Project ahead in time 20 years. In 2021 we’ll have the Internet in our automobiles allowing us to peruse The Herald while stuck in traffic. Perhaps 2021 editorials will be trying to pinpoint exactly when local/state leadership vanished.
Not long ago we enjoyed very capable leadership. From both parties. Leaders like Jackson, Magnuson, Ray, Spellman and Gardner rush to mind.
The Charles Royer-style politician started the downward spiral. Populists who, while “feeling our pain”, accomplished nothing and neither planned nor led.
In hindsight even Royer seems quasi-capable compared to what we have in place today. Seattle’s current mayor can’t even protect voters and their property from street violence. Washington’s governor is apparently resigned to being labeled: “Asleep-at-the-Switch When Boeing Left Town.” Our U.S. congresspersons are (Hilary-sponsored fundraisers notwithstanding) nowhere to be seen.
Apparently any state (except ours) would love to host a Boeing Co. Seizing the opportunity to capture tens of thousands of high tech taxpayers, Chicago, Dallas and Denver made well-organized, professional presentations to lure Boeing away. Where is Puget Sound’s response? Washington state’s biggest employer is fed up, citing decades-long tax, regulatory and transportation concerns, and the Murray, Schell, Cantwell, Locke, etc., response is – deafening silence; bewilderment.
I suggested we’ll be pondering all this while stuck in traffic, but perhaps even that’s optimistic. Rush hour presupposes jobs to rush to. At the rate we’re going, the only jobs we’ll have in 2021 are cottage industry printing of those cardboard signs which proclaim: “Down on My Luck; God Bless”, at each freeway ramp.
In the final analysis, we’ll be forced to admit that we voters are ultimately at fault. We voted for the current crop of “leaders.” Thus informed, it’s clear what should happen next.
Edmonds
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