<i>used as a dog-whistle</i><p>Such an overloaded term. It is also used to mean &quot;something only some can hear, but I can&#x27;t.&quot;<p>States have also been a source of innovation. California, Oregon, and Washington were noted as &quot;bellwether&quot; states, whose pioneering policies were sometimes adopted by other states. California&#x27;s pollution&#x2F;vehicular laws have been a force for positive change and innovation in the auto industry.