Sound Politics

• What are we suppose to do when the system is broken?

  Today was not a particularly stellar day for me. While listening to Laura Ingraham this morning (sorry Kirby, Glenn Beck went to commercial) I became infuriated at the story of Michigan abortionist Abraham Hodari, who continues to practice despite countless... [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 8:17pm EST
  

• SurveyUSA Reports

  You can decide what, if anything, it all means. Here are the approval/disapproval ratings for: Senator Maria Cantwell - 46/42 Senator Patty Murray - 47/45 President Barack Obama - 48/48 Governor Christine Gregoire - 33/63 SurveyUSA polled 600 adults, using... [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 4:59pm EST
  

• Any climate news?

  The world is lit up with the news about the lead scientific promoters of human-caused global warming. Emails at ground zero of the climate-warming researchers - Climatic Research Unit at University of East Anglia in the UK - contain talk... [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 10:42pm EST
  

• A Bonus for the Seattle Schools Superintendent

  The Seattle School Board has one employee, the Superintendent. Currently that is Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson. Is she worth $264,000 in base salary plus $28,400 of other compensation plus bonuses? Apparently so since that is the pay package the School Board... [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 9:30pm EST
  

• Four Police Officers Killed

  In Parkland. Four police officers were shot and killed in a Sunday morning ambush at a Parkland-area coffee shop, officials said. Pierce County Sheriff's Office spokesman Ed Troyer called the ambush "a targeted attack." Officials at the scene said two... [...]
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  Posted: November 29, 2009, 10:04am EST
  

• Contribute to yellow light measurement survey

  This is a call for volunteers to help measure and monitor the yellow light durations in Seattle. I have set up a data entry form here: The location of traffic cameras in your area of Seattle can be found here.... [...]
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  Posted: November 26, 2009, 4:11pm EST
  

• Traffic camera fines limited to parking ticket amounts

  Seattle Time columnist Danny Westneat isn't letting go of the stoplight camera issue. He informs us that the state law enacted in 2005 that authorized stoplight cameras limits the fines that can be assessed to no more than what...' [...]
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  Posted: November 25, 2009, 10:09am EST
  

• Cost of Obamacare went up $100M, no, $300 million

  I don't know the source of Carter's optimism: Health care will not add to the deficit "because Senator Cantwell promised." How can she promise that when Distinguished Harry Reid is making multi-$100 million pork deals? It was reported that Senator...' [...]
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  Posted: November 25, 2009, 8:07am EST
  

• So Far, Low Ridership On Seattle's Light Rail System

  The Seattle area opened its light rail system in July.  It has not been a great success Thanks to John Niles at the Public Interest Transportation Forum, we can see just how low the ridership has been. (Click on the... [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 11:59am EST
  

• Sam's Side of the Story

  I'm a big fan of Tim Eyman. I'm also a big fan of Sam Reed. So when I read Tim's post a few days ago wanted to get Sam's side of the story. Below is our email exchange, unedited. The... [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 8:05am EST
  

• What is Christine Gregoire doing?

  Washington's current budget was "stimulated" by Obama's 2009 stimulus package. Its huge gap was plugged by a generous $3.3 billion in money from people in other states. So we were in a hole and got a one-time shot. The revenue... [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 11:37am EST
  

• The health care bill will not add one dime to the deficit

  Received an email yesterday from Senator Cantwell announcing the 60-39 vote that advances the health care reform legislation to the Senate floor for debate. In her email, she stated: The health care reform bill is fully paid for, meeting President... [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 2:11pm EST
  

• Craig Welch Should Have Asked Al Gore Better Questions

  The Seattle Times reporter had a chance to ask the former vice president, and current climate change guru, a few questions, and this is all Welch came up with.  It would be unfair, but not terribly unfair, to sum up... [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 6:09am EST
  

• Secretary Reed refuses to answer these questions under oath and under penalty of perjury (RE: Eyman's lawsuit)

  Concerning Secretary Sam Reed's request of the Court to avoid answering questions under oath and under the penalty of perjury, here are the questions: Request for Admission #1: Admit or deny that the Secretary of State's Office released Referendum 71... [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 5:17am EST
  

• How ironic: Mr. Disclosure Sam Reed asks the Court to block disclosure (RE: Eyman's lawsuit against Reed)

  From 1912 through 2006 -- for 95 years -- every other Secretary of State protected the names, signatures, and home addresses of citizens who signed initiative and referendum petitions. Unlike all his predecessors and overruling 95 years of precedent, Sam... [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 1:14pm EST
  

• Raging against traffic cameras

  Hat tip to one of our loyal readers (who can identify himself if he wants) for alerting us to this column by Seattle Times staff columnist Danny Westneat also complaining about automatically ticketing traffic cameras. For the record, I am... [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 10:53am EST
  

