The American people will never knowingly adopt Socialism. But under the name of "liberalism" they will adopt every fragment of the Socialist program, until one day America will be a Socialist nation, without knowing how it happened.

American Socialist

Norman Thomas. 1948

When the Washington Legislature left Olympia last month, it wasn't a minute too soon.

Mega-Democratic majorities in the House and Senate - including all nine Democrats representing the Highline area - increased the current state budget by over $300 million.

Never mind that revenue projections dropped by $420 million and the state faces a projected deficit of $2 billion.

Just re-elect Gov. Chris Gregoire in November, retain the Democrat's lock on the Legislature, and in 2009 they will fix these thorny problems that were neglected in an election-year dodge - with higher taxes.

Beyond the deficit lurk costly schemes to expand government, such as the ill-conceived paid family leave plan of Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, and her proposal for state-paid health insurance for all - neither of which she provided viable plans to fund.

And retiring Rep. Shay Schual-Berke, D-Normandy Park, who last fall proclaimed her commitment to property tax relief, not surprisingly said little about this key issue during the session.

If these trends continue into November, count on this house of cards to be propped up by a state income tax - long desired by many Democrats - accompanied by property tax "relief" that is little more than window dressing.

Responding to my March 26 column, Eric Mathison asked, "if government helps people, who will put the brakes on to keep us off that scary road to government serfdom?

"I have a clear answer-We will."

But as Norman Thomas understood, an invisible line separates the welfare state and increased government intrusion into our lives from socialism.

Unless we put the brakes on now - and return to free market solutions that liberals like Eric distrust - by the time we want to reverse course it will be too late.

Special congratulations are due JoAn Cox, the recent recipient of Burien's 2008 Community Activist of the Year award, and Mick Purdy and Adrian Kelly, owners of Mick Kelly's Irish Pub & Restaurant, who were honored as Business Leaders of the Year.

I never had met or talked to Mrs. Cox, the mother of slain King County Deputy Sheriff Steve Cox, who was killed in the line of duty in December 2006, until shortly before that Christmas.

She called me then to express gratitude for a column I had written paying tribute to her son.

We have spoken on several occasions since, and I have come to know Mrs. Cox as a gracious lady and a determined woman.

Just as former state Rep. Ida Ballasiotes of Mercer Island did following the murder of her daughter by a convicted felon, instead of withdrawing Mrs. Cox channeled her grief into action that will have a long-lasting, positive impact.

A year ago, she lead with determination a petition drive to lobby the King County Council to reinstate the defunct gang unit in the sheriff's office.

Mrs. Cox's efforts were successful. Today the gang unit, which will operate out of the sheriff's office Southwest Precinct in Burien, is getting organized - and will make our cities safer.

Mr. Purdy and Mr. Kelly are stellar examples of local business owners being all that they can be.

Not only is thriving Mick Kelly's one of Highline's best places to eat, drink and relax with friends, in less than five years since its opening this establishment already has given back generously to the community.

Beyond their festive observances of St. Patrick's Day and other special occasions, I know of no other local restaurateurs as committed to sharing their success in Burien and beyond as Mr. Purdy and Mr. Kelly.

Not only have they sponsored several fundraisers and other benefits in response to special needs, last week they announced plans to hold charitable events every three months.

The actions of Mrs. Cox, Mr. Purdy and Mr. Kelly - and many others who join with them - make Burien and all Highline communities better places to live.

The views of Ralph Nichols are his own, and do not necessarily reflect those of Robinson Newspapers. He can be reached at ralphn@robinsonnews.com or 206-388-1857.