I am finalizing the plan and wanted to run it by you guys. Basically, I have to get 1000 registered Eastern Washington voters to sign up with me to run for an office. They have to do it at a "convention". I have plans for four days of signature gathering. The first and second will be at Hoopfest on the corner of Howard and Spokane falls Blvd. The third will be at Merlyn's on Friday June 30th. The fourth will be at Corbin Park on July 1st. Barring problems, this last one is the one that I would like to collect signatures from any of you that want to help. Regardless, I need everyone that is interested in signing to show at one of these. And if anyone wants to join me and help out, I would love the help. Here is the rest of the process.

- By June 13th put notice in Spokesman review of these "conventions".
- Advertise in Inlander and "7" publicising the events.
- Send out email notification to Media and an email you guys could forward to others.
- Make flyers to hand out downtown, and make 3 sets of signage and sign up sets.
- Hold Hoopfest day one and two. These should get at least 400 people each.
- Hold Merlyn's Friday event, getting 100 or more signatures.
- Hold Corbin park event, with you guys signing there if possible, getting 100.

This is all the first step. If it works then things get fun and interesting.

Realistically, this either has peoples interest and will be good by the end of Hoopfest, or it will be ignored and not have a successful outcome. But I think it's worth trying and letting the people decide. If I cannot get 1000 interested, it should die a quite death. I really feel like now is the time for independents, and dis-gruntled Democrats and Republicans to make a statement. But really, the results are out of my hands and based on outsider interest. We shall see.

If anyone has anything to add or other idea's, drop me a note.

Finally, I am reading two books of interest right now . PERFECTLY LEGAL by David Cay Johnson (isbn#1591840694), a great look at how the Super-rich hide their income and the middle class has to make up difference. The other is HOW TO WIN A LOCAL ELECTION by Judge Lawrence Grey (isbn#0871317664), a basic book on how to run for local elections.

If nothing else, I'll have a better idea of how our political system works. And I would like to get back into teaching some day, so it's worth something regardless.

John Waite

This week is a little different. I read about "Network Neutrality", I ran into GIANT roadblocks on my elections quest and I read a inspiring article from an unlikely source. And then there is the President.

1st - Network Neutrality is the concept that everyone is equal in access and standing on the Internet. Some have called the Internet one of the greatest inventions of man, along with fire, the wheel and Pizza. Now we have some VERY BIG BUSINESSES that want better access is they pay more than you and I, and get much better access than regular people can afford. This could lead to a two-tied system based on wealth. Why does big business ruin everything?

2nd - In my Elections Quest, I got beat up by the Secretary of State this week. I called and wrote to ask questions and they provided new and more difficult hoops to jump through. Now I don't have to just get 1000 signatures (which would have been do-able but difficult). I have to get those 1000 signature at "conventions" where you have to get at least 100 at a time. And these conventions have to be on the week of June 24th-July1st. And If you don't get a minimum of 100 at a convention, they don't count. I figure I can do some -

Merlyns Day - 100
Main Street Day - 100
Corbin Park Day - 100
Hoopfest Sat - 300
Hoopfets Sun - 200

This is 800, leaving me short barring some surprising success. But with no base or advertising, there will be little pre-interest. This has to happen spontaniously, in a grass roots way. So I have to figure out how to reach more people. Any ideas?

3rd - I read an article on what it takes to succeed for a particular group. These three things seemed to be exactly what we are missing in the federal government leadership. Self-discipline, Hard work and Teamwork are the Key skills...taught by the Drill Instructors for the US Marines. Maybe Congressmen should have to do bootcamp to qualify for office. No really, I'm not kidding.

Lastly, George Bush has decided that a constitutional amendment against Gay Marriage is the most important thing for him to work on right now. Happily, even the conservatives see this as pandering and are not falling for it. Now when will they call him on his budgets and bungled war?

I'm out of here.

JW

Three things on my mind - US Health care vs other systems, Independent Budget watchdogs and Those Damned November Elections (Not for the Faint of heart!)

First - I read another article on health care. This time comparing results in Canada VS America. Last time It was UK vs US. The results are the same. Our capitalist/socialist hybrid is losing to the socialized medicine of these other counties. And this is with us spending TWICE as much for WORSE results. Is this lying, anti-American hype, or is there a ring of truth? And lets not do the "I know this guy" anticdotes. Lets all figure out what is really going on. No more "trust us" from the government (and big business).

Second - WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH THE FEDERAL BUDGET!!! I found some supposedly non-partisan sites that are watchdogs for government, and more importantly, federal spending. I think the yearly deficit and the growing national debt are the NUMBER ONE PROBLEM we face. Right now your part of the national debt is $25,000. And you future obligations is $500,000. I don't kow about you, but I am not sure I can pay for my share. If your interested, check out these three sites - taxpolicycenter, concord coalition and citizens against governent waste. The budget is the big problem. Don't be mislead by the small issues.

