Watson Wire

London Homesick Blues

Friday, October 24, 2008 |

I've been out of towne in London, studying issues about climate change, carbon reduction, and programmes related thereto.

We've met with Members of Parliament, governmental experts, representatives of non-governmental organisations, scientists, and others.  It's been fascinating and extraourdinarily informative, involving brilliant rigour and giving me the chance to make numerous enquiries.

In total seriousness, a handful of Texas senators and I were invited to the United Kingdom to learn about its national program for cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by the year 2050.

Whilst I was over there, the government announced a plan to increase that reductions goal to 80% by 2050.  (It had nothing to do with my being there.)  The European Union has also committed to a significant 2050 goal.  That's strong leadership on this important issue.

However, it's been a whirlwind, and there ain't no way I can do the trip justice this week.  I'll write more later.  Suffice it to say that I've learned a great deal, even though it's quite difficult to understand these dudes who claim to have invented my primary language.  They have accents.

Cheers.  Have a jolly weekend.

Go Vote

Early voting for the November 4 election started this week.  I'm sure you know this, because I'm sure you already voted and aren't procrastinating or anything like that.

Sorry; I have two teenage boys.

I know you don't need me to tell you how sacred a duty voting is.  And I know you also don't need me to tell you how much is at stake in this election.  So go vote, and I promise I'll get off your back.

One more thing to know: there's a false email floating around that concerns straight-ticket voting.  Specifically, the email (apparently directed only at Democrats) says you have to mark both the straight Democratic ticket box and the box for Senator Obama to make your presidential vote count.  THIS IS NOT TRUE.  Furthermore, it could actually cancel your presidential vote.

When you check the straight ticket box, you're voting for every one of that party's candidates in every general election race on the ballot.  So when you check the "Democratic" box under "Straight Ticket," you'll be voting for every Democrat, including Senator Obama.

(That said, even if you vote straight-ticket, you’ll need to check individual boxes in special elections, such as the State Senate race in Southeast Texas or elections where political parties aren’t specifically identified.)

One way or another, after you've filled everything out, be sure to closely review your ballot before you cast it and make sure everything's marked correctly.

If you have any questions about this or any other voting issue, go to the Texas Democratic Party's "Voter Information" page here.

Now, go vote.