Mayor Luke Ravenstahl signed the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement, making Pittsburgh the 400th city to pledge itself to reducing global warming, reports KDKA.Which got us to thinking. Even though our civic politics are hopelessly stultified and atrophied by decades of one-party rule -- whispers of Mark DeSantis notwithstanding -- we might as well make the most of it.
How about an (obviously nonbinding) city resolution of no confidence in President Bush's leadership of the War on Terror?
1. We'll get on national news for something other than being rusty. Appearing wildly progressive to college students about to graduate wouldn't be all bad.
2. We'll stiffen the spines of our congresspeople at a key time, including Senator Arlen Specter, master of tough talk and the last-minute cave-in.
3. We'll capture the attention of a host of national politicians, during a time in which they are clamoring for national affection. We might get some of that Obama (and his press cadre) money rolling into downtown.
The downside? It would really anger some military families (not all, not necessarily most!), alienate some wealthy potential campaign donors, and anger our region's conservative minority. Then again -- what's their option, exactly?
I am the conservative minority? I am honored that you think so, because around here, conservatives ARE the minority. And it shows considering the Pittsburgh region is as bankrupt as they come.
ReplyDeleteOne can usually tell the current well being of an area by the number of Democrats running it. Pittsburgh is a prime example.