Coal Terminal: A Pit & Pendulum Exercise?

I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened. - Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)
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It's always interesting to see politicians react to proposals. Often they say things that they come to regret, aren't very accurate, are based upon whatever particular biases they may have, or seem popular at the time.
Some are cynical enough to know that citizens aren't paying that much attention, or can be readily influenced by an early dose of propaganda that sounds good.
Of course, the memories of voters is pretty poor at times, which means politicians can often get away with ridiculous statements without much worry about later voting contests.

A disturbing number of today's politicians are also insidiously biased, but avoid divulging their bias by dodging questions or using clever language that avoids answering questions that might clarify their real stand on issues.
That behavior is deceptive and dishonest, but likely as not, not illegal.
Too bad, for a country that was built upon truth and idealism that works for everyone, born or not yet born.
Why not require members of Congress to take the same oath that witnesses in civil & criminal trials must take?
But, I digress....

This opening paragraph could apply to any number of issues, both local and national, but this particular blog focuses upon the so-called coal train terminal proposal for Cherry Point, Whatcom County, Washington.

We are fortunate to have among our community, journalists with both skill & integrity, to help us sort through the myriad ideas, impacts, costs & benefits that will come to play in determining the eventual outcome of the major proposal that is now on the table and awaiting resolution.
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In particular, the journalists I am referring to are seasoned, respected professionals and veterans of their trade;

• Floyd McKay, a WWU Journalism professor & a regular contributor to Crosscut, a regional blog publication focused on issues of regional significance.

• Bob Simmons, a seasoned journalist with a long career in both Seattle & Bellingham, also a regular contributor to Crosscut, a regional blog publication focused on issues of regional significance.

• John Stark, senior reporter of the Bellingham Herald.

All of these individuals are to be commended for their dedication to informing the general public on an issue that is very complicated and with potential seriously impacts to our community and region.

Of course, there are others to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for positively contributing to and informing this dialogue, as well, including RE Sources, CommunityWise, The Cascadia Weekly, the City of Bellingham and others.
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To build may have to be the slow and laborious task of years. To destroy can be the thoughtless act of a single day. - Sir Winston Churchill
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Claims of bias seem rampant, particularly from among those whose ox seems to have been gored. But, hey, that's the way things are supposed to work in America!
Time will tell the outcome of this episode, but isn't it fun to be an actual part of the discussion?
Maybe 'fun' isn't the exact right word, but what's a better one?

Anyway, here's a few thoughts on how this particular issue is now being touted, debated and discussed:
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As early as January 07, 2011, Floyd Mckay alerted us to this issue, with a log entitled 'How great corporate power shadows Gregoire on coal shipments to China' on Crosscut.
Check it out for its historical context and prescience.

One telling phrase was 'There will be debate as to whether a coal port is an opportunity or a long-range sacrifice to short-term jobs.'

Another is; 'It is difficult to see a scenario in which Amtrak could substantially increase its passenger trains north of Seattle at the same time that BNSF a dozen coal trains of a mile or more in length-all on a single track.'

And, a third; 'The nation's railroad infrastructure, one of the worst in the industrial world, has been neglected for decades and now plays a big role in how we create an industrial and energy policy in a time of shifting global economics, climate change and environmental degradation. Our neglect of basic investment in transportation may save us from hasty decisions with repercussions far down the road.'

On March 04, 2011, Bob Simmons posted this article on Crosscut, entitled 'Bellingham: Back to coal with planned shipping terminal?'
This piece is also notable for its perspective, typified by this statement; “This is like a tale of two Bellinghams ....one reaching for a sustainable, clean future, the other clawing its way to the past.”

Back on February 2, 2001, John Stark published this article in the Bellingham Herald.
It's interesting to see what has happened since then, and particularly how the Mayor's position has strengthened and shifted in response to hearing citizens' views.
Earlier reports may also have been made, but these certainly did not do much to raise public awareness, since key politicos and likely supporters were mainly targeted.
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The techniques used for promoting, reporting and questioning the coal terminal proposal are interesting to observe by themselves:
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Politics is like football; if you see daylight, go through the hole. - John F. Kennedy
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Promotion has been largely revealed on a Progressive Disclosure model, first popularized in the 1980's using a presentation technique designed to guide the audience through stages of information. Except, in this case, the audience itself was also controlled, thinking an initial groundswell of commitment might steamroll the idea into reality, bypassing some problematic 'hoops' the promoters would rather not jump through. This scheme seems to have failed, as it should have.

Reporting by the seasoned journalists has been nicely done following the inverted pyramid technique, used frequently in the media. This starts with the six basic questions; who?, what?, when?, where?, why?, how?
Questioning has always been the wild card, as is usually the case with the public. Each citizen is motivated by unique factors, ranging from single logical concerns, to multiple fears, rumor, hearsay, personal bias, influence from others, or just a desire to be heard and participate in the melee.
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“If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.” -Benjamin Franklin
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But, whatever the method employed, the important thing is that all the important information is drawn out into public scrutiny. Only then can a fair analyses be made and reasonable practical decisions made. The process does depend on facts, but not only facts but feelings, interpretations, judgements and politics. It is inherently messy! But, hey, isn't that what our democracy is about?
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It is entirely possible that this coal issue will be resolved to most people's expectations and satisfaction, but don't count on it!
Things could get scary and turn out in a way different than we think. The Pit & the Pendulum comes to mind.

A brief description & synopsis for those interested, courtesy of Wikipedia:
"The Pit and the Pendulum" is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe and first published in 1842 in The Gift: A Christmas and New Year's Present for 1843. The story is about the torments endured by a prisoner of the Spanish Inquisition, though Poe skews historical facts. The narrator of the story describes his experience of being tortured. The story is especially effective at inspiring fear in the reader because of its heavy focus on the senses, such as sound, emphasizing its reality, unlike many of Poe's stories which are aided by the supernatural. The traditional elements established in popular horror tales at the time are followed, but critical reception has been mixed. The tale has been adapted to film several times.

Plot
The story takes place during the Spanish Inquisition. At the beginning of the story an unnamed narrator is brought to trial before various sinister judges. Poe provides no explanation of why he is there or for what he has been arrested. Before him are seven tall white candles on a table, and, as they melt, his hopes of survival also diminish. He is condemned to death and finds himself in a pitch black compartment. At first the prisoner thinks that he is locked in a tomb, but he discovers that he is in a cell. He decides to explore the cell by placing a hem from his robe against a wall so he can count the paces around the room; however, he faints before being able to measure the whole perimeter.
When the prisoner awakens he discovers food and water nearby. He gets back up and tries to measure the prison again, finding that the perimeter measures one hundred steps. While crossing the room he slips on the hem of his robe. He discovers that if he had not tripped he would have walked into a deep pit with water at the bottom in the center of the cell.
After losing consciousness again the narrator discovers that the prison is slightly illuminated and that he is bound to a wooden board by ropes. He looks up in horror to see a painted picture of Father Time on the ceiling; hanging from the figure is a gigantic scythe-like pendulum swinging slowly back and forth. The pendulum is inexorably sliding downwards and will eventually kill him. However the condemned man is able to attract rats to his bonds with meat left for him to eat and they start chewing through the ropes. As the pendulum reaches a point inches above his heart, the prisoner breaks free of the ropes and watches as the pendulum is drawn back to the ceiling.
He then sees that the walls have become red-hot and begun moving inwards, driving him into the center of the room and towards the brink of the pit. As he gazes into the pit, he decides that no fate could be worse than falling into it. It is implied by the text that the narrator fears what he sees at the bottom of the pit, or perhaps is frightened by its depth. The exact cause of his fear is not clearly stated. However, as the narrator moves back from the pit, he sees that the red-hot walls are leaving him with no foothold. As the prisoner begins to fall into the pit, he hears human voices. The walls rush back and an arm catches him. The French Army has taken Toledo and the Inquisition is in the hands of its enemies.
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Let's hope we don't have such a nightmare before the coal terminal issue is resolved.
Maybe this experiment will be more palatable?
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"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." -- Aristotle
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Are Cities Bipolar?

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What is the city but the people? ~ William Shakespeare

In Rome you long for the country; in the country - oh inconstant! - you praise the distant city to the stars. ~ Horace, Satires
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Map of Haarlem, the Netherlands, of around 1550. The city is completely surrounded by a city wall and defensive canal. The square shape was inspired by Jerusalem.
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Wikipedia's definition of 'City' provides interesting details about why & how cities were first formed and what distinguishes them from rural areas.

A few excerpts:
...'In 1995, Kanter argued that successful cities can be identified by three elements: good thinkers (concepts), good makers (competence) or good traders (connections). The interplay of these three elements, Kanter argued, means that good cities are not planned but managed.' ....

