What a great country we have created in more than 220 years. Here in the U.S. we all exercise our First Amendment rights (citizens, legal residents and even the occasional tourist), one way or another. This time however, I want to address the sticky part of our expressions: The bumper stickers!

What is the rule of law?

Today the polls are open for the registered voters of California to weigh in on six propositions relating to the state budget. It is imperitive that lawmakers in Sacramento hear our voices. Please vote.

For decades, California maintained a strict dividing line — a lock box, if you will — between the state’s general fund budget and special funds financed by single-purpose revenues.

Dear editor, the Napa County Democratic Central Committee has voted to support each of the propositions in the May 19 Special Election.

Dear editor, recently, I have read suggestions about what to do with the remnants of the failed, bankrupt Copia. Here are my thoughts.

Dear editor, in response to Kevin Eggers’ commentary on May 15 (“The marginalization of the political right”), I would like to provide a direct web link to the Homeland Security document he discusses.

Tuesday the Supervisors are going to take up an ordinance, seventeen pages in length that we have had only the weekend to try to digest, further restricting property rights in Napa. This is the spawn of a woman who lives in Yountville "most weekends" and got upset because a neighbor nearby wanted to adjust lot lines on a large parcel in order to potentially build six houses on it.

The abduction and death of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu last month in Tracy brought up a difficult topic for parents everywhere.

Left v. right, liberal v. conservative in a type-until-your fingers bleed death match.

Proposition 1A on the May 19 ballot proposes, among other things, extending the state’s sales tax increase for an additional year to help towards solving the state’s massive budget crisis.

Proposition 1B, the Education funding payment plan on the May 19 ballot, amends the state Constitution in regards to previously-passed Proposition 98 by requiring $9.3 billion in supplemental payments into the state’s k-12 education system ... among the issues Prop 1B covers.

Proposition 1C on the May 19 ballot, the Lottery Modernization Act, would allow the state to borrow money from state lottery profits to help with the massive state budget deficit.

Proposition 1D, the long-titled Protects Children’s Services Funding. Helps Balance State Budget act, would shift some $1.7 billion in the next five years from the previously-passed Children and Families First Act (a 50-cent tax on a pack of cigarettes with money going to early childhood development programs) to help balance California's general fund.

Yet another massively long title, Proposition 1F is known as the Elected Officials’ Salaries. Prevents Pay Increases During Budget Deficit Years Act.

Another long ballot title, Proposition 1E in the May 19 election, is the Mental Health Services Funding. Temporary Reallocation. Helps Balance State Budget Act.

This is your blog to talk about local, state or national non-political topics.