March 2006

(Editor's Note: Scott Anthony is subbing this week for publisher Jerry Robinson ,who is on vacation.)

Nearing the crossroads of a half-century on the planet, I am amazed.

Up here in the enlightened left corner of the United States, our political landscape is completely opposite from the national scene.

In the nation’s capital, Republicans control the White House, the Congress and the Supreme Court.

Here in the beautiful sky-blue state of Washington, the Democrats rule the Governor’s office, Legislature and our Congressional delegation.

That’s why my conservative colleague, Ralph Nichols, is concerned about election irregularities in King County, but not Ohio or Florida.

And that’s why he rants

Endless rain; bitter cold and dry; rain; unseasonably warm; really cold and dry; a little more rain - you can’t say the winter has been boring!

Coming after an extended warming, the most recent cold spell probably did some damage. That may be largely superficial in the form of freezing premature growth. Actual damage should be less severe than it appears.

In the Lazy Garden, hardy fuchsias took a hit because they’d begun to leaf out during the warm spell. They look pretty sad.

The issue of assisted suicide is back on the agenda in our state. Former Gov. Booth Gardner, who has Parkinson’s disease, intends to promote an initiative in 2008.

I don’t know if giving terminally ill patients the option of suicide makes death easier for them. It could make life less difficult, but deciding could be harder than death itself.

I hesitate to equate this very sensitive issue about human life with that of canine euthanasia.

On March 14, Highline residents will have the opportunity to show support for their community by voting for the Capitol Facilities Improvement Bond.

While we can discuss the pros and cons of passing the school bond proposal, I would like to have those discussing it stay on the issues and not call other people names or disguise the issues.

Mr. Polwarth wrote in your Feb. 22 Times/News that he thinks we should vote yes for the school bonds. He gives some reasons. Then he says we have to vote yes on the levy to reaffirm our support for “freedom.” He lost me on that one.

Mr.

Four years ago, something wonderful happened in the Highline School District. We ended years of negativity and decline and came together in a commitment to rebuild once proud Highline. As a result, construction of nine schools began, several of them already completed.

On March 14 we have an opportunity to continue the momentum toward the future by approving an additional five schools to be built.

Do you, the people of Burien, look at the big picture when you say no to the annexation of North Highline?

Many of us in North Highline, probably most, do all our shopping, eating out, banking and business in Burien.

Who receives the tax revenue? The city of Burien.

This year is considered an off-year election but it's right on for the “European” Democrats in Olympia.

With majorities in both Houses and the Governorship, the era of Big Government will continue like the Energizer bunny. No person should be financially responsible for their health care, education, unemployment, retirement and voting. Olympia will take care of you from cradle to grave.

Wal-mart has been demonized for its success or rather its larger market share over union companies.