What an apt metaphor for the former Attorney General's term as the pretend governor -- a visit to a manure factory. I can't wait for the photos
MEDIA ADVISORY
Gov.Former Attorney General Christine Gregoire to tour Whatcom County dairy farms, see demonstration of manure-fueled energy plant
OLYMPIA - May 17, 2005 -Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at May 17, 2005 03:21 PM | Email ThisGov.Former Attorney General Christine Gregoire will visit two Whatcom County dairy farms on Thursday, May 19, including seeing a demonstration of an anaerobic digester which uses dairy wastes to produce electricity and fertilizer. This is the only operating digester in the state.WHAT
Tour of Whatcom County dairy farms and demonstration of anaerobic digester.
GovernorFormer Attorney General Gregoire will be available for news media questions throughout the tour. She will provide comments on need for alternative forms of energy and technology that uses agricultural byproducts in ways that produce new "crops"WHO
GovernorFormer Attorney General GregoireWHEN
Thursday, May 19, 2005
11:30 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.
WHERE
Vander Haak Dairy
9900 Guide Meridian Road
Lynden, WA 98264Groen Dairy
LyndenVISUALS
Photo op ofGovernorFormer Attorney General's tour of dairy barn, dairy cows.
Photo op ofGovernorFormer Attorney General with anaerobic digester.
Possible photo op of cleaned-up watershed.
She could power Seattle and Olympia all by herself! No wonder she's interested.
One of the fees is a nine dollar application fee (umm & it's got an online mechanism to file it too).
69 bucks for the pleasure of doing business another year. bend over- Nickel, dime, nickel dime.
I could of course spend this money towards some equipment I need quite badly- but I'm sure the state will put it to better use.
Posted by: Andy on May 17, 2005 03:54 PM(2) You and I both want a clean election. We both know how to get it done, even though we aren't election experts. But the legislature and the current fraudulent governor have done things to make it worse. So has Ron Sims and Dean Logan and the democrats on the county council. If you want cleaner elections, you have to vote for the (R)s next year, because they are the only ones who are willing to make the necessary changes. If clean elections are really so important for you, you'll come to the same conclusion I came to: D=FRAUD. R=HONEST as far as elections are concerned.
Posted by: Jonathan Gardner on May 17, 2005 03:58 PMThe person in this case is a total fraud.
Posted by: Andy on May 17, 2005 03:59 PMThere is that basic difference between FL 2000 and here. The dems brought the case to FL courts to have the law changed so that they could keep recounting. The US supreems said they can't do that, follow the FL that was known by all parties ahead of time.
Here the WA law was not followed.
Posted by: Fred on May 17, 2005 03:59 PMDaniel K: Christine Gregoire is a big poopy-head! Nyaaaaaaaah!
It was Bush who went to court to require Florida officials to act in accordance with the law.
Posted by: ScottM on May 17, 2005 04:34 PMYea Stefan, I thought we had an understanding that I was gonna make the childish remarks ;'}
Posted by: alphabet soup on May 17, 2005 04:44 PMThet stuff has to get very warm before it starts making methane.
Posted by: Dogbert on May 17, 2005 05:15 PMWe should be able to respect the office of state governor. It would be great if we could even respect the person in office, but that simply is not always possible or should be expected of citizens.
I can disagree with someone and still respect them. In this case, state election laws weren't followed and we have a governor not by public mandate, but courtesy of KC Elections (which we as good citizens explicitly respect and trust). CG's actions and decisions in government offices shape my level of personal respect and so far she hasn't gained it from me.
Posted by: Mike J on May 17, 2005 05:30 PMI must say your "Moveon" attitude seems scripted. Are you a mulebutt or a troll?
See, "legal" is not always right and right is not always "legal".
If you are "Honestly" speaking, do you believe that the government (WE THE PEOPLE) should ignore blatant election violations and allow voter fraud? If so, you showed your cards and they are weak.
