No-sweat political advocacy

The signs supporting the City of Santa Clara measure to pay for a new stadium for the 49ers, Measure J, advertise the measure as being "for our schools." The "No" signs mention the stadium. Another private project to be financed by the public?

I was thinking of how pathetic it would be if political advocacy had been reduced to giving financial contributions and putting up signs on one's lawn. Xiao Jimmy recently signed up for campaign materials from Meg Whitman; he himself was planning to plant some signs in front of his house. How many of these people believe in an issue to talk about it with their neighbors. I can understand those who cannot volunteer for a campaign because they have to work during the day; instead they contribute money. But when they are off from work, what is to prevent them from talking about politics with their neighbors? People cannot even be bothered to form neighborhood associations for the discussion of politics (as opposed to deliberating upon aesthetic standards for their neighborhood).l

Those who can't trouble themselves to learn about what's being voted on, or do not have the understanding to do so, and must rely upon signs to give them some idea of how to vote, probably shouldn't be voting.

Now, keeping one's advocacy limited may ease one's conscience and prevent one from being in conflict with others (as would probably happen with respect to same-sex marriage). But is the lack of social strife so important, compared to other goods? Maybe antagonizing others over such issues is useless, since little can be changed because of the power of the elites. But if such conflict might precipitate large-scale movement towards relocalization and maybe even secession... if people disagree about virtue and vice to such a great extent, and the absence of legislation prohibiting vice adversely affects the next generation, it would be better for them to separate.

Facebook is another place where people can show their support for some issue, without much effort. (For example, I note that many of the people I know from high school support same-sex marriage in California.) I don't really take Facebook seriously as a means of communicating such issues to others, other than posting articles on my wall. Most people are too committed to our political economy as it is.

As for measure J, it is the business of those residing in Santa Clara, but if they knew the truth about peak oil and the political economy, would they be so dedicated to perpetuating the status quo? Or would they question their priorities?

Poll shows Santa Clara stadium measure ahead