Frightening Libertarian Party platform — by the people who now control the GOP

The Koch Brothers basically control the GOP.  And here’s their 1980 Libertarian Party Platform (copied from Bernie Sanders’ webpage).  If this doesn’t scare you, you are sick. Here are just a few excerpts of the Libertarian Party platform that David Koch ran on in 1980: “We urge the repeal of federal campaign finance laws, and…

Why Washington state’s tax system continues to fail our kids

The kids are back in school – and last week the Washington Supreme Court gave the State Legislature an “F” for failing to adequately fund public schools across the state. Meanwhile, a new analysis by Standard & Poor’s concludes that growing income inequality is causing sales tax revenues to fall. According to the highly respected global credit rating firm,…

The two Democratic Parties: corporate Dems versus progressive Dems

On facebook, in comments to articles, and in person I often hear  socialists, anarchists, and independents say things like “The Dems are as bad as the Republicans” and “Trying to fix the Democratic Party is a hopeless task.” Such views represent a gross exaggeration or distortion of the facts, but they contain a kernel of…

All our reps but McDermott voted to fund the Syrian rebels

Reps DelBene, Kilmer, Larsen, Heck and Smith voted Yea on the McKeon Amendment that funds the arming of Syrian rebels. “The amendment would authorize the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to train and equip appropriately vetted elements of the Syrian opposition and other appropriately vetted Syrian groups or individuals.” (source)….

Smaller class sizes help deliver on the promise of a great education

I always think of September as the actual beginning of the year.  School starts, summer vacation is over, and we are all back to work.  As I help out with coaching duties for cross country at Ballard High School, I can feel the enthusiasm that rolls over the athletic field filled with girls playing soccer…