In a time when economic disparities and workplace inequities continue to make headlines, the proposed Workers’ Bill of Rights (WBR) for Tacoma and Olympia stands as a bold step forward for labor reform. This initiative champions essential protections for workers—focusing on fair wages, predictable schedules, and safer workplaces—to ensure that…
Works in Progress
Local bus drivers for Intercity Transit (IT) are in the midst of contract negotiations with the Transit Authority to obtain a living wage. I talked with Reed Ingalls, Adam Shea, Rich Harper and Jeremy Smith, the negotiating team for ATU Local 1765 which represents IT drivers, about the challenges facing…
Have you ever ridden the bus to get you or a loved one from point A to point B? Here in Olympia, our local Intercity bus drivers are unionized through the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 1765. ATU´s contract with the transit agency expired on December 31st, 2024 and the…
When considering the idea of a Workers’ Bill of Rights, know that this is NOT a new idea. 81 years ago, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation during his State of the Union Address and proposed a Second Bill of Rights or Bill of Economic Rights. Roosevelt was acting…
The presidential election of Trump has many of us feeling disheartened about what the next four years will bring. Perhaps many of us are still reeling in denial or apathy–all components of an emotional response to experiencing grief. This is normal. The most important thing to remember though is that…
On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners is set to decide whether to adopt policy language to carry out the state’s UGA swap law. Click here to see highlighted language. The policy language could have a detrimental effect on rural lands. The…
The citizens group working to save an historic 400-year-old oak tree in Tumwater are celebrating this week after receiving a second partial victory in the Washington Court of Appeals. It came a month after another ruling in the tree’s favor by the same court. In the latest ruling, the court…
As the New Year begins, Olympians will have two novel avenues to advocate for protection of their rights to a clean and healthy environment. Standing for Washington will be collecting signatures in Olympia and Tumwater for an initiative to give legal rights to the Budd Inlet Watershed, and Green Amendments…
Green Amendments are a monumental step forward for nature, but they are different from rights of nature in that they focus on the rights of citizens to a healthy thriving environment rather than giving the environment its own right to exist and thrive. Green Amendments tend to focus on the…
I was raised in a society that on 4th of July cheers for the birth of democracy and calls itself the greatest democracy on earth. My father served in WWII and my parents both celebrated the end of fascism in Europe which had threatened their entire generation. In many movies…
In “Defending Democracy against Fascism” in this issue of WIP, I wrote about general trends in the rise of fascism, trends that we must resist. In contrast, this opinion piece is about two specific Congressional battles that will need your attention in the coming months. Designating Nonprofits as Terrorist-Supporting Organizations…
Originally published by PEACEVOICE, peacevoice.info Here comes a new year. We are about to transition from a bumbling elderly president’s administration to a chaotic malignant elderly narcissist’s attempt at autocracy. What could possibly go wrong? But also, what could go right? The US military has some 750 bases in at least 80…
repeal and replace clarity with smog kindness with clenched fists governance with profit margins bridges with barricades empathy with anarchy repeal and replace justice with leverage the earth with scorched shards the constitution with impulse hope with dread repeal and replace democracy with dynasties a free press with soldered muzzles…
Originally published by PEACEVOICE, peacevoice.info In at least three separate elections, Donald J. Trump was portrayed by his supporters and right-wing intellectuals as an ‘anti-war’ candidate. This framing was interesting in that the Trump doctrine as he and those allied with him have articulated over time is one that should…
Originally published by PEACEVOICE, peacevoice.info Call him a misguided hero or villain, but the man who killed the United Healthcare CEO struck a nerve, exposing a deep rage shared by many Americans across the political spectrum — anger at an industry that earns obscene profits from the suffering of others.…
Reconstructed from notes on a lecture given December 16, 2024 sponsored by Palestine Action of South Sound (PASS) In examining Syria today, it is important to begin with the needs, desires, concerns and possibilities of the Syrian people, especially the popular classes, women, and ethnic and religious groups that have…
On December 27, 2024 the Israeli army stormed Kamal Adwan Hospital, setting it on fire, and forcibly removed patients and staff from the hospital. At the time Kamal Adwan was the last remaining major medical facility in north Gaza. Dr Mads Gilbert posted this description of what took place that…
Originally published by PEACEVOICE, peacevoice.info Is Putin conducting genocidal acts on Ukrainians? Looks like Israel is, ironically, attempting some sort of genocide against Gazans, with Hamas trying their version of a genocidal attack against Israel on 7 October 2023. How about China’s aggression against the Uyghurs or Myanmar’s against Rohingyas?…
Housing Instability – A Solutions Forum – Capitol Convention Center, 6005 Tyee Drive SW, Tumwater – January 15, 6:30 to 8:00pm sponsored by The League of Women Voters, NAACP, and Olympia for All : We encourage progressives and socialists to show up at this event and make our voices heard…