Search Results for 'cU'

[Ken]

Some good points AL.

The 21 has severe problems and peak ridership should be one of the stats available for planners from the fare-box. Why it seems to be ignored is anyone’s guess. We will leave that one alone for the moment…

But looking at the entire West Seattle transit issue, it seems some straight forward ideas are also being ignored.

If we follow the concepts developed in larger cities for efficient mass transit, (substituting RR for those less backward cities above or below grade cores) the feeder collector model seems to be way more efficient than the express flyby system.

In Boston for example, buses spider out from subway stations or arc across between the red, green, blue and orange lines.

A realistic RR could have three stations in WS including the ferry dock, if metro were capable of thinking in circles instead of their tunnel and long spokes system designed to move people from the outer burbs into the city and back out again. This would require that all current bus routes (even the White Center/Burien bound) connect with two of the stations, (pick any two), and maximize the frequency of the RR to the tunnel. Dedicated bus lanes through some of the known bottle necks could make this a system that could cut down on cars going to the downtown core, make restaurants in the junction as accessible as those in the international district to business lunch patrons, and put the hurt on Diamond parking and the parking enforcement legions.

The reasons why this basic approach has escaped current metro and city planners can only be left to conspiracy theorist.

[Al]

Interesting links Ken & credmond. Let’s see if I can summarize…

The Transit Now tax that was passed does indeed single out RapidRide. However, the stress is on providing “unique…branding, frequency and quality of service to customers…will result in a significant improvement in the customer’s transit experience, and make the transit system easier to understand and use.” RR in the West Seattle corridor is described as “West Seattle/Downtown Seattle via West Seattle Bridge.” This does not limit RR to the route 54 only – it’s for the entire West Seattle corridor.

Now, as for the other links, it seems to me that Transit Now and RR are focused on REGIONAL transit, not city transite. Metro wants to get people from outlying areas in and out of the city quickly, “…keep pace with regional growth by expanding service.” So the focus on Vashon as a main service point is valid. They are looking to move that region, not the residents of West Seattle.

But they shouldn’t REPLACE an already existing route that functions very well (the regular 54). In fact, RR could very well use the resources to add an additional route through West Seattle or to “fix” the route 21 since Metro’s own site states the Transit Now initiative would “…increase sales tax to keep pace with growth and free up resources to address over crowding…” This is an exemplary problem on the 21 route (High Point, full buses, lack of express service, etc).

One last thing – in spite of Metro’s statements (to me directly) that this is not to be a solution to the viaduct problem, RR certainly seems to be a “solution”, “…when the…viaduct is closed for reconstruction, RapidRide service to West Seattle will maintain reliable access and provide other benefits as well.” Not without dedicated lanes not only in West Seattle, but over the bridge and down 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th, whatever they end up using, in both directions.

RR could be designed better and the funds used smarter.

[JoB]

i am really struck with the sensible analysis parents have given to this question. It depends on the kid, on how far, on how safe, on how well you have prepared them and most of all… on your own comfort level.

My grandkids walk to school… the younger are walked by the older and the older are in middle school and high school. The older have phones. someone is home to notice whether or not they get home. they have been well prepared. And … both families live in “safe” communities.

And every day a grandmother’s heart worries about the sickness that lurks even in safe places. But i also remember that they have to grow up and this is part of growing more independent.

We can’t raise our children in fear and expect them to become fearless adults… so we take calculated risks and pray for the best… for all our children.

[JoB]

corporate greed monkey? well i suppose that’s one way to characterize working on WalMart’s board years ago…while she was supporting a political husband and a daughter.

I like Billary better with the implication that she too will run after interns and lie.

Or, we could call her the screecher after what ken and others say is her voice.

or we could follow the press and label a misty eyed moment when she talked about her ideals as an emotional breakdown.

or we could talk about nepotism ignoring the fact that a politician’s wife certainly gets a political education and that she has used hers to work tirelessly for the Democratic party and has successfully (on her state’s terms) carried out her responsibilities as a senator.

or we could simply comment that she should have gotten bill a puppy sooner and should get him another to occupy him now.

Good grief!

How about we talk about policies and what we hope our candidate will or won’t do once elected?

