Motley Blog

FLOOD

By Andrew Vachss

1985

Vachss, as a writer, is a reincarnation of the a 1950's noir pulp P-I scribbler, but with a twist. His P-I, Burke, has been the subject of 17 books, most recently 'Terminal', also reviewed locally, I believe in the Times.

'Flood' is the first in the series. Floods as a metaphor carry a lot of weight with me. I'm a whitewater kayaker, by sport, and coming of age in Eugene the most dramatic moments of this California boy's NW winter were spent paddling the swollen rivers of the Coastal Range. My favorite book of all time is Eugene native Ken Kesey's 'Sometimes a Great Notion' inspired most likely by that same river. Enjoying the adrenaline rush of Grand Canyon quality whitewater with unavoidable concern for the residents of the 'flooded' homes is as memorable as one's most imprinting sexual encounters.

'Great Notion' was definitely also about sexual politics - and that is the twist that Vachss brings to his P-I books - all 17 of them deal, in some fashion, with childhood victims of sexual abuse seeking revenge. As Bogart would no doubt tell you the risks of dealing with the Femme Fatal are many - but in this case Vachss handles those twists in a manner that is both responsible and emminently entertaining. The simple moral of this story is that carrying a gun in your purse is not necessarily an unfemine thing, but I'll leave the rest to you.

Now, as to that girl who's father wrestled with Kesey in college (and whose logging family father's relationship with her mother may well have been an inspiration) - I wish I had been as good a communicator as Kesey, or Vachss, (now my number two favorite writer), when we had had a chance.

I'll leave the rest on that one to you too.

Anyone who knows me knows I am opposed to Democratic Governor Gregoire. I'm not a Republican, rather very much a capital 'I' Independent. My roots are left leaning, but I'm also educated in business and I'm very aware of may of the abuses of power executed in response to and, supposedly, in favor of, business.

I do have to give kudos to Gregoire though for her response to the Chehalis flood. There are times when a 'welfare queen' might be just the right person for the job. FWIW I think she'd make an excellent leader on the national level on that subject - or perhaps social services in general. FWIW I do think that relief should be more in the form of teaching people to fish, rather than giving them fish - for example, instead of making New Orleans a welfare case how about locating new global climate change government projects in the higher elevation suburbs of that City. That's a worthwhile discussion - but the more pressing question is whether Gregoire is fit for any position of responsibility due 'moral' failings related to her practices in law.

It is important to give people their fair say, as well to keep an eye on them being able to make a living at whatever 'station' they deserve. I don't have a final conclusion on Gregoire, other than, given the actions of people who have worked for and whom she has supported in defense, she is not fit for any sort of public service. That is the opinion of a reasoned, rational, 'employer' . The employer-employee relationship exists between any individual responsible citizen and every public employee. (To a lesser extent it also exists between any 'free' citizen and every 'corporate' 'employee'.) Ms. Gregoire, by practice, would tell you otherwise, and that, mon frere, makes my point completely.

But let me make it again - take the recent Supreme Court decision about right to representation in divorce cases. This is a weighty subject and one worthy of consideration by government - not just the Judicial branch and their officers. The Supreme Court is right, there is not a constitutional right to representation in a Divorce case. It is a matter the legislature could solve - but I have an alternative way of framing the question - one that Christine and her trial lawyer 'Friends' avoided. That avoidance in my opinion constitutes malfeasance and malpractice.

The legal solution to this situation may not be to expend additional public monies to employ the oversupply of legal professionals in this State. Instead, what about limiting the powers of counsel to 'f***' over the other side. There is a fairly simple way to do that, already in the Constitution. It's called respect for everyone's civil rights. Does the legal profession 'prosecute' those whom violate the civil rights of others? NO, it's a just another asset of the profession to be used as they see fit as a business 'profit center'. Has Christine Gregoire done anything to keep the zipper up on her profession? HELL NO.

One of the legal standards that Ms. Gregoire's folks have advanced is that the evidentiary standard for sexual threat. The standard 'they' use is the perception of the victim. Anyone with a knowledge of these issues would understand that this is quite problematic - the cycle of abuse is a tricky subject with as many twists and turns as a Noir P-I novel from the 1950's. Not only that, but the legal practice has also used these same techniques to EXTORT public money for their 'private' clients via corporate welfare.

