George W. Bush Sewage Plant: Panem et circenses

Can we give California back to Mexico?

There is a ballot initiative afoot in San Francisco to rename the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant the "George W. Bush Sewage Plant".

"In President Bush's case, we think that we will be cleaning up a substantial mess for the next 10 or 20 years," he said. "The sewage treatment facility's job is to clean up a mess, so we think it's a fitting tribute." I think it is a fitting tribute to the city of San Francisco and the State of California, it characterizes everything that is wrong with that city and state.

Regrettably, such juvenile and childish behavior is demeaning to Americans and unworthy of America. It illustrates the worst of American politics, a once noble endeavor reduced to schoolyard name calling, teasing, and immature behavior. If you agree, or even if you disagree, you can let them know at: http://presidentialmemorial.wordpress.com/

I am not a fan of George Bush, yet can offer the man the respect due his office and position, a concept unfortunately lost to many. The principle this country was founded upon, rational intelligent debate in an open and public forum is unfortunately lost to many too. I would support this measure no more than I would support naming 'The Chicken Ranch' the 'William Jefferson Clinton Memorial Oval Office Fun Park'! (For those of you of a more morally pure nature, the Chicken Ranch is a licensed Brothel 60 miles west of Las Vegas). One has to wonder in which direction the pumps at the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant are running... whether they are pumping into or out of the city.

The politics of California: There are many recognized aspects of power; legitimate power (such as a policeman has), referent power (bestowed due to accomplishments), expert power (bestowed due to education or experience), and what we are seeing in California, incentive and coercive power, summarized by Gompers maxim "reward your friends, punish your enemies". Another aspect of power is authority, gained from legitimacy which is gained through the application of power in accordance with acceptable standards or principles. Legitimacy, an aspect of power the people of California seem all to willing to give up. Finally, there is sovereignty, which the people of California are free to exercise, even to their own detriment. Like I said "Panem et circenses"... Bread and Circuses!

Only time will tell whether the people of California are intelligent, rational, mature adults worthy of the freedoms of a participatory democracy or if they are simply whining petulant children calling each other names and bullying each other around the playground.

The vote is yours; use it wisely, for not only will George W. Bush be judged by history, but so shall you. Is this the legacy you wish to pass on? Is this act the act you wish to be remembered by? A not so funny footnote in the pages of history? George Bush will either be vindicated by the passage of time or forgotten, do you remember James Knox Polk? History, and America in general seems not to despise poor leaders but forget them.

~Finntann~