.....with comments enabled and working.
Much thanks to brendan.
31 July 2004
21 July 2004
Seeking Balance To My Viewpoints
Seeking Balance To My Viewpoints
P. Scott Cummins © 2004 The UrbaneR
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance. And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
-James Madison, The Writings of James Madison (1840)
A long time ago I was given volumes containing the ancient, almost-sacred linen pages and kidskin bindings of that quote - a gift from perhaps the most conservative thinker I have ever met. Yet he listens to public radio and reads Village Voice publications – despite what that may do to his blood pressure. The person who gave me those rare volumes of wisdom from one of our nation’s most revered founders is a business owner and friend, from right here in Magnolia. He gave me that treasure knowing full well that unlike him I am pro-reproductive choice, anti-death penalty, avowedly environmentalist – yet we are both staunchly Republican. He did so to symbolize that ideas matter, particularly when in the full cry of competition with other compelling notions. Like William F. Buckley, he wanted to say don’t take it for granted – that democracy will cease to exist when the interplay of ideas dissolves into a seething bonfire of rigid fundamentalist face off.
With these watchwords I listen carefully to many viewpoints. Particularly this year, when the over-heated feelings kindled by the presidential election have unfortunately led many to shrink at the sidelines and look away in disgust. The James Madison ‘effect’ tells me this is no time to pale – we should instead redouble efforts to be informed – to focus more on the ‘light’ of ideas than the ‘heat’ of debate. And hey, its summer – grab some books and get outside - that’s my watchword! In this political summer I have quite a few bestsellers on my reading list. Already a number of them have made it into that good ‘ole canvas tote bag for trips to the Karen’s Place Playground, Woodland Park or even (if I’m lucky) Alki Beach - and the remote possibility of a fresh cinnamon roll. One of those is A Patriot’s Handbook by Caroline Kennedy. Calling it a collage of America, Kennedy says “(i) t is for my children and others growing up in a world where being an American brings responsibilities as well as opportunities…” And so looking for more pre-teen parenting insight I went back down to ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ in search of Mary Matalin’s Letters to My Daughters – a source of great humor I’m told.
The problem was it wasn’t there. Caroline Kennedy, yes. Mary Matalin, no. At first I thought it was a question of being in bad taste (Ms. Matalin, like her husband James Carville, can be rather coarse at times). But then I saw books by Bill Maher, Al Franken and (even) Michael Moore. Groovy. So that wasn’t it. What’s going on here?
Look, I get most of my books from the library. But in the summer, it is all about schlepping children, dog, toys, sunscreen, snacks and any manner of kid-collected ‘found objects’ for later artistic display – in that ubiquitous canvas tote bag. I am not going to chance damage to hard-earned credit and good standing with my beloved Seattle Public Library. So I spring for a paperback – often at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’. Besides, one of the true joys of summer is to share a great read with friends, both new and old, in that rite of Seattle summer involving the exchange of books. If you haven’t tried it, you should. Summer reading got me started on the mind-blowing novels of Knut Hamsun over twenty five years ago, for example. And Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Oh, those were the days. Summer, just perfect for stealing a moment (and finding a treasure) at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ – or at least so I thought.
Summer is also a time for travel, when (yes it’s true) I actually get out of Magnolia on rare occasion. And still wondering about the dearth of divergent viewpoints (though none may call it censorship) at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ I wandered into a big box chain retailer and found the book department. And sure enough, there were the familiar groovy guys named Al and Bill and Michael – but mixed in among them were other names as well. Like Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, Bernard Goldberg, Ann Coulter, James Hirsen, Dick Morris, Laura Ingraham, David Horowitz, even Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Bestsellers all. The funny thing was, they were all mixed in together – a hodgepodge of slants and rants that actually made me smile. I picked up a Horowitz - there has to be something to him because, like Dennis Miller, he is no longer respected by the French. He’s in there now, on duty in the canvas tote bag – waiting for – what do you have to trade? George Soros’ The Bubble of American Supremacy? And you want to get together to talk about it too? Awesome! I’d like to start with his experience in Nazi-era Europe, how one day books favorable to Judaica were no longer in the shops. And what intolerance does to society. Maybe we can meet at the bakery, you know, the one next to ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore.’ Now, about Ezra Pound...