Or let’s talk about the sex thing. Why is America more comfortable with it’s first viable black candidate than with a woman? (Probably for the same reasons that black men got the vote before women.)That would make a great conversation.

ok, so today i’m feeling a bit frustrated, but i have already stated that i am not in favor of combative politics (i think she should send bill home unless he can find something positive to say)…

and if the only way to support your candidate is to dig for the opponents weaknesses then i think that you have to re-examine why you support your candidate.

i could and have found good things to say about the other two democratic contenders… i just don’t think their good points trump hillary’s good points.

Ken disagrees with me.

That makes for discussion that actually uncovers some of the issues…

as for folding your tents and going home if your candidate isn’t our nominee… that’s one sure way to get a republican elected… and have you looked at their “corporate greed monkey” credentials lately?

Have you checked your house’s current market value? are you sure that you or your spouse are immune from the economic downturn that is headed our way? Do you like where your tax dollars are being spent? Are you in favor of corporate immunity and bailouts? I could go on and on.

Anger, bitterness and disappointment… along with a little graft and fraud… have put us where we are today. If we are stupid enough to fall for it again, we deserve what we get.

Regardless of who is the democratic nominee, it is out best interests to support them fully. And it might be a good idea to start remembering that now before we have blown bridges we can’t repair.

LOL… if we can be this divisive with the quality of candidates we have for nomination… imagine what we would be as republicans;-) no wonder they still feel confident that they can and will win.

[charlabob]

Miranda Taylor (www.taylorgoodhealth.com) She’s amazing (the first acupuncture I ever had, so she also overcome fear). Slightly out of WS, but also http://www.communichi.org for community, sliding scale acupuncture from folks who are extremely kind *and* professional. I’m dealing with chronic pain (see previous post on other forum about the wonderful purple cane) and these two saved me many times! I can’t say too much, so I’ll stop.

[Sue]

My curse continues – whoever I support during the primaries never seems to make it to the end. I knew he’d never win, but it didn’t make me any less hopeful. :(

[Ken]

Well this will make the caucus less interesting. I suspect a deal will emerge since Obama will get a boost on super dooper Tuesday.

Not a rumor it seems, currently live on MSNBC.

[Kayleigh]

The past matters to me, Ken, and I’m not going to change my mind about Hillary. Until she shows me real, progressive plans and ideas that make sense, I won’t vote for her at all, even if she gets the nomination.

I’m so disheartened by the type of thinking here in this thread (and elsewhere in the country in the Democratic party), I’m tempted to not attend the caucus at all. We have a real opportunity to turn the country around with John Edwards–to really make gains in things like health care and income equality. The poor, working,and middle classes have already lost so much in the last decade. It’s time get some of those things back, not to compromise.

The Democrats have given Bush way too much of what he wants and gotten little in return. When are they going to stand up and fight for the people they’re *supposed* to represent?

[Ken]

Jonathan Tasini (author of the above link) was defeated by Hillary Clinton in New York’s Democratic Primary in 06.

The piece seems a bit long on allegation and short on links to supporting documents.

Hillary is my last choice but lets stick to her very real policy problems and current DLC affiliations.

[TammiWS]

I agree, Dr. Ferkel is great. I’ve been going to him for years – great demeanor, very knowlegable about mind/body/nutrition connection…Give him a call…

[Ken]

I read it online and try to give a vendor the dollar to keep the paper and sell it again. But I don’t get downtown very often anymore.

This issue has a story relevant to this thread.

http://www.realchangenews.org/2008/2008_01_23/harasment_v15n05.html

The rich are coming. Hide the poor

Excerpt

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After a shadow of public debate, the mayor will lay down a breathtakingly cruel policy of hounding human beings out of town.

By TIMOTHY HARRIS, Executive Director

How is one to respond when the most beautiful, affluent, and liberal city in America outlaws basic human survival? What are we to feel? What words could measure up to the sadness of this moment?

The Mayor’s staff has described their draft policy on homeless encampments as “consistent and compassionate.” Consistent, perhaps. But compassion requires action that is based upon understanding and empathy.

This is not that.

Seattle has joined the ranks of cities across America whose growing affluence will no longer tolerate the sight of extreme poverty. As urban living attracts those who can pay the price, the visible poor have come under attack in communities from LA to Boston.

Here in Seattle, in the few blocks that abut Pike Place Market, construction cranes mark four developments that will house 505 new condos with an average value of $2 million each. This represents about one-tenth of new downtown condo development.

