Well, that's weird...

Bob One reports a lighter side from Seattle

KING 5's Queen Anne tower webcam has been down for over a month. Bob One collects the images with a webcam image grabber and have had to toss the black frames each day after seeing if it's been fixed.

Suddenly today, they appear to have switched the feed for the web site to what I assume is the graphics department practicing for the election coverage next week. It must be nice to know the news in advance.

First, a very close race -- amazing how they know this already.

Taxes added to the cost of gasoline.

The Big One.

I'm sure these images are only exercises in graphics, but why did KING decide to publish them on the web?  I hope our vote still counts.

Property Tax Swap

Inslee refers to a "property tax swap" in his ad.   Inslee pretends this is a tax increase that Rob McKenna created.  In fact, the tax swap to make school funding uniform was ordered by the Washington State Supreme Court.  Inslee is lying.

The tax swap is a geeky accounting idea to straighten out the accounting practices in Olympia and the various county governments. Current practice has counties governments playing with money going to Olympia, and Olympia fondling money bound for the counties.  By reducing bureaucratic red tape, the "swap", when enacted, should direct taxes to their final destinations more efficiently at less cost.

I tried to link to the Inslee advertizement directly, so you could see for yourself.  But Inslee's website,  propertytaxswap.com/, doesn't allow that.  Neither does the Inslee page on YouTube.  Inslee is caught lying and is only ramping up the rhetoric instead of coming clean.  Inslee has set himself against the State Court and public schools.

Update 10/30/12 Inslee upped his lie in a subsequent ad, saying that McKenna will increase property taxes on 47% of property owners. This approximately the effect of the legislature's property tax swap, if the legislature enacts it. Statewide, any tax increase will fall mainly on the wealthier neighborhoods, and there will be a comparably reduction in less well-to-do areas.

This is all a side effect of the tax swap proposal. The main purpose of the tax swap is to stabilize public school funding, and reduce or eliminate the need for local levies. Given that local levies can get voted down, the legislature's idea is that school districts the less reliant on local levies. This comes about because our state constitution requires the legislature to make public education its first priority (Washington State Constitution, Article 9, Section 1: "It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders....")

McKenna's ad tells the truth.



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KING television, normally a reliable "Democratic" Party supporter, had to correct Inslee's lies.  KING's writer Robert Mak called Inslee's stand "ironic."

Let's get straight talk from Olympia.  Vote for Rob McKenna for governor.

Lies about McKenna

TheRealMcKenna.com website is lying. They insinuate Attorney General Rob McKenna lobbied for a personal pay increase and lobbied against a minimum wage increase at the same time. The two events are years apart. TheRealMcKenna.com represents these two incidents as happening at the same time.

In 2007, all elected officials got a pay raise from the Washington Citizens' Commission.  Attorney General McKenna was one of them. 

Four years later, the economy had soured badly. Washington State law requires an automatic increase in state minimum wage.  The automatic law does not recognize bad economic times.  In 2011, McKenna advised the legislature an increase in compulsory minimum wage would work hardship and force some vulnerable businesses to lay off people.

With 8 years service as Attorney General for the State of Washington, Rob McKenna is a far better qualified choice than Jay Inslee. Vote for Rob McKenna for governor.

KING television review of the same ad.

See Property Tax Swap

Summary of State Measures, 2012 - and Impolite recommendations

Initiatives, Referenda, and Joint Resolutions. 

Not every issue has organized supporters or opponents.  Links will be added as the websites become active.

Initiative Measure 1185

I-1185 concerns tax and fee increases imposed by state government: I-1185 restates the existing requirement of 2/3rds legislative majority to increase taxes and fees. The big-state-government forces have dismantled each previous version of this law as soon as they could.

Under our state constitution, initiatives from the people can be modified by the legislature after a 2 year wait. Despite the fact the people have repeatedly enacted I-1185's tax protection (in the form of I-601, R-49, I-960, and I-1053).   In 2010, the people let taxpayer protection lapse, and we got a $5.1 billion tax increase. The tax increase was used to pay off SEIU, the government workers union.

Restating the law reinforces it.

