About BearFlagBlue

Editor: Sean Mykael

Bear Flag Blue

For obvious reasons, the California State Flag is commonly reffered to as the Bear Flag. In recent years, where Red represents the political Right, the color Blue has come to represent the political Left. California is generally considered a liberal stronghold, but the passage of recent ballot measures,(Prop 8) as well as some older,(Prop 13) have shown that California isn't always as Liberal as the common consensus would suggest.

I've heard the cliche many times, that in Japanese, the word for "Crisis" is the same as the word for "Oppurtunity." Well, California finds itself in crisis once again.

A budget that can't get passed and a state tetering on bankruptcy; Schools that are falling apart and underperforming, as University costs rise; An environment threatened once again by off-shore drilling and increased demand for energy; Gerry-mandered districts that keep incumbents far too comfortable to make risky decisions; the list goes on.

As we head into 2009, California finds itself in crisis. Along with that comes great oppurtunity for change. The time for change is now.

BearFlagBlue hopes to be part of that change as we progress into the 21st century. We'll be here to bring you the latest news and views from Sacramento and around the State & Nation. Whether it's late-breaking headlines, thoughtful analysis, or just a shared link, BearFlagBlue hopes to provide an informative resource for all things politically progressive in the Golden State.

We hope you enjoy!

Nor*Cal Style. East Bay Attitude. Progressive Politic.

Born & raised in the Easy Bay, I have experienced so many of the wonders of Northern California in his 31 years. From growing up in Hayward, to summers in Mendocino, and time spent in the great Redwoods of the North; Whether bumming around on the Beaches of Santa Cruz, or hanging out in the streets of Berkeley, or wandering into the Sierra-Nevada; There is no place I'd rather be than Northern California.

As an East Bay native I have to say I am pretty partial to the home of the Oakland Raiders and Oakland A's. Where would heavy metal or hardcore rap or any of the "punk" music you hear these days be without the influence of the 510. You can find it all in the East Bay with our rich diversity, from the best Mexican food to the most mouth-watering BBQ; to the most beautiful persian rug or an original pop art rock poster; from the speedy little honda, to the beefed up Chevy, to the absolutly obnoxious Hummer, and the environmentally sound Prius. We all share the same failing highways in the East Bay. Most of us seem to like it that way. I've lived all over this state & nation and at the end of the day there is no where I'd rather be than in San Francisco's East Bay. We've got style. We've got attitude. We've got diversity and originality. We invented "the Wave"! How cool is that? I Hella Love the East Bay.

Growing up around here, it's not hard to see how one might grow up a die-hard progressive. After all, we're known for our high standards of education, our deep sense of civil & human rights, our indepedent streak that goes back to our state's founding and before. It's only reasonable that a Californian's political leanings would be of a progressive nature. It's in our blood out here in the West. We discover things. We invent things. We start & finish huge projects they say could never be done and set the trend for the rest of the country. We pass laws that they all warn are terrible ideas, until they start passing them in their own states. I'm proud to be a Californian and proud of our progressive roots. Hopefully BearFlagBlue can play some small part in keeping things that way.