Hey, we’ve got to give a shout out to a big event being held in honor of one of our favorite causes, the anti-fracking faction.
From 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at Civic Center Park on Capitol Hill in Denver, a coalition called “Frack Free Colorado” will attract the likes of Jakob Dylan (yes, Bob’s son, of the Wallflowers) and actresses Darryl Hannah and Mariel Hemingway.
Anti-fracking in Colorado finally hits the big time! The event, modeled after the New York event “Songs Against Drilling” earlier this year, combines education with entertainment, and is a worthwhile cause, if you can make it.
Even our own local faves Elephant Revival and Sam Schabacker of Food & Water Watch will be taking the stage.
Let’s make some noise that even oil and gas shill John Hickenlooper will hear! In the spirit of promoting those who share our ideals, we’re going to list the event sponsors that you should support if you agree: Patagonia, Prana, Black Diamond, New Belgium Brewing Company, Backpacker’s Pantry, Vibrant Planet, Conscious Global Leadership, The Invisible Spark, 1% for the Planet and Backbone Media.
How’s that for shameless plugging of commercial interests we support? Check out www.frackfreeco.com for more information.
VOTE LUDWIG
Around this time of year, we like to remind people that a regent is not some kind of Australian marsupial. It’s a member of the nine-person board that governs the University of Colorado.
And in this election, Boulder County residents will be able to vote for one. It is an at-large seat, meaning a regent elected by the whole state, and incumbent Democrat Steve Ludwig is running against Republican Brian Davidson, among others.
It is at this point that we like to remind folks that the Board of Regents has been dominated by Republicans since 1980. That’s not a misprint. The Dems have not held the majority on our flagship university’s governing board for 32 years, and that, more than anything else, explains why in the past decade we have turned toward hiring old, rich, white, Republican, male business tycoons and politicians with virtually no academic credentials as president.
The Republicans hold a narrow 5-4 edge on the board right now, and despite Ludwig’s faults, we can’t see voting for a Republican when the Dems are so close to regaining control. (Plus, Ludwig has a mildly amusing campaign video in which his ex-wife endorses him. Check http://voteregentludwig.nationbuilder.com.)
The political balance on the board could flip any year now, paving the way for us to again see a woman with a Ph.D. — gasp — at CU’s helm. Hell, maybe even a woman of color.
Wouldn’t that shake up those good ol’ boys a bit?
Respond: letters@boulderweekly.com
