I’m waiting for election results to settle in before I share my reactions. Right now, my reaction to results like the passage of Prop L is limited to inarticulate frustration, so I’ll wait.

But in good news, I have a reading today! Tonight is the November edition of Quiet Lightning. I wrote about it here when I found out I’d be reading, and you can also find the details on my events page.  

Here’s another exciting update – if you’re outside of the Bay Area or can’t make it out to Booksmith, you can watch the event LIVE from home online! Just go to this website: http://www.livestream.com/booksmith. Tune in by 7 pm (West Coast time) or soon afterwards if you want to watch me, because I’m reading first. I can assure you that the people who follow me, though, will be well worth watching.  

I’m really nervous. The rumors floating about don’t help…like that one saying that someone from the New York Times will be there.  

Last plug: if you don’t get a chance to make it to the reading or watch it online (so many options here!), you can still read the work that’s read by buying the latest copy of sParkle and bLink, or read it online for free! Still, there’s only one option that includes an in-person reading, wine and the New York Times. Just sayin’.

Damn you, Prop L. If I need to take a moment to sit on the sidewalk and calm my nerves today, I don’t care what uptight voters have to say about it. Expect the next few days to include some poetry written from a rebellious sit/lie position on the sidewalk. Also, somebody get the bail money ready.

October is flying by, which means the November 2 elections are just next week. Election season is an important time to make our voices heard – though we may not always feel like our opinions can make a difference.

Prop 19 is the focus of a lot of attention, as California voters prepare to decide whether or not to legalize marijuana. To me, this issue isn’t only about recreational users like middle-class college students who want to enjoy their weed without harassment. It’s also about folks who are medically ill, as well as about people of color who are prosecuted for marijuana use and shackled with the consequences at way higher rates than users who are white. It’s about addressing a justice system that’s broken and creating peace for those who suffer as a result.

But don’t take it from me – here’s an opinion piece written by my dad, a medical doctor, after researching the subject.

I was going to try to make this all official, all “blogger Maisha Z. Johnson brings you the expert opinion of Dr. Ian R. Johnson,” but let’s be real – here’s your Editor’s Note, from the perspective of someone who was raised by the guy: When I was growing up, he sure wouldn’t say anything in support of marijuana. It’s only recently that he’s been doing some research, and has shifted his opinion based on his findings. Another note: word has it that the polls have shifted since this piece was written, with support for Prop 19 falling behind. 

Click the "Read More" tab for the piece.