• Diversity Santa at Nordstrom's

  This Christmas come get your kids' picture taken at Nordstrom's with Diversity Santa! That's right. You can choose with which race of Santa your kids will get their photos taken. Now I'm all for diversity. I believe Santa, as a... [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 8:32pm EST
  

• Ask John Koster to Run for Congress

  Rick Larsen is the elected Representative for Washington's Second Congressional District. He's been there for several terms, and some of us think this is the year to unseat the guy who supports continued funding for corrupt organizations like ACORN, liberty-killing... [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 6:04pm EST
  

• College student defends himself, kills intruder with sword

  As a criminal prosecutor for eight years I confronted numerous weird crimes and acts of violence, but I never had anyone kill someone with a sword as happened recently at John Hopkins University. Curious whether it makes any difference for... [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 2:42pm EST
  

• Kirby on Kirby

  I just got off the phone with Kirby. First the good news. Our phone calls to advertisers appear to be helping. Kirby told me that Laura Kiel (Kiel Mortgage) has pulled her advertising from KVI and is unwilling to reconsider... [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 8:20am EST
  

• Washington Policy Center's Small Business Conference a success

  If you missed Washington Policy Center's 2009 Small Business Conference last Tuesday you can see a video of some of the panel discussions here. You can subscribe to WPC's weekly email letter at the same link. I was able to... [...]
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  Posted: November 15, 2009, 5:16pm EST
  

• Tomorrow, At 12:59 PM, KCTS Will Be Showing "Power Of The Poor"

  Here's a description from their schedule. "The Power of the Poor" tells the story of how a small group of economists helped defeat Peru's brutal Shining Path terrorists, pressured the government into making legal reforms that have lifted millions out... [...]
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  Posted: November 14, 2009, 9:43am EST
  

• Councilmember Licata wants more speed traps to boost revenue

  According to this Seattle Times article, Seattle Councilmember Nick Licata wants to increase use of automated "speed vans" and red-light cameras to increase revenue from traffic tickets. Traffic control devices or enforcement practices should be about promoting safety, not increasing... [...]
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  Posted: November 14, 2009, 8:33am EST
  

• A Tribute To Kirby WIlbur

  Please post your favorite memories of The Kirby Wilbur Show or of Kirby himself in the comments section below. If I get a decent amount I'll have them printed and bound into a book to give to Kirby. He's been...' [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 9:29am EST
  

• Say It Ain't So! Kirby Wilbur Off The Air!

  I was shocked to learn yesterday evening that Kirby Wilbur broadcast his final show yesterday morning. I'm sure I speak for conservatives around the Puget Sound area when I say how deeply saddened I am that this beacon of clear...' [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 6:59am EST
  

• What's Mt. St. Helens Doing This Afternoon?

  Looking pretty. And putting out a little steam. Cross posted at Jim Miller on Politics. (You can look at a current view here, though you may need to hurry to see anything like the picture above.)... [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 1:52pm EST
  

• In 2005, Veteran (And Methodist Minister) Donald Sensing Wrote A Tribute For Veterans Day

  It was worth reading then, and it is still worth reading.... [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 4:00pm EST
  

• Olympia Democrats facing huge pressure to raise taxes

  The front-page, above-the-fold news story in today's Seattle Times makes it clear that Olympia's Democrats -- Gregoire and the Dems who control the state house and state senate -- are facing huge pressure to raise taxes. It also illustrates the... [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 3:13pm EST
  

• Do not slander X after Y

  Today's Seattle Times editorial page: "Do not slander Islam after Fort Hood"There is a rush to link Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, with Islamic extremists and generally defame his faith by association ... Religious and political affiliations make... [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 1:02pm EST
  

• Open breakfast briefing by KC Health Preparedness Manager

  If you are wondering how King County is preparing/responding to the flu pandemic, there is an opportunity Thursday morning to hear Bryan Heartsfield, Preparedness Health and Medical Operations Manager for King County. Bryan will be reviewing the current situation and... [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 2:54pm EST
  

• Four Right, One Wrong

  In my election prediction post, I called four winners correctly, one wrong, and chickened out on one.  Here's what I predicted last week: Tomorrow, the Republicans will come close to a sweep.  McDonnell will win in Virginia by 13 points,... [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 5:58pm EST
  

• Small Business Conference Tomorrow

  Here are the essentials from the Washington Policy Center. Small business owners and policymakers from around the state will gather in SeaTac tomorrow to discuss the state's business climate and ideas for how policymakers can make Washington more supportive of... [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 1:20pm EST
  

• Health "Reform" Open Thread

  Have at it.... [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 10:56am EST
  

• "On The Internet, Nobody Knows You're A Dog"

  Or an innocent child, or a grandparent with old-fashioned standards.  (If you somehow missed that famous cartoon, you can see it here.) Most people see the cartoon and think that it shows how anonymous individuals can post something on the... [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 6:44am EST
  

• King County Ballot Drop Boxes Are Insecure

  You only have to look at one to understand that.... [...]
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  Posted: November 07, 2009, 6:17am EST
  

• Good News On The Brenton Case?

