by Melissa Roberts

It should come as no shock that the U.S. government has perfected the art of deception while simultaneously criminalizing dissent. The agenda is clear: the U.S. government intends to protect those with wealth and power, and will do so by any means necessary. The past year alone has revealed a campaign which includes: warrantless wiretapping; Presidential "signing statements" contradicting laws passed by Congress; and secretive "declassification" of information with intent to harm high-level dissenters. In short, those in power whose interests revolve around short-term profits . . .

by Melissa Roberts

For twenty-five years, Bread & Roses, a small group of volunteers grounded in the Catholic Worker movement, has provided services to poor and homeless individuals and families in Olympia. Beginning with a shelter for women and children, the group has also provided such services as a soup kitchen, men's shelter, and the Bread & Roses Advocacy Center. This Labor Day season, Thurston County residents can join the second quarter-century of community service by contributing via "Work-a-Day for Bread & Roses" held September 12th. This day, Olympia residents work their . . .

by Melissa Roberts

All nine employees of the Pizza Time franchise in downtown Olympia went on strike February 12th, to protest the restaurant's hostile working environment under new ownership. The situation began on February 8, when workers were surpised with the sudden introduction of a new owner. With the new owner came a litany of arbitrary, discriminatory and unprofessional policies which included firings for unjust cause, racial slurs, health violations and procedures which ensured poor product quality. The new atmosphere has left an indelible mark on the workers---a group responsible for . . .

On the first Friday of each month, residents of the Hospital Hill neighborhood gather at the intersection of Harrison and Perry between 7:30 -- 8:30 am, greeting morning commuters with a simple yet surprisingly powerful message. All are welcome to participate in the monthly vigil , regardless of neighborhood affiliation. Or ... consider organizing your own neighbors. (Photographer unknown/ photo edited by Melissa Roberts)