Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny, is an ambitious book, with a title that one might deem grandiose. But the author, Robert Wright, crafts a satisfying, readable tour de force that synthesizes human history, anthropology, game theory, biology, and ethics. The book first explores the evolution of human societies towards larger and more complex social […]
Politics
Report on 41st LD Town Hall with Sen. Wellman, Rep. Senn, and Rep. Thai
The auditorium at Bellevue College was standing-room only on March 23, 2019 for the town hall of the 41st Legislative District lawmakers Sen. Lisa Wellman, Rep. Tana Senn, and Rep. My-Linh Thai. Sen. Wellman is Chair of Early Learning & K-12 Education and sits on Environment, Energy & Technology, Higher Education & Workforce Development, and […]
The non sequitur in Seattle is Dying
The KOMO documentary Seattle is Dying is a powerful and angry film, denouncing the city council and courts for allowing homeless camps, tents, filth, and crime to fester. It depicts the low-functioning homeless who are drug addicted, mentally ill, and/or criminal. It condemns the inability or unwillingness of the police, courts, and city council to […]
Uh-oh, military spending may rise again, and the Democratic leadership is on board
Common Dreams is reporting that the Democrats in Congress appear ready to give into most of Donald Trump’s request for a $750 billion defense budget. From ‘Military Keynesianism is Back!’: Democrats and Trump Agree on Pentagon Increase, Quibble on Details: The Democrats proposed $733 billion budget would give the military most of what it wants […]
The movement to rein in U.S. militarism is gaining momentum
An abundance of progressive legislation is being introduced in the House of Representatives, setting the stage for eventual passage, when the Democrats take back control of the Senate. Thanks to Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Bernie Sanders and years of advocacy by health care activists, single-payer healthcare is coming closer to reality. As of Februrary, 2019 there […]
Puget Sound Energy campaign donations
Puget Sound Energy is planning to lay down new power lines on the Eastside, claiming that the existing infrastructure is too old and too inadequate to deal with the expanded energy needs of the booming population. They call their project Energize Eastside. But community groups oppose the project, saying that new technology such as batteries […]
SJM 8001 and SJM 8002: Two Washington State resolutions proposing to amend the U.S. Constitution
Two Washington State resolutions call for amending the U.S. Constitution: SJM 8001 – 2019-20: Calling on Congress to exercise its authority under Article V of the United States Constitution to regulate money spent on elections. (Sponsors: Hasegawa, Frockt) SJM 8002 – 2019-20: Asking Congress to call a limited convention, authorized under Article V of the […]
To Settle or Not to Settle: the ongoing battle between mainstream and progressive Dems
These first two meme images shared on social media make a similar point: On the other hand, On facebook, I often seem images and posts like these. Some people threaten to unfriend anyone who (1) criticizes or fails to support their favorite candidate , or who (2) criticizes any Democratic candidate. Given the cost of […]
Rep. Adam Smith meets with 30 climate activists at his Renton office
This morning, Rep. Adam Smith (WA, CD-09, D) met at his Renton office with about 30 climate change activists who came to thank him for signing on to support Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal resolution. Rep. Smith said “A durable progressive majority is the best way to get a Green New Deal.” For now, with […]
These WA Legislature bills call for a limited constitutional convention to overturn Citizens United
The Washington State Senate is considering Senate Joint Memorial 8002 (SJM 8002) — Asking Congress to call a limited convention, authorized under Article V of the United States Constitution, for the purpose of proposing a free and fair elections amendment to that Constitution. The companion state house bill is HJM 4004. You can read the […]