in brief: a(nother) critique of third parties, bad economic news, ca is crazy

• Chris Bowers breaks down the potential of the Green Party in 2000, its failure, and the subsequent rejection of a third party approach by America's populist left.


• Bad economic news in terms of steady unemployment with few new jobs, and a sluggish housing market. Economists urge extension of unemployment benefits as essential to maintaining the fragile recovery


• In 2008, California passed a ballot initiative, Prop. 11, that created a citizens' commission of amateur redistricters, for purposed of drawing district lines for the state legislature. Of 40 million Californians, only 309 cared enough to properly fill out the entire lengthy application to be on the commission. Oh yeah, and the current pool of eligible members is 62% non-Hispanic white (CA: 42.3%), 62% male (CA: 50%), and 79% over-$75,000/yr income (CA median income: $61,017). So, you know, super-representative as well (where's that sarcasm-font when I need it?). (h/t Calitics)


• Robert Cruickshank takes on the anti-High Speed Rail media of California, meanwhile pointing to a new study showing that High Speed Rail is a wild success all over the globe.


• The oil is still leaking into the Gulf of Mexico and devastating the Gulf Coast. It is still the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history, and it is still getting worse. The Gulf Coast needs massive government intervention, and complete and total corporate responsibility from BP and all other responsible parties. Individuals can help by calling or writing their elected representatives, and by giving to organizations like the Baton Rogue Area Foundation.