P. Scott Cummins © 2004 The UrbaneR
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance. And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
-James Madison, The Writings of James Madison (1840)
A long time ago I was given volumes containing the ancient, almost-sacred linen pages and kidskin bindings of that quote - a gift from perhaps the most conservative thinker I have ever met. Yet he listens to public radio and reads Village Voice publications – despite what that may do to his blood pressure. The person who gave me those rare volumes of wisdom from one of our nation’s most revered founders is a business owner and friend, from right here in Magnolia. He gave me that treasure knowing full well that unlike him I am pro-reproductive choice, anti-death penalty, avowedly environmentalist – yet we are both staunchly Republican. He did so to symbolize that ideas matter, particularly when in the full cry of competition with other compelling notions. Like William F. Buckley, he wanted to say don’t take it for granted – that democracy will cease to exist when the interplay of ideas dissolves into a seething bonfire of rigid fundamentalist face off.
With these watchwords I listen carefully to many viewpoints. Particularly this year, when the over-heated feelings kindled by the presidential election have unfortunately led many to shrink at the sidelines and look away in disgust. The James Madison ‘effect’ tells me this is no time to pale – we should instead redouble efforts to be informed – to focus more on the ‘light’ of ideas than the ‘heat’ of debate. And hey, its summer – grab some books and get outside - that’s my watchword! In this political summer I have quite a few bestsellers on my reading list. Already a number of them have made it into that good ‘ole canvas tote bag for trips to the Karen’s Place Playground, Woodland Park or even (if I’m lucky) Alki Beach - and the remote possibility of a fresh cinnamon roll. One of those is A Patriot’s Handbook by Caroline Kennedy. Calling it a collage of America, Kennedy says “(i) t is for my children and others growing up in a world where being an American brings responsibilities as well as opportunities…” And so looking for more pre-teen parenting insight I went back down to ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ in search of Mary Matalin’s Letters to My Daughters – a source of great humor I’m told.
The problem was it wasn’t there. Caroline Kennedy, yes. Mary Matalin, no. At first I thought it was a question of being in bad taste (Ms. Matalin, like her husband James Carville, can be rather coarse at times). But then I saw books by Bill Maher, Al Franken and (even) Michael Moore. Groovy. So that wasn’t it. What’s going on here?
Look, I get most of my books from the library. But in the summer, it is all about schlepping children, dog, toys, sunscreen, snacks and any manner of kid-collected ‘found objects’ for later artistic display – in that ubiquitous canvas tote bag. I am not going to chance damage to hard-earned credit and good standing with my beloved Seattle Public Library. So I spring for a paperback – often at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’. Besides, one of the true joys of summer is to share a great read with friends, both new and old, in that rite of Seattle summer involving the exchange of books. If you haven’t tried it, you should. Summer reading got me started on the mind-blowing novels of Knut Hamsun over twenty five years ago, for example. And Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Oh, those were the days. Summer, just perfect for stealing a moment (and finding a treasure) at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ – or at least so I thought.
Summer is also a time for travel, when (yes it’s true) I actually get out of Magnolia on rare occasion. And still wondering about the dearth of divergent viewpoints (though none may call it censorship) at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ I wandered into a big box chain retailer and found the book department. And sure enough, there were the familiar groovy guys named Al and Bill and Michael – but mixed in among them were other names as well. Like Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, Bernard Goldberg, Ann Coulter, James Hirsen, Dick Morris, Laura Ingraham, David Horowitz, even Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Bestsellers all. The funny thing was, they were all mixed in together – a hodgepodge of slants and rants that actually made me smile. I picked up a Horowitz - there has to be something to him because, like Dennis Miller, he is no longer respected by the French. He’s in there now, on duty in the canvas tote bag – waiting for – what do you have to trade? George Soros’ The Bubble of American Supremacy? And you want to get together to talk about it too? Awesome! I’d like to start with his experience in Nazi-era Europe, how one day books favorable to Judaica were no longer in the shops. And what intolerance does to society. Maybe we can meet at the bakery, you know, the one next to ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore.’ Now, about Ezra Pound...