....'Modern anti-urban attitudes are to be found in the United States in the form of a planning profession that continues to develop land on a low-density suburban basis, where access to amenities, work and shopping is provided almost exclusively by car rather than by foot or transit..' ...

.... 'However, there is a growing movement in North America called "New Urbanism" that calls for a return to traditional city planning methods where mixed-use zoning allows people to walk from one type of land-use to another. The idea is that housing, shopping, office space, and leisure facilities are all provided within walking distance of each other, thus reducing the demand for road-space and also improving the efficiency and effectiveness of mass transit.' ...

... 'Cities generally have complex systems for sanitation, utilities, land usage, housing, and transportation. The concentration of development greatly facilitates interaction between people and businesses, benefiting both parties in the process. A big city or metropolis usually has associated suburbs and exurbs. Such cities are usually associated with metropolitan areas and urban areas, creating numerous business commuters traveling to urban centers of employment.'

"Cities could persist—as they have for thousands of years—only if their advantages offset the disadvantages" .... two similar attracting advantages known as increasing returns to scale and economies of scale, which are concepts normally associated with firms. Their applications are seen in more basic economic systems as well. ....."one of the oldest reasons why cities were built: military protection". ....'The Neolithic revolution brought agriculture, which made denser human populations possible, thereby supporting city development'.
------------------------Panorama of New York City
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Wikipedia's definition of 'bi-polar' largely has come to mean an illness of the psyche in which mood swings between melancholy and mania occur. But that is a relatively modern term with origins around the 1850"s.

Earlier, the definition of bi-polar was also an adjective with several related meanings, as –having two poles, as the earth; or of, pertaining to, or found at both polar regions; or characterized by opposite extremes, as two conflicting political philosophies.

But, all these definitions seem somehow related, don't you think?

It seems to me that people -including me- often think of cities with two minds; one good and one not so good.
That is normal about many things, but cities do engender such strong feelings that they may have become almost a metaphor for political schizophrenia.
As veritable scapegoats for the ills of society, cities must somehow defend themselves in a more balanced way, by also emphasizing all the good they should and do provide.
That's what this blog is about, at least in my intent, but judge it for yourself.
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I believe it was the 1920 US Census that first showed more people lived in urban areas than rural. At the time, this caused concern among politicians who were afraid city issues & politics might begin to dominate national priorities and policy.
Why, the idea of the ignorant masses imposing their will upon our entire country was downright repugnant to some then in influence. That was the time when the number of House Representatives was limited at a maximum of 435, which was to be reapportioned after each subsequent Census to reflect some sort of delayed and diluted geographical balance.

The persuasive arguments at the time included concerns over the actual size of Congress, which were supposed to limit its ability to effectively legislate, although similar bodies in other counties seem to function every bit as well as ours.
You tell me if this particular 'concern' was legitimate. or simply a ploy to limit or delay the trend toward the spread of a truer democracy.

I believe that argument was largely disingenuously cosmetic, but it cleverly played upon the uninformed trust of some and the concealed desperation of others to become the reality we still are dealing with today. So it is a our system of government that has become something of a parody of its former high-sounding ideals.

The same forces -and reasons- that defined and fixed the individual States representation at two each in the Senate were essentially applied to the House as well, making the historic bi-cameral compromise reached to enable our Constitution to be adopted a shadow of its former intent.
So it is with history; stuff gets changed, whether we notice or not.

But, why should this matter to us now?
Because the anti-urban bias still exists and is hurting our society and economy.
Just look at all the subjects of political rhetoric that pass for 'debate' these days, like 'the city' did this, or neglected to do that, etc.
Of course, not all of this rhetoric pertain to ONLY cities or urban areas, but some of them do.
Yet, the ones that don't apply are often blamed on cities & urban areas anyway.
It's almost like the rural and thinly populated areas are trying to act like the innocent victims of all life's ills!

But, how can this be true? After all, it is primarily the cities that provide most jobs AND markets for the goods & services we need and want.
So, without the cities & population centers, how can we -as a country or as individuals- truly prosper?
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As a recovering politician, having served a serious stint in city government as an elected legislator, I feel somewhat qualified to defend cities and the roles they uniquely provide.
A couple of recent articles in Crosscut came to my attention since they both converge on what are basically city problems.

The first captures an argument made by the former mayor of two Washington cities, that job creation needs to strongly involve cities. That should go without saying, and largely had, before this particular former mayor said it.

The second article chronicles the 6-year tenure of Tacoma's former City Manager, who transitioned from being hailed as a super hero saviour to someone deserving to be fired -a trajectory that seems almost inevitable these days.

To me, these articles are also notable for the issues and political dynamics they tell.
But, I do realize that for those without some experience in office, or those disinterested in observing trends and commonalities among municipalities, they may not hold much more than passing interest.
That is part of the problem our political system suffers -disconnection between citizens and the mechanisms that allow them to gain corrections for the public good.
Making a democracy work well is not an easy task; and it requires an engaged populace.

Fortunately, there are resources that help us understand common problems and those solutions likely o be effective.
One excellent website is maintained by the Association of Washington Cities [AWC] of which the City of Bellingham is a member and benefits from its staff and elected officials taking its training.
The National League of Cities [NLC} is another valuable resource with a broader charter and perspective.

These sources of information are available for public use, and can serve as valuable learning aids for anyone- candidates included.
As a short example, here is the agenda and session materials for the latest AWC conference, showing a range of current topics involving cities.

Think that could be valuable?

So, there is good news and bad news from this; the good is we don't have to always rediscover the wheel; the bad is we have to actually study and use the information available.

I must conclude that cities probably are, or can become, bipolar, because they reflect the problems, triumphs, hopes, fears of people, and the inevitable clashes of opinions, aspirations, facts and law.
In fact, maybe the term multi-polar may be more descriptive, because it is rare when only two clear choices are the only ones available.
No, Cities are not simple or easily managed, because they are made up of people -many different people- who are not simple or easily managed either.
To expect otherwise is misguided, or maybe even just stupid.
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Panorama of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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A great city is not to be confounded with a populous one. - Aristotle

Washington is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm. - John F. Kennedy
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Making Tracks To Where?

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"Make Tracks To Washington's Side Of The Gorge" is the slogan used by the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce on a useful promotional flyer and map of Stevenson, WA.

A recent short vacation outing to the Columbia River Gorge brought me to Skamania County and it's seat at the scenic little town of Stevenson, hard by the well-used [24/7] triple tracks of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, which separate it from the river.

Across those tracks to the south, lies access to the riverfront and its attractions, including a Port of Skamania pier and cruise vessel [stern-paddle steamboats] landing, lodging places, a modest industrial complex, an eatery, and stretches of public parks and launching points for small boaters, fishing and the various wind-surfing arts for which the Gorge is internationally famous.

On the other side of the river, Oregon enjoys its own suite of scenic delights, tourist havens and small business and population centers, again, mostly separated from the river by multiple, main-line railroad tracks, and, again well-used, literally around-the-clock.

The Columbia Gorge provides a natural corridor for commerce, and it has been accepted and welcomed as such for a long time. The inhabitants of the area welcome the jobs and the essentials provided by both water & land-based traffic, despite any inconvenience of access or noise that in-transit commerce carries with it.

But, as a visitor, I was somewhat irritated by having to wait for trains to pass at regular intervals, plus being disturbed at night by startlingly loud train whistles close at hand - and, even across the river [sound travels easily over water]. BTW, earplugs didn't work very well for me.

My displeasure can be easily remedied by not visiting the Gorge again, at least for overnights; and the locals have long since a tolerance for such distractions. The point is, tolerance for frequent train traffic must either developed or tolerated, since in most places it is not all that common.

Out of curiosity, I measured the time it took for one, 120-car [+ 3 engines] train to pass at an estimated speed of 35 to 40 MPH. From crossing arms being lowered, then raised, it took 2 minutes. Of course, the warning whistles took a few minutes longer, approaching and leaving.

Much larger Bellingham shares some commonalities with little Stevenson, including significant tourism, business & residential areas near transportation corridors, and a waterfront that is largely separated from populated areas by railroad tracks. Except, in our case, BNSF has a single track that has a small fraction of the traffic routinely experienced along the Columbia Gorge.

Now, maybe our local Chamber of Commerce wants a slogan similar Skamania's? Something like "Make Tracks To Washington's Side Of Puget Sound & The San Juan Islands"? Think that would work for this area? I don't, but maybe I could be persuaded by cogent arguments that actually make good sense.

