by Brendan Funtek

Out of all the grim remnants remaining from the Cold War era, the trade blockade and travel ban imposed on Cuba casts the longest shadow from the US. This shadow's stretch doesn't have to extend far since Cuba is a mere 90 miles from Florida, but it's been the most historically persistent. In fact, when broached on the subject, I've found people often aren't aware there's still an "embargo" and are somewhat aware of the travel ban but confused as to its origin. This makes discussion of Cuba complex.

by Drew Hendricks

On June 6, Intercity Transit's board (known as the IT Authority) took the decision to spend $667,500 to buy closed circuit television cameras to monitor their buses. The system will be purchased from a company called Verint Systems Inc, which is a US intelligence industry contractor.

by Pat Tassoni

As we pass the anniversary of when a dozen Nazis came to demonstrate at the state Capitol building on July 3, 2006 and because the Washington State Patrol by their own insistence provided 'security' for the event with 275 troopers, we have an opportunity to look at the myth of police effectiveness. I'm not going to address the estimated $50,000 wasted in staff time and fencing the grounds to keep hundreds of peaceful protesters from interacting with the nazis, but rather the change in collision statistics as the troopers abandoned their normal patrol activities for that day. . . .

by Marco Rosaire Rossi

When the Democrats were swept into power last November, Americans were hoping they would clean up the havoc waged by the Bush Administration. One of the things on that list was the closing down of the gulag at Guantanamo Bay. An online poll from http://www.about.com showed that almost 60% of those polled wanted the detention center shut down. As of June, the Democrats still haven't done their job -- even though reports are coming in that the situation for the prisoners there is getting worse.

by Rob Whitlock

I went to the Tacoma Convention Center on June 6th to witness the Special Operations West 2007 Weapons Exposition. The marketing exposition showcased the latest in high-tech weapons and the specialized tools of killing, compliance, surveillance and reconnaissance that are available only to elite military forces and law enforcement. But my reason for going was not to get the lowdown on the latest implements and efficiencies in the dealing of death, you see; I oppose killing. I wanted to witness the human side of the weapons marketing equation and to represent all of the people . . .

by Daisy Ouye

The purpose of a free press should be to create a well-informed public. Today so-called "mainstream" journalism has become far removed from that concept. Instead these publications often choose to print sensationally written stories that greedily grab attention however possible, pushing them into tabloid territory.

Cuba caravan celebration and presentation.

Traditions Cafe, Tuesday, July 3rd, 7 p.m.

This is your annual opportunity to learn about Cuba and give aid to an organization dedicated to defying the illegal blockade imposed by the United States. Attendees of the Pastors for Peace caravan headed to Havana will be there to answer any questions you have and explain why they defy the travel ban and deferred licensing process. The event is free and there will be a movie presentation and possible live band. Any amount of donation is accepted and tax-deductible too!