Tuesday morning news ‘n’ notes

| Gatewood | West Seattle schools | WS miscellaneous

-Looks like the Pathfinder advocates now comprise one of just two groups most loudly protesting the latest version of the school-closure/consolidation plan. This is the only story resembling a thorough article in today’s papers. (Looking in from outside, I’d suggest they focus their arguments on the condition of the Boren building — the complaint about Delridge won’t hold water; for example, what is arguably WS’s most successful elementary school, Lafayette, is right on Cali Ave in the Admiral Junction bizdist, across from a busy supermarket.)

-While the school district dithers over the shutdowns and shifts to save a few $, how much is it going to waste on this fight? (Side note — if you want to spend $ on something related more to body than mind, how about playground improvements? Lafayette has a project going and so does Gatewood, which plans a meeting about its playground-reno project tonight.)

-If this goes through, will our beloved, scenic WS become home to more B-and-B’s? The only one I’ve ever noticed is down by the Fauntleroy ferry dock (and political signs I’ve seen in its windows would keep me, on principle, from ever recommending any visiting relatives stay there, but that’s just me).

-Guess this means I’ll get to see those nice little old precinct workers a few more times.

Eric June 13, 2006 (6:37 am)

I wonder if the Pathfinder parents really just don’t want their children to go to school down on Delridge. This smacks of prejudice (i.e. “I don’t want my children to have to go to school down THERE”). They should be happy the school isn’t being closed altogether.

Eric June 13, 2006 (9:54 am)

(and political signs IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ve seen in its windows would keep me, on principle, from ever recommending any visiting relatives stay there, but thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s just me)”

So you refuse to patronize anyone that does not share the same political beliefs as you? Do you also only shop at stores that are owned by people as the same race as you?

What of the business that don’t choose to express their political leanings? Do you avoid them for fear that you might possibly be supporting some Republicans (or Democrats… I can only assume you are a liberal).

This is exactly the kind of polarization that is wrecking our society. Let’s face it, you and I likely disagree on political issues. We may also agree on quite a few. So, do you pick your friends this way too?

You don’t seem to be too overly political in your blog (which is good, and why I read it). Keep it to the West Seattle goings on, or start your own political blog ala SP, or HA…

Here’s the B&B referenced: Wildwood B&B. Looks quite nice (and reasonable too!). They are a local West Seattle business first and foremost. I say they need to be supported by us regardless of their politics.

The House June 13, 2006 (5:47 pm)

I wouldn’t want my kid to go to Delridge either (I simply dislike public schools). If I had my way, Delridge would be bulldozed and rebuilt to look like 35th.

I doubt you enjoy looking at the run down homes that line Delridge? It has nothing to do with race, it has to do with pride of your community and Delridge lacks that.

Although my kids aren’t in school yet, we’re already making plans to send them to private school.

Peace!

Administrator June 13, 2006 (5:50 pm)

Eric — thanks for your comments. Politics and race aren’t interchangeable in a question such as that. For example, a person’s race cannot affect my life; a person’s race is not something they can choose. But a person’s politics are a result of a choice that person has made, and their political activities and activism can enable government action that can affect my life. So if I believe that those of any particular political view are responsible for things that deeply disturb me, I would be foolish to give my money to a business that is choosing to openly support that view. And if a business chooses to display political signs/symbols, in my view it’s making a statement that it’s so vehement about those views, it hopes to attract customers by displaying them, and doesn’t care if it alienates those who oppose them. As for politics on the blog, it’s certainly not my mission but I will mention them from time to time — this is, after all, just a blog,
currently a noncommercial enterprise, just someplace for me to write about things I’ve noticed or been thinking about, whether people are interested in reading it or not.

The House June 13, 2006 (5:52 pm)

Eric, you crack me up with how upset you got. I too don’t want to get political, but you’re a bit touchy.

Gotta love West Seattle residents….that’s why I live here!

Eric June 13, 2006 (7:42 pm)

Dude, that is so lame! I don’t know why I expect more from Seattle “progressives”. You disagree with me, so screw you. That is basically what you are saying.

Good luck with your blog. Lemming.

Eric June 13, 2006 (7:50 pm)

arg!!!!

I am so bothered by this. I thought you were first and foremost a supporter of local businesses. Now I see how you really are – and probably all of your ilk. Instead of being humans, and West Seattlites first, you make you decisions about people by the beliefs they hold. You claim they can change their beliefs. Is that what you want? a bunch of like minded lemmings. I try not to get too bent on issues of right and left, but it is attitudes like yours that drive me further from the center.

Off I go to write a check to Dave Reichert. I Wouldn’t have before tonight, however, your ignorance has shown me just how important it is.

The House June 14, 2006 (7:38 am)

I’m sorry that you feel like by reading 1 or 2 paragraphs that you feel like you understand how people think. Nice to see that you now think that we’re non-human and non-West Seattlites. You tossed your credibility right out the window there.

I’m not sure what your motivation is to write checks to Rep. Reichert , but if you really want to make an impact in your neighborhood why don’t you write that check to one of the food banks that line your favorite street….Delridge.

West Seattle Blog, thanks for being open and honest. Even if I ever disagree with your thoughts, I’ll let you know but still love the blog!

Education Advocate June 14, 2006 (6:52 pm)

As a parent connected both with Pathfinder (next year) and Graham Hill (this year), I’ve been intensely involved in the school closure conversations. And I agree, the time and money being wasted on the whole process is depressing.

Sorry, comment time is over.