***Entry 160***
Wednesday, November 6, 2002
02:26 p.m.
I'm back at school. The never ending weekend, is finally over. Unfortunately the new weekend begins tomorrow. When will I ever get a break? Oh...when I finish that little "Critique of Consensus Process..." someday. At least the elections are over. :(

***Entry 159***
Wednesday, November 6, 2002
10:34 a.m.
If there were ever a time to be cynical about electoral politics, it is now. The election results show the Republicans dominating nearly everything. The Post front page should explain it from a macro perspective; however, on the localized level, DC didn't fair much better. While Maryland must suffer under Ehrlich, DC remains under the scandal-plagued Williams administration. And Adam lost. In fact, every single candidate I endorsed lost. What does that say about my politics vs. the political landscape? Hmm...I thought I was becoming more moderate, but this, perhaps, changes everything. *sigh*

***Entry 158***
Tuesday, November 5, 2002
04:27 p.m.
Clarissa has an interesting voting story over on her journal. She also endorses Adam...check it out...

And if you haven't voted yet...go vote! now! I'm heading back to the polls.

***Entry 157***
Tuesday, November 5, 2002
03:13 p.m.
Well...some morons over on the DC IMC are advocating reasons not to vote. As usual, there's "debate" between a Freeper, a Soldier, an Anarchist, and a Maoist. Wow. If these people and their ridiculous views represent society, call me an outsider and I'll feel proud. I voted this morning and enjoyed it. The rest of y'all have until 8pm if you are registered in DC.

***Entry 156***
Tuesday, November 5, 2002
02:39 p.m.
Joanne has commented on an essay on DC Statehood by Jerry Brito. Both of them support statehood, at least nominally. And, both of them reason that when DC becomes a state, third parties, like the DC Statehood Green Party have a good chance of winning elections. However, they both claim that making DC federal tax-free zone is a better option. Looking at the "No Taxation without Representation Bill" DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton proposed earlier this year, DC Statehood Green Party spokesperson Scott McLarty states a more accurate position on taxation in the District.

Norton's bill would create a tax haven in D.C. and displace hundreds of thousands of poor and middle class residents from their homes to make way for tax dodgers. Property values, property taxes, and rent would skyrocket. Many D.C. residents glad to have a tax break the first year will find themselves priced out of their homes the second year.

Brito also mentions some sort of retrocession to Maryland--either full fledged or exclusively for the sake of voting in federal elections. Historian Mark Richards whose piece details the retrocession of Alexandria and Arlington County back to Virginia, also shows how retrocession to Maryland is completely unrealistic.

Though the two areas are friends in many ways, there is little interest today in Maryland for merging DC into its state; indeed, there is little interest in DC in merging with Maryland. George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs conducted a representative survey of 459 DC voters in April 2000 and found 68% opposed the proposal that "the District become part of Maryland for the purpose of Congressional elections."

Neither no taxation nor representation through Maryland are the options DC needs to truly experience democracy. Instead, to allieviate the ridiculous denial of rights other Americans hold dear, the only real option is statehood.

***Entry 155***
Tuesday, November 5, 2002
01:09 p.m.
Consensus or Majority Rule?: Another DC IMC editorial debate

I was asked to explain my position on voting "no" on a certain proposal. Here's what happened.
B.) How does the editorial group make decisions? Consensus process vs. majority rule.
A discussion was held on consensus process vs. majority rule. Zoe said the consensus process does not work because it allows for the tyranny of the minority because people can block if they do not agree.
Actually, not only does consensus exemplify "tyranny of the minority" with blocking, but it also exemplifies "tyranny of the majority" because the majority is more likely to manipulate the dissenting members than allow them to block. (Again, read Jane Mansbridge's Beyond Adversary Democracy...for the best account of this.)

A discussion was held. Others said the consensus process is intended to address everybody’s concerns in the group to reach a decision, and that people should only block if they believe a decision goes against the mission of the group. It was noted that within the DC IMC editorial group blocks have been made not because people believe a decision goes against the mission of the group but because people want more time to discuss a feature. No decision was reached and the issue was tabled for further discussion.

