Posted on 01/25/2004 10:14:36 AM PST by John Jorsett
SACRAMENTO -- If a leading Democratic lawmaker has his way, your next new house may be built according to standards that supposedly put it -- and you -- in harmony with unseen natural forces.
Leland Yee, the assistant speaker pro tem, is backing a bill that could insert the millenniums-old strictures of feng shui into California's building code.
Some lawmakers roll their eyes. Some chuckle. Some wonder privately how an ancient system of alignment with invisible life forces could possibly fit into a nuts-and-bolts building code designed to ensure fire safety and structural integrity.
To Yee, however, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 144 is an acknowledgement of the wisdom of Asian culture and a way to help all Californians live a better life.
"This state has a large Asian population," said Yee, who represents a portion of San Francisco. "I think it is very important to respect the diversity of this state that we allow these kinds of principles to be recognized."
Yee's measure, if passed, would "urge" rather than force the California Building Standards Commission "to adopt ... standards that promote feng shui principles."
"We are not interested in being heavy-handed about this," said Yee, who was born in China.
Feng shui means "wind, water," and Chinese practitioners have for millenniums used their understanding of these forces to arrange living spaces that enhance the well-being of the inhabitants. Feng shui is increasingly popular in the West, and even some large corporations consult experts when designing and furnishing office space.
Despite feng shui's growing following, Yee knows some people are getting easy laughs at his expense.
Assembly Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy used the bill as a punch line about pointless legislative meandering during a speech last week.
"Do you think that a body that debates feng shui can handle an issue like workers' compensation?" asked McCarthy, a Bakersfield Republican.
Others shrug with a sense of "what's next?"
But Yee said his critics should find out more about feng shui before dismissing it.
"I think there's some sense that this is some kind of voodoo medicine," Yee said. "But these are principals that people live by."
Adding feng shui principles to the building code, he said, is about respecting diversity.
"The Chinese have lived with these principles for about 5,000 years," he said. "And we're all human beings, and I think it can work for everyone here, too."
Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian, R-Stockton, said it's possible to be respectful of the culture while dismissive of Yee's plan.
"Obviously, it's deeply rooted in the Asian culture and tradition, and I think we have to be very respectful and mindful of that," Aghazarian said. "But I don't think this is a very effective use of tax dollars.
"It will only add to the costs of building in this state, when we should be looking at ways of reducing costs," he said. "Is the next step for the state to get into the business of determining who is a feng shui master and licensing them?"
The California Council of the American Institute of Architecture hasn't taken a position on Yee's bill.
But Stockton architect Anthony Acevedo, for one, doesn't like the sound of it.
"It's like saying we like English Tudor, and all our buildings should be of that flavor," Acevedo said. "I think politicians should not be directing how something should get designed. That should be up to the client."
Building codes, he said, should make buildings safe and dependable.
"It shouldn't be an issue for the government to say you have to put in a big red door because it brings in a positive flow," said Acevedo, who's been designing custom homes and businesses in Stockton for seven years.
Penny Redman, on the other hand, thinks the idea is wonderful.
Redman, owner of Chinatown Enterprises in downtown Sacramento, was pleasantly surprised to hear the Legislature might give greater weight to the art she has practiced for 13 years.
"Feng shui is putting your life in balance," she said. "When you're in balance, you live more harmoniously."
It's not hocus-pocus, she said. "It's not a religion. Asking if you believe in it is like asking if you believe in the weather.
"If they do this, it's just going to help," Redman said. "And what's the matter with helping people?"
Uh, no.
"I think there's some sense that this is some kind of voodoo medicine," Yee said.
You can bet your scrawny behind on that Mr. Yee.
Run. Run away quickly!
FMCDH
There are plenty of people who practice voodoo today.
FMCDH
Then why are you trying to make the law of the land.
Then sit the hell down and STFU, you parasitic, superstitious, ignorant dumbass.
Ooooga-boooga.
And we intend to respect diversity by requiring everyone to adhere to the unproven beliefs of just one of the many cultures represented in California.
The legislative redistricting that began in 1998 and was completed in 2002 has created a group of single issue legislators who continue to attempt to codify their single issue.
Whether Gil Cedio trying to entitle Mexican citizens to tax payer supported California benefits or Leland Yee trying to impose the culture of his constituants on the rest of us the result is the same. A mess, a national joke and a diversion to the job at hand. Reduce spending.
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