Governor, Set Our People Free

As Washington begins its climb out of the dual disasters of coronavirus and the economic crisis that came with the shutting down of the economy, there needs to be a plan to restore the economy while protecting our most vulnerable citizens.  The Governor's emergency proclamations have seriously restricted private entities to engage in operations that could easily be done in a safe and prudent method.  Just as the governmentally contracted private entities are allowed to do in the name of the state government.  Since the source of both private and governmental construction projects both have the same root financing source, the people, it is inconceivable as to how the Governor could logically assume because funds were coming from a governmental budget that construction activities were of less risk of spreading the coronavirus than other construction crews performing commercial and residential construction.  Fortunately, the Governor seems to have been forced to recognize that fact by his parties own union supporters.  While this has the appearance of relaxing the restrictions put in place by the Governor, it is only a very limited relaxation.

With what is expected to be at least a $6 billion shortfall in the budget of the state for the 2021-2022 biennium, there will have to be some serious adjustments in order to increase the state's revenue flow and prevent the shortfall from growing significantly larger.  As we continue to deal with this ongoing virus pandemic and the quarantine of our most vulnerable citizens, we will need to incentivize businesses that are able to get back to work and restore the state's economy and revenue stream in a safe and prudent manner.  Whether those incentives be in the form of reduced regulations, lower taxes, or other removing bureaucratic barriers to increase job creation, the Legislature will have to tackle this situation sooner rather than later. 

Only the legislature can reduce the state's budget in an effort to proactively reduce the dire effects of this economic shut-down by the Governor.  Changes will have to be made to the budget.  That is the Legislatures purpose and duty.  Whether the Governor calls them back into session or the four pillars of the legislative leadership can gather the required number of votes for the Legislature to call itself into session it must be done.  The Legislature should focus itself on reducing and reprioritizing the budget and its programs to fit the current existing revenue stream.  Not the pre-shutdown projections, and billions of dollars in new taxes.  The Legislature should do its utmost to focus on the retention of jobs in Washington state.  Directing agencies to reduce regulations that increase the cost of manufacturing within the state that businesses find it more economically viable to close down and leave the state.  When regulations lead to business pulling out of a state due to extreme cost and restrictions, the businesses take with them thousands of jobs.  With those jobs go all the capillary tax revenues spread out through the community. 

As an example, take a look at the flight of American manufacturing jobs during the 1970s and into the early 1980s.  The vast majority of these industries left America due to high labor costs and ever-increasing regulations and restrictions that made it untenable to remain in the US.  Then, during the Trump administration, many of those regulations were cut, and economic strategies brought back thousands of manufacturing plants to the US.  Another example of unnecessary regulations costing jobs is the Olympia Brewery in Tumwater.  After millions of dollars were spent to meet drinking water standards for the water outflow from the brewery, the brewery was told that while the outflow was clean enough for human consumption, it did not meet the standards for the fish at the small facility just downstream of the brewery.  When told it would require more millions of dollars in expenditures, the brewery laid-off some 400 employees and close-down. 

In the current situation Washington finds itself, we can no longer accept the same high taxation, high regulation, and agency restrictions we have had previously.  Washington state needs to focus on retaining jobs, especially manufacturing jobs, and creating an inviting environment for businesses to want to invest and become engaged in Washington state again.

Catch you on the road sometime...

The Two Washingtons, and a Growing Divide.

As most of you who follow this blog may know, I am running for the office of State Representative in the 20th District in Washington State.  The District includes a part of Thurston County, all of Lewis County, the eastern portion of Cowlitz County, and a portion of northern Clark County.  These areas are all fairly rural, with a few small cities, or large towns mixed in.  Because I have been trying to get the legislative campaign underway, I must admit that I have paid less attention to this blog.   While I am still the rider I have been, I haven't done much in the way of riding to write about.  Nor have I been working on motorcycle-specific legislation plans since the motorcycle parking bill was signed into law by Governor Inslee.  The fact that the Coronavirus pandemic has put everyone into lock-down has also thrown something of a monkey wrench into the works of my campaign.  It is with that in mind that I am trying to work out how to use this blog, social media, and my YouTube channel to help take the place of fundraising rallies and speech making.