Lastly (This is about my campaign, AVOID if your not interested in the process) - I am getting close to deciding to run for office. No, I don't think I can win. BUT, I think it's important to show others HOW TO DO IT. So this is an exercise in civics and an effort to get more people involved. Some of you are interested in helping, and I appreciate it. Here are some of the ideas/details for this coming campaign. This cannot be about money, we will never get enough to compete. But it can be about a guerrilla campaign being smart and mobile. One of the main opportunities is the INTERNET. This allows small groups to look like bigger groups. And it allows small organizations to release information like bigger organizations. So if we use the internet, we reach more people than would have been possible in the past. And when it comes to those people, we can get cheap, great exposure by using signage in supporters yards, businesses and buildings.

Anyway, more to the point currently, is that I have to get 1000 signatures by the end of june and have to figure out the CHEAPEST AND MOST COST EFFECTIVE ways to get the message to the public. Any ideas are welcome.

Yes, this might be a waste of time and money. Timewise, it's all over be Novemeber 5th. I can handle 6 months of work. I've had 14 years of being self employed. It's about the same. Moneywise, I can front the initial costs. I wouldn't spend more than I can lose. And maybe there are others that can contribute.

Lastly, I think there are THOUSANDS, maybe TENS OF THOUSANDS of people that have had it with the Parties and their "win at all costs" - "Hatfield and Mccoy" act. It really has to stop. Here is a slogan idea - "Your vote DOES count, Help TAKE BACK America!"

If you do nothing, Nothing will change.

John Waite

Most of my April and May were taken up planning a trip to London for mon and I. It was great and everyone should see it in their life. As far as this web site goes, here are some of my political observations -

How corrupt is the government (not IF it's corrupt)? (Blair is crashing down over there).

Historically, they can document centuries of greed, graft and corruption. I think their government and ours are capable of ANYTHING (murder, lies, etc...) to further their greed. The only answer is maximum transparency in government and creating more participation by citizens (as opposed to less).

The social battle is between the REALLY HAVES and everyone else. Their middle class is shrinking, and both governments seem to be creating a slave/lower class to work for the upper class.

The whole world is having massive growth in their economies, but it's not helping the poor or working class. Wages are stagnant or down with inflation up. Businesses are recording record profits. Our government is lowering taxes on dividends and corporate profits, while creating a record deficit that you and I will pay for...You do the math.

Most of this is the same as here, but they have socialized health and human services set-up. They spend less, but oddly are more healthy. Why do we have private health care again?

ANYWAY, I am still fighting this desire to run for something. I'm facinated by the people that think it's a bad idea. With things so messed up and the two parties catering to business only, what else should we do. Let things go? Hope for change. Will the Democrats provide relief? You all know what happens when you let things ride. Nothing changes. I dug up the info and found that a person can qualify for the race by getting 1000 signatures. Anyone want to help in a CIVIC DUTY QUEST? I need 1000 signatures. Yikes!

Lastly, Dave L. sent this text link to a former Bush guys change of heart. Better yet, Here is the Audio Version (Click on red, middle link). One down, millions to go.

John Waite

There has been lots of discussion on Oil, the cost of gas, and what is really happening as far as price. Part of it is REAL supply and demand. Part of it is FAKE supply and demand pushed by Market manipulation. Luckily, The President has decided there is some "problem" with our Oil dependence.

Another point that is becoming obvious to everyone is that the desparity in incomes in America is weakening our way of life. Do we really want an upper class and a lower class with no middle? Here is an article on the GOP's inability to convince the middle class how great things are. And another article by the normally lame Parade magazine about the fading middle class.

Oh, I forgot.. Here is that Osama guy again. Sure would be nice if we found him. He worries me.

John Waite

I've been taking it easy lately. Very Lazy, but I have to save my energy for the big fights. I was talking to a couple of political persons (and reading about some) and they gave me some scary realities. One was that they don't get access or time to read and understand the insane waves of information, law, bills that come before them to be voted on. Another scary idea is that elected officials are beholden to the "system and bureaucrats", and not able to affect real change, or help people.

Another concept I'm dealing with is "What is America really about?" I am in real disagreement with some very respectable people that don't mind the course of current America. Here are a few questions -

1) Does America have a "social contract" with it's people?
2) Do we care about those that cannot provide for themselves?
3) Do we have an obligation to take care of children from difficult backgrounds?

Or are we a Laissez Fair form of existance of "might makes right"? So Confusing...

