Jeff Pelline's Sierra Foothills Report

Years ago I had a chat with Nate Beason that went like this: “Why did you move here?” I asked.

“Why did YOU move here?” he retorted, no doubt a reference to my blog.

Nate went on to explain that in Fresno, where he grew up, people would often fight like cats and dogs about issues, but at night, would retire to the tavern and just “agree to disagree.”

That’s a good model for our town. Tonight my wife told me she ran into Reinette Senum on one aisle and Cliff Newell on another while getting dinner at SPD. Both expressed their views – which are divergent – about the marijuana ordinace passed 4-1 by the county supervisors. It will regulate “grows” in unincorporated neighborhoods.

I see both sides on this one, and will watch closely to see how it’s enforced, as well as any “unintended consequences.”

Having said that, I’m hopeful for the model that Nate referred to: Where people can agree to disagree – and hold the public policy makers accountable for the results.

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“Richard G. Lugar, a six-term Republican senator from Indiana, lost his bid to stay in office after his Tea Party-backed rival questioned his conservative credentials and accused Mr. Lugar of losing touch with Indiana and its voters,” according to the New York Times.

“Richard E. Mourdock, the state’s treasurer, defeated Mr. Lugar in the Republican primary on Tuesday, according to networks and The Associated Press. Mr. Mourdock will face Joe Donnelly, a Democratic member of the House, in November.

“The results of the primary end the career of one of the longest-serving members of the Senate and provide a new trophy for the Tea Party movement. Mr. Lugar, 80, leaves after three decades as one of the chamber’s leading foreign policy experts and with a reputation as a voice of moderation in his party.

The rest of the article is here.

As for his opponent? “The polling has long shown that moderate Democratic candidate Joe Donnelly, a former small business owner and House member from the South Bend area, had no shot against Lugar but does stand a chance against Mourdock, a tea party favorite with big-dollar support from the Club for Growth, the National Rifle Association and FreedomWorks,” the Washington Post reports.

Sound familiar?

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“This is a beautiful nine-hole course spanning the hill-tops near the Pedernales River in western Travis County, Texas. It’s just 8 songs away from Austin,” according to http://pedernalesgolfclub.com/

“Owned by Willie Nelson and operated by Pro, Fran Szal, the Pedernales Golf Club is more than just a beautiful course; it’s a relaxing and refreshing divergence from the formal country club scene.

“The rules here are a little different. We play golf here to have fun, and as you would expect, a lot of fun is had by all.
Events and Tournaments are welcome. Please contact the Pro Shop to arrange any size tournament, and let all your friends discover how fun a round of golf can be.

“Adjacent to Willie’s recording studio and condos, the Pedernales Golf Club is a place where you might see just about anybody, from the famous recording artists who frequent the place to Willie’s very extended “family” members.

“Our Pro Shop features all kinds of Willie Nelson golf paraphernalia, and most of it is available here online.

“The Pedernales Golf Club is a one-of-a-kind treasure of a spot, and we virtually guarantee you’ll enjoy yourself. Though memberships are available, we are open to the public. You’re welcome here if you love the game.”

The rest of the article is here.

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“Despite his 2008 call to ‘let Detroit go bankrupt,’ presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney said Monday that he would ‘take a lot of credit’ for his impact on the U.S. automobile industry’s comeback,’” according to the Huffington Post.

“During an interview with WEWS-TV in Cleveland following a campaign stop, Romney said his views helped save the industry.

‘I pushed the idea of a managed bankruptcy,’ Romney said. ‘And finally, when that was done, and help was given, the companies got back on their feet. So I’ll take a lot of credit for the fact that this industry’s come back.’”

The rest of the article is here.

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