California's meltdown has been so all-consuming that it's been awhile since this blog checked in on direct democratic goings-on overseas. So here goes.

IRISH VIEWS SHIFT ON LISBON: The Irish voted down the Lisbon Treaty -- the de facto new constitution for the European Union last year. Now a new poll -- in advance of a likely fall vote on the treaty -- shows growing support in Ireland for the treaty. What's changed? The country's once-strong economy has collapsed.

TAIWANESE REFERENDUM ON CHINA TRADE PACT: The pro-independence opposition in Taiwan announced it would collect signatures for a referendum on a new trade pact signed by the government with China.

NIGER PLEBISCITE: The leader of that African country, a producer of uranium, has dismissed the Parliament and is organizing a referendum on whether to change the constitution to permit him to serve a third term. 

CHAVEZ BLOCKS REFERENDUM: The regime of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has turned aside a referendum effort by the opposition mayor of Caracas. The mayor had been seeking a public vote on a Chavez-backed law that stripped the city of much of its sovereignty and the mayor of much of his power.