Californians approved a phony reform measure put forward as an alternative to real reform. It's no consolation that these setbacks might be quickly forgotten under a George W. Bush presidency, since a Supreme Court with Bush appointees might well prohibit any restraints on campaign spending, blocking progress for who knows how long. In that case, the hypocritical Ralph Nader will deserve part of the blame, as will the hypocritical John McCain. If not the Boll Weevils' finest hour, it is among the finer. On Taylor's orders, announcements are made at all UAM home games asking fans to refrain from heckling opposing teams and officials.
Serious offenders are subject to removal.
We discussed verbal abuse recently with a man who umpired in the major leagues some years ago. The insults he recalled weren't nearly mean enough or obscene enough for today's crowds. Extreme verbal abuse is offensive in its own right, and leads to worse behavior, even violence. The thugs are taking over the games, on the field and in the stands. Somebody needs to stand up to them.