It is with that in mind that I am making this post.  With the state in lock-down, and the Governor making some heavy-handed and inconsistent emergency proclamations, I feel it is my place to state what I believe could be the costs of continuing on blindly in this manner.  There have been several unconstitutional proclamations made during this emergency that should begin to be relaxed as the purpose given for instituting them seems to have had the desired effect.  The original purpose was to "lower the curve" of Coronavirus infections in Washington State.  From the data I have been able to see, it appears that we are on the downward slope of the curve and that it was indeed "flattened" from original projections.

Social distancing and the Governor's stay at home order, along with the closure of many businesses in the community have apparently had the desired effect on the rate of infection.  However, it has also had a seriously detrimental effect on the economy of our state.  The increase in unemployed citizens filing for unemployment insurance rose so rapidly that within hours, the website for filing claims was overwhelmed and crashed.  The phone lines were jammed and people found it extremely difficult to apply for their unemployment due to the pandemic.  Some small businesses were able to receive the Small Business Administration PPP loans.  However, some 60% of those loans nationally went to businesses who either their own stock or the stock of their parent company, were traded on the stock exchange.  Those should not qualify as "small" businesses.

The incongruous and confusing criteria the Governor used to decide what was to be allowed and what was not in the way of social distancing has begun to seriously rankle a growing segment of the state's citizens.  The recent demonstration held at the Capitol in Olympia is just one example.  According to Dept. of Enterprise Services, some 4,500-5,000 people attended the rally demanding the Governor relax restrictions and allow the economy of the state to begin to expand in a safe and responsible manner.

While many in the state seem to oppose opening up the economy, their opposition seems to fall into two distinct patterns when looking at their response to the rally.  The two responses seem to flow from a similar concern of increasing the infection rate.  But, the way they diverge and the sarcasm and cynical elitism of the portion of the opposition who seem to only see this as reopening restaurants and social gathering businesses, and those who appear merely seriously concerned that the idea is to suddenly and completely reopen the economy with businesses operating as before shows a lack of understanding among the opposition.  A large percentage of the people denouncing the protesters as "stupid" or "irresponsible" are not facing the same fate as those they are denigrating.  It seems many are either still working, or do not need to work...yet.

Many of those protesting are those out of work, and unable to afford beyond the most basic of needs for their families.  Some are truly struggling just to put food on their table.  People whose work does not entail a high rate of danger of infection due to their profession.  Those whose career fields are only allowed to function if employed by the state.  Such as construction, or other similar fields.  The fact that activities such as sport fishing are banned during a time when people are struggling to put food on the table, and the reason is that the Governor feels they do not comply with social distancing guidelines.  While the Governor is a bicyclist, it is evident he isn't a fisherman.  Or he would know that activity is much better when fishermen are spread apart to reduce the risk of snared lines.

It is reasonable to understand that the Governor's office arrived quickly at the items he felt to be "essential" or not.  Or listing activities that complied with social distancing guidelines.  But it is unreasonable to believe that the same work that state employees are free to participate in, somehow constitutes less of a health risk than citizens whose jobs are identical, except for being in the private sector.  Or that participating in an activity alone, such as walking, running or bicycling, is somehow less of a risk of contracting the virus than sitting alone in a boat, or upon a riverbank fishing.  It is for reasons such as these, and more, that the Governor's policies need to be explained to the citizens.  Why certain decisions were made, and why common sense situations of being alone and separate from others could put one at greater risk of contracting the virus and getting ill.

It seems that the Governor's office is taking a very condescending attitude towards the people.  Calling them "insubordinate" and partaking in "criminal activity" by protesting his proclamations.  Washingtonians, as with most people, do not take kindly to being condescended to and commanded by authorities who demand sacrifice without making any sacrifice or appearing to have empathy for the hardships the demanded sacrifices bring.  The Governor should quickly reassess his restrictions, and relax those that are not directly related to restricting the spread of the coronavirus.  As well as relaxing the ban on industries that perform the same basic duties that state employees are performing while their private sector counterparts are banned from doing.  What was that old saying; "What's good for the goose..."?