The problem is that our local & vocal C of C is mostly about slogans, and little else except the Ski to Sea annual event and begging grants from the same local governments & elected officials they love to criticize. OK, maybe that's unfair and is being changed for the better, but I don't yet see much evidence of it.

Maybe, our CoC could take a lesson from Skamania County and co-locate its office with a [non-profit] Economic Development Council, right down there close to the railroad tracks, where they can enjoy its full benefits -noise, inconvenience and all.
But, you know the Port of Bellingham is already there, and both the Whatcom County Courthouse & Bellingham City Hall aren't that far away either.
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I was pleased to see these two new articles posted today on Crosscut, by Floyd MacKay & Bob Simmons, respectively, which update important developments on the controversial Coal Terminal proposal.
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Anonymity & The Online Disinhibition Effect

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The practice and proliferation of so many 'anonymous' comments and postings on the Internet has become so annoying that it's now a pet peeve of mine.
And, I suspect that a growing number of others have come to feel similarly.

This article pretty much sums up my views on anonymity on the Internet.

One reference within the above article directs to this site which is also helpful in understanding what's going on with all the anonymity being practiced, particularly on the Internet.

Respecting privacy is certainly desirable, but I wonder if that is really what is going on in many instances. There are definitely situations where anonymity has been useful, like in exposing wrongdoing in government, institutions or elsewhere. Watergate comes to mind as a clear example.
But many other instances -maybe most- involve pettiness, meanness or just deliberate mischief making. None of those need to be forced upon us, at least not on the Internet commons.

Different media outlets have differing policies on anonymity, with some prohibiting it and others severely restricting it because it gets in the way of a civilized exchange of ideas or opinions.
Others seem to be blissfully unaware of any problem, or glad to encourage such conduct in the interest of attracting invisible verbal fistfights.
And, of course one is never required to read or believe anything anonymous anyway. Its a matter of choice But people are tempted to use it as nasty gossip which can do serious damage to others, often unfairly or even maliciously.

Point is, the Internet is an open forum that is available to practically anyone these days. That much is good. But, it's also potentially bad, too.
Without unduly restricting Internet use, ISPs and various websites and chat rooms could fairly easily institute simple restrictions by requiring limits on anonymity. Of course, everyone won't like that, but I think most people will support the idea in the interest of common good.
Then too, all those 'anonymouses' out there are creative enough they can always find alternate ways of expressing themselves.

Honestly, the idea of so many calling themselves 'anonymous' is ridiculous, don't you think?
By now it must have become the most common name in history! I wonder how long it will take to have someone actually given that name.

Close cousins of 'anonymous' are the legions of clever pseudonyms that talk to each other -and themselves- regularly.
You've probably noticed that a few of these characters like to dominate comment columns with multiple postings within a short time.
It's like their need to vent or be heard on a subject overwhelms their better judgement. You think such folks probably just need to 'get a life'? But, what if that IS their life? Get a better one!

Some time ago, I chanced upon a clever website written by Mike Reed that describes a whole range of Internet persona he calls 'Flame Warriors'.
Check that out here for laughs.
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Climatology: Natural Science or Political Science?

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Think politics doesn't affect what information is accepted as true? Read this article.

As if we weren't confused enough, now this revelation. Or, this one. Or, maybe this one?
All three of these citations report the likely impact of switching from burning high-sulfur to low-sulfur coal.

It seems -according to scientists [but what do they know?]- that sulfur dioxide actually shields our atmosphere and reflects more of the sun's energy back into space, thereby somewhat masking our global warming -uh, excuse me- climate change.
So, producing more acid rain from dissolved SO2 prevents our noticing that average global temperatures are rising. Imagine that!

But, maybe those choosing to question whether global warming exists, or that we as humans have been responsible for part of it, won't believe that either? It's a free country, so pick your poison, and while you're at it feel free to choose what you believe -like a faith or religion.

Point is, if only 'politically correct' things are accepted as truth, how can that be used as a solid basis for our national policy and practices?
Mustn't we also verify alternate views from those science suggests? As Reagan said, 'trust but verify'.

Hey, I like diversity and believe it to be both a principle and product of our system of government, but at some point common agreement is necessary to advance the common good.

So, without my further editorial comment, here are several random quotes from various people through time that seem to have bearing on our current 'debate' over climatology and the projections of what effects mankind has -and is- contributing.

Read 'em and weep - or don't.
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Learned Institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people. They throw that light over the public mind which is the best security against crafty and dangerous encroachments on the public liberty. - James Madison

The struggle to save the global environment is in one way much more difficult than the struggle to vanquish Hitler, for this time the war is with ourselves. We are the enemy, just as we have only ourselves as allies. ~Al Gore

"Facts are stupid things." ~ Ronald Reagan

For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled. ~Richard P. Feynman

"Carbon dioxide is portrayed as harmful. But there isn't even one study that can be produced that shows that carbon dioxide is a harmful gas.'' ~ Rep. Michelle Bachmann

We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive. ~Albert Einstein

To waste, to destroy our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them amplified and developed. ~Theodore Roosevelt, seventh annual message, 3 December 1907

To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance. ~Buddha

We cannot command Nature except by obeying her. ~Sir Francis Bacon

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~Chief Seattle, 1855

As we watch the sun go down, evening after evening, through the smog across the poisoned waters of our native earth, we must ask ourselves seriously whether we really wish some future universal historian on another planet to say about us: "With all their genius and with all their skill, they ran out of foresight and air and food and water and ideas," or, "They went on playing politics until their world collapsed around them." ~U Thant, speech, 1970

Man has lost the capacity to foresee and to forestall. He will end by destroying the earth. ~Albert Schweitzer, quoted in James Brabazon, Albert Schweitzer

Remember when atmospheric contaminants were romantically called stardust? ~Lane Olinghouse

The universe is not required to be in perfect harmony with human ambition. ~Carl Sagan

One of the first laws against air pollution came in 1300 when King Edward I decreed the death penalty for burning of coal. At least one execution for that offense is recorded. But economics triumphed over health considerations, and air pollution became an appalling problem in England. ~Glenn T. Seaborg, Atomic Energy Commission chairman, speech, Argonne National Laboratory, 1969

The victory of Christianity over paganism was the greatest psychic revolution in the history of our culture. By destroying pagan animism, Christianity made it possible to exploit nature in a mood of indifference to the feelings of natural objects. ~Lynn I. White, Jr., Science, 10 March 1967

When some high-sounding institute states that a compound is harmless or a process free of risk, it is wise to know whence the institute or the scientists who work there obtain their financial support. ~Lancet, editorial on the "medical-industrial complex," 1973

You go into a community and they will vote 80 percent to 20 percent in favor of a tougher Clean Air Act, but if you ask them to devote 20 minutes a year to having their car emissions inspected, they will vote 80 to 20 against it. We are a long way in this country from taking individual responsibility for the environmental problem. ~William D. Ruckelshaus, former EPA administrator, New York Times, 30 November 1988

In an underdeveloped country, don't drink the water; in a developed country, don't breathe the air. ~Changing Times magazine

"Never mistake activity for achievement." -John Wooden

Denial is a form of cowardice which is afraid to face up to the realities of life. -G Edwin Osborn

This is a beautiful planet and not at all fragile. Earth can withstand significant volcanic eruptions, tectonic cataclysms, and ice ages. But this canny, intelligent, prolific, and extremely self-centered human creature had proven himself capable of more destruction of life than Mother Nature herself.... We've got to be stopped. ~Michael L. Fischer, Harper's, July 1990

We shall continue to have a worsening ecologic crisis until we reject the Christian axiom that nature has no reason for existence save to serve man. ~Lynn White, Jr., "The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis," 1967

Do The Wealthy Serve Us?

Christianne Amanpour’s guest mentioned Benjamin Franklin wrote that he wouldn’t mind being preserved in a “vat of Madeira wine” in order to see if the Constitution held up 200 years later. Amanpour responded, “he was amazingly perspicacious when this Constitution was signed.”

Honour sinks where commerce long prevails. - Oliver Goldsmith
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I've seen a few episodes of the latest PBS Masterpiece series called 'Downton Abbey'. It's a story about the lives of a fabulously wealthy family in Victorian England and their staff of domestic servants. Probably a reasonable depiction of how the 'upper class' lived, but it seems more like a fable from the distant past. But, maybe there are those living today who would like to emulate that past and have themselves as the subject of some future series? Looks like it to me anyway.
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This CBS News report identifies Congress as a Millionaire's club.
Is this OK?
If not, what do we do about it?

