I intend to oppose this ordinance for two reasons. First, because I believe it is based on a faulty assumption -- that our downtown is unsafe and that passing this ordinance will make it safer. Second, because passing this ordinance tonight is a divisive action when what this community clearly needs from its City Council is strong leadership that brings people together to create the kind of inclusive downtown that is welcoming to all and consistent with the vision of our comprehensive plan.

by Drew Hendricks

The Olympia City Council passed the amendments to the Sidewalk Ordinance Tuesday, Nov. 28, with Councilmember TJ Johnson voting against, and Councilmember Doug Mah absent.

Councilmember Laura Ware tacked on three amendments, setting an expiration for the ordinance on Dec. 15, 2007, pending renewal; allowing an exception for sitting or lying down in doorways between 10 pm and 7 am; and allowing "busking" (street performance) within designated areas, with a permit. Ware also secured a guarantee from the City Council to spend $200,000 to "fill gaps in services" to the homeless and . . .

by Jeff Berryhill

A disturbing, yet illustrative article appeared in the New York Times on Nov. 10 entitled "The Struggle for Iraq; Marines Get the News from an Iraqi Host: Rumsfeld's Out. 'Who's Rumsfeld?'".

The article reveals that soldiers currently serving in Iraq failed to recognize the name Donald Rumsfeld. Published two days following the resignation of the embattled defense secretary, this demonstrates a sad reality all too familiar in my encounters with members of the armed forces. Aside from the knowledge of their immediate commanders, soldiers were generally unaware or unconcerned . . .

by Caitlin Esworthy

In January of 2005, the date of her redeployment to Iraq, Military Police Specialist Suzanne Swift went Absent Without Leave (AWOL). She had endured (in addition to the 'normal' traumas of service) sexual harassment in Kuwait at the hands of her platoon sergeant and subsequent command rape, public humiliation and harassment by her squad leader in Iraq.

by Ali Abunimah

As I watched the images last week of destruction from the Gaza Strip, where an Israeli shelling attack had killed an entire family, as a Palestinian I could understand the feelings of one survivor who said, "I cannot see a day when we will live in peace with them." But I also know there is no other choice.

When Israel was established, its founders said it would be an exemplary, moral state. For many Jews, it seemed like a miraculous redemption after so much suffering and loss in the Nazi Holocaust.

by Norman G. Finkelstein

Even by the grim standards of Gaza, the past five months have been cruel ones.

Some four hundred Palestinians, mostly unarmed civilians, have been killed during Israeli attacks. (Four Israeli soldiers and two civilians have been killed.) Israel has sealed off Gaza from the outside world while the international community has imposed brutal sanctions, ravaging Gaza's already impoverished economy.

by Stephen Zunes

The election of a Democratic majority in the House and Senate is unlikely to result in any serious challenge to the Bush administration's support for Israeli attacks against the civilian populations of its Arab neighbors and the Israeli government's ongoing violations of international humanitarian law.

by Molly Secours

Last week comedian Michael Richards fired a round of angry racial epithets at several young black men heckling him in a comedy club in Los Angeles. One week later, Sean Bell, a 23 year old groom-to-be and his two friends (all black) were gunned down by five plain-clothed New York City police officers who felt compelled to fire over fifty shots total at the three unarmed men who were celebrating Bell's impending marriage.

Thank you for voting for me (you know who you are). You might be wondering why the convential media has reported that 100% of the vote went to Congressman Brian Baird and Michael Messmore. You might be wondering if your vote was counted. In fact your vote was not counted. Washington elections law does not allow it. Specifically, unless a write-in vote total is statistically relevant and could determine the outcome of an election, according to Washington election law, it will not be counted.

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