Otherwise, I've been working on some things. I am on the Spokane County cable board, mostly to get Government experience. And I have been doing more research on Light Rail and "Political stuff". Here are a couple of links about Spokane Light Rail (I like it, but how to pay?), and an article on Seattle/Portland Light Rail. And here are some interesting links on National Public Radio, Spokane Lands Council, Spokane's Kendall Yards (that is facing questions of community/environmental problems) and Media Matters, a watchdog site on American Media.

Obviously I am having a focus issue right now.

November is coming and I am going stir crazy. The elections are getting closer and no one is doing anything to oppose Cathy McMorris and the Neo-Cons in Eastern Washington. I don't think it serves the people of our area to have an Extreme right serving politician like McMorris in office or un-opposed. I have a strong desire to run against her if only to bring up the issues that I feel strongly about. I realize this is idealistic, but that idealism is what America was founded on.

So I am strongly exploring the how-to's on running. I guess my big question is - Is it better to have a represenative like her, or a inexperienced, but honest, regular person, like me, in office? Here are a couple if links (WA state elections, county information, politics/elections in general) that give some details on how our elections work.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, here is a pdf link to the details of running as an independent, and it seems that you can get on the general ballot, skipping the primaries, by gathering 100 or 1000 signatures. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AND GIVE ME YOUR OPINION!

If anyone wants to help me figure out this arcane, legal gibberish, I would love the help. And if anyone wants to talk sense into me, I'm willing to listen. Save me from myself!

John Waite

PS - I found a good site called "The Center for Public Integrity" that focuses on Ethics, public spending, fund raising and such. It's got good info and is worth a look. I only wish that there was a better way to organize the watchdog sites and their information.

This week I feel kind of reflective and want to speculate on the near future. I think we are heading for a time of great change. This kind of thing is not always bad. Some pain now can make things much better later. I hope.

First I think there is serious public outrage in the expansion of government powers. I don't think America wants Government in there private lives, regardless of the Extreme Rights efforts. Leading the current push is the use of Eminent Domain by the government to enrich business interests. Sadly, this charge has been encouraged by the left as well as the right. The Castle Coalition page has lots of examples. Here is a Seattle example of how Eminent Domain should not be handled. I do think that this problems has good traction with the American public and will lead to reforms.

Another problem coming up is the "Veto Power" of the President. In short, he has never vetoed a bill yet. Importantly, Bush has not restrained spending at all. So much for limited, "small" government. I did find a article that states the President has the ability to void "earmarks". If this is the case. It's time for him to start.

Finally, here is a listing of the recent votes by our represenatives. It's nice to see how each votes. And importantly, to see how they vote in their "party blocks". And interestingly Cathy McMorris has one of the worse "party line" voting records. One has to wonder if she cares about Washington State and Eastern Washington at all??

I was luck enough this week to spend some time at a "Democracy School" introduction with Thomas Linzey. Brought by The Community Building and The Center for Justice, this education program spotlights the different between fighting Corporations through regulations, and fighting them with changes in the local laws - "Home Rule". Battling via Regulations won't change the basic Corporations vs People problem. Check out their web sites and see what you think.

Also this week there was much talk about Declining Incomes and Reduced Savings in America. We as a Nation have become borrowers, not Savers, and this could drive us into economic ruin.

Lastly, here is a good article on the problems of Border Security. While economics and our friendship with Mexico is important, the illegal imigration problem is one of many exploding problems that could drive America into decline.

Today, I am fixating on statements vs lies vs damned lies. Lies about the war. Lies about Katrina. And lies about the economy. I think instead of rhetoric, we need to speak in results. Hence the "Pudding".

So we have this war. It actually is two separate wars. One war in Afghanistan that lots of people supported. And one war in Iraq that lots of people didn't support. The story this week from a high ranking CIA agent is that Bush cherry picked the intel. I guess my point/proof today is that we have LOTS of people saying that the war in Iraq was pre-determined and had nothing to do with the other war on terrorism. Then you have the always wrong Bush crowd saying, no we are ALWAYS RIGHT. Please start showing us you are right. please!!!

Next, we have this continuing disaster in New Orleans. Yesterday we had Michael Brown saying that the Bush crowd knew earlier and sat on it. The Bush administration says not true, but Brown says he sent the e-mails and phone calls. Again, who should be believed? And are these people accountable to anyone. Or do they get to just say the rules have changed and don't apply to them. That's a good way to justify your mistakes and crimes.

Lastly, we have one of the BIG LIES - Supply side economics, or as Bush 1 called them - Voodoo Economics. The idea is that you cut taxes on the wealthy and they create more jobs, making a bigger tax base and generating more taxes, paying for the tax cut. BUT IT DOESN'T WORK. Looking at the last 20 years we have the Reagan/Bush times of increased debt and the Clinton times of lowered debt. Clinton raised taxes and lowered spending, reducing the debt. It goes back to watching history and seeing the results. Hopefully we can get the country back to some sane, fair spending and tax structure. Here is a great look at Supply Side Economics.