05 July 2004
Kerry’s Difficult Task Ahead
Swaying the Dean Faithful to Kerry
by Brendan Vaughn, Guest Blogger
Recently, I was reflecting on the great number of Bush Lied!!! yard signs and bumper stickers (and in one case, a bumper-yard-sign) and the definite lack of Kerry paraphernalia in Magnolia. In fact, I think Bush-Cheney support is easily trumping Kerry in 98199. So this leads me to wonder: Can the Anti-Bush be converted to Pro-Kerry?
How better to analyze such a question than with numbers, provided directly from the source, the Federal Elections Commission. Being an engineer, I’ll give you the facts in plain words and let you decide for yourself. I collected the information for contributions over $50 made in the 98199 zip code, 118 in total. In all, there were $88,546 total contributions ranging from $50 to $2,000, with an average contribution of $750.
Of these 118 contributions, 75% were to Democratic candidates, and 25% were to Bush; however, the Democrats only captured 61% of the total money contributed. This is more easily seen when one looks at the average contribution to both Democrats ($608) and Republicans ($1,188). Thus the Democrats are getting donations in larger numbers, but much smaller amounts.
If we look at specific candidates in the Democratic race, only three are truly worthy of any comment: Joe Lieberman, Howard Dean, and John F. Kerry. Joe Lieberman has perhaps the most interesting donation history in Magnolia, receiving only 6 donations. However, these donations were more than 17% of the total donations to Democrats. This is fairly astounding, considering Lieberman carried 0 delegates in the primaries and was quick to drop out after early defeats.
Howard Dean’s story is quite interesting too, proving his true grassroots support. Howard Dean received 48% of the 89 contributions to Democrats, but that only amounted to 26% of the $54,000 sent their way. Hence, he was getting widespread funding in low numbers, truly grassroots. His average contribution was only $326; the lowest in Magnolia save for Dick Gephardt’s two paltry contributions of $275 total.
John F. Kerry only captured 53% of the dollar amount contributed to the Democrats in Magnolia, not exactly a ringing endorsement. Though this was more than twice what Howard Dean received, we have yet to see those Kerry faithful being vocal about their support.
Yard signs in Magnolia six months ago were resoundingly in favor of Howard Dean. Even that notable duct-taped bumper-yard-sign was for Howard Dean. Now, the owner of the red sports car has elected to devalue his car now with a Bush Lied!!! yard sign. Perhaps, in time, the owner will switch to a duct-taped Kerry sign.
So back to the question at hand: Can the Anti-Bush be converted to Pro-Kerry? My conclusion: Perhaps, but probably not in time for November; though will this affect the political outcome in Magnolia? Nope.
Guest Blogger Brendan Vaughn lives with a silly grin on his face, in Magnolia.
All data was from fundrace.org, which provided a snapshot from 1/1/03 to 4/30/04, the most recently updated funding provided by the FEC.
by Brendan Vaughn, Guest Blogger
Recently, I was reflecting on the great number of Bush Lied!!! yard signs and bumper stickers (and in one case, a bumper-yard-sign) and the definite lack of Kerry paraphernalia in Magnolia. In fact, I think Bush-Cheney support is easily trumping Kerry in 98199. So this leads me to wonder: Can the Anti-Bush be converted to Pro-Kerry?
How better to analyze such a question than with numbers, provided directly from the source, the Federal Elections Commission. Being an engineer, I’ll give you the facts in plain words and let you decide for yourself. I collected the information for contributions over $50 made in the 98199 zip code, 118 in total. In all, there were $88,546 total contributions ranging from $50 to $2,000, with an average contribution of $750.
Of these 118 contributions, 75% were to Democratic candidates, and 25% were to Bush; however, the Democrats only captured 61% of the total money contributed. This is more easily seen when one looks at the average contribution to both Democrats ($608) and Republicans ($1,188). Thus the Democrats are getting donations in larger numbers, but much smaller amounts.