Not only do the wealthy tend to see their wealth as a deserved privilege, but they sometimes go to great lengths to deny it, rationalize it, flaunt it, connive to obtain it, and even lie about it. Not all wealthy people do this, but a lot of them do -enough to make you wonder if they aren't living in some kind of parallel universe apart from the rest of us.

But wealth can be a relative thing, too. I am much better off than millions of people, some of whom struggle daily to even feed themselves. And, I don't feel particularly guilty about the luxury I enjoy, even though early biblical training may have had something harsh and unyielding to say about not freely sharing with those less fortunate. Easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to do what? Fact is, there has always been inequity among people, and in earlier times the disparity was probably greater than it is now.

For example, look at our founding fathers; weren't they better off than most of their compatriots? Yet, the sacrifice that these relatively well-educated and prosperous founders were, they put everything they had on the line to espouse freedom -for all, not just themselves! Think they may have figured out that a rising tide might lift not only their boats, but every other citizen's?
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Nowadays, many Americans seem downright schizophrenic about wealth. Maybe that's just a sign of the discontinuities between greed, the legitimate desire to get ahead in life, and basic jealousy? Let's face it we live in a material world, and the quest for wealth and ownership of lots of stuff is reinforced by our lifestyles and media every day. All you need to observe this is an occasional peek at a TV game show, or the ads that play to desires for a life of ease, luxury and dissipation.

Then, there are the super rich and famous movie & TV stars, sports heroes, entrepreneurs of all stripes, plus drug dealers and other swindlers & crooks who have managed to amass large fortunes which they take as evidence of their personal worth. And, don't forget those with good old inherited wealth, many through no effort of their own, except maybe choosing the right parents, spouses or significant others at some point in their past.

All of these folk types somehow get held up as successful examples made possible by 'the American Way'. And who can argue with that? Well, these conditions do exist outside of the US too, you know. They occur because of power struggles, crime, good fortune, great ambition and, sometimes even good will.

Titans of industry, from the 'robber barons' of 100 years ago, to the kings of industry, begotten by wars, technology advances, creative opportunity and sometimes plain luck all make interesting studies. There are blue-bloods, dark villains, white knights and Horatio Alger characters, plus some folks who just worked very hard and saved what they earned, to choose from.

Today's Billionaires were yesterday's Millionaires, but who cares that some folks can never have enough? Even great philanthropic gestures like endowments to medical research, educational institutions, charities & other worthwhile public facilities do not necessarily earn the respect they may deserve, particularly after the benevolent benefactors become history.
Look at Bill Gates & Warren Buffett for example; even their announcements that most of their great wealth will be left to charity and good works isn't enough to satisfy some detractors, who choose to hold their wealth against them!
Definitely, Bellingham has some folks with an attitude about those having wealth, although possibly they may exempt themselves from such criticism.

Point is, I don't think wealth, per se, is evil; in fact wealth has the potential to do great good, as it has over time.
For example, what do you think it takes to have a capitalist system? Wealth, of course, plus to ability to invest it toward some purpose. Like maybe, jobs? Services? Products that are useful and even essential? Education? Charity? Taxes paid to Govt to provide pubic services? Those are some of the good things that money can help provide.
But, of course, money can also be used for not so good purposes, and we must find a way to discourage and sometimes punish that.
-----
Looking back to old England, Winston Churchill was born to great privilege, and in reading his biography I was tempted to despise him for his attitudes born of that heritage. But, can you imagine anyone more capable of leading Great Britain during the threats of WWII? I can't.

Through the ages there have been many kings, emperors, and other rulers of great wealth & power. Some were repressive, ruthless and evil, but others were great benefactors of their people. So, that tells me that wealth is not necessarily bad, although it's ability to control power makes it an object to be feared and reckoned with.

George Washington was a wealthy man in his day, but look what he did for our country! So were Jefferson, Madison and some other founders quite wealthy and also essential to the formation of our nation.
Since then, many of our Presidents have come from great wealth; Teddy & Franklin Roosevelt come immediately to mind, as does John F Kennedy. All served our nation honorably and with distinction, as did others as well.

You know, legislating, administering, enforcing and acting in the public interest does take a lot of time and energy that most of us do not have, or even want to do. So, why not let the wealthy take care of that for us? After all, they've got the time, resources, contacts, skills and habits necessary for these tasks. Sounds like a plan to me, as long as we have reasonable assurance they won't tilt the scales too much for their own benefit. Just make sure we get honest folks in there to do our bidding, without having to vote, inform ourselves, or otherwise get involved at all. That way, we can fully enjoy our leisure, get on with what we have to do and just leave the rest to 'staff' - like the good folks in Downton Abbey. Right!

So, it really should be no surprise that our Federal Government continues to attract people of wealth; that in itself is not all bad. But, the potential for badness being evidenced is still there, and wealth can readily translate into customs, perspectives and attitudes that may not fairly represent all citizens -particularly those without wealth. People of privilege sometimes get the big head, thinking they're somehow more important than others and throw their weight around. That conduct is irritating at best and all kinds of trouble at worst!
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Laws made by common consent must not be trampled on by individuals. - George Washington
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For example, look at this piece by Timothy Egan about Michele Bachmann. What does it say about her attitudes on privilege, a sense of entitlement, truth telling, respect for her peers & moral philosophy? Don't know about you, but this kind of stuff bothers me! It's not her wealth that makes her act this way, but it certainly helps keep her in the media spotlight -and in office.

Then, there's 'Campaign reform', an oxymoron if I've ever heard one! And, 'Tax Code reform', another one. 'Earmarks'? How about 'Budget debates'? 'Entitlements'? 'Exemptions'? 'Incentives'? It seems most of the issues we face in Washington, DC & elsewhere have a large component involving financing & funding. Hey, that's necessary! Maybe folks who know something about wealth & money feel more at home with all that. But, who else gets to impact fiscal decisions? Lobbyists? Corporations? Political Action Committees? Political Parties? Unions? Exclusive Clubs? What about us?

This whole wealth thing is just getting me exhausted! Of course, the Wealthy serve us, and sometimes very well. But my fear is not that they serve themselves first, but that there is anything left for the rest of us consumers of democracy. After all, that's name of the game in getting wealthy in the first place. Or, so I've heard.
Oh, shoot, this has become a rant. And its happened without a single beer. That's some kind of sign I think -of what I do not know...
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Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. - George Washington

Laws of infernal dynamics:
▪ An object in motion will be moving in the wrong direction.
▪ An object at rest will be in the wrong place.
▪ The energy required to move an object in the correct direction, or put it in the right place, will be more than you wish to expend but not so much as to make the task impossible.

▪ Murphy's Law: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.

▪ John Buckle: You can lead a fish to water but you can't cure its fin rot.

▪ TANSTAAFL: There ain't no such thing as a free lunch.
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Got Qualifications for County Executive?

It has been said that all Government is an evil. It would be more proper to say that the necessity of any Government is a misfortune. This necessity however exists; and the problem to be solved is, not what form of Government is perfect, but which of the forms is least imperfect.
- James Madison, to an unidentified correspondent, 1833
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Have others noticed that three of the four candidates for County Executive required strong encouragement from 'others' to commit to run for this important office, despite the incumbents decision to step aside?
I took note of that, and it is certainly is not unusual in our political system, because running for elected office is not something that comes easily to most people I know. [including yours truly] Of course, some do seem to actually enjoy political campaigns, but don't you have to wonder why, unless their ambition is to be popular and powerful enough to become career politicians?

But one candidate seems to have had sufficient internal encouragement from himself to willingly throw his hat into the ring, knowing the challenges that would certainly bring; first in campaigning and then, the task of actually serving the public in an honest and responsible manner.

Now, why would Tom Anderson be the only one to do that, you might ask? And, it is no surprise that Tom was the only one to declare his candidacy BEFORE the incumbent opted out of the race. [Jack Louws announced his candidacy the same day that incumbent Pete Kremen decided to opt out -coincidence?] That is because he has come to know that Whatcom County has needed better leadership for years, and simply decided to run himself, despite the odds of competing against an entrenched incumbent.

There is a big difference between running for office and actually serving in office!
If I had the choice, I would always pick the person who would serve us the best, never forgetting the public's expectations of trusting their competence, integrity, willingness to listen impartially, and the personal courage to take timely and necessary action.
But, I -and everyone else- don't get to have that happen without going through elections first. There's the rub; an ideal candidate remains just that until they actually garner the votes to be elected. If someone with lesser qualifications, visions and administrative skills gets elected, then we are stuck with our choice. Thing is, we don't want to waste our vote on charlatans, unelectable candidates or career political wannabes if we can do better!
And, in this election we can do no better than elect Tom Anderson.
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So, with that conclusion in mind, here's a short summary of the important traits people have told me they prefer to see in their County Executive, in no particular order of significance:

• Credibility

• Good Listener

• Intelligent

• Sincerely Cares

• Selflessness/Self Effacing

• Leadership [Low Key]

• Thoughtful & Analytical

• Works for Common Interests

• Achiever through True Collaboration

• Puts Money Where Mouth Is

• Confident in Ability to Make A Difference

• Sees Job As Opportunity to Serve & Give Back to His Community
---------------

For comparison, this is a list of what I consider to be Tom's main strengths:

• He has authentic integrity. Can be trusted with managing public fiscal affairs, including budgets & funding methods.