The rich are coming. Hide the poor.

Until sometime last year, the City of Seattle mostly left homeless encampments alone until complaints forced action. This was as it should be. Last year’s one night homeless count — held in the dead of a cold January night — revealed about 1,600 people surviving on the streets. They slept in doorways and in cars. They rode the night buses. They walked to keep warm. They huddled underneath blankets and inside sleeping bags.

They made do without shelter because the shelters were full.

[Sue]

Ken, I really appreciate the time you spent explaining this further. Although I can’t be there at the caucus this year, I definitely want to be better informed so I can be more involved when and where I can. Thanks so much!

[Ken]

Just to clarify: The regulations on “free markets” were made after the crash of 29, to save capitalist and the corporations they invested in, from themselves. The boom and bust cycles throughout the 19th century and into the 20th, were the result of manipulation of most investors by the few insiders. Every cycle relied on a new crop of investors that could be roped into another “once in a lifetime opportunity”. Note they occurred at approximately generational intervals. Sometimes the unregulated businesses caused ecological disasters. The Dust Bowl of the 20’s could never have happened without wheat speculation during WWI driving investors to lease Midwestern grasslands sight unseen and pay crews to plow up the grass and plant wheat. After two years most of it reverted to it’s normal dry state, the wheat market crashed and the newly exposed dirt took to the winds in storms that brought darkness at mid day as far away as Washington DC.

Deregulation loosed these same actors on the public again and it is foolish to think any corporation will police itself. History can only teach us when it is not ignored.

[JoB]

ken, i would agree with your advice to the candidates… even to my favorite candidate.

As a woman with one of those voices that tends to go all high pitches i would bet that she has already had some coaching tho:)It’s a difficult thing to control. she should reflect on poor Dean whose one outburst and uncontrolled voice cost him any chance at the presidency… for good or bad, who knows.

However, she can control her stance on health care and she should come down on the side of universal health care. I think America is finally ready to talk about that option.

As for corporations, we need to roll back deregulation for sure, but i am not sure how to keep them out of campaigns.

I just read a totally unrelated book about Helga and Clara Estby’s walk across America (Bold Spirit) which mentioned the Bryan/McKinley campaign and that the campaign contributions of just two corporations for McKinley exceeded those of Bryan’s entire campaign($500,00 from JP Morgan and Standard oil.). McKinley won.

Corporate involvement in campaigns is not news and any attempt to keep them out of it has just resulted in the exploitation of loopholes.

As for our current concern with corporate greed, let me quote Wiliam Jennings Bryan’s campaign slogan, “Wall street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the people for the people, by the people but a government of Wall street, for Wall street, and by Wall street.”

This too is nothing new. In reading history it seems that there were only a couple of times when Wall Street seemed to get the need for investment in anything other than making money and that was during the industrial revolution and the period after World War II when it became apparent after our investment in Germany and Japan under the Marshall plan that we had better do some investment of our own here or American Corporations were going to be left in the dust. Both times, investment was crucial to their own self interest… better a little now and a lot later than none now and nothing later. And both times America and Americans prospered.

I feel that concentrating on the injustice of corporate greed (including their involvement in our elections) we are missing the boat that would lead to a realization of the importance of actual production for profit…

just as America missed the boat on health care when they worried about the govt rationing health care when the insurance companies were exceeding anything our government could have done. At least the govt had public opinion to contend with.

We need to find a way to focus on the real conversation which is about actual production… even in service industries which have forgotten they relied on service to create their business.

I believe that Hilary has a grasp of that concept… and that is why i am supporting her. It may be a vain hope, but there you go.

:) In closing, I can’t resist mentioning Bold Spirit again and that these two women walked across America during a time when only one state (Wyoming) actually granted women the right to vote… a little more than a hundred years ago. Something to ponder.

[Anonymous]

Dr. Bailey Ferkel on 35th Ave SW. next to the old West Seattle Herald Building, he is fantastic!! He uses gentle pressure, diet and exercise as methods of healing. He is very gentle, and soft-spoken.

