3 posts tagged “politics”

Reason.tv is one of the new slew of content providers based solely on the web.  And they're political. 

I found out about the channel because of Drew Carey.  I admit it, I'm a fan.  I loved the Drew Carey Show and the U.S. version of Whose Line Is It Anyway, hosted by Carey.  Hey, I even liked his book.  On Reason.tv, however, Carey is not being funny, well, at least, the program he's hosting is not a comedy.  Instead, Carey is hosting a series of short political pieces for the channel.

The first, titled "Gridlock" address just that - the key issue of horrible traffic conditions in the Los Angeles area.  The next issue?  Medical marijuana.  Carey's, and by extension, Reason.tv's, politics are fairly liberal, with occasional swings to the conservative that could best be described as the common man approach.   For example, the solution to the gridlock problem in L.A., privatization of roads and freeways, seems to come from the Republicans' bag of tricks, while the issues surrounding legalized pot are clearly Democratic.

One reason I find this interesting is that this show is online.  I am unclear on who created the show, or how, but I wonder if it is online to avoid censorship regulations or because a show this politicized will only reach a niche market.  Either way, it is one show worth watching.

Last February, I posted a short essay about donations and the act of giving.  Since then, I have kept to my aim of doing at least some research on various charities before donating and of selecting a new organization (roughly) every month.  The organizations listed below represent a few of my political ideologies and are all groups to whom I feel comfortable entrusting my money and effort.  I have attempted to provide a brief overview; I make no claims that everyone should follow suit, I only recommend these as organizations one may wish to examine if you are inclined to donate.  Here is my recap:

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
The CBLDF is an organization that provides money and legal support to comic book creators and retailers who run afoul of obscenity laws and censorship efforts.  As an example, the CBLDF are currently involved in a legal battle to protect a comic book retailer who has been charged with exhibition of harmful materials to minors during a free comic book day in 2004.  Membership in the CBLDF can be cheap or expensive depending on the individual, but year-long membership results in gifts of various quality and number that have been donated by well known comic book authors and artists.  (One note - the website is often a month or two behind, but inquiries are usually answered quite promptly.)

The Electronic Frontier Foundation
The EFF is dedicated to preserving and furthering electronic freedoms, such as net neutrality and anti-DRM reforms.  Their website is quite up to date and provides an action center for members as well as useful documents, like the Legal Guide for Bloggers.  Currently, the EFF is engaged in several campaigns, including support of the Fair Use Act, calling for Congressional investigation of NSA spying, and reformation of the Patriot Act.  Membership in the EFF is either by a one-time donation or repeating monthly donations; the amount donated is directly proportional to the swag received by the new member.

The American Civil Liberties Union
The ACLU exists to protect the Bill of Rights of the United States and the citizens thereof.  They also provide an Action Center on their website.  At the moment, they are actively engaged in calling for reformation of the Patriot Act, calling for the close of Guantanamo, and supporting Prevention First.   Membership in the ACLU is much the same as it is for both the CBLDF and the EFF. 

For the second quarter, I believe, due to some unexpected circumstances, that my donations will be of a more personal nature, rather than the political organizations listed here.  I will, however, still endeavor to post an update on Q2 in late June or early July.  Thank you for reading.