Anti I-1185 forces claim the initiative is unconstitutional, based the strange idea the people ought not regulate their own tax rates.  In 2010, Olympia removed the reporting requirement on proposed tax laws.  Previous law required Olympia tell everything about legislative bills to increase fees and taxes.  Democracy requires that the people know what is happening.  But Olympia's big spenders wanted secrecy, so they ordered anti-democracy silence.  I-1185 reminds Olympia that the people demand open government.

In a smear effort, anti 1185 forces say that BP and Conoco Phillips have given "hundreds of thousands of dollars" (actually, $100,000 each) to support I-1185.  The biggest donor to I-1185 is the Beer Institute ($400,000).  In their haste to frighten us about "big oil," the anti I-1185s forgot about "big beer." As of August 1, the anti I-1185 forces have no donors, no cash, and are $27,000 in debt.  (August 13, 2012 update -- the government workers union, SEIU, bailed out No on I-1185 with $25,000 -- No on I-1185 has no published debt now.)

Impolite recommends you vote Yes on I-1185 to help continue the control of the stupid spending habits of the legislature.

Issue websites: For Voters Want More Choices / Against Permanent Defense

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Initiative Measure 1240

I-1240 will promote creation of a public charter school system: Charter schools are "results" oriented, as specified in the school charter. They are open to the general school-age public, and run as private, not-for-profit, institutions.

Impolite will vote Yes on I-1240, and the creation of charter schools.

Issue websites: For Yes on 1240 / Against No on 1240

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Referendum Measure 74

R 74 will confer no new right of same-sex partnering.  It will only change the legal use of the word "marriage" to include non-traditional meanings.  Current Washington state law RCW 26.60.030 already recognizes homosexual unions and aged persons in domestic partnership without traditional marriage.

R 74 will force the word "marriage" to be used to describe same-sex, mated, couples.  Also, the terms "husband" and "wife" will no longer indicate gender, but will be gender neutral.

A "no" vote on R 74 repeals the new law describing homosexual matings as "marriage."  A no vote also preserves the meaning of the words "marriage," "husband," and "wife."

Advertizing in favor of homosexual marriage says "love is all that matters." If love is the only measure then why can't you marry all of your friends at once? Or the pet you love? Its obvious love is not the only ingredient to marriage.

Impolite believes homosexuals ought to be free to do as they wish, but homosexual pairings should not be grouped together with traditional marriage.

Language should be controlled by common usage, and should never be controlled by government.  Redefining marriage to include non-traditional matings is authoritarian.  This is not a matter for government vote. Nonetheless, Olympia forced this divisive measure on the people.

People have a right to live as they want to, but no one has the right to control the words we use in our language.  Impolite recommends No on R74.

Issue websites: For R-74 Washington United for Marriage / Against R-74 Preserve Marriage Washington

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Initiative to the Legislature 502

Concerns marijuana: I 502 would essentially legalize marijuana possession under state law. The Federal prohibition would be unaffected.  If 502 is passed by the people, the legislature will act on this matter.  An "Initiative to the Legislature" is not a direct action by the people, but an instruction to the legislature to act on a matter the people feel important.  

Approval of I-502 would legitimize Olympia's reluctance to enforce marijuana laws.  Impolite thinks Olympia should take a stand and stop sucking around for support, without prodding from special interest groups.  Impolite doesn't like the idea of legalizing public intoxication, which is the most likely result, but doesn't mind what people do in private.

Issue websites: For 502 New Approach Washington / Against 502 Toke of the Town

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Engrossed Senate Joint Resolution 8221

8221 concerns implementation the Commission on State Debt recommendations regarding Washington's debt limit: Article VIII, section 1 of the Washington State Constitution establishes a limit on state debt. The current limit is 9% of average state revenues for the previous 3 years. Certain sorts of debt would be exempted.

The amendment states it would reduce the debt limit to 8% by 2034, but increase the actual allowable  debt to about 17%, because the revenue calculation base  would be increased. First, the revenue definition would be modified to include property tax as general revenue. Second, revenue calculations would be based on a 6 prior year basis, instead of the current 3 year base. The final result is if 8221 is enacted, the  state will pay more in interest.

