Some bureaucratic "trade" publications seem to have lost touch with reality. At least clear thinking by their editors - who exhibit less understanding about responsible government than do editors in the mainstream media - is sorely lacking. Even Ripley's Believe It or Not would be compelled to screen out many of their claims.

Earlier this year, for example, Governing Magazine praised Washington state for its "transparency" in government, despite hostility to open government by Gov. Gregoire - who nevertheless accepted the award.

Now King County Executive Ron Sims has been named county leader of the year by American City and County magazine. Mr. Sims, whose autocratic style has trampled constitutional rights and plunged the county into a second fiscal crises since taking office in 1997, was chosen "for his leadership in finding solutions to environment, health and transportation problems."

As Alice said in Wonderland, "The world is getting curiouser and curiouser." And it will continue to do so until conservatives push back with a determined, unified effort that reverses this insidious tide of blue, which ripples through government at all levels.

Ralph Nichols writes on public policy and legal issues from the Seattle area. He can be reached at ranichols2@yahoo.com.