[JanS]

I have been treated by Dr. Weibe, but not recently…I loved his gentle touch. He’s just a really nice person, and very knowledgeable. I’ve also been treated by Linda Minato….she’s really very, very good. Debi worked for a naturopath in West Seattle a number of years ago, when my daughter also worked there. She’s both an RN, and an acupuncturist…and both very, very nice…

[Robindianne]

Thank you JanS! Have you used any of them? I will check to see if they are in my insurance network.

[Ken]

As long as we are weighing in… Let me offer a few opinions.

I am undecided mainly so I can run my caucus meeting fairly. I am pretty up to date on the primary wars on national blogs.

First. a few notes. Hillary worked for Walmart when old Sam Walton was still running things. He was as cut throat as anyone else in the retail business, but at that time, his motto was “buy American” and he made it a goal to stock his stores with American goods. He staved off the closing of many mills in the south by contracting with the for goods more cheaply made in other countries. But Sam died and the worthless spoiled family members started listening to wall street.

The rest is fairly recent history.

Note, Wall street investors tell Costco founders they have no business paying a living wage or keeping prices at a fixed percentage of cost. So far the founders have blown them off and I hope they continue.

Hillary has flaws, but working for walmart ain’t one of them.

Falling for the excuse that it is too late to rein in corporations IS one of those mistakes.

Corporations, at a minimum, need to be isolated from the financing of political campaigns. Corporations have fairly simple goals, some of them mandated by stockholders and some by stockholders lawyers. Profit. The pursuit of profit does not include any actions for the common good beyond what minimum their PR firms tell them they can get away with.

Corporations are also devoid of any limit that the non sociopaths among us would call a conscience. History is “rich” with the results of unregulated corporations, including some pretty recent ones that have fallen down the memory hole at warp speed.

Enron was not the first company to fudge books, ignore laws or rely on political donations to consolidate their monopoly, merely one of the recent ones. Most of the rest were clustered in that doppelganger time period between 1920 and 1929, coincidentally also the last major housing bubble.

If we do not “combat” the corporations in several areas, all the good will and well meaning politicians will have no effect on our current trajectory.

Each of the Dem candidates is deeply flawed in some way. But the Republicans are bull goose loony and cannot wait to get ahold of the accelerator on the highway to feudalism and theocracy.

I prefer anyone but Hillary but I will work for the election of the nominee whoever it is.

If I had advice for the candidates it would be:

John Edwards = Change the damn stump speech before you drive the national press any further insane. They were not in your corner in the first place and now they are taking any opportunity for payback that comes within their grasp. You have the best ideas and policies, but your killing your own messengers.

Hillary = Learn the difference between mandatory insurance and universal health care. Quit pretending they are the same thing. And get some vocal coaching. If I have to listen to that chalkboard screech for four years I will stick knitting needles in my ears. Modern electronics can modulate it easily. I suspect the sound engineer is a republican plant.

Obama = Republicans are not your friends. They are not even you peers. They are not happy with a solution where everybody gets something they want. If no one is left crying, bleeding and broken in a negotiation with a Republican, then it was a failure from their point of view. Also, now that SC is behind you, put God back in your pocket and button the flap. Most southern republicans over 50 don’t even think you have a soul. Democrats mostly care more about whether you can keep Him out of the decision loop when reason and science are needed. Reassure those people. The theocons are not going to vote for you anyway.

[Al]

I went to the Rapid Ride open house. Here’s what they are saying, at least what the gentleman I spoke with said: 1) The proposed RR route will replace the regular 54 route and follow the route as it exists now – using Avalon heading both east and west (no more bridge ride up the hill) 2) There is only ONE stop proposed between Alaska & Morgan Jct at Findlay 3) Apparently, the 54x will remain as is 4) They were ’surprised’ to hear everyone complaining about the 21 route – this route will not even be reviewed by Metro until at least 2010 or 2011 – a travesty in my opinion 5) the curb bulbs will not jut into the street, but take as much space as a parked car so should not interfere with traffic or bicycles 6) bus only lanes are being studied for both directions of Alaska between Fauntleroy and Alaska Jct. 7) the removal of the Viaduct and Spokane St construction will not even be discussed, this is like spraying insecticide into a jar of bugs – he ran away when it was mentioned These people do not understand how bad traffic gets or how mass transit is used/needed by West Seattlites. 9) Connection to the 21 may be lost if the 35th/Avalon stop is not utilized 10) The route could go all the way to Westwood Village – as planned now, it starts at the ferry dock. Get out there and give them feedback now! Metro seems set on this route and from what I understand, it’s not rapid, it reduces service, could make you use more transfers, may not connect with the 21 route, and the funds to be expended on this RR could be better used to expand existing service and routes. credmond, can you please direct me to a link of the tax we voted for? I would not mind adding routes that made sense, but replacing an already existing route with one that makes no sense is not a responsible choice. I don’t think anyone would have voted for that. Improving bus service in general is a whole different ball of wax and something we can agree on.

