Wednesday Open Thread, June 15, 2016

Wednesday Open Thread, June 15, 2016

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is slated to address supporters with a video live stream on Thursday night, his campaign confirmed Tuesday. He may announce a transition to a platform campaign to press for changes to the party primary process and platform. Hillary seems to be doing a very good job of consolidating the Democratic base on her own without Bernie's help, so I am less concerned about an enthusiastic endorsement being made as soon as possible. Hillary has carved out some space for Bernie, Hillary and the DNC to negotiate and slowly tamp down the primary heat. Which is a good thing. A new Bloomberg poll finds that Hillary Clinton has opened up a double-digit lead nationally over Donald Trump, 49% to 37%, with Libertarian Gary Johnson getting 9%. Take out Johnson, and Hillary leads 54-36. That is simply a massive landslide that would sweep the country blue and give us back the House with a 20-30 seat majority. Very interesting: 55% of those polled saying they could never vote for Trump. Said pollster Ann Selzer: “Clinton has a number of advantages in this poll, in addition to her lead. Her supporters are more enthusiastic than Trump’s and more voters overall see her becoming a more appealing candidate than say that for Trump.” A new Reuters/Ipsos poll also shows Clinton leading by 12 points.
Sen. Karen Peterson is Retiring

Sen. Karen Peterson is Retiring

I just got word from a source that State Senator Karen Peterson has announced her retirement on the floor of the Senate. This is devastating news for progressives in this state. Clearly, from the reaction, and from my sources, this announcement was unexpected. I wonder if Peterson tabling Senate Bill 190, which is the first leg of an amendment to the Delaware Constitution to provide for equal protection under the law to all citizens regardless of race, sex, age, religion, creed, color, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, had anything to do with it. The filing deadline is July 12. There are no state representatives residing in her district. Literally none.
Delaware General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Tues., June 14, 2016.

Delaware General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Tues., June 14, 2016.

Today's House Agenda leads off with a bill that increases penalties for talking or texting on a hand-held device while driving.  I support the bill, although I question the assertion that 'novice drivers' are most likely to ignore the law. Based on my observations, virtually everybody ignores the law. The bill also adds points for a second offense and thereafter. Good. The agenda is highlighted by two anti-discrimination bills.  HB 316 (Heffernan)  'makes it clear that an employer is expressly prohibited from taking adverse employment action against an individual based on his or her reproductive health care decisions.  HB 317 (Rep. K. Williams) 'prohibits discrimination in employment based upon an individual’s caregiving responsibilities'.  HB 400 (Baumbach)  incrementally, and I mean incrementally, expands the use of marijuana oils for minors.  This time,  by 'by classifying pain, anxiety, or depression, if related to a terminal illness, as a qualifying condition in the Delaware Medical Marijuana Act for patients under the age 18, who will still be restricted to using CBD and oil products.'  The only thing objectionable about this bill is that it accepts the notion that any minor who could incidentally 'get high' via governmental imprimatur must be prevented at all costs.

Tuesday Daily Delawhere, June 14, 2016

Festival season in Wilmington and New Castle County has begun! The Greek Festival was last week, and the St. Anthony's Italian Festival is this week. This is the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, on Broom Street in Wilmington. Photo by kvo_de.