As for Bush, my Democrat Mom said on mothers day she agreed with Bush for the first time, EVER! She likes his Social Security plan. Honest people look at issues honestly.
From a "South Park" conservative...
Posted by: Splatter on May 17, 2005 05:38 PMYou find yourself at a public function, perhaps a formal reception at which the Governor is also in attendance. At some point in time an acquaintance of yours who knows the Governor takes you over to introduce you to her. How do you react, and assuming you politely shake her hand and say "hello", why did you do so? Or would you call her "Madam Former Attorney General Gregoire" to her face and in other ways show your disrespect in person?
I'm guessing most of you wouldn't show your disrespect in person because that would be rude and reflect poorly on yourself. Doing so in a forum like this one shouldn't be much different, and if it is, then is that because you feel somewhat protected from how others view you by the disengaged nature of the internet?
I'll accept that you may not be pleased with how close the election was, but the counting procedure that allowed for a third manual count was in place before the election. The legislation then confirmed the final outcome and Gregoire was legitimately sworn in as Governor. Rossi is pursuing a legal challenge in court, which is his right (even it is arguable if it is the choice he should have made). The two sides will have their day in court and a judge will rule on the case. In the meantime the Governor has worked through a very busy four months of legislation and focused on that job in a professional manner. You may not like every bill she has signed into law, and you may simply personally dislike her - that's your right, but I'm willing to bet that you and others, at the end of the day, would, in person, be respectful enough of her, whether because of her, or because of her position.
Posted by: Daniel K on May 17, 2005 05:54 PMWhen you give away what should be earned you debase yourself and people of virtue.
Posted by: Splatter on May 17, 2005 06:25 PMARE YOU KIDDING ME??????
"gag...gasp..choke...." The bulls**t just hit a new high.
Posted by: BlueKnight on May 17, 2005 06:44 PMPathetic straw man argument you set up there. Go pay some taxes and/or fees. It'll make you feel better.
Posted by: Danny on May 17, 2005 07:31 PMAlso, she's hoping that stink of corruption that follows her around might be overwhelmed by the smell of that bull crap all around. Finally, she will be able to blame it on something other than the election fraud in King County.
Posted by: DeadManVoting (aka Iguana) on May 17, 2005 07:34 PMGregoire was a joke as AG.
She is an even worse Governor.
Would I address her as "former Attorney General"?
No...
I do look forward to addressing her as;
"FORMER ILLEGITIMATE GOVERNOR"
So Daniel K--continue your Bagwhan-like psycho-babble to try to calm the vast opposition to Her Lowness Former AG Gregoire. You have been a real nasty ass poster for months. Now you want calmness and reason? Screw-off A$$munch!
Posted by: Mr. Cynical on May 17, 2005 07:50 PMSplatter nailed it--respect is earned. Actions speak volumes. Look at the plethora of tax increases recently enacted. Actions, my friend.
Posted by: Jimmie-howya-doin on May 17, 2005 07:59 PMThere is a BIG difference between being socially polite and having respect for an individual. Doesn't necessarily go "hand in hand".
Posted by: pacificnwrider on May 17, 2005 08:20 PMIn public, I would be cordial. I wouldn't address her as governor unless required by a formal protocol. That would be respect for the office.
In private, I would still be cordial, probably call her Gov. Gregoire, but I would be honest. If I signed a confidentiality statement, I think she would be honest to. I would think she would say the same thing she said after the first two counts. It was "statistically a tie". CG would recognize that she basically won a coin toss.
In reality, the coin toss used a two-headed coin courtesy of Ron Simms and a partisian election department. CG would likely only agree that due to many "human errors" that we will never know who really won. She would probably say if it was the other way around, she would challenging the result.
But, I don't think your question is really about inaccurate elections in King County. It is about respect for a person who I don't personally know. So, here are some character issues I have with CG:
1. CG is a lawyer. Enough said.... ;)
2. Blaming others. I don't like it when a Company Owner, Manager, CEO or Attorney General doesn't step up and accept responsibility for a major mistake under their watch. Instead they find a scapegoat.