• He is personally intelligent & competent & a registered P.E. [professional engineer].

• He has business experience, both as employee & owner.

• He has an informed grasp of a range of important local issues.

• He has seasoned/local life & administrative experience- both in public & private sector.

• He is independent-minded & innately bi-partisan - as is also required by the County Charter for this office.

• He has good health, energy, enthusiasm & courage.

• He is an excellent communicator.

• He has a pleasing, quiet, low-profile & unassuming manner.

• He is the type of service & family-oriented citizen that every community needs.

Based upon these desirable qualifications & characteristics, plus knowing and observing Tom fairly closely since my own elected public service began in 1999, and recently spending some time talking to him, I have decided to strongly support his candidacy.
-------

I hope other people will give this recommendation serious thought and also decide to support Tom Anderson.
You will be surprised to learn how many people in Whatcom know Tom and respect him a lot!
In my book, that's exactly the type of principled citizen we need to represent us in this important position.

But, remember, enough votes for Tom in the August primary elections will be necessary to ensure his inclusion in the November general election.
It is only after those two required hurdles that we will know whether the best candidate has been elected.
Now, its time to put all candidates to the test!

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In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority. - James Madison

Weathering a Climate of Ignorance

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Too often we... enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought. - John F. Kennedy
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This article caught my attention recently, and seems to have real merit in its suggestions. After all, there should be more ways than one to skin this particular cat.

It is always fascinating -and frustrating- in trying to communicate with folks who have decided that an issue is already settled, or that it can't be settled, or is a matter only of opinion, or -well, you probably get the idea of what I'm talking about. And, if you don't, you just may not be interested, at least, not yet.

From Wikipedia, the following excerpts:

• Climatology (from Greek κλίμα, klima, "region, zone"; and -λογία, -logia) is the study of climate, scientifically defined as weather conditions averaged over a period of time, and is a branch of the atmospheric sciences.

• History: The earliest person to hypothesize the concept of climate change may have been the medieval Chinese scientist Shen Kuo (1031–95). Shen Kuo theorized that climates naturally shifted over an enormous span of time, after observing petrified bamboos found underground near Yanzhou (modern day Yan'an, Shaanxi province), a dry climate area unsuitable for the growth of bamboo.
Early climate researchers include Edmund Halley, who published a map of the trade winds in 1686, after a voyage to the southern hemisphere. Benjamin Franklin, in the 18th century, was the first to map the course of the Gulf Stream for use in sending mail overseas from the United States to Europe. Francis Galton invented the term anticyclone. Helmut Landsberg led to statistical analysis being used in climatology, which led to its evolution into a physical sciences.

Now I know I'm treading on thin ice, whenever TMI happens [too much information]
And, I know that popular sound bytes are often preferred, but sometimes that is just not possible, so I'm wading into this a little deeper;

Remember the distinction about astrology and astronomy? Here's a hint; one is a theory requiring belief without proof, and the other is one of the oldest sciences, which depends upon systematic truths that are proven.

Again, those risky excerpts:

• Astrology is a system of divination founded on the notion that the relative positions of celestial bodies are signs of or—more controversially among astrologers—causes of destiny, personality, human affairs, and natural events. The primary astrological bodies are the sun, moon, and planets; although astrology is commonly characterized as "reading the stars", the stars (other than the sun) actually play a minor role. The main focus is on the placement of the seven planets relative to each other and to the signs of the zodiac, though the system does allow reference to fixed stars, asteroids, comets, and various mathematical points of interest as well. As a craft, astrology is a combination of basic astronomy, numerology, and mysticism. In its modern form, it is a classic example of pseudoscience.

• Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (such as the cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe.
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The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic. - John F. Kennedy
-----------------
It remains amazing to me, in this time of scientific know-how and our dependency upon it every day, that there are still those in denial of 'global warming' by any definition. But there are. And there are corporations and individuals who see this very idea as a threat to their profitability in the future, so much so that they actually pay consultants to question and undermine the actual science that we should consider valuable to us and our descendants! Imagine that if you can.

It might be interesting for folks to see the importance of The Economics and Social Benefits of NOAA Data and Products at this website.

Or, review the NCDC Frequently Asked Questions at this website to see for yourself.

The NOAA National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) is one of the world's premier centers for archiving, processing, and researching climate data. As such, NCDC fields hundreds of questions regarding the data: how it is processed, how it can be accessed, and what it means. If you have a question about NCDC, climate data, or climatology, an answer may reside in our "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs) below. If not, please feel free to contact us. We're adding questions to this site all the time.

• Global Climate Change Questions
• The Greenhouse Effect
• Climate Change Data
• Climate Definitions
• Briefings on Climate Change

If the information found at the above references is still insufficient to convince one that there are newly discovered truths around that we ought to know, accept and act upon, then these words are truly wasted.

It might almost remind of the old Bill Cosby joke, where THE LORD says to Noah, 'How long can you tread water?'
Funny, if not so sad?
-----------------
Even if you aren't convinced Global Warming is real, here are 10 things you could do to fight it, just in case:

1. Recycle & buy minimally packed goods as much as possible

2. Wash cloths in cold or warm water, not hot.

3. Install low-flow shower heads to use less water.

4. Run the dishwasher only when full and don't use heat to dry dishes.

5. Replace standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

6. Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency.

7. Replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones.

8. Walk, bike, carpool or use public transit whenever possible.

9. Adjust your thermostat -lower in winter, higher in summer.

10. Share these simple steps with friends & family and increase awareness!

Notice that -even if global warming doesn't exist- these steps will save you money!
[compliments of EDF [ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND -www.edf.org]
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Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. - John F. Kennedy
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Bachelor's Stew; An Inspiration

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Here are on the evening of Saturday, June 19 -the day before Father's Day and 2 days after my 21st Anniversary to my dear wife who is enjoying a brief vacation in SF.

As sometimes happens in Bellingham, the sun is making its first real appearance just before sundown, below the picturesque clouds.
Hey, we've learned to call that particular 'sunny break', a sunny day!
And, coupled with catching the tail end of Casino Royale and the beginning of Quantum of Solace -both James Bond flicks on TV with Daniel Craig- the atmosphere seems just right to relate a secret, shared by Bachelors everywhere. Maybe Bachelorettes, too?

The secret is Bachelor Stew, a concoction of variable recipe that combines mostly ready-made ingredients, adds a few ad hoc foods that are conveniently at hand and melds the whole into a dish that tastes truly outstanding.

What's even better is that I also concocted a great sangria - containing all kinds of nutritious fruits - to go with my supper.
Want to share my secret? It's up to you:

The stew I prepared tonight consists of the following, combined and heated slowly on stovetop:

1 can Amy's Lentil Soup [organic, from Costco]

1 can Amy's Chile -Medium [also organic from Costco]

3 slices Black Forest Smoked ham - cut into small pieces [ Costco]

1/5 Red Onion [Costco or elsewhere]

Heat & Serve without excessive fanfare -which subtracts from the spontaneous ambiance.

Sangria -made in large pitcher with abundant ice cubes:

1 bottle Old Vine Zinfandel [I like Bogle -Fred Meyers]

1 bottle diet 7-Up

1/2 orange, sliced thin

1/2 apple, sliced thin

several strawberries, sliced thin

several blackberries, sliced

1/2 lime sliced thin & squeezed.

1 small banana, sliced

anything else that comes to mind.

Stir & serve in a fruit jar or other glass.
---------------

These 2 items go very well together!

Enjoy if you dare!
=====================

Its all over, except the shouting, campaigning and voting.

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"A people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power that knowledge gives." - James Madison

---------------------
Promptly at 4:30 PM, the County Auditor closed the Declarations of Candidacy for our local elections, and there were a few surprises.
Now, there will certainly be all kinds of speculation about possible outcomes, despite the fact that no one really knows with absolute certainty.
But, there are degrees of certainty, some higher than others.

For example, those candidates with no opposition will likely win.
Another one is incumbents with name recognition, strong backers and money behind them are often strong favorites who enjoy distinct advantages at voting time -unless of course they have done something so egregiously bad that an unavoidable political 'BO' can be smelled.

