Enough with the political ads. Finally some weather news.
I was reminded of my trip to our nation’s capital two years ago this week. At one point on my sojourn, my nose was mere inches away from the most important document in America: The Constitution. In 1787, our founders permanently expressed in ink and sheepskin what had slowly formed in their hearts, minds and action during the 11 very challenging years before.
This four-page document was the legal blueprint and defining principle of our nation — a radical ethos that started with just three very simple words. It wasn’t ‘We the Republicans’ or ‘We the Democrats.’ It wasn’t ‘We the Tea-Party’ or ‘We the Super-PACS’ and especially not ‘We the Millionaires (or their Corporations). It was ‘We the People’.
The Legislature approved marriage for same-sex couples in the last legislative session. Referendum 74 is a vote to approve that decision. The Legislature did the right thing and voters should, too, by approving Referendum 74.
Property taxes are a Halloween trick, definitely not a treat
We’ve waged a war on drugs for decades. Sometimes the battle is worth it. That’s not the case with marijuana. Voters should vote “yes” on Initiative 502 and license and regulate it instead.
Few things are more important than education. Our children’s’ futures – and ours, too – hangs in the balance. So, how do we know that what we’re giving them is the best. Initiative 1240 – charter schools – can help us find out.
When will state lawmakers learn? Four times now, voters have said they want taxes raised only if at least two-thirds of the state House and Senate vote to approve them. Four times now, legislators have ignored the message. As a result, we once again have an initiative – I-1185 – on the ballot to reset that standard. Voters should vote “yes” on I-1185.
We consider Sammamish a safe city full of responsible residents. Still, it’s no surprise that a story in today’s Reporter describes drivers speeding, even in school zones. We’ve all done that after all – most likely from inattention rather than being a conscious scofflaw. The bottom line, of course, that this truly is an unsafe practice.
As election season nears and the tragedy of September 11 is brought back to the forefront of our collective consciousness, there is no better time of the year to examine what makes us Americans.
It appears this country is close to becoming a nation of slackers, moochers and good-for-nothings. It’s all because 47 percent of us don’t pay any income tax. Or so says Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
Most of us have been bullied at some point, whether we endured teasing, name-calling, or even physical aggression. Although the initial sting may go away, the memories of the experience haunt some people for the rest of their lives.
The Washington State Patrol is placing radar and cameras at Snoqualmie Pass to catch people who speed through a construction zone. It’s a good move.
A highly critical report of the King County Sheriff’s Office needs the full attention of the County Council and that should come Monday, Sept. 17, when legislation introduced by councilmembers Bob Ferguson and Julia Patterson will be considered by the full council.
Oh, what has become of common sense? A lot of questionable things happen in this crazy, wacky world, but I was left with a real head scratcher the other day.
It’s 8 a.m. on Labor Day and I am sitting in a train station in Eugene, Ore., waiting to go home. I am barely awake after a friend’s wedding the night before, and an adventurous midnight hike the previous evening.
Last week the Republicans nominated Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan as their candidates for president and vice president. This week, Democrats nominated Barack Obama and Joe Biden as their choices.
This means the race for the White House – and all the other political offices – shifts into high gear. Unfortunately, it also means voters will be bombarded by attack ads and untruths.
A few years ago I was assigned to cover a controversial school board meeting in Renton. The room was packed with angry families, who each took a turn berating the board. Then a teacher from Dimmit Middle School took the podium.
Quick takes on Felix Hernandez, Rep. Todd Akin, Senate candidate Michael Baumgartner and presidential campaigns
The Legislature wants our state parks system to become 100 percent operationally self-sufficient. Our response is that the idea is – where do we start? – “misguided,” “unattainable,” “self-defeating.” OK, let’s just call it what it is – “stupid.”
Parents’ favorite phrase: It’s time for back to school…