And So It Goes...

I once heard someone say, "As California goes, so goes the nation." Although I might be a bit biased, I whole heartily concur. Call Californians what you may: weirdos, superficial, hippies, etc. But don't forget to put trendsetter on the list, and not just for fashion.

As I was reading my casebooks this week, I came up with a surprising amount of California cases. There was a property case involving UCLA Medical Research, where the doctors did not inform the patient that they were going to use his unique cells for research. Shadiness of the doctors aside, this case shows (1) How California (and UCLA in particular) is one of the leaders of scientific and medical research and (2) How California courts addressed an important case about whether or not we own our bodies.

In Public Law, we discussed global warming lawsuits and California came up again. California is taking its own initiative to curb emissions by setting their own standards (though there are industries that naturally want to stop this). Environmental issues is a place where the Governator and I see eye to eye, and I was happy to hear him say that California will take the lead on green issues. People might not think that one state changing its policies might have a big deal, but California has a lot of cars and traffic, and thus has a lot of national clout.

Just look at the smoking issue. Who would have thought that a ban on smoking in public areas in California would spread nationwide, and even worldwide. I am sure there are many other issues as well.

I always wanted to work at the federal level of government because I wanted to be at the level that effected the whole nation. And that hasn't been ruled out. But if I did go back to my home state, I am glad that it's California. And on a final note...

RIP Citrus

My mom told me it snowed in my hometown today. It hasn't snowed here. Although I find that amusing, I also hope for the best for all Californians dealing with this unusual coldness. And not just because they have weaker tolerance for the cold, but because this actually does dramatically effect a lot of people, especially it seems the farmers. I already miss your oranges.