Dear Family,

What an interesting time.

Sunday, we change the clocks (see details below). Monday, get ready for Halloween with costumes and more.

Tuesday, Nov 8, vote in our California Special Election.

Each one brings a measure of stress into our lives, whether good or bad.

These days, our television and radio stations and mailboxes are replete with political persuasion.

I've heard people say that, since Arnold called this special election against everyone's wishes, just to get his initiatives put to a vote - they'll be voting against everything, simply as a matter of principal.

The messages are, in fact, confusing. Usually, you can count on the Los Angeles Times to have a complete list of the issues, with a summary explaining each, and projections on how the public views each of them. Not this year, just assorted articles that seem to focus more on personalities and gossip than the issues up for vote.

Some issues are touchy - Some Propositions: Prop 73 - How do you decide whether to force doctors to notify parents if their young daughter needs an abortion? If she's too afraid to tell them herself, will she do something dangerous if she's also afraid to go to a doctor? True, she's often too young to make the decision herself. But...

Prop 74 - Public school teachers to have a longer probation period before tenure. And someone brought up the question - Why DO teachers have tenure at all? This is a far different world than when tenure was created. Back then, other employees would also have live-long jobs. Today, no one has any job security. Why should teachers be guaranteed tenure at all? After all, while most teachers shine and inspire students, especially once the pressure is off, other teachers just breathe a sigh of relief and stop doing anything much. (Uh oh, you're going to rise up in protest. But it IS a fair question.)

We're facing redistricting, prescription drug issues, and giving the Governor more power over spending limits. And the list goes on. And is found here.

At a time when the Governor's popularity is at an all time low - so low that he couldn't even meet with President Bush last week because they didn't know whose support would be damaged more if they were seen together, Schwarzenneger declares he'll run for a second term. Interesting, yes? Chuztpah?

At least life is never boring.

Regardless, we must participate. Read the issues here in California. And vote. If your state is also having an election in November, this is the time to get familiar with your own issues, too. You still have a week to do the research.

[Oh no! Someone just sent me a note - Do a Google search for the work failure and look at #1 ]

Go out this weekend and enjoy the extra hour of daylight in the evening. Trust me. It won't last.

Best wishes,
Eva Rosenberg, EA
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