power use

[azurereaver]

This study linked on slashdot ( http://hardware.slashdot.org/hardware/08/11/19/1837200.shtml ) on video game power usage is interesting, and reminds me of when Daina was talking about power usage and I chimed in that I had heard all electronics still use

Comments

[dainasplashes]

I remember that conversation. I noticed a drop in my electric bill shortly after it, but it was probably not from pulling my cellphone from the wall even while it is charging so much as from turning off my computer when I wasn't using it and putting in CFL bulbs. Now we have a two-level house and the electric bill is ridiculous.

I like the idea of term limits but don't feel too strongly around it. I think there would have to be VERY strong pressure from the voters for such a measure to pass. PA is talking a bit about reducing the size of the legislature (among the larger ones) and other reforms, but the chances of the people in power putting themselves out of a job is almost nil.

[azurereaver]

that seems like a reasonable appraisal. I feel like politicians who know they're only going to be in office for a few terms are more likely to focus on what's really important to them, get it implemented, and then get out. People won't be able to form as many alliances, so instead of pork barreling or log rolling, maybe they'll just vote for what they think is right instead of what benefits their coffers. But I suppose the counter argument is that if they're in and out faster you'll just go through MORE corrupt politicians and none of them will stick around long enough to be held accountable for their actions. Still, it isn't like they'll disappear at the end of their term.

[azurereaver]

I think the same argument for limiting the number of terms a president can serve applies at least in the senate if not in the house as well. People in those positions are overwhelmingly reelected. Our governor was just reelected, and then it comes out we're way more in debt in WA than we'd been led to believe. I wonder if she would have been reelected if that had come out BEFORE the election. . . people tend to only vote people out when stuff is going to shit.

[dainasplashes]

Counter-example: In PA, lawmakers voted themselves a huge middle-of-the-night pay increase with no discussion. HUGE constituent example ensued. So the lawmakers undid the payraise and many people thought it would blow over by the time elections came around more than a year later. Nope. A ton of incumbents who supported the payraise were voted out. It was amazing.