The whole country is watching, well, at least the people who care about democracy. The foundations of our democratic system have been fatally undermined, but there is hope to shore it up. Will Washington State step up and stand up to the Washington, DC establishment? Will concerned citizens, patriots, and registered voters rise to the challenge? Will a coalition of grassroots organizations generate enough energy to get a citizens initiative on the November ballot? Are enough people sick and tired of corrupted politics-as-usual to turn off the TV and help make a statement against this corruption? Or will the vast majority just give up and accept what is now considered ‘normal’ politics? That’s where all the lobbyists and special interests choose who gets huge campaign donations, and then pay to get legislation passed that favors them over everyone else. Initiative 1329, when enough signatures are obtained to place it on our state’s ballot this fall, will call on Congress to write an amendment to the US Constitution that says that corporations are not people and money is not speech. That is, it will overturn the disastrous rulings by the US Supreme Court known as Citizens United (2010) and McCutcheon (last month), giving our democracy back to the voters. Read more
FORUM ON POLITICAL PROCESSES AND PARTIES
Bernie Sanders, Independent Senator from Vermont, recently announced he is considering running for president. Sanders caucuses with the Democrats, but is not a member of the Democratic Party, choosing instead to be a democratic socialist. He is a bona fide progressive, who was elected as mayor of Burlington, a representative to the US House and US Senator. He says our country is ready for a political revolution. Shouldn't a progressive support a progressive with such bona fides? Or should one support a less progressive candidate who appears to have a better chance of winning? Read more
How do minority males do in specific classes? How do girls do in getting equal treatment, as schools give them their piece of the civil rights' pie? These questions and more can be answered using the U.S. Department of Education's Civil Rights Data Collection, which is based on data from thousands of schools. On March 21, 2014, an important national analysis tool was reopened to the public. Read more
Do you like movie sequels? They usually disappoint us, don’t they? How about politicians who come back for more terms than 'Star Trek' movies? They REALLY disappoint us. Well, get ready for the possibility of the worst sequel you’ve ever seen, one that will do even more damage to our democracy than the original version. It will allow politicians to remain in office longer due to the cozy relationships they develop with wealthy campaign donors, relationships where favors (legislation, tax breaks, access, etc.) are expected from elected officials in exchange for financial contributions. What is this sequel, and why is it so harmful? Think of Citizens United on steroids! Read more
Have you ever wanted to study accounting? Brush up your algebra? Learn Spanish or Chinese? One of the best-kept secrets in Pierce County is the Access Program at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Through this program, citizens over 60 years of age can enroll in any course offered for a mere $5.00! There is, however, an additional 'technology fee', depending upon the course taken. For most, it appears to be $20. You've paid property taxes and sales taxes for years in Washington State, and here is a way Olympia has found to give something back.
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FORUM ON POLITICAL PROCESSES AND PARTIES
Are you interested in ways to bring progressive issues into the political process along the lines of Progressive Democrats of America? Are you interested in the process that leads to a party platform and delegate selection? Do you want to “Occupy Democrats?" Do you want to practice democracy with a lower case “d” and put your issue into the hopper? If so, the information provided below will help you spread the word to the state level, and perhaps beyond. Anyone who lives within a particular legislative district, declares as a Democrat, and is a registered voter or will be eligible to vote (age 18 by November 4, 2014) may run for a delegate or alternate position to the state convention. Read more
