direct democracy

Scotland’s year of decision

"The summer of 2014 will be overshadowed by the imminence of the referendum in September on Scottish independence, ending the Act of Union with England that has lasted since 1707. Since Scotland has long been a heartland of the Labor Party and of the left, Scottish independence could portend something close to permanent conservative rule in England. It would also be a great boost for regional independence movements elsewhere: in Spain's Basque country and Catalonia, or for the Flemings of Belgium or the Corsicans of France. It is an irony of this age of globalization is seeing such a resurgence of traditional sentiments of nationhood." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingScotland’s year of decision

Ohio Attorney General rejects ballot measure to legalize marijuana

"A ballot measure that would legalize marijuana in Ohio was rejected on Monday by the state’s attorney general, who said the petition was not ' fair and truthful.' The group Responsible Ohioans for Cannabis collected enough signatures to submit the ballot measure to Ohio Attorney General Mike Dewine’s office for approval. The ballot measure would have allowed voters in Ohio to approve or reject the End Ohio Cannabis Prohibition Act in the next election." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingOhio Attorney General rejects ballot measure to legalize marijuana

DEA raids pot shops in Washington state, where marijuana is legal

"The Drug Enforcement Administration swooped in on several medical marijuana storefronts in Washington on Wednesday, despite the state’s law allowing marijuana possession. Raids took place in Pierce, King and Thurston counties. They were reportedly targeted by a two-year investigation into dispensaries thought to be laundering money and selling marijuana under the table to unlicensed buyers. Voters in Washington passed an initiative last November that legalized adult marijuana possession up to one ounce and directed the state to develop ways of regulating production and taxing sales of the drug." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingDEA raids pot shops in Washington state, where marijuana is legal

California City Retreats From Red Light Camera Referendum

"City leaders in Riverside, California are backing off the promise made last November to allow residents to make the call about whether to keep or eliminate red light cameras. The city council votes later today on a staff recommendation to pull the plug on the public vote. The city has already postponed the ballot measure that was to be considered in June." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCalifornia City Retreats From Red Light Camera Referendum

FAA tells Colorado residents not to shoot at drones or risk fines, jail time

"The Federal Aviation Administration responded negatively on Friday to a proposal by the Colorado town of Deer Tail to license hunters to shoot down drones. In a statement, it warned that anyone shooting at either a manner or unmanned aircraft 'could result in criminal or civil liability,' according to the Associated Press. In the proposal, the town would issue licenses — for a fee — to shoot at drones with shotguns and anyone who turns in a shot-down drone belonging to the United States government would be eligible for a $100 bounty (parts could net successful hunters $25). The drones cost around $18 million a piece." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingFAA tells Colorado residents not to shoot at drones or risk fines, jail time

Colorado town considers licensing bounty hunters to shoot down drones

"A six-page petition circulated by a resident says that the threat of surveillance from drones — regardless of who is piloting them — is a threat to 'traditional American ideas of Liberty and Freedom'. According to the proposed ordinance, which will be considered by the town council at its next meeting on Aug. 6, prospective bounty hunters can get a one-year drone-hunting license for $25. Proposed bounties will be $25 for those turning in the wings or fuselage of downed aircraft and $100 for mostly intact vehicles. To collect the bounty, the wreckage must have 'markings, and configuration … consistent with those used by the United States federal government.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingColorado town considers licensing bounty hunters to shoot down drones

Appenzell Innerhoden enjoys ‘pure democracy’

"Every year, voters from across the northeastern demi-canton, or region, of Appenzell Innerhoden flood into the Landsgemeindeplatz to elect their local leaders and judges — not by casting ballots but by raising their hands. The tradition of the Landsgemeinde, or open-air assembly, dates back to the 14th century. Historians say that back then, only men willing to go to battle to defend their community were allowed to vote — a right they for centuries have demonstrated by carrying a side-arm into the voting ring. 'This is the only place in the world, I think, where a weapon serves as voter ID,' says Rudolf Keller, the second secretary in the Appenzell cantonal government." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAppenzell Innerhoden enjoys ‘pure democracy’

Texas City Council Rejects Red Light Camera Initiative

"The city council in Sugar Land, Texas does not want voters to have a say in whether red light cameras are used in the Houston suburb. Although more than 3000 residents signed a petition requesting the issue be placed on the November ballot, and the city secretary verified a sufficient number met the legal requirement, the council voted Tuesday to reject the petition. The council's decision protects the four intersection cameras operated by American Traffic Solutions, one of which only began issuing $75 tickets a month ago. Before that device was added, the cameras issued 10,549 tickets worth $791,175 in a twelve-month period." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingTexas City Council Rejects Red Light Camera Initiative

Jury Nullification Panel @ PorcFest 2013

"The American criminal 'justice' system incarcerates 743 of every 100,000 people, the highest rate of imprisonment in the world. While New Hampshire has one the lowest rates of incarceration in the country, between 1982 and 2007, there was a 564% increase. The jury Nullification panel will discuss efforts of New Hampshire citizens to reverse this trend." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingJury Nullification Panel @ PorcFest 2013

UK ministers to seize back 100 powers from Brussels

"In the first part of efforts to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the European Union, ministers will announce plans to claw back the powers. Theresa May, the Home Secretary, will give MPs details of proposals to opt out of 133 EU measures covering justice, home affairs and the police by next spring. Some of the measures that are seen to be in the national interest will then be opted back into, in a complex process, but 'more than two thirds' will disappear permanently from British law. The move follows last week’s unanimous Commons vote in favour of moves to hold an 'in-out' referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU by 2017." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingUK ministers to seize back 100 powers from Brussels