It is a shame that the above is true, in several cases. The power of incumbency is strong, but not as strong as sheer apathy - on the part of many citizens and voters, who seem to always prefer that somebody else serves in public office.
Isn't that attitude convenient?
Whenever things don't go according to their expectations, they get to just bitch about it and be cheaply entertained as well.

Politics should not ever be considered as a mere spectator sport; it's a deadly serious business!
If you don't believe that just check out the casualties we experience every day, in terms of deaths, crimes committed, health crises, and all manner of economic sufferings and inequities.
I hate to put a damper on the party -political or otherwise- but addressing this elections situation always has to start at home.
If we can't do that here, where can we, and when?

OK, enough on that rant.
Here's a few personal choices that appeal to me, taking into account my track record for picking election winners isn't much to write home about. It seems I have this little problem of often voting with my heart, and not always with my head, and underdogs don't fare too well generally.
Reckon that's why they're called UNDER-dogs?

Anyway, here goes, for what it's worth:
[Hope no one gets too offended, but a few might. Anyway here's my current picks]
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Port of Bellingham All (Whatcom)
Commissioner District 3 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

Jim Jorgensen [incumbent]

Michael J. Murphy

My gut tells me that its time for another change at the Port, so Murphy's my initial choice.
The last change has worked pretty well with Mike McCauley replacing longtime incumbent Doug Smith.
But Scott Walker is still there, and continues influencing Jorgenson, as well as the new Director, Charlie Sheldon, in the old ways of thinking -not all of which are bad. A better relationship with the City remains a work in progress, and is essential if the Waterfront Redevelopment and improvements to the Airport are to meet public expectations.
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Whatcom County (Whatcom)
Executive Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

Jack Louws

Doug Ericksen

Tom Anderson

David Stalheim

Ah, a real horserace, with, alas, no incumbent! Stalheim's late, surprise entry really intrigues me, and he is likely my first choice, although most may consider him a distinct underdog. He is a consummate professional in the field of Planning - a major hot button in these parts! His ridiculous, contrived ouster as Director of Planning for the County means he was way too knowledgeable on the shenanigans that continue to plague us, financed by the powerful development interests that also have several elected officials under control. I believe him to have all the management tools & experience necessary to responsibly head the County government.

Tom Anderson also has the right tools and motivation to effectively manage this County's affairs competently. His main deficiency is his low profile and lack of a galvanizing organization. If he can attract the votes he deserves, he can affect the outcome of this race, but maybe not win it.

Jack Louws is qualified for this position, by training, experience and heredity. His father was the County's first Executive. Jack is a true fiscal conservative and a Christian in the finest sense of the word. I don't always agree with Jack's positions, but I do respect where he is coming from. And, he would certainly be an improvement over our last County Executive! Louws may be the ultimate favorite in this race.

Doug Erickson is my absolute least favorite candidate in this race! He is a career political opportunist with no track record worth reviewing outside of partisan political circles. If he is elected the County is in deeper trouble than with our latest Executive. If cronyism and political posturing are what you think are needed here, then you are probably going to vote for Erickson. I hope not! He was recently elected as our State Senator after multiple, undistinguished terms as our State Representative in Olympia. That's where he belongs, if anywhere. Sorry to be this negative about DUUG, but he's worked hard to deserve it.
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Council District 1 Position B Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

Tony Larson [incumbent]

Pete Kremen

This was the first big surprise of these elections for me, which was covered yesterday's blog. Larson richly deserves being booted off the Council early, which the only reason I would support Pete for any other elected office. As awful as Pete has been over the past 16 years as County Executive, Larson has shown an utter disregard for issues, established protocols and reasonable respect for the public in general. He is truly a dangerous misfit in elected office. So, Pete wins and marginally improves the County Council's focus and commitment to doing things that are right for the entire populace.
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Council District 2 Position B Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

Sam R. Crawford [incumbent]

Christina Maginnis

Christina is my clear choice, not despite, but because of her underdog status. She is committed to priorities that are essential to the future well-being of Whatcom County, not just things that the growth at all costs people want. Sam, the incumbent, is going for his 4th term, which is generally too long for almost anyone in my view. But, that is especially true for folks like Sam who cleverly cultivate a benign image while brazenly conniving to benefit their cronies. I'm sorry to feel this way, but I have observed Sam at fairly close range for several years ever since he was first elected in the year 2000, and come to the conclusion that he is bad news! Previous blogs have commented on his disingenuous rhetoric, which purports to support mainstream priorities, but really doesn't. That's basically dishonest, and for no other better reason renders him unsuitable for representing the public at large. Sorry Sam, but you should know by now how I -and many others- feel about your insincerity and your poorly hidden private agendas. Begone!
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Council District 3 Position B Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

Barbara Brenner [incumbent]

Alan Black

This is another bit of a surprise, and a welcome one at that. Black is a newcomer underdog to one of the longest serving political dilettantes on the Council. Brenner paints herself as a long suffering champion of the average citizen, but acts more like self-serving gadfly, off her meds, who constantly seeks headlines, attention to herself and befuddling her colleagues and constituents as to her rationale for voting on many, diverse issues. It is clearly way past time for BB Gun to go away and find something else to do, out of the public trough. Of course, if she did, we'd miss the entertainment value of her driving her colleagues -including Pete Kremen- to complete distraction with her antics! I'd give that up in a heartbeat. But, rather than all negatives on BB, Mr Black apparently has some very fine credentials for a job in trusted public service, which I'd personally like to have him demonstrate by being elected. AB over BB here.
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Assessor Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

Keith M. Willnauer [incumbent]

No competition, nuff said. Guess he's doing an OK job.
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Auditor Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

J. Lynne Walker

Debbie Adelstein

Neither candidate is an incumbent, although Adelstein has been an assistant in the office after working for Pete Kremen's office.
J Lynne is my choice, since I've worked with her since she became the Legislative Assistant to the Bellingham City Council in 2004.
Walker is a reliable and dedicated worker who can be trusted with public responsibilities. She deals with the public regularly and is always courteous and discrete, both virtues for a public servant in a high visibility job.
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Sheriff Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

Bill Elfo [incumbent]

Bob Taylor

Steve Harris

Law enforcement is always a priority in government and Sheriff is an important function. Elfo is the incumbent, has legal training and has performed his job capably and professionally for about 3 terms. I know of no improprieties during this time, and am of the opinion that Sheriff's can't often be considered as interchangeable parts. Therefore, I'm inclined to support this incumbent, without questioning the qualifications or fitness for office of the other two candidates.
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Treasurer Nonpartisan office (4-year term

Steven Oliver [incumbent]

Brian Smith

Despite the announced, relatively unknown competition, Oliver's doing an OK job.
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City of Bellingham (Whatcom)
Mayor Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

Kelli Linville

Clayton Petree

Daniel V. Pike [incumbent]

Steve Moore

Now here's an interesting race, with two clear front-runners and two also rans.
Despite my strong support for Pike 4 years ago, this time I favor Linville, based upon her years of unusually productive service in the State Legislature representing the difficult 42nd District in northern Whatcom County. Kelli has much favorable history here and has a woman's light touch, which enables her to bring diverse views together and come up with reasonable resolutions to problems that most folks willingly accept. I like that, and I also like the numerous contacts she has developed on both sides of the political aisle throughout Washington, including our elected Federal officials. These relationships are increasingly important in these days of fiscal difficulty. I believe the Office of Mayor fits her well in this community, and wish her well.

Dan Pike, as a political newbie, has done a very credible job amid really hard budget times, and is to be commended for that. On the other hand, he's made far too many 'commitments' -or what folks thought sounded like commitments- than he has been able to deliver. His management style is forceful and sometimes ego-centric, which can invite opposition at times where it is not needed. The drastic budget cuts made during his administration have been as necessary as they were bold, but understandably have also caused pain. exacerbated somewhat by his sometimes aloof, detached behavior toward City staff. And, he has had some real difficulty in his relations with the City Council. One could chalk these impressions up to political naivete, but that may not be the entire explanation. Pike seems talkative, bright, ambitious and sometimes overly self-serving, all of which can spell trouble for politicians if they are not careful. Should Pike win again, the people will truly have spoken.

Petree has expressed some reasonable perspectives and should be given respect for running for elected office. Wouldn't be surprised if we didn't see him again sometime.