I found a very good quote in an article published in USA Today this morning and written by University of Tennessee law professor Glenn Harlan Reynolds.

"There are really two Americas here: Those still getting a paycheck from government, corporations, or universities, and those who are unemployed or seeing their small business suffer due to shutdowns.  And the America still getting paid is so far, not showing a whole lot of sympathy for the America that isn't.

That's a formula for disaster, and it has been made worse by the heavy-handed approach taken by some government officials enforcing quarantines.  We've seen news story after news story of officials going after people whose actions pose no danger of contagion -- lone joggers on a beach, lone paddleboarders off the California coast, a father throwing a ball to his daughter in a public park -- and every time that happens the shutdown loses moral authority."

This is turning into a class struggle.  Between those that still have jobs, and those that do not, because they were ordered to shut down by an unsympathetic government who seems to be taking advantage of this health crisis to solidify their control of citizens by unconstitutional means.  Yet, not making the same demands as they are requiring of the citizens for whom they work for, and were elected by.

Governor Jay Inslee will eventually need to receive legislative approval to continue extending his emergency proclamations, yet he seems reluctant to call a special session.  He has not even felt obliged to read letters from legislative members of his own task force on re-opening the economy.  It is for that, and other reasons, several legislators from across the state held an online press conference today in an attempt to urge the Governor to call the Legislature into special session or to gain enough support for the Legislature to call itself into special session to deal with the issues facing the state.  Issues both immediate, and forthcoming.  Such as the hole in the state budget for this upcoming biennium due to tax revenue's "falling off a cliff" as one legislator commented.

I will end this post with two other quotes from Professor Reynolds USA Today article;

"When rulers ask for sacrifices without making any, they're displaying a distinct lack of, well, class."  While I would our elected officials were elected to lead the state's administrative work, they still work for the people and should never think it is the other way around.  And lastly, I cannot agree more with these words of Professor Reynolds in the closing of his article; "If your messaging -- and your behavior -- inspires resentment that causes people to resist and ignore public health messages, then you have failed at your job, whatever the amount of scientific knowledge you bring to bear.

Sadly, to succeed in their job, our leader will need to possess humility, empathy and self-discipline.  Those traits are in sadly short supply in our leadership class.  We will all pay a price for that, though if recent history is any guide, our leaders will pay less than the rest of us."  I agree completely.

Catch you on the road sometime...

Riding Skate Creek Road

Washington's Diverse Highways

Skookumchuck Dam Treasure Hunt

As the days of self-isolation for us all continue, no doubt some of you have begun imagining things to do, and places to go for a fun ride.  Here’s an idea you may want to consider.  How about riding down to the Skookumchuck Dam and do a little treasure hunting for the gems that can be found in the basaltic lava flows around the north end of the dam?  What’s there you might ask?  The minerals are found in small cavities in the olivine basalt flows on the north side of the valley at Skookumchuck Dam.  Here’s a photo list of some of the minerals you can find.

heulandite

Since it is easier to give directions from a specific point, I will begin the description of the route at a popular place for riders in Spanaway, called Uncle Sam's Bar & Grill.  If you are familiar with the greater Tenino area, you can start at other places, but I figure Uncle Sam's is a good starting place, and easy to find for most folks in the metro area.

It's only about a 45-50 minute ride.  Depending on traffic and any stops you may make along the way.  To start off, pull out of Uncle Sam's and head south to the Roy "Y" and bear off to the right towards Roy.

natrolite

chabazite

Continue on through Roy and McKenna to Yelm.  Then turn left at the traffic light as Hwy 507 heads south to Rainier.  Pass through Rainier, and cross the Deschutes River Bridge.  About a half-mile after the bridge turn left onto Johnson Creek Rd SE.  Follow this road for about six and a half miles before turning left onto Skookumchuck Rd SE.  The dam is just under two miles ahead at this point.  About one-quarter of a mile before the dam is a small fish hatchery, and just before the dam is a road that turns left and leads to a boat launch along the north side of the lake.

calcite

mordenite

quartz

thomsonite

It is in this general area that you will have to hunt for the basalt lava flows that make up the bedrock on the north side of the dam.  Once you find it, start looking for small cavities or use a rock hammer to break open the olivine basalt.  

