Pg 1-38

     The opening introduction into this book does an artistic job of presenting an image of California. One that is very diverse and rich with a great scenery. Yet, the issue is brought into question whether California is "ungovernable." With such a great diversity here in California, which has been brought by some key events in our history such as the gold rush, brings forth a greater challenge for the political process.

    Obviously, history has influenced the rules of our  present political system of today. It was mentioned that the Southern Pacific Railroad created a correlation with lobbyist and legislators. This railroad company ran California's industry and politics. But social justice has presurveared throughout the years with figures and game changers such as governor Johnson. In spite of California's deceptive laws that were designed to exclude certain people, Californian's have been able to eventually voice their rights, such as the passing of prop 13. In spite of the political earthquakes, Californian's can retake control by having more of an aware contribution to the system. The smallest acts of recycling and or sending your child into charter school is apparently one of the subtle yet big ways to participate. Yet, one of the biggest ones of all is to VOTE.

     One of the biggest questions that resonates in my head is if our political system and rules are brought forth from our history. What if our history was unfair and was designed for the advancement of one group at the expense of another? Fortunately with the aid of direct democracy and representation, we have the opportunity to disrupt the status quo. Yet, when our country had polling lines that lasted more than 4 hours this past month, there are some subliminal and literal ways where direct democracy's efficiency  comes into question. With such a diverse population it seems like the demand for diverse representatives can be one factor to attaining a more just political process and system.

     Fortunately for the balance that is brought forth through our complex system, eventually social change does preservere in spite of its slow rate. An example when proposition 8 was brought to California is an example of the determination that exists within the system. In spite of being a "complex" issue by the end of the day it had a "separate but equal" structured solution. Fortunately, voices were heard and the proposition was overturned. This is a great symbol for direct democracy and the political process.  As citizens we must present "ourselves as equals to the diverse table and demand that the laws catch up with our fundamental right to be"-Reverend Deborah L Johnson. The population chart presented in our book presents a great incline in our population by 2020. Therefore, the demand for our capability to get along is greater than ever before in California's history.