of commiting money laundering and embezzlement with Canadian tax dollars.
Meh. To be honest, as long the Canadian government isn't about to do something like start a war under false pretenses (ahem) I'm not overly worried.
++ Apparently, there's been six night of rioting in Paris and President Chirac is trying to calm things down.
++ After visiting New York City yesterday, Prince Charles & Camilla are coming to DC. I shouldn't be excited, but I totally am.
++ New steps to becoming a British citizen:
Starting Tuesday, the tens of thousands of immigrants who apply for British citizenship each year must pass a new "Britishness" exam, designed to test familiarity with this country's politics, life and customs. The prime minister's official residence is at 10 Downing Street; a dog must wear a collar bearing its owner's name and address -- those who want to hold a British passport are to learn this and much more. The test was designed by government officials who are increasingly worried that immigrants are not integrating into British society, preferring to live in urban enclaves where language, culture and food are separate from this country's traditions.
Fears about immigrants feeling no connection or loyalty to their new country surged following the London transit bombings in July, which killed 52 commuters and injured 700 others. Police have said that the men who carried out the attacks were immigrants or sons of immigrants who were radicalized against Britain while living in this country's South Asian or Caribbean communities.
Interesting.
++ Speaking of the UK, this Wikipedia page is a godsend for confused, ignorant Americans like myself.
++ California voters are continuing to sour on the Governator.
By and large, the survey found the public siding with organized labor and its Democratic allies in their clash with the Republican governor. Only about a third of likely voters favor Proposition 76, his flagship proposal to curb state spending, and Proposition 77, his plan to give retired judges the job of drawing district maps for lawmakers. Also in trouble is Proposition 75, Schwarzenegger's plan to require public-worker unions to get written consent from members each year before spending dues on political campaigns: 40% are for it, and 51% against it.
Beyond the ballot contests, the poll confirmed a steep dive in Schwarzenegger's popularity. His 69% job approval rating a year ago has plummeted to 40%. He remains popular with Republicans, but his support among Democrats has all but collapsed.
This should be fun.
++ Former Virginia Governor and current Richmond Mayor Doug Wilder will be endorsing Tim Kaine this morning. Also, Kaine has an 8 point lead in a Roanoke newspaper poll.
++ There's some kind of corruption scandal with the Canadian Liberal Party going on right now. Here's a quick guide from Wikipedia:
The sponsorship scandal or "AdScam" is an ongoing scandal that may lead to the collapse of the current government of Canada. It has affected the Canadian government, and particularly the ruling Liberal Party of Canada, for a number of years, but rose to especially great national prominence in 2004. The scandal involved the misuse and misdirection of funds that were intended to go to government advertising in Quebec over the preceding decade. The funds were apparently allocated to advertising firms that were allies of the Quebec branch of the federal Liberal Party, and evidence suggests that in some cases few or no services were rendered in return. The Liberal party has thus been accused of commiting money laundering and embezzlement with Canadian tax dollars.
Meh. To be honest, as long the Canadian government isn't about to do something like start a war under false pretenses (ahem) I'm not overly worried.
++ Apparently, there's been six night of rioting in Paris and President Chirac is trying to calm things down.
++ After visiting New York City yesterday, Prince Charles & Camilla are coming to DC. I shouldn't be excited, but I totally am.
++ New steps to becoming a British citizen:
Starting Tuesday, the tens of thousands of immigrants who apply for British citizenship each year must pass a new "Britishness" exam, designed to test familiarity with this country's politics, life and customs. The prime minister's official residence is at 10 Downing Street; a dog must wear a collar bearing its owner's name and address -- those who want to hold a British passport are to learn this and much more. The test was designed by government officials who are increasingly worried that immigrants are not integrating into British society, preferring to live in urban enclaves where language, culture and food are separate from this country's traditions.
Fears about immigrants feeling no connection or loyalty to their new country surged following the London transit bombings in July, which killed 52 commuters and injured 700 others. Police have said that the men who carried out the attacks were immigrants or sons of immigrants who were radicalized against Britain while living in this country's South Asian or Caribbean communities.
Interesting.
++ Speaking of the UK, this Wikipedia page is a godsend for confused, ignorant Americans like myself.