Cambridge flexes its diplomatic muscle

The other pressing issue on the agenda last night was the demand that the city explain how it might possibly have allowed police officers to participate in a delegation to Israel, to exchange information on law enforcement practices. There were - count 'em - 23 citizens who showed up to support the resolution, including "representatives of the American Friends Service Committee, Jews for a Just Peace, the Palestinian Solidarity Project, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, and Jewish Voice for Peace," according to the Crimson.

Which explains why Councilor Marjorie Decker bothered to introduce the pointless resolution in the first place. For this small number of activists, the issue of Israel is of supreme importance, nevermind its utter lack of relevance to the city. I suspect that most Cambridge voters would either support the exchange, or find it unobjectionable. But Cambridge's unusual voting system incentivizes councilors to court single-issue groups. Decker probably won herself several dozen number one votes with her stunt last night - not bad for an utterly meaningless resolution. She won office last time around on the strength of a write-in campaign, after screwing up her petitions. So she knows full well how important the backing of dedicated, committed activists can be.

And, if you're looking for an explanation of the Libyan resolutions, or the Wisconsin ones, look to the same place. An electoral system that places a high premium on passionate support will lead to efforts to pander to activists; one that prioritizes building a broad coalition and mustering majority support will lead to efforts to cater to the center. Cambridge gains a lot from its unusual system. But this is the price it pays.

This is me being a nerd but technically they would have sent the letters to the embassy in Washington and the consulate in New York

It's difficult to like Gaddafi but with Cambridge opposing him it's hard not to.