And right smack dab in the middle is the professional leadership of Christine Gregoire over her generation - calling anyone who asks a government official to do their job - as well as keep THEIR 'penises' in their pants - a sexual predator.

Washington State, if the folks in Seattle and Olympia had their way over their generation and following, would become nothing more than one grand relationship best described as a rebellious runaway finding employment with a pimp, or, in Christine's case, a 'Madam'.

Folks in Seattle would tell you it all doesn't matter - it's all just business. Sorry folks, it does matter- a pimp, a prostitute, and a john do not an economy make.

Part of our system of government is a system of checks and balances - and the 'Judicial' branch, as well as it's 'employee' officers, the legal profession, need to be checked and balanced.

Christine, as Governor, and the former AG, it is your responsibility to correct the current and past 'abuses' of the law, especially including those that stem from your years in the AG's office. - not merely use them as tools of hate for the benefit of your profession.

I could only give you ten days to respond to this. I will however give you until January 1st, 2008 to identify these problem and take responsibility for solving or else resign from public service permanently.

The Constitution does have more to say as to recourse if you fail to follow the 'LAW'. I personally will waive any right of constitutional self-defense - however I will also certainly continue to proclaim the law under the Constitution of the United States to anyone who will care to listen - their decision on that matter is their own.

As a matter of advancing the law I will also propose that you be designated as a 'power mad genetic defective', if you fail to hold yourself to the same law you have advanced. Although you started from modest beginings you are obviously not disadvantaged as you have reached the heights of what should be one of the most prestigous professions in this Country, and World. There are those who can claim to be discriminated against and therefore deserving of mercy. Those who fail to take responsibility for their actions and hold themselves above the law are the exact OPPOSITE.

Please note that although I waive my Constitutional right of armed self defense in this matter that does not mean I will not 'complain' about anyone who threatens me. I do realize that there is a chance, exact risk unknown, that I will be killed or further harrassed because of my actions as a responsible American Citizen. As Clint Eastwood would say, MAKE MY DAY PUNKS.

Please be informed that this posting constitutes your due process. You are completely free to debate me, either directly or through your designate of any background, by posting a comment below.

Due Process is important - but it does not, as some would argue, give the legal profession the right to abuse anyone's Constitutional Rights, including mine. It is my perception as a victim that this violation of the Constitution is motivated, in part, by the degeneracy of sexually degenerated control freaks. By the standard of law of Washington State the practice of law under the King County Superior Court (perhaps not the Maleng RJC in Kent) and the Washington Supreme Court the Due Process of Legal Practice is hereby found to be an act of criminal RAPE.

Individual culpability shall vary, and be prosecuted, according to established, valid, legal procedures. Is your lawyer a level 1, 2 or 3? I'm certain there are at least a few good Lawyers out there - IMO, this would be a good time to prove your 'innocence'.

I, ROBOT

by Isaac Asimov

1950

Also a 2004 movie starring Will Smith

Watching Will Smith's 'I, Robot' was strangely revealing. I had read the book when I was quite young, 12, give or take. The realization of the impact the book has had on my life was quite shocking - all the more so when you consider the nature of the plot.

Writing in 1950 the case could easily be made that Asimov was extrapolating the warnings of Eisenhower and others regarding the military industrial complex into their manifestation with computer, and 'robotic' (a word Asimov is credited with coining') technology. As you will recall the movie explores the potential risks of even a responsible implementation of 'motive' computing technology. His foil was a doubting aquaintance of the inventor, Will Smith's gritty detective character.

The 'Three Laws of Robotics' are the 'hardwired' safeguards built into every robot. What surprised me watching this movie was realizing that Asimov, a crafty secularist, had 'programmed' me to respond to the military industrial complex?

Go figure.

BTW - Asimov died of tranfusion contracted Aids, a fact not publicized. He was born as a Russian Orthodox Jew, his parents emigrating before he learned to speak the language. He was trained as a Chemist and worked both as an engineer and a University Professor starting during WW2.

