The Governor Speaks with Forked Tongue

By Angie Vogt | 06/25/09

It's times like these that I wonder if politicians are deliberately swindling us, or if they are actually as ignorant as their rhetoric implies. Governor Gregoire spent some up-close-and-personal time with President Obama discussing health care reform. The soiree included just the President, Governor Gregoire and three other governors in a spectacle clearly designed to prop up public perception. They hope we actually think that they have... read more »

What's Good Enough for the Public Should Be Good Enough for the Pols

By Angie Vogt | 06/19/09

I love those Netflix commercials where a quiz show host is asking a nervous contestant timed questions. "How much wood could a woodchuck chuck?" The contestant blurts out a nonsensical answer "flapjacks!" Another question quickly follows: "If a rhombus has four sides, what is the inverse of blue?" The answer: "Purple!" And so goes the conversation with healthcare. Even  the Presidential family... read more »

Olympia Robs Peter to....well, Rob Peter

By Angie Vogt | 06/05/09

So, you think the legislature dodged a bullet of voter anger by not raising taxes? Evergreen Freedom Foundation policy Analyst, Brett Davis and Amber Gunn have sorted out some of the details in this Bellinghame Herald article and I am left with one question: Which is worse, cowardice or deceit? While no new taxes were passed for property, sales or business related commerce, the rascals in Olympia have become comfortable with their own unique... read more »

Let's just call it "re-education"

By Angie Vogt | 06/03/09

Intimidation is such an ugly word. The campaign is well underway for Referendum 71, which seeks to repeal the newly recognized rights of same sex partnerships in the state . The ink of the governor's pen has barely had time to dry since the passage of SB 5688, dubbed  the "everything but marriage" law. Referendum 71 supporters expect to wage a battle of  Proposition 8 type proportions here in the Evergreen State. Except... read more »

What They Won't Tell You: American Health Care Offers Superior Care and Better Access

By Angie Vogt | 06/01/09

According to this article in the Tacoma News Tribune, about 300 people showed up for a "Medicare for All" rally in Tacoma, while a rally held in Seattle drew about 1500 people. Representative Adam Smith was there leading the way. Their rhetoric is completely contrary to the reality of health care in America. They demand single payer, government run health care because current costs are out of control (though government mandates and... read more »

I Will if You Will.....

By Angie Vogt | 05/30/09

Tomorrow in Seattle (land of ugly, comfortable shoes and the ten cent plastic bag tax), the liberals are planning a protest demanding universal health care. Red County's newest blogger, Keli Carender has organized a counter-protest, complete with suggestions for slogans and signs. It would be great to get this response across the country like the tea parties. It just dawned on me, though, that we might be able to expose the false promises about... read more »

EFF releases 'Grim Ferry Tales'

By Angie Vogt | 05/28/09

Speaking of transportation woes, the Evergreen Freedom Foundation just released this great publication called "Grim Ferry Tales." Check out King 5's report. read more »

Money, money, everywhere....

By Angie Vogt | 05/28/09

Today, an article in the Seattle Post Globe is reporting that the newly approved transportation budget (SB 5352) includes money for several feasibility studies to be conducted on "high occupancy toll" (HOT) lanes on I-405, among others. Other tolls being "studied" would apply to Highways 167 and 509. Apparently, there's no such thing as budget limitations when it comes to studying new ways to tax the citizens!   read more »

It's Bad When Even Seattle Liberals Dis the WEA!

By Angie Vogt | 05/28/09

It may seem obvious, but research shows that the academic skills, and not the number of certifications that a teacher brings to the classroom, results in higher student performance. In other words, certification programs that the teachers' unions use as a measure for teacher retention and pay, have nothing to do with a teacher's competence in the classroom. It just means they've spent more money and extra time taking classes on diversity... read more »

Legislative Wrap-Up: Education: Plenty of Money, Just No Results

By Angie Vogt | 05/25/09

Nobody can feel good about the prospect of nearly 3,000 pink slips being handed out to teachers and support staff across the state of Washington. The $9 billion budget shortfall faced by the legislature is an opportunity to examine our priorities and to adjust our expectations of the role of government. Education is named as the paramount duty of government in the state constitution, so it would seem that after public safety, our schools would... read more »