It’s obvious-bordering-on-trite to point out that the state’s initiative process is not exactly a tool of the regular, everyday citizens. Born out of the 19th century progressives’ ideals, it now … [Read more...]
WEA plays word games, pretends teacher strikes aren’t illegal
Sure, we know there’s still some confusion over what the definition of “is” is. And that “truth isn’t truth,” apparently. So the state teachers union, the WEA, isn’t breaking any records for … [Read more...]
“Hey, have you ever noticed…” Shift ponders liberal contradictions and oddities
Maybe the summer heat is getting to us, but we’ve been staring out into the middle distance and thinking about some stuff. Have you ever noticed… That environmentalists cast a skeptical eye at … [Read more...]
Amaze your friends, look smart at parties: What to watch in Primary 2018
Sure it’s just the prelims, not the main event, but a lot of candidates will be eliminated after Tuesday’s primary election. And we’re just talking about the U.S. Senate race. 29 candidates are … [Read more...]
Progressives against regressive carbon taxes that hit the poor
If you listened to Gov. Jay Inslee, you’d think everybody in Washington enthusiastically backs his environmental agenda. Well, everyone except those pesky legislators, that is, who thwart him at every … [Read more...]
Gun initiative didn’t follow the rules – enough to keep it off the ballot?
Legislators at any level seek clarity. Bills (most of the time) are written with an eye toward removing ambiguity. Lawmakers hate to see their legislative babies shepherded through the process only to … [Read more...]
How Democrats will try to block workers from leaving government unions
The U.S. Supreme Court’s Janus decision is a pretty “big _______ deal,” as Joe Biden might put it (if he liked it). The court decided government employees cannot be forced to support a union as a … [Read more...]
In a week of big stories, don’t overlook Jay Inslee’s huge failure
True, this crazy world never stops spinning, but still – this week was notable. Among many state and national stories packing a wallop: The 4th-ranked House Democrat, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), … [Read more...]
Unions in Washington trying to lock workers into dues, prevent them from leaving – again
To say that leaders of government employee unions are nervously awaiting next week’s Janus ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court isn’t quite accurate. What they’re nervously awaiting is the fallout from … [Read more...]
Council can’t admit it: Jobs tax failed because it was unpopular from the start
Give Kshama Sawant one thing: The Seattle city councilmember and Socialist Alternative leader might be wrong on just about everything, but she shares her wrong-headed opinions with a confident … [Read more...]
With McCleary case finally over, everyone relieved, everyone disappointed
11 years ago, a group of public school parents filed suit over state education funding. Yesterday the state Supreme Court finally ended the McCleary case, as it was known, lifting sanctions against … [Read more...]
Anywhere-but-home is Jay Inslee’s favorite place to be
Jay Inslee is garnering more and more mentions nationally as a potential darkhorse candidate for president in 2020. He gets pegged a “darkhorse” because, despite being a state governor, even many … [Read more...]