Agreed: It was proposed and passed that people in the editorial group have the ability to “request more time” to discuss a feature for up to 12 hours before the feature is put on the website. Each person can only make this request once per feature. If the request for more time is not made, the existing editorial policy for creating features will be followed.
Zoe voted No on this proposal.
Since I disagree that consensus process should be used as a decision making policy, I can not agree that consensus should be used to determine anything. Since we only agreed to a minor reform here, and not a substantitive reevaluation of the process itself, I could not support it. Now, voting "no" does not constitute a "block"--since I don't believe in consensus. Voting "no" here also doesn't mean "standing aside" which I believe abdicates individual responsibility. Instead, voting "no" is like voting against a policy I don't like to emphasize the greater degree of legitimacy present in a majority rule decision making process. The majority supported the nominal change, I didn't. But, this new policy will be implemented regardless of my "no" vote. In consensus process, if I stood aside I would be allowing the collective to make decisions without my consent. I can't do that. In consensus process, if I blocked, I would be responsible for derailing the group's initiative. I can't do that. Instead, I vote "no."

***Entry 154***
Tuesday, November 5, 2002
11:06 a.m.
Nice [reposted] piece against plurality voting. The writer tends to prefer Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) instead. This position, is also advocated by the DC Statehood Green Party because it allows for voters to select third party candidates without fearing "spoiler status." [Note: this isn't the case at all in Adam Eidinger's campaign, because there is only a Democrat opposing him.]

IRV is not the only option for electoral reform. Lisa Disch, explores "fusion" [that is: candidates running on more than one party line] in The Tyranny of the Two Party System. I like IRV better than fusion, and in the end of the book, Disch appears to think IRV may be better as well. Regardless, her book is great and a worthwhile read if you care about electoral reform. [Additionally it was edited by Sam Chambers, the mentor for my "A Critique of Consensus Process," which is interesting to say the least.]

So...even if you hate plurality voting, it's the system we still [misguidedly] use in elections. Since today is election day, go out and vote. And since the DC Statehood Green party supports election reform, go out and vote for them.

***Entry 153***
Tuesday, November 5, 2002
10:46 a.m.
In the case of Adam Eidinger and the race for the U.S. Representative for DC position, the fact that the Post did not endorse anyone for the race could be a good thing. No endorsement means less people know the name of our opponent and more people, thanks to the numerous stories about Adam in the Post and our fabu publicity stunts, will recognize Adam first.

I just spent more than 3 hours at the 12th and S, Garrison School, polling place doing some hard core electioneering. It was fun. Plus, I got to meet more of my neighbors. On the way home, I ran into the woman responsible for the renovation of the burned down former crack/prostitute house on 10th St. I thanked her for helping to improve our neighborhood by getting rid of the blight that house was emblematic of. She saw my "I voted" sticker and we talked about the election briefly. Out of no where she asked if I was running for the open ANC seat in my neighborhood. I told her, "no, not this election," and she responded that I should run in the future. Who knows. Maybe I will.

***Entry 152***
Tuesday, November 5, 2002
07:15 a.m.
Today is Election Day. Remember to Vote! If you live in DC, please vote for Adam Eidinger for US Representative for DC. Speaking of Adam, last night's statehood torch parade was *HOT*...so *HOT* that there's already a feature about it on the DC IMC. And I didn't even propose it!

For more endorsements in local DC offices...see an earlier entry below. Have a great day everyone...I'm off to the polls!

***Entry 151***
Monday, November 4, 2002
03:45 p.m.
There's a really strange essay posted by lemn over at machination.org. The essay is entitled "You have to believe" and focuses attention on those that reject a "higher power" in favor of pleasure and gratification. Yep, it's quite possible that that's me, but not all nonreligious types follow the pleasure standard for disbelief.