Moore is OK, but a bit of a hothead ideologue. He's been around the COC for years, mainly complaining about government at all levels. So, why does he now want to become part of it? Your guess is as good as mine.
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Council Ward 1 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

Jack Weiss [incumbent]

No competition, nuff said. Jack really cares, and he's doing a really good job!
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Council Ward 3 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

Cathy Lehman

Barry Buchanan [incumbent]

Here's another tough race, in which I'm again favoring the underdog newbie, Cathy Lehman, who's very competent and committed to two essential big issues; Growth Management and Environmental Conservation. Because these issues are so important, complicated and difficult, we need candidates who are willing and able to be advocates for them. New perspectives and ideas are always in demand, and are often evident in younger members of our community. But, Barry's done well in his one term, so if he wins reelection, that's OK too.
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Council Ward 5 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)

Terry Bornemann [incumbent]

No competition, nuff said. Guess he's doing an OK job, though four terms ought to be the limit.
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Council Ward At Large Nonpartisan office (2-year term)

Seth Fleetwood [incumbent]

Larry Farr

Yet another interesting race in which I'm liking the challenger, Farr, who has served the City well in appointed positions, including the former Traffic Commission. Larry has previously run -unsuccessfully- for office, which tells me he's more than a political opportunist. Seth is OK too, but seems now to be mostly biding his time on the City Council after two terms on the more contentious County Council. Of course, his candidacy for Mayor four years ago in a crowded field, may well have helped Dan Pike to victory.
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"The people have the right, the indisputable, unalienable, indeafeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge, I mean the chracter and conduct of their rulers." - John Adams
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Elections: Our Own Local Laugh-in

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With one day remaining to file for office, have you seen the latest filings?

You can decide to laugh or cry over the weird turn of events that now has Pete Kremen running for County Council against Tony Larson!

Then, help us decide what in heck is going on here, please!

More to follow, maybe...
------------------------
1:15 AM June 10:

OK, I couldn't resist a couple of educated guesses about why Pete might have acted as he has so far:

• Could it be that strong competition from Jack Louws may have triggered his 'hypertension'? Pete doesn't like working too hard on anything, much less against credible rivals. Also, Doug Ericksen's entry probably further exacerbated this problem.

• Larson likely irritated him in questioning the wisdom of the Reconveyance scheme; an idea Pete would like to consider his legacy.

• This Council -including Larson- has been a real problem for Pete and the County Administration. Just too many strange, individual agendas motivated by fixed ideas, cronyism, ignorance and arrogance.

• Pete probably could use a few more years under the County's health plan due to his personal health issues, as well as the State's retirement system -which is based on years of service- at least until he reaches the age of 62 to 65.

• County politics is the only 'job' he knows, so it is hard for him to walk away from the public attention and the public dole so suddenly/

You think local politics might have hit a new low here in Whatcom County?
I do.
But that's just my opinion.

As bad a representative as Tony Larson has been -and shows promise to become- it's really hard to stomach Pete in office again, although his presence on this Council may actually help it do its job more competently.

Wouldn't it be fun to be a fly on the wall in certain places?
But, maybe the public, know how to use a fly swatter!

Time will tell I suppose; besides, there's another whole left day to file for office...
--------------------------------

Good Mornin' America, How Are Ya?

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Old Willie Nelson's familiar words occurred to me about 4AM this AM when a [relatively quiet] train tootled its way through the Ham. I wondered briefly if it had a name, like 'The City of New Orleans' or someplace else. Most likely it had no name, like most trains; just efficient, impersonal numbers. That would seem to fit better with the style -or lack of it- of BNSF Railroad, now owned & operated by Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway, in Omaha, NE, or wherever it wants to be.
Hey, how about 'The City of Omaha?

I actually like the kindly, smiling Mr Buffet, who seems to epitomize competency, caring and good business sense. Just the kind of investment steward that is desired, actually preferred, for retirement security and growth. And, at my age, I can't afford too many gambles, at least of the financial type.
But, you know, such things aren't that simple now. Maybe they never were, but certainly not now.

Railroads helped build this nation and secure business opportunities, jobs and critical supplies so necessary for growth.
In return, they were rewarded handsomely, by large land grants, relatively few restrictions and the resulting success that was bound to follow. And that was good, essentially, but maybe not as good as it might have been had the foresight for future needs been built into the equation; like providing reliable, efficient transportation for people along established routes - like, well, in Europe.

Over time, railroads have become more like necessary evils, not very responsive to anything other than their own short term wishes and profitability. That seems evidenced by the current push to create more rail traffic by hauling steam coal from huge deposits in Montana & Wyoming to a suitable export terminal somewhere on the US West Coast.
Where, do you imagine might this facility be located?
Are any of the several major seaports eligible? Strangely, it would seem not! From south to north, San Diego, Los Angeles/Long Beach, San Francisco/Oakland, Portland, Longview, Seattle/Tacoma, Everett all were not selected for this purpose, for various reasons related to ownership of RR rights of way, excessive distance/cost of shipping, lack of space, or simply not wanted by the port in question.
Why do you imagine that might be?
Not to worry, that explanation isn't really necessary, because all those places/ports have been rejected by the erstwhile proponents, in favor of Cherry Point in northern Whatcom County -a place crying out for development?

Some may be crying out in favor of it, but most seem to be shedding real tears at the prospect of the enormous blot envisioned to be created by forcing an undesirable facility, with its attendant invasive side effects, into our community.
I certainly hope this blitzkrieg proposal does not succeed, despite the nice Mr Buffett and all the local political rhetoric that panders to the prospect of 'free' new taxes, plus several dozen new jobs to swell the coffers and clout of a few union bosses.
Does that seem like a fair trade to you?
Is the kindly Mr Buffett likely to care?

Somehow, it all just seems a little too opportunistic to me, what with using all that inherited set of entitlements bestowed by our well-meaning government 150 years or so ago.
And, the timing is also suspect; trying to take advantage of economic hard times; almost reminds of the evil villain tying Miss Lizzie to the tracks...
But, enough of this; why not actually name this/these proposed train/s? After all, they're all part of the same dysfunctional family. Any suggestions? Keep it clean!
How about the City/Cities of [fill in the blank], China?
Sorry, but Willie Nelson might give up singing this song with those lyrics.
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The trip I just completed furnished some interesting information regarding coal companies, trains & terminals, so I'll share some of it:
The two shipping terminals in the Hampton Roads/Norfolk, VA area have been there for quite a while. Sufficient trackage and marshaling areas are already in place to allow loading of large ships -colliers- on the waterfronts of Norfolk and Newport News.
Coal from West Virginia, Kentucky and western Virginia is hauled by C&O and other railway carriers to these facilities in long, unit trains. Dockside loading facilities are enormous, but easily accommodated in a large seaport area like Hampton Roads.

Here's a picture of the Norfolk coal loading facility taken at a distance from a boat. One ship is being loaded in the picture, but more can be handled at one time depending upon stockpile available.

The Newport News facility is several miles away across Hampton Roads, up the James River.

One concern noted is the fact that several empty colliers seem always at anchor off Lynnhaven -just east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel- awaiting their turn to travel via the Thimble Shoals Channel into Hampton Roads. This photo taken from a VA Beach park shows such vessels lying at anchor offshore.


On that day, 10 ships lay at anchor, down from the more usual 20 or so, according to local people. Note that Thimble Shoals Channel is the primary access route to/from Hampton Roads for major vessels; probably about 1000 yards wide and 50 feet deep. It is also used by US Navy vessels, cruise ships and other seafaring vessels.

I wonder what is visualized at Cherry Point regarding the queuing up of vessels awaiting loading? Our local waters do not have the space for many multiple anchorages of very large vessels, although crude oil vessels do anchor near Anacortes and sometimes further north. Channels are also constricted and the danger of spills, ballast dumping, crowding and collisions seem relatively high. Competition from fishing and pleasure craft is another real concern, since the San Juan & Gulf Islands are prime locations sought out by boaters for there beauty and serenity -a not inconsequential reason for the popularity of our area!
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Further west, I had the opportunity to talk with a person from eastern Montana who is very familiar with both the Powder River Basin mining area and railroad operations, in particular the BNSF Railroad.
Coal deposits in Montana are larger than those in Wyoming, and coal mining companies are typically indiscriminate about what they sell or to whom.
They are also typically very secretive about plans and reluctant to spend money for necessary or desirable track improvements. Often, they will front a local sponsor as project advocate to take advantage of local knowledge and shield themselves from direct scrutiny.
Once a new loading facility is built, they will ship whatever product{s} they can sell on an interchangeable basis, despite any stated purposes. It seems established rules allow this type of activity.
The picture painted of coal mining companies is not pretty; they are international opportunists, pure and simple, with no conscience of unintended consequences.
If their immediate goals cannot be readily achieved by a specific proposal, they will shift to another. They also wield powerful lobbying clout which they use often.