In the paper this Thursday (I read the Tacoma News Tribune, Carbon Footprint notwithstanding.) was an interesting article about an Italian Judge and the word 'Friday'.

Now I'm not one to question the moral authority of the Italians, but this is one to ponder, as I am doing still.

The case involved a couple naming their child, 'Friday'. (I don't recall if the article specified the sex of the child or not.) At first glance this seems perposterous, but if one bothers to read it through it becomes an interesting story.

The argument is this - 'Friday', as a name, is associated with the Dafoe novel where the native servant bears the name. As such the name would have negative connotations to it which would effect the child to the point meriting court action. Considered in the context of political correct language debates in this country the argument appears to gain merit - perhaps not so much for the actual facts of the case, but rather for the fact that the matter does merit discussion itself.

Political correctness in language is a tricky subject and restricting speech on any basis is dangerous business, no matter what the 'justification' might be. However when you are talking about a specific individual that is where the damage of language 'hits the road', so to speak. 'Talking' about such matters might seem silly, but I'm going to give this one an American 'thumbs up'. Call it an example of the law putting itself into the language in a way that is worth talking about...

Which brings us to Thursday, today.

The most distinguishing thing about the Tacoma News Tribune - in most regards a rather standard mid-sized market daily - is its Thursday 'Adventure' section. Sure the Times has more local columnists, including the outdoor oriented Ron Judd, but the mix of priorities, on this subject at least, is better at the TNT. (Which stands for Tribune and Tooley, eh?), Outdoor folks don't need a daily section like the sports jocks get, a weekly section is just right, as is the day.

I liked today's paper for another reason, but it would be a bit too circuitous to write about that here. As they say, there is always tomorrow. And as Seargeant Friday would say, "just the facts maam, just the facts".

Heyo!

Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire recently made local headlines and national quotes with her action joining in support of California in opposition to Bush's EPA practices.

Gregoire is very good at this sort of thing, both locally and nationally - it is perhaps her strongest point. However, as religous wisdom tells us "even the devil can quote scripture for his (or her?) own purpose".

Ms. Gregoire's background is in the legal profession and she has a long track record of supporting a political 'environment' which cites very valid causes as justification for financial frauds. The typical dynamic is a male individual will object to an item of financial malfeasance only to be accused of being 'sexist' (or racist) as well as being an obvious 'bad person' with a secret agenda against the specific matter. That person will either then be silenced or fired, with a lifelong stigma attached to his name in either case.

These practices are many, the most recent of which will probably prove to be State Auditor Brian Sonntag's audit (including initiative granted performance powers) of the public Port of Seattle. The strategy can also be seen in the professionally closely related Sound Transit agency (whose CEO was a former Port CFO). Ms. Gregoire's latest on this front is to call for an 'emphatic' end to a provision called 'sub-area equity' which insures funds from one County or area are not sucked into whichever one happens to be most powerful (historically downtown Seattle).

It is in this aspect where you should be most concerned. It is assumed that the current 17 State lawsuit does, appropriately, have its eye on the emerging market for green business services. The 'business' associates of Gregoire include a firm called Preston Gates and Ellis, representing Sound Transit and a little company called Microsoft. I believe if you ask Sen. Orrin Hatch, UT, privately, about Microsoft and a former company called Novell you might well get an interesting opinion.

Although the benefits of the 17 State Coalition may well appear to be desirable the actual facts may well prove to be counter-productive. Instead of assembling political coalitions for the control of the environmental market I would urge you to instead rely on less 'powerful' influences on the private sector.

I believe Al Gore and others are calling for a 'Green' Manhattan project. I personally support this, but not for Washington State. If such an public expenditure is made, make it outside of New Orleans in a hurricane safe area. In that way the citizens of America get more bang for their buck - New Orleans is rescued - and, perhaps, are we all.

