The community we want to build: For all practical purposes we live in a society fixated on increasing the economic value of those who are already wealthy by decreasing the economic value of the other humans. The success of the first project requires the completion of the second: the two states are directly proportional to each other....
Posts published in “Issue: July 2019”
Our June issue was about the huge gap between how much money people have to live on, and the developers’ firm belief in expensive housing. We included a photo of the Rants Group’s planned
luxury condos in downtown Olympia.
I came home to Olympia in late May after a trip to Ireland and began to see the Olympia skyline. Yes, the 7-story 123 4th Ave building was still there with its noodle shop, empty retail spaces and rumors of vacancies, but now the 9 story, 138-unit Mistake by the…
The best food is often hidden away in the corners of nondescript strip malls. These types of family-run multi-generational businesses must work hard to stay ahead of corporate outlets. They succeed by connecting with the community and by reflecting the values of their employees and customers, in contrast with bland…
Somewhat quietly, the next generation of wireless technology, 5G (for 5th Generation), is sprouting up in cities around the globe. At this juncture, communities would ideally be given the opportunity to weigh in on these fundamental questions. Do people want this kind of future? What impact will this technology have…
Works in Progress invited the unknown challengers for Olympia City Council races to submit a statement about their positions. Three candidates replied...
This world is not a perfect one, and I haven’t figured out how to silence the voice inside me that demands I do my part. That’s why I am running for Olympia City Council: I’m done being patient.
We need fresh perspectives on the Council, and Matt clearly has a valuable perspective and needed skills to offer. He is definitely worth voters’ serious consideration for Olympia City Council, position 3....
“Developments never die. They just come back in another form.” Andy McMillan In March I received a postcard from the Olympia Parks and Recreation Department announcing its plan to develop the 68.67 acre forested natural area above our neighborhood as a “dedicated mountain bike park.” This is how many Westbrook…
Donald Trump is not simply the worst President in recent history—he is systematically bringing about fascism. For a detailed exposition on this, please see ‘Neo-Fascism in the White House’ in the April 2017 issue of Monthly Review and Trump in the White House: Tragedy and Farce (Monthly Review Press, 2017), both by John Bellamy Foster.
The July 2019 interview on “Glen’s Parallax Perspectives” series. provides information and insights about the growing number of people who do not have reliable places to live. Two savvy guests – Jamie Joy and Tye Gundel – take a fresh look at problems and solutions related to homelessness. (We explain…
I know a recipe for instant community. No, I’m not kidding. It works! First you have a few of your friendly neighbors over to your house from your block and the block next to you. You add laughter and refreshments and chat your way into organizing a block party. If…
On Saturday, June 15, 168 community members came together in downtown Olympia to call for the initiation of the impeachment inquiry process. Olympia Indivisible, Puget Sound Communities4Impeachment, and local members of ByThePeople hosted this event. It was part of a National Day of Action called for by Indivisible, MoveOn, ByThePeople…
This is the first of a regular column on recent activities at the Port of Olympia. Its purpose is to offer information and ask questions about Port operations with the hope that informed public input will help guide the Port to fulfill its mission....
On June 12, farmworkers at King Fuji Ranch in Mattawa began a strike after reaching a tipping point of abuse. The Mattawa workers are here on H-2A visas, which are designed to bring agricultural workers from abroad when an employer expects a shortage of workers domestically. Most of the guest…
A state that deprives some people of equal rights and privileges can not call itself an egalitarian, democratic state. Yet we’re taught that a commitment to equal rights and democracy is exactly what makes the United States “exceptional.” So the dissonance between the practices of exclusion that were defining aspects…
Reflections on community and contemplation: Ever since the attacks of September, 2001, we Americans have been subjected to a relentless barrage of news, analyses, studies, and reports about terrorism. In light of recent terrorist incidents in Europe as well as our homeland, we are tempted to conclude that Islam itself is somehow to blame...
As WIP is going to press, Ziegler and her team are completing the Lacey Food Bank community art project. Concrete is poured and the stencils described below to be incorporated into the sidewalk. Make time for a visit to the bank at 7027 Martin Way in July....
An independent entirely community-created entity: Do you ever “round up” for the Community Sustaining Fund (CSF) when making a purchase at the Olympia Food Co-op (OFC)? The spare change left when you round up to the next whole dollar, instead of jingling in your pocket, adds up to become sustaining fund grants, and an opportunity for social, environmental and economic justice projects....
Don’t Congregate Don’t Elaborate Individuate Just to Placate the State of Quo. Your Boss, Health, Gender, Sex, History Privatize it Individuate it all in the the State of Quo. Go Deep Disappear within It’s all Toxic and the Air is Thin Individuate. It’s the Only Win In the…
Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina… Love letters from the end of the World…. Green Party of South Puget Sound candidate picnic… Bridge Music Project Dance Contest!... Edible weeds… Caught in the Act”…. Community Expo and Street Fair… Bridge Music Project concert on the Isthmus… Paddle to Lummi 2019… GRuB Carnival!...
On June 17, 2019 (as though she knew it was the WIP theme for July) Caitlin Johnston @caitoz tweeted: “Rugged individualism will not save humanity from the crises it faces. We only win this thing as a collective. The trouble is that malignant manipulators hijack our healthy impulse to move…