Category Archives: government

random thursday rant

A few random thoughts about recent happenings in DC: I’m dismayed that the DC Council’s monthly breakfasts tend to be lavish affairs, especially when the Council is dealing with high levels of unemployment, corruption, and whatnot. Yesterday’s breakfast had a rather flashy spread, complete with individual glass bottles of Voss sparkling mineral water. This water …

29/09/2011 – 17:30 | By randomduck | Posted in dems, government, politics, random, washington, dc | Comments Off

a note regarding the impending federal government shutdown

To all my friends out there who may be cheering the impending shutdown of the Federal government: Please note that this shutdown will also shutter most of the District of Columbia’s city government. We have no control over our own money, so Congress’ petulant bickering will result in trash not getting collected, many social services …

08/04/2011 – 18:52 | By randomduck | Posted in government, theocons, washington, dc | Comments Off

can we just send the committee of 100 out to sea?

Seriously, that the Committee of 100 has influence on DC politics is frightening. They wield power over old-school DC politicians in a way that drags the District and its citizens down by the balls, advocating governmental moves that would hurt the city and its potential for future growth and livability. Here’s how they describe themselves: …

18/11/2010 – 09:55 | By randomduck | Posted in government, politics, washington, dc | Comments (2)

austerity 101 for dc politicians and voters

Let’s make this really simple: The District of Columbia is in a financial mess. We’re spending like mad, yet not bringing in enough revenue to pay for every commitment we have toward programs large and small. This situation stands to leave the District in a long-term financial hole unless something is done to make ends …

26/05/2010 – 22:54 | By randomduck | Posted in government, politics | Comments (1)

leaving a better world for the future

Reading stories like this one about how a growing number of U.S. citizens question man’s role in global climate change has me worried about not only the future of the world, but also the level of intelligence and education amongst not only the doubters, but also the legislators who seem to be guided by short-sighted …

07/12/2009 – 19:35 | By randomduck | Posted in government, politics, theocons | Tagged , | Comments Off

sick to my stomach

That a basic, seemingly inherent human and civil right – the right to equality under law – can be put up for a vote is abhorrent to me. And that rights that have been granted by government can be taken away via referendum is doubly abhorrent. The scary side of referenda reared its ugly head …

04/11/2009 – 01:08 | By randomduck | Posted in government, politics, theocons | Tagged , , | Comments (1)

standing up with the courageous and the crazy

Last night I decided to take part in DC politics for the first time in a while. The subject matter? Whether the ability to marry should be extended to all couples, both gay and straight. As anybody who knows me can attest, I’m a staunch advocate for marriage equality – as well as a vehement …

27/10/2009 – 18:24 | By randomduck | Posted in government, politics, random, washington, dc | Comments (5)

monday musings (tuesday edition)

Since we last met, I’ve been skiing in Colorado (great time – proper post coming soon, though the new header image is from this trip) and spent a weekend in Chicago, where sprite had her annual meeting (inconveniently planned to occur on her birthday). There are plenty of pics from both adventures over at my …

17/02/2009 – 18:42 | By randomduck | Posted in government, outdoors, politics, random, travel, washington, dc | Comments (1)

pics from a wonderful weekend

It really was wonderful, that’s for sure! And I had my cameras – the Canon and the iPhone – with me throughout the fun, capturing moments that I won’t soon forget. You can see all of the pictures by clicking here. They’re split up by day and/or event, so have a look around!

21/01/2009 – 22:26 | By randomduck | Posted in government, random, washington, dc | Tagged | Comments (1)

seven years later, i’ve moved on

I read a newspaper story today that said “The world hasn’t stopped turning since the towers came down and the Pentagon smoldered and the earth was torn in a Pennsylvania field.” Yet for the Republican party (and certain Dems and “independent Democrats”), it’s as if the world did stop, then and there. Or if it …

11/09/2008 – 16:02 | By randomduck | Posted in dems, government, insecurity, politics, theocons | Comments (3)