The BNSF also operates opportunistically. The potential Mr Buffett saw in acquiring his controlling interest is unused capacity, plus desirable track routes.

The BNSF Railroad route from eastern Montana essentially parallels US Highway #2, which was used to build/maintain it.
The maximum grade railroads can negotiate is about 2%, one third of what highways can design for.
Marias Pass [5575 feet elevation] in Glacier National Park is the highest elevation BNSF crosses along this route. Extra engines are needed routinely for this service.
One can follow this route through a series of towns and crossings, including East & West Glacier MT, Whitefish MT, Libby MT, Bonner's Ferry ID, Sand Point ID, Spokane WA, Wenatchee WA to Everett WA.
From there, BNSF can go north or south, but for the moment prefers north through Bellingham to the proposed terminal at Cherry Point.

You know, just like the Olympic Pipe Line, the BNSF Railroad traverses many communities, all of which will be impacted by higher levels of train traffic. That is a point that should not be lost of us; this is not just about us!
That is why severely limiting the EIS scope is not a good idea; impacts will be felt other places too, but with the big difference that a huge, hungry terminal may be in OUR back yard.
What about the unsuspecting people all along this route who will not be notified that their lives are about to change in ways they don't expect, and can do little to mitigate? You know, little things like waiting 10 to 15 minutes or more at a crossing that used to be no problem.
Annoying and maybe dangerous things will happen all across the Highway #2 corridor, but most won't even know about it until too late to matter. Sorry, but that ain't OK.
Good mornin' America, how are ya? indeed.
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One final comment about those 'Robber Baron' folks who aren't happy with the Mayor of Bellingham and his recent 'come to Jesus' moment; he's finally realized -in the brilliant light of election season- the overwhelming wishes of his constituency!
Those disappointed by this turn of events will need to come up with better arguments than 'we need to wait for the EIS' before expressing opinions.
Get serious!
No competent party ever goes into a negotiation without having a clear idea of what the desired outcome could/should be.
The same is true here, and thank goodness the community has made its voice heard early in this process.
To wait for 'others' to perform the EIS without our clear concerns and desired outcomes is lunacy of the first order.
And, it is stupid and self-serving to suggest otherwise. That's simply imposing some personal will upon the community, which doesn't fit too well with a real democracy.
The Mayor gets credit for hearing the public's concerns; but that was only possible if he actually listened.
Out.
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Coal Terminal: Mayor's Listening Session

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For those interested, here is a summary of the brief remarks I gave earlier at tonight's meeting:

Two broad points pertain, which touch on several of the elements of EIS impact categories listed for reference on the screen.

First, this proposal should NOT be framed as either JOBS or QUALITY OF LIFE.
It is a much more complex decision than that simplistic characterization.

As Ben Franklin actually put it; 'Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.'

[I substituted the words prosperity for safety, and environment for liberty.
But, essentially the same point is made]

Second, SAFETY is the real issue, just like it was 12 years ago, with the Olympic Pipe Line disaster.

Then, people spoke, and government listened, despite the City of Bellingham's lack of specific 'jurisdiction'.
Many necessary changes were effected afterwards -in Federal, State and Local laws and regulations.

Unfortunately, the OPL disaster had to actually happen before concerned citizens were heard.

The Coal Terminal proposal carries with it the distinct possibility -maybe even the probability- that a similar disaster could occur.
That makes this EIS drafting time critical to the prevention of future catastrophes, whether a cataclysmic single event, or a series of cumulatively harmful events, either of which will be impossible to mitigate after-the-fact -like Bhopal.

Aspects of SAFETY which ought to be carefully considered include these:

• SAFETY for humans and wildlife along the rail lines, at crossings and/or near habitats and sensitive areas

• SAFETY of our precious waters from shipping traffic [Note that the 2 coal terminals in Norfolk and Newport News, VA require thousands of acres for marshaling and loading operations, plus deep water anchorages for between 10 and 20 large coal carrying ships.

• SAFETY of investments in both public and private properties near the routes in question

• SAFETY of public expectations in waterfront redevelopment visioning, plans and potential job-producing development

• SAFETY of our shared, global environs from multiple, unnecessary degradations and depletion of natural resources

At a minimum, a comprehensive and careful proposal that addresses these legitimate concerns needs to be submitted by the proponents, outlining those mitigation modifications reasonably required.
Not until this type of proposal is available for additional public review and comment, should any go/no go decision for action be made.

After all, the principles of triple bottom line need to be respected and followed as is reasonably possible.
Trust does require verification!
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Reunion Time

Soon, I will attend the 50th reunion of my college class of 1961 an event I'm looking forward to.
While not a native Virginian, many of my genealogical 'cousins' were, as were several of our nation's founding fathers; Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington among them.
Hmmm, ever wonder what they might think about how we've evolved?
But I digress; maybe that's another blog...

One thing that would likely be pleasing is the quality of education now available at places like the University of Virginia, where I was very fortunate to matriculate with the assistance of a Navy ROTC scholarship.
That school has also reflected the steady, but often difficult progress of history through changes in issues such as diversity, civil rights and sustainable funding.

A few reflections:
At the time I attended, UVA was essentially an all-white men's school of about 5000, with 200 or so women nursing and graduate students who were called 'Guests of Mr Jefferson's University'. Can you believe that?
Also, not many 'people of color' were in evidence.

Although classified as a 'State University', UVA only received about 30% of its funding from the State of Virginia, a situation that has consistently worsened until now, when the % has declined into single digits. [sound familiar?]
UVA was losing out on funding from competition with VA Tech and other schools, so it launched an aggressive -and thankfully successful- campaign to provide a large endowment fund from donors. Now, this endowment -in the billions- ranks very high among public universities; over $120,000 per student.

Hide-bound traditions are something else.
So-called 'Ivy League drop-outs' liked to continue 'traditions' for their own sake, sometimes at the expense of normalcy.
Such artificial standards had the effect of idolizing past myths and perceptions, rather than of establishing more rational and inclusive ideas as the 'raison d'entre' for a college.
While there is some appeal to such tradition, it's past time to 'get real'.
Fortunately, that has occurred.

After 50 years, what really counts for me are these:

• gaining an excellent education
• retaining an appreciation for what it takes for consistently delivering values deserving of higher education
• a sense of honor, truth-based knowledge and fair judgement
• a sense of belonging to alma mater, traditions of excellence and lasting friendships
• an amazing head-start in life, career and citizenship
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This writing, penned in 1903 by James Hay, Jr, pretty much sums it up:

THE HONOR MEN
The University of Virginia writes her highest degree on the souls of her sons.
The parchment page of scholarship -the colored ribbon a society- the jeweled emblem of a fraternity- the orange symbol of athletic prowess- all these, a year hence, will be at the best the mementoes of happy hours- like the withered flower a woman presses between the pages of a book for sentiment's sake.

BUT...
If you live a long, long time, and hold honesty of conscience above honesty of purse;
And, turn aside without ostentation to aid the weak;
And treasure ideals more than raw ambition;
And track no man to his underserved hurt;
And pursue no woman to her tears;
And love the beauty of noble music and mist-veiled mountains and blossoming valley and great monuments-
If you live a long time, and keeping the faith in all these things hour by hour, still see that the sun gilds your path with real gold and that the moon floats in dream silver;

THEN...
Remembering the purple shadows of the lawn, the majesty of the colonnades, and the dream of your youth, you may say in your reverence and thankfulness:
"I have won the honors of Honor. I graduated from Virginia."
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"The Good Old Song" was written in 1893. Sung to the familiar tune of "Auld Lang Syne," it has since served as UVa's unofficial alma mater. Although the words to the song are attributed to the late Edward H. Craighill, Jr., of Lynchburg, Va., Craighill wrote in the October 1922 issue of the University of Virginia Magazine that "no one man should be credited with the authorship" of the first stanza. He said it was a byproduct of a welcoming home of a victorious football team and was the joint production of several students. The cheer "Wah-hoo-wah" was in vogue with the student body and was incorporated into the song.

The song is most frequently heard during home football games as Cavalier fans stand and sway, arm-in-arm, singing "The Good Old Song" after each Virginia score and at the end of the game. The song is also sung at numerous other UVa athletic events and University- related functions.

That good old song of Wah-hoo-wah,
We 'll sing it o 'er and o 'er.
It cheers our hearts and warms our blood
To hear them shout and roar.
We come from Old Virginia,
Where all is bright and gay.
Let's all join hands and give a yell,
For the dear old UVa.
Wah-hoo-wah,
Wah-hoo-wah.
Uni-v, Virginia,
Hoo-rah-ray,
Hoo-rah-ray,
Ray! Ray! U-V-A!
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