John Barnes

Democrats are Mad because Capitol Press isn't Spinning Their Fiddling

By John Barnes | 02/27/09

Over at The News Tribune's Political Buzz blog, Joe Turner takes aim at House and Senate Democrats for complaining that their pathetically paltry efforts at tackling the $8 billion deficit aren't getting much press. An excerpt: [Speaker] Chopp told us Thursday that next week, he will share with us the timetable for when Democrats will show us what they're doing. At least then, we'll know for how much longer we won't really know what they're... read more »

Hello Kettle, This is Pot Calling

By John Barnes | 01/30/09

The Seattle PI editorializes today that the GOP is "out of touch" because of its 100% opposition in the House of Representatives to Obama's $800 billion plan for throwing money at every special interest imagineable "stimulating" the economy. Elections matter -- and the country voted to give President Barack Obama the job because we're tired of hearing "tax cuts" as the solution to every economic problem. Yet there they go again. Moderates... read more »

State Auditor Finds Sound Transit Misused Public Money

By John Barnes | 01/29/09

The State Auditor's Office released an audit this week showing Sound Transit unlawfully contributed taxpayer money to special interest groups.  This audit was based on research that raised questions about Sound Transit's giving money to Futurewise and Transportation Choices Coalition, both of which engage in lobbying and political advocacy activities.  The Washington State Constitution limits gifting of public funds. ... read more »

The $150 million inauguration?

By John Barnes | 01/18/09

The coronation inauguration of Obama is next week, and some are scoffing at the potential $150 million price tag.  From the AP story, where credit is due for the apt headline "Obama hosting pricey party in a dicey economy": Unemployment is up. The stock market is down. Let's party. The price tag for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration gala is expected to break records, with some estimates reaching as high as $150 million.... read more »

Create Your Own Obama-Style Propaganda Posters

By John Barnes | 01/15/09

Here's a fun site to tinker with:  www.obamicon.me.  In the spirit of the times, I made some posters in commemoration of Washington' s Glorious Triumvirate. read more »

The Speaker Speaketh

By John Barnes | 01/13/09

Interesting remark by House Speaker Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) today.  Talking about the "jobs package" (read: government spending) the Democrats are pushing, Chopp had this to say about the state budget:  "'The budget is not just a financial book of numbers,' he said. 'It is a moral document of our values.'" Republicans talk like that and they're branded theocrats trying to impose their beliefs on others.  Democrats utter those... read more »

Let Them Eat Aplets & Cotlets

By John Barnes | 12/29/08

Some lawmakers are so eager to get their ideas moving they pre-file bills for an upcoming legislative session.  Once in a while, when I need a good laugh, I take a look at the list.  I wasn't disappointed this time. Rep. Mike Armstrong (R-Wenatchee) has introduced a bill to make Aplets & Cotlets the official state candy.  It's no mystery why he introduced this bill:  the yummy confection that makes the perfect... read more »

Who Can I Sue for a Pay Raise?

By John Barnes | 12/29/08

Because I'm probably going to need one to pay the tax hike coming if the Washington Federation of State Employees succeeds in its lawsuit against the governor.  WFSE contends the governor had no legal right to not include their recent agreement in her proposed 2009-11 budget.  The governor's office decided the state could not afford several hundred million dollars in worker pay raises for the coming biennium because of a $5+ billion... read more »

How Shall We Go Away, Master?

By John Barnes | 12/28/08

Apparently President-elect Obama is getting frustrated with the incessant media attention and the hordes of reporters following his every move.  This morning I came across the news story "Obama bristles as the bubble closes in on him."  Which immediately reminded me of this scene from Monty Python's Life of Brian:Life isn't easy when you've been anointed savior of the world. read more »

And Today's Winner of the "Who Gives a @#$%?" Headline Is...

By John Barnes | 12/25/08

Kim Severson of The New York Times.  She uses her finely honed journalistic skills to tackle a question that is no doubt at the forefront of everyone's mind:  "Can the first family change U.S. taste in food?  Of course they can.  To quote Yul Brynner's rendition of the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, "so it is written, so let it be done."  But we might not be there just yet. Although Obama has proposed changes in the nation's... read more »