[JanS]

actually, from a previous comment, I said “Really good acupuncturists…either Linda Minato (206-767-3298) or Debi Hoffman(206-781-3527). Both are located at 4746 44th Ave. SW Suite #203. It’s right across the street from Junction True Value. They are both extremely knowledgeable in their field.”

thought I’d be a little more precise :)

[JanS]

Robindianne…for acupuncture, try Debbie Hoffman or Linda Minato. They are in the junction on 44th right across from True Value Hardware.

For a chiropractor, try Dr. Brian Wiebe. He’s a Fauntleroy Chiropractic…at the foot of SW Oregon, where it meets Fauntleroy, on the east side of the street. He’s also a member of the WS Chamber of Commerce…

[Robindianne]

Hi there. Does anyone have an acupunturist they can recommend here in WS? Or a chiropractor that uses gentle pressure (not spinal adjustment)? Thanks for the help.

[Ken]

repost of info from a main page caucus thread:

---

A note on the process of the Dem caucus.

This week I called the caucus hot line for clarification on the age of participation issue. I remember in 04 there was mention of 17 year olds being able to caucus but it was pretty much a moot point since I could not even get any of the 18 to 25 set to show up at 9 am on a Saturday no matter what kind of game they talked…

But this year we are seeing a serious increase in the youth turnout in many places across the country.

One aspect of the Dem caucus being used exclusively to choose the delegates rather than the state sponsored primary, is that the parties make the rules. The Republicans seem to be following the state primary rules for the caucus since they are using both for delegates.

The Dems are free to accept caucus input and even votes from those who are 17 now but will be 18 on or before the November general election.

Question 5 of the FAQ makes it semi clear that 17 year olds that will be able to register to vote by November, will be able to vote at the caucus.

Who can participate in their caucus? All registered voters and those who will be 18 at the time of the presidential election can vote at their caucus. You can register to vote at the caucus location and vote in the caucus. Others who are not registered can participate but can not vote.

Those I have talked to at the caucus hot line are interpreting the above somewhat ambiguous language to allow 17 year olds (who according to the Sec of State CANNOT register until they are 18) to fully participate in the caucus.

So If you know any one who will be 18 and a precinct resident and otherwise eligible to vote in November, make sure and bring them along to the caucus

Faq page:

http://www.wa-democrats.org/index.php?page=display&id=266

Addenum note: This years caucus starts at ONE PM on Saturday afternoon so even those who might have stayed up a bit too late on Friday can attend. I am pretty sure there will also be FREE COFFEE :)

[flowerpetal]

Thanks Ken. Your diligence and knowledge have been superior. When the Democrats take back the White House you should receive at least an ambassordship appointment… even if it is only to be Ambassador of West Seattle. Thanks again.

[Ken]

Flowerpetal:

I think I detailed the 17year old voting issue on a caucus thread on the main page. I will post it again here in a few just to keep it all together. The question above concerned children/students who are residents of a precinct, but not old enough to vote for a preference or delegates but still might wish to accompany a parent and even speak if time and the chair allows.

You are correct that those who will be 18 on or before the date of the November general election, can , by Dem party rules, fully participate in the caucus.

The language in the documents used to run the caucus were vague enough that I requested a statement from the state party as well as confirming the inflexible nature of the Sec of states requirement for the primary. For example, those who will be 18 on or before Nov GE, can fully participate in the Dem caucus. Only those who are 18 on the date of the primary and registered (15 day advanced I think) can vote in the Primary (which is choosing 1/2 the republican delegates and 0 of the Democratic delegates).

According the the Sec of States office, the Republican party is following the 18 and registered rule for both the primary and the Republican caucus.

I am pretty sure it never occoured to the Republicans that there could be a “youth vote” on their side.