Impolite objects to the inclusion of property taxes as "general revenue."  Presently, Washington State uses property taxes to fund schools. If property taxes are included in the general fund, school funding will be complicated, and most likely reduced yet again.  Plus, the debt load the state carries would be significantly increased.

Impolite recommends you vote No ESJR 8221

Another viewpoint - Washington Policy Center 

Washington State tax and revenue sources, according to the DOR.

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Senate Joint Resolution 8223

SJR 8223 concerns investments by the University of Washington and Washington State University: If the people approve SJR 8223, then the University of Washington, under legislative control, will invest in private companies.

The Washington State Constitution directs the legislature to fund public education.  SJR 8223 would fundamentally alter that.  The University of Washington should be concerned with educating students, not funneling taxpayer money to pet corporations.

Impolite recommends you vote No on SJR 8223.

For Seattle Times / Against 8223 University of Washington Daily

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Two advisory items appear on the ballot this year.  "Advisory" means Olympia has already made up their minds, but still feels the need to suck around for support.

Tax Advisory Proposition No 1, also known as SB6635 is complex.  It will eliminate business mortgages deductions for every business except some banks; extend the B&O tax exemption for raw food suppliers; complicate taxes for computer data processors; and clarify the legal definition of leasehold interest.  Impolite thinks mortgages are legitimate business expenditure, and despises complex tax regulations, and thus recommends you vote to vote to repeal SB 6635.

Tax Advisory Proposition No 2, also known as HB2590  Delays until July 1, 2020 the expiration of the pollution liability insurance agency's authority and its funding source (taxes) on petroleum sources.  Impolite urges you to vote to repeal HB 2590


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Information resources

• Washington State Online Voters Guide
• 2012 listing of Public Disclosure Commission reports on political organizations' sources of funding.
• Washington State Constitution

Chris Christie Stumps for Rob McKenna

Chris Christie stumped for Rob McKenna last week.  Here is one of the things he had to say:

"Now I'm sure Congressman Inslee is a nice guy. But here's the problem: He's Congressman Inslee. And he's been part of the problem in Washington, D.C. And I'm going to tell you something: You don't want to import Washington, D.C. problems to Washington State. You need a New Direction, and Rob's going to give it to you."

Governor Christie is a Republican with a Democratic legislature, but he's managed to balance the budget, rally the state around education accountability and reform, and lead the charge on job creation that has been dubbed, "The New Jersey Comeback."

Governor Christie is a setting a New Direction in New Jersey. Now it's Washington's turn and it starts with you. Vote for Rob McKenna.

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KING5 television screwed up their report with an attempt to minimize the importance of Christie's support. Its pathetic and funny.  Here's the link.

Ads for Governor

I watched the Inslee advertizement and Mr McKenna's ads.

The "progressive" Inslee connects better with the ordinary public even though his ads make little sense. The theme of his ads runs "Here is my family. I believe in the future. I believe in the public. Jobs." The audience is led to fantasize the ads mean whatever they like.

Republican Mr McKenna gives summaries of what he thinks. He also introduced his family, then went on to outline his plan for government; lower taxes and fair regulation. He should have added that lower taxes and fair regulation would promote jobs. Lower taxes and fair regulation will also help the family owned business.

Jobs are a warm and fuzzy button issue for this election cycle. The politician who does not mention jobs cripples himself.

The "progressives" are trying to paint McKenna as an enemy of jobs and progress. The "progressives" themselves want to us back in the 19th century -- its clear they mean one party rule when they say "progress."

The "Progressive" Democrats have run this state for 30 years. They made an regulatory environment painful to the citizen and suitable only for their big business buddies. A change would be a fresh breeze.

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Inslee ads are promoting the idea that some industries should receive preferential treatment from state government in order to promote jobs.

If Inslee is elected and actually does this, this is what special treatment will be: Inslee will routinely use taxpayer money to support his favorite companies.

What happens when government is "partner" to private companies? It is a path to taxmoney sinkholes. A never ending stream of public resources are wasted to promote some politician's friends. No public benefit ever manifests.