***Entry 150***
Monday, November 4, 2002
03:26 p.m.
This little project known as "Beyond Zoe's Diary/This is Me" has now been linked to a non-US based blog called Pseudo Punk. This blog is written by a European IMCer, primarily based in Belgium. It's really interesting to do cultural comparing with Pseudo Punk, my little blog, and Rabble's Anarchogeek. I think it shows the diversity of opinions and ideas in the Indymedia network.

Speaking of Rabble, he has an interesting indictment of the green party as a "white middle class" party; however, that may only be the case nationally or locally in California. Here in DC, the DC Statehood Green Party is incredibly diverse, or at the least, the candidate slate is.

***Entry 149***
Monday, November 4, 2002
03:10 p.m.
Some updates to earlier entries: Joanne's photo of us at artomatic is super cute. [It finally came up on my browser.] And...speaking of artomatic, the artist information and statements are finally up. You can check out the 942 installation information, written by myself in classic pretention mode, here under the name "Karen Zamperini," [who originally paid for the spot, which entitles her to some sort of *nominally* qualified "ownership."]

***Entry 148***
Monday, November 4, 2002
02:07 p.m.
Things just keep getting stranger around me. Today someone hit my site using aol search looking for toenail fetish. Glad to know that someone sick out there is interested in my toenail growth...although I would hardly describe it as sexy.

***Entry 147***
Monday, November 4, 2002
01:36 p.m.
I apologize for my absence from the blogosphere. Let's just say, "Zoe's in recovery mode." And move on gently, without concern for the specific details.

Joanne has apparently posted photos of us at the artomatic opening but it didn't show up on my browser. That may be giving too much information as to the details of my weekend, but I'm taking that chance lightly.

Tonight, is the fun statehood torch parade which I strongly suggest attending since the firespinners from Baltimore's Calefaction will be there in action. I tell ya...It will be *HOT.* And if anything it shows how my weekend actually will never end. (Or falling in to *weird winter mode* ...maybe...)

Who knows. Question to the world...anyone have any ideas how to prevent having a nervous breakdown again in the Metro system? I have absolutely no desire to face that again. Yi. The inevitable REM reference, "Oh...no I've said too much..." is all too fitting now. *Weird winter mode* is hitting me hard.

***Entry 146***
Friday, November 1, 2002
12:05 p.m.
A couple of days ago Francwa Sims published a piece called The Love Of Money on the DC IMC. It was well researched, as one commenter stated, but I admit that I didn't understand it. I turned to Joanne, who is always my source for understanding economics these days. She gives an even greater analysis of the whole "print your own money" scenario and it's well worth reading, if you like me, struggle with understanding economics.

***Entry 145***
Thursday, October 31, 2002
07:39 p.m.
Hey kids! Do you like reading "Beyond Zoe's Diary?" Would you like the opportunity to meet the glorious Zoe Mitchell? Well, kiddies, it's your lucky day! I'll be making a special appearance at the Art O Matic opening ceremonies tonite...having somewhat imbibed Enid, the lovely Zoe-esque character from Ghost World. Happy Halloween!

***Entry 144***
Thursday, October 31, 2002
01:01 p.m.
Proof that anyone can have a protest in Washington, DC...According to this press release: On Saturday, November 2, 2002, "Godless Americans" -- individuals and representatives of the nation's diverse community of non-religious people -- will make history and march on Washington. Hmm...I'm agnostic, so I don't care.

***Entry 143***
Thursday, October 31, 2002
12:08 p.m.
Zoe's Election 2002 Endorsements

As promised, here are my endorsements for various DC political offices, I can vote for. That means: I'm not endorsing anyone running for city council outside Ward 1--because I live in Ward 1. If you want more information on the candidates, I reluctantly suggest the Post election guide, which unfortunately, gives the wrong urls for several DC Statehood Green candidates, but is somewhat useful.