FWIW, if you wish more detail on this see the background on Gregoire's two most powerful attorney hires- Mark Sidran and Jenny Durkan. Sidran handles the financial side of the malfeasance (see the writings of Michelle Malkin and Barbara Serano in the Seattle Times regarding the Sidran, Preston Gates Ellis HUD blight parking garage for Nordstrom). Durkan, the Mary Cheneyesque lesbian daughter of the State's most powerful Lobbyist, Martin, handles the sexual side - see her 'representation' of the the too liberal, but very honest Governor Mike Lowry.

Northwest Trek Animal Park

Eatonville, Washington

Getting to NW Trek is a slog, driving down 161 via Puyallup's South Hill is like driving Aurora from Shoreline to Sea-Tac. But it is worth it, all the more so if you plan to visit the Paradise side of Rainier.

I was there for the first time Christmas Eve with 3 Nephews. This is supposedly a great time to visit as the leaves are off the trees making visibility better - antlers are also still to drop though that won't be long. New to the Park are several Moose, and according to the guide we were the first to see them - on our dusk drive, starting at 3:00.

Unlike normal zoos the park specializes in NW critters - which makes the whole native habitat attempt work very well. The park puts the most publicity on its tram, but the predator displays are just as good. There are cages, but they are very well done - we saw virtually every species, save the Foxes, including both Grizzly and Black Bear. The smart use of water and electrical barriers bring the critters closer than you would think safe, and the covers at each area make a rainy day visit quite enjoyable for an acclimatized local.

I learned a new word on this visit -'kerpuscular" (sp?) - which means an animal that is active only at dawn and dusk. The last tram of the day, 3:00, may well be the best, in that regard.

STALKER

Written and Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky

1979

The Russian Director Tarkovsky is best known for his movie 'Solaris' remade in the US starring George Clooney. Like the original Solaris, released in 1972, 'Stalker' deals with the deeper questions of life like others in it's sub-genre of Science Fiction, including '2001' (released in '68) and the more recent 'Fountain'.

I highly suspect the title has different connotations in the original russian - it refers to the lead character - a 'proletatarian' tracker/guide. The other two main characters are refered to anonymously as 'writer' and 'professor', symbolizing the artistic and scientific elites of pre-Reagan Russia.

This movie is complex. Perhaps the simplest summary of it would be an allegory about the Chernobyl Disaster - though it's release pre-dated that tragedy by 7 years. (Tarkovsky also died that same year, 1986). Another of Tarkovsky's movies was about the Russian religous icon painter Rubleyev - this movie may well place Tarkovsky himself in that same league. Call him, if you will, a prophet of the godless Soviet State.

Again, this movie is complex and difficult to write about - but another good comparison would be Shelley's 'Frankenstein' in the way it deals with the potentials and pitfalls of science. Nuclear engineers were perhaps the most prominent scientists in that era of Soviet history, as symbolised in the 'professor' character.

The DVD I saw has a two voice English soundover track. Though rough, and by native russian speakers, the voiceover does add to the the depth of the movie. Definitely a five star movie, if not my all time top ten.

Kimberley Marlowe Hartnett is David Brewster's and Crosscut's best hope at avoiding the stereotypical Seattle limousine liberal mindset (including symptoms of xenophobia?) in his current effort to expand his voice beyond the bounds of the 36, 37, and 43rd State Legislative Districts (okay, maybe the 48th as well).

Marlowe Hartnett is a Portland resident, a city, like Seattle, that has not seen a real estate slump (of 3 total nationally) - and perhaps for better reason.

She writes whimsically about Portland's coming year - in a style that owes a bit to Crosscut Editor Knute Berger.

I was in that City over Christmas and commented on her piece at some length - albeit wandering off topic, onto the above subject.

Viewing your city through the perspective of another is important, especially those in your region. This particular 'rambling' of mine looks at the issue of planning light rail - whether it be streetcar oriented like Tacoma's LINK or a regional system like the light rail system with a 'track record' - Portland's MAX.

Having had a favorable experience riding the Sounder this year I decided to try Amtrak - at $25 one way, cheaper than my gas driving alone. All in all it was a very enjoyable, and hopefully also, productive, 'multi-modal' trip. I urge you to become familiar with Marlowe Hartnett (linked above) as well as the details of my comments - though for different reasons.