As in any rockhounding collection trip, it is up to you to ensure that the property you want to be on is public land.  So it pays to call ahead and verify, as well as find the hours of operation.  The phone number for the Washington Dept. of Natural Resources is (360) 902-1450.  The land you will be scouting for these minerals is managed by DNR north of the dam.  I will post a map of the DNR lands north of the dam below.        

Want to spend a day or even a weekend out looking for some cool rocks, or just ride up to some interesting new country to explore, here's an excuse (as if you really ever need an excuse to ride).

Whatever it is you enjoy doing outdoors, you can always make a cool ride out of it and enjoying the wonders of the state we live in while doing it only makes it better.

By following the DNR map linked HERE, you will be able to find many locations to look for everything from; amber, petrified wood, plant and marine shellfish fossils, agates, jaspers, zeolites, chalcedony, opal, geodes (thundereggs), and more.  All within just an hour or two of the greater Seattle/Tacoma area.

I hope to catch you on the road sometime...

stilbite

apophyllite

analcime

DNR Lands map north of Skookumchuck Dam

clinochlore

laumontite

Spring Opener Teaser

Depending on the Covid-19 pandemic, I am hopeful that Spring Opener will be held this year.  I got so bored sitting here in quarantine after watching the sunrise this morning that I pieced together a little video in the hopes that the Opener will still be held.  I can only hope and pray that the virus has subsided enough to allow some gatherings of the people.

I was half-zoned out from lack of sleep but still haven't been able to fall asleep yet.  So if the video doesn't stack up like I hope it would, that is why.  I don't usually do voice-overs, and the editing software is one I don't use very often.  But the good intentions are there.  So I either did good or I just laid another paving stone down for the highway to Hell.  Here's the video.  

Catch you on the road sometime...

Fossils and Rocks to Ride To...A Gem of an Idea

Sitting here in the bunker, maintaining social distance with the rest of humanity, I have spent a lot of time thinking of places to ride.  One of the things that I have found that would make a destination extra enjoyable would be if I could enjoy another hobby while I am there.  Places to go camping, or fishing, or for some of you hiking.  You get the idea.  Well, since I was a little kid, I have been into rocks and fossils.  Washington State is full of places to go and collect your own samples.  While a lot of places are on public land, many aren't.  It's up to you to make sure where you go to is public or private land, and make arrangements accordingly.

What types of rock and fossils am I talking about?  Petrified wood (our state gemstone), opal, jade, thundereggs (geodes), mammoth teeth, palm leaf, and other plant fossils, and numerous prehistoric animal fossils are among what you can find in Washington State.  Many aren't far from the more populated areas, and some are a bit further afield.  It all depends on how far you want to ride or drive depending on how many rocks you think you might bring home.

I was surfing the "worldwide interwebs" and found a few interesting downloads.  I will provide a link to an interactive map for Minerals and Fossils in Washington.

There are also a couple of good books that can be found online to be ordered.  One is "Roadside Geology of Mount Rainier National Park and Vicinity".  It contains 15 separate road trips to take in the greater Mt Rainier area that can be enjoyed while looking for rocks and minerals.  With just a little patience, and looking on the WSR Photography website, the entire book can be downloaded as a .pdf about 300Mb is size.  There is also a book in .pdf format that can be downloaded on Roadside Geology of Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument and Vicinity.  But for some strange reason, I could only find the entire book by using two separate downloads.  I am providing links to get the first half of the book and the second half of the book in .pdf format.

With a little time online you can find some amazing places to look for gems and fossils and other minerals in Washington State.  If getting there includes some good twisting mountain roads to ride, all the better, right?  We are all hunkered down in quarantine, or some form of social lockdown at the moment.  So if you are interested in perhaps planning somewhere to go once we can get out of the house and go somewhere again, consider checking out.  Any good excuse to get out and ride, and maybe make a weekend of it.  Think about it.  It can be quite pleasant to think about spending some time out in some amazing locations.  Full of fresh air and scenery, and to maybe come home with some sweet gems or fossils could be a cool way to spend out and about.

Catch you on the road sometime...