My State is Purple

I was wondering last night if the American association of "red states" and "blue states" is because the Republican base is stereotypically redneck while the Democratic base is stereotypically blue-collar workers.

It turns out the color scheme wasn't standardized until after the 2000 election. So it could be by accident or it could be that was the color association that subconsciously resonated. The article notes that in many foreign countries, red is used to denote communist/socialist/left-wing parties and countries (USSR and China quite notably) while blue is associated with right-wing parties. Has the Republican party really forgot that they used to use "red" as a smear?

Cartophiliacs are of course aware that two colors are insufficient for distinguishing a map. You need four colors to be sure one state doesn't become indistinguishable with the next.

Colorado Ballot Measures

Here are my current positions on the initiatives and referenda on the Colorado ballot this year. Since I don't have a TV and haven't dug through the web on these issues, most of my information comes from the blue book. If you think there are considerations I've overlooked, please comment. If I learn something that changes my mind, I'll update this post. If you don't have time to read this post, please just vote NO on 48, the "personhood" amendment.

Note that amendments 53, 55, 56, and 57 have been retracted in a deal to oppose amendments 47, 49, and 54. Amendments 53, 55, 56, and 57 will be on the ballot, but votes won't be counted. 47, 49, and 54 will be counted, but "business" has joined with "labor" in opposing them. ( If you don't vote in Colorado, use this opportunity to research your own ballot or convince a friend in California to vote NO on prop. 8. )

Quick Reference:

• 46: No
• 47: No
• 48: No
• 49: No
• 50: Probably yes
• 51: Unsure
• 52: No
• 54: No
• 58: Yes
• 59: Yes
• L: Yes
• M: Yes
• N: Yes
• O: Yes

Take that, longest ballot in the country!