3. Attitude. Taking practically sole credit for leading the States Tobacco settlement. Many people and lawyers were involved across many states. Did a group of lawyers just do this to put a feather their caps and fill some state coffers?
4. Hypocrisy. Being dishonest with the public, particulary in regards to raising taxes. Most Washington citizens don't like taxes. Why tell citizens what they want to hear and do something different once "elected".
5. Reality. Healing Tour? Can anyone be so blind to realized that we are divided in this state? Some by the "Cascades", some by "Seattle County", others by "wages", "values", etc. CG gives this diversity lip service and honestly considers running across the state will heal the rifts made by years of divisive politics and a government vs. citizens mentality?
I could go on. But, based on hopefully accurate information from Dan Rather wannabe's, I think CG is lacking in my book. So, I still cannot respect the person and I'm just left with respecting the office. But, I also don't believe she would tarnish the office as Bill Clinton did.
To be quite honest, I ran into former Gov. Locke in the Seattle REI a couple months back. I initially wanted to confront him with some pointed comments, but I paused and thought, he's done his time.
CG is busy doing her time right now. I don't have a problem with that, even if I disagree with her direction and policies. I just hope it only lasts till November.
Posted by: Mike J on May 17, 2005 08:34 PMWhat did she do with the settlement $$$? I believe she immediately hired more staff for her office. The smaller counties are finally getting their "share."
Why didn't she join in on the Microsoft lawsuit? I just don't understand that one.
She is cold and calculating and we must never, ever forget what she has done.
And Daniel K, we can discuss this in a civil manner. We would never tell you what to say.
Perhaps you can. I wouldn't say that's terribly true of a number of others - but that's simply the nature of polarized discourse.
I believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, Gregoire is Governor until proven otherwise. Rossi will have his day in court next week and will either prevail or fail. Meanwhile, Gregoire herself is not the target of the challenge, eventhough her position is in question. What is being challenged is the validity of the election process. Gregoire isn't an election process. She was not the head of an election board. She did not erroneously count ballots. She didn't not illegally cast a felon vote. She didn't certify the election.
Posted by: Daniel K on May 18, 2005 12:10 AMGrow a funny bone people!
When I see Bush at bovine excrement powered electrical plant I will laugh at him too.
Does anyone remember that movie, Mad Max - Beyond Thunder dome? The Tina Turner/Queen G?
Posted by: Splatter on May 18, 2005 12:29 AMLet's just put it this way! I will gladly help her pack her bags in a few months and get the heck outta the citizen's pockets!
Posted by: GS on May 18, 2005 12:56 AMNice kissup job on MikeJ and his "considered response." You presume alot (having an arrogant disposition and all) that your posts call for a considered response. Post something that looks like you engaged in a considered thought process, resulting in a meaningful postulary, and then you will have earned a considered response.
Posted by: Danny on May 18, 2005 05:26 AMA delayed response... The request to keep counting went to the FL courts, as FL law said that counting is required to be complete by a specific date. On that date all the votes were added up and Bush won. Gore went to court to allow more recounting, which the FL Supremes allowed. The US Supremes basically overturned their decision saying they need to follow the FL law. Nothing goes to the US Supremes without going through lower courts first. They are the appeal of last resort.
Daniel K - why do you assume I would meet her. I would not want to and would not accept the offer to meet her. I therefore would not have to change what I think of her to her face. And more to the point the former Atty Gen IS accurate shows the deserved respect (in the writer's opinion) for her which is different from the office. This is not an official from any political side. If it were the head of the rep party (either state or federal) I would agree that she should be referred to by her title in public statements. I realize the dems do not agree with me on that, given what the head of the party spouts about reps.