  Maybe. Just after a memorial service for slain Seattle police Officer Tim Brenton concluded Friday afternoon, officers shot and arrested a man described as a person of interest in his killing. Tukwila police spokesman Mike Murphy said officers were... [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 3:17pm EST
  

• It's Time To Call Your Congressman

  It isn't too late to urge them to vote against the 2000-page monstrosity that Speaker Pelosi is calling health insurance reform.   The Democratic leadership is trying to rush the vote, but has not twisted enough arms to have 218...' [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 11:18am EST
  

• The Health Care Clock

  A handy website that tells you which page you should be on if you're to read the whole bill before the committee vote on it. It also has handy page and section references to important parts of the bill for...' [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 7:51am EST
  

• Thirteen new taxes in House Democrat Health-care takeover bill

  Americans for Tax Reform put together the tax increases in the latest version of Obama's health care takeover. Some of these are outright tax increases; some are reductions in deductions, which causes paying increased taxes; some lower the standard for... [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 5:51pm EST
  

• Compare and Contrast

  David Brooks: I think it is a suicide pact for the Republican Party, essentially taking a moderate Republican, dead-center in American politics, and saying, sorry, you are too liberal. That's crazy. George Will: Newt [Gingrich] was just tone deaf as... [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 12:20pm EST
  

• The Spin Cycle: It's a wonder the washing machine isn't walking out the door!

  Many news sources have gotten it right. Politico writes that "Dems and Incumbents get a wake up call". The AP writes: "For now, Obama must worry about the impact of the 2009 contests on health care reform, his signature legislative..." [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 9:15am EST
  

• Three Republican Wins East Of The Cascades

  One of them a defeat of an appointed Democrat, Laura Grant. Next year, I think it nearly certain that the Republicans will make further gains in the legislature.  But it is too soon, in my opinion, to even guess at... [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 6:22am EST
  

• Here is Eyman/Fagans statement on I-1033 given at 8 pm tonight

  This is as true now as it was at 8 pm tonight: Whatever happens with Initiative 1033 tonight, Jack, Mike and I want everyone to know how proud we are of all our heroic supporters for getting 1033 before the... [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 10:44pm EST
  

• Bruce Ramsey Misses Election Day

  Now, he says, we just have Ballot-Counting Day. To me, it was important to go to vote.  There was ritual to it, and personal contact.   Always there was a row of poll workers. Mine was a lady well past... [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 2:17pm EST
  

• Service Academies Sing the National Anthem

  How many times have we suffered the likes of some rock star or a crotch grabbing Roseanne Barr slaughter the "Star Spangled Banner" at a sports event? The combined choirs of the service academies demonstrate how the National Anthem should... [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 11:09am EST
  

• Come Celebrate With Susan

  Susan Hutchison will be having an Election Night Celebration this evening at the Bellevue Hyatt. The festivities start off at 6pm. Parking is free.... [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 10:43am EST
  

• Eyman: "Thank you for making Initiative 1033 a success"

  Congratulations -- you did it. Jack, Mike, and I are very proud of all of you for working so hard to get Initiative 1033 before the voters this year. It was a Herculean effort getting 315,000 signatures in just 4... [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 10:03am EST
  

• Dow Constantine & "Jane Doe" vs. The Seattle Times, Part 4

  The Seattle Times was successful today in its intervention in the matter of "Jane Doe" vs. King County. The county has released a copy of the notes between "Jane Doe" and her supervisor with names redacted. By the looks of... [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 5:01pm EST
  

• Prediction Problems

  In this post, I promised I would make my own election predictions — and I will, with one exception.  I am putting my predictions in a separate post because I am unable to make one prediction, and I thought I... [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 2:09pm EST
  

• Why biologists are baffled when coyotes kill people

  You may have heard by now of the tragic death of Canadian singer-songwriter Taylor Mitchell last week, killed by coyotes while solo hiking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia. As is typical after these types of incidents,... [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 12:29pm EST
  

• I-1033 victory celebration at Bellevue Hyatt -- join Eyman and others on election night

  Congratulations -- working together, all of us have helped make the Initiative 1033 campaign a tremendous success. Join us at I-1033's victory celebration at the Bellevue Hyatt (900 Bellevue Way NE) on election night (several other campaigns are going to... [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 8:35am EST
  

• True Colors Fly in NY 23

  In the supposedly solid Republican 23rd Congressional District in upstate New York, there will be a special election November 3, 2009 to fill the seat vacated by Cong. John McHugh who was appointed Secretary of the Army. The Republican district... [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 10:20pm EST
  

• Geithner and Wrongthink

  Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner was on Meet the Press with David Gregory today, and Gregory asked him, regarding the health insurance bills, "there is going to be a heavy burden on the middle-class through health care by taxes going up,..." [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 4:51pm EST