On occasion, when I make a cross-lake journey using Sound Transit’s ST Express, I step upon a bus that’s packed tighter than a can of sardines. Today ended up being one of those days — even though my trip took place before rush hour. My suspicion is that the Blue Angels’ practice had something to […]
Posted inCivil Liberties, Policy Topics
Marriage equality comes to Washington
Alas, the state of Washington has not yet followed in the footsteps of New York by legalizing same-sex marriage. However, marriage equality has come to our state. Yesterday, the Suquamish Tribal Council voted to extend marriage equality to same-sex couples, becoming only the second tribe in the nation to do so. The Suquamish Tribal Council voted […]
Posted inEconomic Security, Policy Topics
U.S. Senate approves debt ceiling “deal”
By a vote of of seventy-four to twenty-six, the U.S. Senate has put its stamp of approval on the Barack Obama/John Boehner debt ceiling “deal”. The roll call from the Pacific Northwest was as follows: Voting Aye: Murray, Cantwell, Wyden, Begich, Baucus, Tester, Risch, Crapo, Murkowski Voting Nay: Merkley As noted above, Jeff Merkley was […]
Posted inPolicy Topics, Technology
Support independent game studios by paying what you want for the fourth Humble Bundle
In our view, the big media conglomerates that own most of the radio stations, television networks, and publishing houses in this country could just as accurately be described as big entertainment conglomerates. They sell and distribute most of the movies, music, games, books, and software that we buy, often under onerous terms and conditions that […]
Posted inEconomic Security, Policy Topics
Right wing economic liberty myths simply don’t square with reality
Part of our work here at the Northwest Progressive Institute is to provide you, our readers, and fellow progressive activists with information that can be used to counter the talking points lies, half-truths, and deception parroted by conservative talk radio hosts, talking heads and political operatives. Here are two cases where the truth is entirely […]
Posted inEconomic Security, Policy Topics
Raw “deal”
As we’ve noted with the passage of the debt ceiling “deal” earlier today in the House, there is plenty not to like. From the capitulation of the other Washington’s Democrats on core beliefs to a lack of revenue, no longer can President Obama and his supporters in Congress claim the mantle of change. And now […]
Posted inEconomic Security, Policy Topics
U.S. House approves debt ceiling “deal”
A phony crisis has been averted at a great cost. The U.S. House of Representatives voted this evening to approve the debt ceiling “deal” endorsed by Barack Obama, John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi. The Senate is expected to follow suit tomorrow. There were two hundred and sixty-nine ayes; the nays numbered one […]
Posted inEconomic Security, Policy Topics
Debt ceiling “deal” is a victory for the Grand Old Party of Extortion
Last night, President Obama took to the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room to announce that he and Republican congressional leaders had reached an understanding on legislation that would raise the debt ceiling in exchange for deep cuts to essential public services provided by the federal government. The White House is trying to frame the […]
Posted inMedia & Culture
Seattle Post-Globe calls it quits
Two and a quarter years after the Seattle Post-Intelligencer ceased print publication, one of the Web startups that emerged in its aftermath is closing down: It’s been an eventful two years – sometimes fun, sometimes a mountain of work, but always worthwhile. And now it’s time for the PostGlobe to say goodbye and thank you. […]
Posted inElections
County Council hopeful Richard Mitchell gaining strength as August 16th approaches
Full Disclosure: I personally support Richard Mitchell’s campaign for county council in my capacity as Second Vice Chair of the King County Democrats. NPI does not endorse or make financial contributions to candidates for elected office. Only a few days remain until King County Elections begins mailing out ballots for the August 16th winnowing election. […]
Posted inUnscheduled Programming
Parents, teachers, students go to court to get Tim Eyman’s I‑1053 overturned
A coalition representing parents, teachers, students, and lawmakers announced this morning that it has filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court asking that Tim Eyman and BP’s Initiative 1053 be fully stricken from the Revised Code of Washington because it is blatantly unconstitutional. Plaintiffs include the League of Education Voters, Washington Education Association, State […]
Posted inMedia & Culture, Policy Topics, World Commmunity
Homegrown Norweigan terrorist is a right wing eliminationist, authorities say
Although fewer than one hundred hours have transpired since the world learned of the horrific terrorist attacks in Oslo and Utøya, we’re already starting to get a clearer portrait of the man who Norwegian authorities say was the mastermind behind the cold-blooded spate of killing and destruction. Anders Behring Breivik, thirty-two, appears to be the […]
Posted inElections
RE: Grassroots missing from this year’s initiatives — What about last year?
Nearly one hundred years ago, progressives succeeded in amending the Constitution of Washington State to provide for three powers of direct democracy: The initiative, the referendum, and the recall. The purpose of establishing these three powers was not to supplant or replace our republican form of government, but rather, to give the people a way […]
Posted inPolicy Topics, World Commmunity
Tragedy in Norway: Explosions, shootings injure or take lives of dozens
Inexplicable, unexpected tragedy has struck again, this time in Norway: Norway suffered dual attacks on Friday when powerful explosions shook the government center here and, shortly after, a gunman stalked youths at an island summer camp for young members of the governing Labor Party. The police arrested a Norwegian in connection with both attacks, which […]