We imagine the future constantly every day. Usually it's small things like where our left foot will end up or what the car in the next lane will do. But sometimes we have to imagine outcomes of national importance, as when we decide who to vote for as president. What would a Donald Trump presidency be like? Read more
Those of us who were inspired by the campaign of Bernie Sanders, who rang doorbells, made phone calls, contributed small amounts of money, and had the (perhaps) irrational hope that he would overcome the extremely long odds, the lack of media coverage, the misinformation promulgated by both parties, and the "yoooge" donations going to other candidates, are likely very sad to hear him "endorse" Hillary Clinton*, and wonder what we should do next. Should we "hold our noses" and vote for the "lesser of two evils"? Should we hope that somehow, Hillary Clinton, if/when elected, will act upon the “progressive” promises she made after Bernie dragged her slightly leftward? Or is there some other alternative about which we can feel more positive? Read more
I caucused for Bernie Sanders. Not because I was opposed to Hillary Clinton, but because the political power of large corporations threatening our democracy is the most important issue for our time. I have never been a Clinton basher. I believe she is a progressive. We progressives can and will debate that, of course, since each of us has firm convictions about what it means to be a progressive. Before having that debate I wanted to clear the air of the persistent litany of accusations that have been directed at Clinton over decades. These accusations are part of a concerted campaign by conservatives to neutralize a promising (and dangerous for conservatives) progressive politician by repeating those accusations over and over until magically they become the truth. Read more
Two local business organizations, together with the Port of Tacoma, have joined in a lawsuit to halt the ballot efforts of Save Tacoma Water, a citizen conservation group. In addition, the plaintiffs ask that Save Tacoma Water be ordered to pay the expenses of the litigation. Read more
I am a Bernie Sanders supporter. I belong to MoveOn. I regularly send money to them and other progressive causes. I believe corporate and big-money interests are destroying our democracy, our society, and our economy. A part of me shares the dream of small, locally owned and supplied businesses finally getting so popular they take the steam out of the corporate giants, or even force them to close. Another part of me, however, fears this like the end of the world. I don’t shop local. There is no shortage of recriminations about how so many people ignore small businesses and progressively owned, locally supplied shops in favor of the big-box stores and the mall. I’m one of those people. Read more
April, 2016
From: Wayne Cooke, Graham, Pierce County, Washington
To: Prudent Citizens:
Members of Pierce County Council and Various Other Electeds
I have spent many hours researching our "homeless problem," sparked by my friendship with a young homeless couple. You, also, both personally and as our representatives, must be concerned about those street corner beggars and parking lot loafers. To be clear, we are not talking about the 85% of total homeless who lost their housing but take full advantage of the social services to get rehoused within weeks. It is the 15% that avoid real help: the alcoholics, druggies, mentally ill, the incapable, and, yes, also the public leeches. My guess is that you wish, as I do, that there was some way to make that problem "disappear." Read more
Ahhh, Sevilla! It conjures up so many wonderful images and associations! Rossini’s Barber of Seville and Bizet’s Carmen were set there. This area in southwest Spain, thought to be founded by Hercules, was inhabited by Phoenicians, Romans, and Visigoths, taken over by Muslims in the eighth century, then reconquered by Christians in the thirteenth. The wealth of the New World was brought there. Franco’s Fascist forces took the city quickly at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. It is famous for its Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions, with "floats" of Jesus or Mary being carried through the streets, accompanied by "penitents" in costumes borrowed more recently by KKK members in the US. And don’t you associate Flamenco and bullfights with Sevilla? Living an hour away from this fascinating city, with a population similar to Seattle, we have come to appreciate its ancient buildings, narrow pedestrian lanes, wonderful food, lush parks and gardens, varied neighborhoods, and special ambience. But we were most fortunate recently to take in the grandest, most elaborate social event in Andalucía, one that should be on everyone’s list of things to see and do in Spain. Read more