For DC Mayor:
Having dismissed Mayor Williams tactics numerous times over at Zoe's Diary I won't vote for him. I have no solid reason to support DC Statehood Green Party candidate Steve Donkin because he supported a man who violently attacked a great friend of mine. Republican candidate Carol Schwartz picked up the endorsement of the MPD union yesterday, so she's out. Who am I selecting for DC Mayor then? I'm going to write in my friend Joshua Davis who claims to be a member of the Party Party. Since he is my friend, I'm using a quasi-"The personal is political" type reason to support him. I know, if he were elected he would do a good job for DC.

For DC City Council Chairperson:
DC Statehood Green candidate Debby Hanrahan ran a write in campaign for this position in the primary. She's now on the general election ballot, and she is a far better candidate than her opponent, Democrat Linda Cropp. Since neither candidate has a website, here's how to compare the two: Cropp says people should know that she has a family. Hanrahan says people should know she will fight for statehood regardless if she is elected. Rejecting, "The Personal is Political," Hanrahan is the better candidate for DC.

For DC City Council Ward 1:
Democrat Incumbent Jim Graham is great with constituent services. I sent him an email on a Sunday afternoon about the notorious Evans Restaurant and NightClub Bill, he responded three hours later. That's nice. On the otherhand, he's pretty much allowed developers to take over Ward 1 and promote unbounded gentrification. That's not so nice. His opponent, Edward Chico Troy had a silly "Where have all the Hippies Gone?" slogan on his early campaign literature, but has changed pace slightly and has hit the streets repeatedly to talk to voters. He's a nice guy who cares passionately about helping Ward 1--in an all inclusive manner and I will be voting for him.

For DC City Council at large
There are so many candidates to select from, but I chose only one: DC Statehood Green candidate, Michele Tingling-Clemmons. Sure, she has some strange posters about town, but just looking at the vast number of organizations she belongs to swings me toward her.

For "Congressional" Seats:
Of course, I will be voting for my candidate, Adam Eidinger for U.S. "Shadow" Representative. Adam's opponent, Democrat Ray Browne, has done little to help DC get statehood. Adam on the otherhand, has organized numerous events getting the message of DC Statehood Now! out to the public. He's a media genius who can garner attention for just about any cause. He's exactly the kind of person, we need to be fighting for Statehood in the city.
Incumbent U.S. "Shadow" Senator Paul Strauss is an arrogant, manipulative man. I've seen him in the courtroom fight for truly misguided causes, which unfortunately due to a court order, I can not state here. I would vote for absolutely anyone other than him, but thankfully, ANC Commissioner Joyce Robinson-Paul is running against him. Adam told me about Robinson-Paul, when he went campaigning with her in Ward 5: she knows everyone and everyone likes her. She's also a lifelong resident of DC, which is more than most of us can say. I wholeheartedly support her.

Those are my endorsements for this election season. Hopefully, I have done a great service to my fellow DC voters by writing this. Even if you disagree with my selections, hopefully, you will go out to the polls on Nov. 5.

***Entry 142***
Thursday, October 31, 2002
11:54 a.m.
This is a little later than usual, due to some logistical problems last night...but here's the Fed Exec evaluation of last night's superb West Wing episode. Even the consistently critical observers on that site, could find little to pick at, for this episode. It was great to see an "I'm smarter than you" approach "The President" used during the debate with Gov. Ritchie and it was even greater that the staff chose drinking over spinning after the conclusion.

On the otherhand, we have affirmation that Sam Seaborn is leaving the West Wing. Way earlier, in the season the Gov Exec types speculated that Sam would leave the White House for the House of Representatives, given his strange interest in the Orange Co. Cali Congressional Seat. This was proven last night. It's depressing just the same.

***Entry 141***
Thursday, October 31, 2002
11:50 a.m.
Another semi-positive story about Adam Eidinger's campaign for U.S. Shadow Representative. "Working behind the scenes and in the shadows hasn't gotten us anywhere in the last 30 years," said Eidinger, a first-time candidate from Adams-Morgan who has raised $4,000 for his campaign. He said his goal is to "put local Republican and Democratic leaders' feet to the fire . . . and to get them some competition for once." Literally, fire folks. Check out the upcoming *HOT* torch parade! I'll post more about this later this week.