Posted by: Fred on May 18, 2005 09:14 AMWhen you get a little older Jean-Paul, you'll discover that sometimes it is necessary to take a few steps BACKWARDS in order to move forward. It's like climbing a mountain trail and realizing the route you picked leads to a huge hole in the ground. There will be no moving forward until you backtrack, pick the correct route and take it.
Posted by: Scott C on May 18, 2005 10:30 AMWith Gov-Pretend their, it will be hard to tell who's more full of Sh*t.
Posted by: flexnfx on May 18, 2005 10:39 AMI'm not really sure what all that was meant to mean, but YES, I am proud of capitalism, having brought more wealth to more people than any other system. No I am not a "right wing nut". No I do not support people that abuse the system.
Are you proud of the socialist system that has people scamming welfare food stamps social security etc.? Do you feel that these people should be the standard that these programs are judged?
Why is it only abuses in free enterprise that condemn the whole free enterprise system? I would look at the socialist, communist, etc. systems to see how the countries have prospered over all to compare the two. France's unemployment rate at around 10% - good endorsement, Soviet Union and the Eastern block, collapsed - another good endorsement, dictatorships in Africa, speak against the government and you die - another great alternate system.
Posted by: Fred on May 18, 2005 11:20 AMI work part time in Olympia. I treat ALL politcos the same.
I reminder them that they work for me. I ALWAYS let them know that more taxes is a bogus.
I always express regret that I can't fire them.
Rude? To an arrogant elitist ruling class snob?
I don't think so.
BTW: I WOULDN'T talk to CG. Christie's machine is already fine tuned to "remove" dissenters from her majesty's presence.
Posted by: smoke on May 18, 2005 11:23 AMGranted, CG didn't directly count, enhance or conjure ballots. Legal challenges to change or reinterpret existing law/code during the recount was initiated by her party. I really question CG's public rhetoric for every citizen to find, count or allow every vote even when it required overlooking or changing current election codes. It wasn't calm & respectful of the process. It was more like desperation for power. That's not my measure of a good leader.
BOTH CG & Rossi lost a close election because of election system failures. Sure, the partisian lackys did find or lose votes and went beyond the law, redefined procedures and overlooked problems as they needed. That in and of itself has caused the greatest voter frustration and charges of tainted elections. CG was just the pawn. It's not that the election was overtly tainted. It's just impossible to have any confidence in the result. Even elections officials admit that simple fact.
At the end of the hand count, if CG knew of all the problems that we now know, I think she would have supported a revote as the best course. That would be my hope. Otherwise, she is basically a puppet to the Democratic Party. So, I wonder with all the information now, it's more about staying in power than doing what's obviously right. Have the puppet strings recently been tied to CG or have they always been there?
All the citizens lost because of another failure at a government office. That's hardly newsworthy. I don't think Rossi is thrilled about challenging the election, but based on the identified problems it was inevitable. It could have been Slade Gorton or someone else. Political ideologies aside, we should all agree that regardless of the results, Rossi's challenge was terribly needed to restore election integrity. Claiming adequate or model elections is simply putting on ones political blinders. I hope our legislature and judiciary are capable of cutting the puppet strings of party power and do what's obvious regarding election reform. I hope CG is able to so the same when the time comes. For now, I'm still holding my breath.
Posted by: Mike J on May 18, 2005 12:31 PMExcellent, She-who-must-not-be-named will be visiting a fertilizer farm.... fitting... how fitting. I just hope the wind isn't out of Lynden tomorrow. The smell of manure would be immeasureable and intolerable.
It's managable (at Western), but my most recent post at Western Unraveled tells the story of some of some recent examples of liberal PC. There was more I could have included but I didn't have the time.
Regarding Lynden....
Awh...we're not all that bad. We can't be if we want to continue as a tourist attraction.
Posted by: Mark WWU on May 19, 2005 02:15 AMThe front door on the town liqour store has never been replaced. They go through back doors ate about 1 per year.
As for Western.... oh god.... is there still time to send your poor kid elsewhere?
Posted by: AK on May 19, 2005 07:44 AM