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C'mon, McKenna, I'm rootin' for you.

Murray and the Democrats Play With Your Paycheck

Sen. Patty Murray

Senate Democrats are willing to use your paycheck to play political hardball on taxes unless Republicans agree to President Obama's plan to raise taxes on America's top earners.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) on Monday announced that Democrats are willing to allow a slew of tax cuts and spending expire if Republicans refuse to raise taxes on the wealthy, potentially inching the country off a "fiscal cliff."

"If we can't get a good deal, a balanced deal, that calls on the wealthy to pay their fair share, then I will absolutely continue this debate into 2013, rather than lock in a long-term deal this year that throws middle-class families under the bus,"

Murray's notion of a "fair share" is nebulous.  According to the Wall Street Journal, the top 1% of the wealthy pay 40% of the taxes in the country.  She also neglected the fact that 47% of the US does not pay any taxes at all.

Murray is a Senate budget committee member and former co-chair of the debt supercommittee.

Sources Yahoo, Foxnews

Ban of the Killer Plastic Bag

The Seattle City Clowncil enacted law against killer plastic bags.    Paper bags will still be available at most locations for the mandated price of a nickel each. 

"Bring your own bag" is the message the mindless nitwits of the Clowncil says they are trying to promulgate.

The supposed increase in pollution is cited as the cause for the plastic bag ban. When nailed down, the Clowncil members insist there is too many plastic bags in the landfills.  Never mind plastic trash is only 0.4% of landfill trash. 

The Clowncil should have enacted a recycling program.  But its more fun to tell a formerly free people they aren't free anymore.

The People's right to rule is challenged.

Initiative 1053 was overturned by the power hungry King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Heller.  

The leftist legislators who backed the court challenge patted themselves on the back, saying they would be able to fund education now the will of the People was out of the way.  

There is no truth to their lies.  The state of Washington spent a total of  $32.1 billion in 2011.  Of that, $17.3 billion of state funds was spent on education, leaving almost $15 billion for the legislature to spend on other pursuits. 

The right of the People to informed self-rule is absolute.  Law cannot be based on misleading the People. 

Law should be consistent.  This is the reason why law should be written down  ---  so law is forced to be consistent with the written record.  If law is not consistent in application or content, it is unfair.

When law is disregarded and a judge goes on making up law form the bench, that is a form of terrorism.  Law is no longer consistent, law is no longer reliable.

If law is not consistent, then law which states racial discrimination is illegal no longer matters.  Terror ensues.

If law about property is abandoned, then property is automatically forfeited to the control of terrorist [government].

Many "progressive" judges willingly legislate from the bench, saying their ruling is constitutional.  But there is no part of the written constitution they base their new law on.  They are practicing terrorist adjudication.

Those judges should be tried for this crime against the right of the People to govern themselves.  "All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights."  (Washington State Constitution, Article 1, Section 1)

Especially offensive is the statement by big tax coalition that "Initiative 1053 allows a small segment of the Legislature to overturn the principal of majority rule."  The majority of the People made this decision.  The legislature derives its authority from the People, so if the legislature whines about it, the legislature is out of line.

Olympia is too transparent -- Kline

State Sen. Adam Kline announced he is resigning from the Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee (The Sunshine Committee), over whether jurors should be able to serve on juries despite no legal eligibility.  Kline indicated government does not need to be that clear about government.

"[W]hile couched in innocent terms as an enhancement of the public’s right to know … is to create a public scandal about illegal aliens serving on Washington juries and use it to advance legislation requiring photo identification for voters and/or requiring citizenship for drivers licenses," Kline wrote.

Kline said he felt strongly about the committee’s fundamental purpose but believes the balance of  power had swung too far in the direction of transparent government.

“The public as a whole, in my view, has equal and competing interests in transparency and privacy,” he wrote, “and I believe strongly that the rightful role of the committee is to reach a balance between the two. That view is not shared by the majority of the committee, in which the press is numerically dominant.”

Seattle should consider retiring Adam Kline.

More at The Olympia Report