Today in Switzerland...

It was announced that 74,500 babies were born last year, less than the replacement number but good for world population.

They are still not sure if the UDC (far right party) referendrum that would prohibit the construction of minarets can go on the ballot because of international law. There are three in Switzerland for about 300,000 Muslims, a minority in a country of seven million.

Also on the referendrum will be a vote to ban all 4x4 vehicles. I still haven't seen the wording, but I am told that the legislature will have some freedom in selecting how it is implemented. I would love to see, and it is not impossible to imagine that it will happen, only cars with mileage of 30 m.p.g. or more allowed to be sold. Switzerland is considered one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the industrialized world. I saw the study, but didn't see who put it out.

In Canton Vaud there will be a vote on establishing a minimum wage of 3500 CHF per month. The CHF and $ are almost equal these days. That would mean the lowest salary anyone could earn would be $42,000. And many companies give 13 months salary with the final payment at the end of the year.

Whether the referendums pass or not is not as important as having a democracy where we can vote on these things.