And I saw this article on the Feds selling Forest land to pay off the debt. I think I DISAGREE with everything Bush does. Is this possible?

This week I am fixating on Money. How we spend, How we save, and more inportantly, how Government waste is dragging us down.

We are suppose to have a Capitalist system = Competition. I guess the idea of capitalism at it's base is good. Everyone needs to compete and everyone becomes more efficient because of it. BUT our capitalism is tainted with government graft and corruption. This creates benefits for the haves and stifles the up and coming innovation that should normally take place. With this corruption, we create more for the rich and less for the rest. This creates expenditure cascade.

One area that I think people are missing is the necessity that the consumer be able to spend. Consumer spending accounts for 70% of the US economy. If the current pro-big business, anti-middle class policies continue, there won't be anyone out there "powering" the consumer economy.

Finally, here is my new personal theory/project. I want to find out the split that business pays after it "makes money", that is - after it pays real costs not including management and labor costs -
% MANAGEMENT
% LABOR
% PROFIT
% DIVIDEND
These %'s will equal 100%. Each of these is the percent that companies pay split between workers, owners and management. I suspect current business pays little to labor and lots to the others. I will figure out how to get this info soon.

Lastly, check out this new group - American's United.

There is lots of discussion on what is happening in America and are we heading in the right direction. I am inclined to think things are going wrong, but that's my opinion. But here are SOME OF THE REASONS I think things are not going right.

The US budget is out of wack. The gap between the rich and poor is widening. And here is a state by state analysis of gap.
Also, the Increase in the federal deficit, MORE tax breaks for the rich.

The other worry is that the military is stessed to its limits with another war in the middle east coming. And we seem to have lots of challenges, like Iran, Syria and now Palestine and Hamas.

And combining the two problems, we have horrible waste and spending abuse in Iraq.

DO THE PARTIES HAVE THE ANSWERS? Hmmm

For those of you who didn't know, I applied for the open district 3 council spot. I wasn't one of the 4 that got interviewed, but am happy to have tried. I did write a letter to the council and a letter to the Spokesman-review. I think they should have had a beginning interview with ALL the applicants. But I am satisfied with the results and ready to battle on. I may look into that council spot aqgain in November, or going for the gold against Cathy McMorris. We shall see.

And on the Education front, I found two articles about the crumbling school budgets of Seattle and San Francisco. If these districts have problems, you have to wonder about Spokane's educational situation. I know there is a School Levy coming in February. But what is the "state" of our school districts, and can our community afford to fix it? So many questions...

There are as so many problems going on. Now I understand how your regular, average Joe cannot possibly have the time to fight the problems of America. I suppose it will catch up with me some time, but till then, I fight on.

This week I applied for the vacent Spokane City Council position #3. Thanks to Chris O. and John S. (check out his OutThere magazine) for their help. I'll keep everyone posted on the results.

The big news this week is studies on the short term and long term costs of the War in Iraq. The Seattle Times had a great article on long term costs along with links to a leftish and rightish cost analysis. Then there is the real "Human Cost".

Lastly, it seems that Vermont has a viable blueprint for 3rd party political participation. They have a Independent Federal Senator and Represenative. Check out their Progressive web site for more info. These are the TRUE WATCHDOGS of the Democrats and Republicans.

I want to dedicate this edition to my close friend Amy B, who is very sick. My thoughts are with you. Get better soon.

OK, So I think in general I am too hard on Religion. Or specifically "organized" religion, and people who stuff their religion in my face. I profess I don't have the answers to the secrets of the universe, but I know few who do. I just wish people would understand that they also have no idea how this all works. The great thing about religion is it's based on faith, and we all have a different, personal faith in the world.

So, the problem boils down to someone stuffing there version of religion into the rest of us. THIS IS WHY THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE IS IMPORTANT. Here is an article on Religious leaders that DON'T feel like taking from the poor, and giving to the rich is what the Bible is about. Congrats to these leaders for seeing that enriching the wealthy is not what Jesus was trying to accomplish. And speaking of Jesus, here is an excellent and specific article on George Bush and "his Bible". Many great points are made about what The Prez is really trying to do. And does he really know what the Bible says, or does he have his "people" tell him. Again, my faith in people is increased.

Lastly, I want everyone to think about Jack Abramoff. This lobbyist admitted to kickbacks and fraud in Washington, DC. These articles talk about only the beginning. Things are going to get ugly before they get better. YES, POLITICS IS CORRUPT AND NEEDS FIXED. That's why I'm here.