If we look at specific candidates in the Democratic race, only three are truly worthy of any comment: Joe Lieberman, Howard Dean, and John F. Kerry. Joe Lieberman has perhaps the most interesting donation history in Magnolia, receiving only 6 donations. However, these donations were more than 17% of the total donations to Democrats. This is fairly astounding, considering Lieberman carried 0 delegates in the primaries and was quick to drop out after early defeats.
Howard Dean’s story is quite interesting too, proving his true grassroots support. Howard Dean received 48% of the 89 contributions to Democrats, but that only amounted to 26% of the $54,000 sent their way. Hence, he was getting widespread funding in low numbers, truly grassroots. His average contribution was only $326; the lowest in Magnolia save for Dick Gephardt’s two paltry contributions of $275 total.
John F. Kerry only captured 53% of the dollar amount contributed to the Democrats in Magnolia, not exactly a ringing endorsement. Though this was more than twice what Howard Dean received, we have yet to see those Kerry faithful being vocal about their support.
Yard signs in Magnolia six months ago were resoundingly in favor of Howard Dean. Even that notable duct-taped bumper-yard-sign was for Howard Dean. Now, the owner of the red sports car has elected to devalue his car now with a Bush Lied!!! yard sign. Perhaps, in time, the owner will switch to a duct-taped Kerry sign.
So back to the question at hand: Can the Anti-Bush be converted to Pro-Kerry? My conclusion: Perhaps, but probably not in time for November; though will this affect the political outcome in Magnolia? Nope.
Guest Blogger Brendan Vaughn lives with a silly grin on his face, in Magnolia.
All data was from fundrace.org, which provided a snapshot from 1/1/03 to 4/30/04, the most recently updated funding provided by the FEC.
03 July 2004
Well, Sure, Arab Muslims Practice Slavery, But...
An Associated Press apologia for ongoing black African slavery by Muslim masters in today's Sahara region utilizing the convenient artifice of 'aren't we just so bad' hate-America-first references to American slavery banished 140 years ago. And what's worse, an 'always been that way' tone of resigned acceptance. And insult to injury, the creepy 'we can't even tell them apart' discussion of racial characteristics wrapped up in smug 'they're just so dum' allusion.
All in all, just another day in the liberal media. The 'don't bother us until there is genocide so we can blame it on the Administration' attitude is alive and well. For balance, check this perspective found on Rosenblog.
All in all, just another day in the liberal media. The 'don't bother us until there is genocide so we can blame it on the Administration' attitude is alive and well. For balance, check this perspective found on Rosenblog.
25 June 2004
Are We Having Trouble With Change?
P.Scott Cummins © 2004 The UrbaneR
Just this week I heard praises of Magnolia from faraway Uganda. For several years Magnolia families have donated out-grown sports jerseys bearing the familiar designs of our community sports leagues. Sister Schools ships them to Uganda – a country renowned for making forgiveness and reconciliation a societal touchstone in the wake of horrible genocide twenty-plus years ago. These lessons were not lost on me working in Uganda last month. Now we hear from Uganda about the spreading fame of Magnolia. Donating snazzy (and high quality) jerseys to Ugandan children earns us praise. You see, aid organizations too often receive ratty old tee shirts from the developed world. So, from their vantage, we have done needy children well. In return, maybe we can benefit from Uganda’s laudable example of peacemaking and civil discourse in society.
This past week witnessed two groups pushing the ‘panic button’ even as perhaps our most intrusive public neighbor has ‘pulled the rug out.’ Some neighbors of the home building project at the old Briarcliff School; strategy of Friends of Discovery Park regarding Capehart military housing; and Port of Seattle public planning process at Interbay – are similar in a crucial way, summed up in a single word: change.
Briarcliff Elementary School was a victim of ‘white flight’ in the 1970’s and 80’s. Families left Magnolia for the suburbs to an appreciable degree – but in large part demographics remained stable – and Magnolia families opted for private schools instead. This was not unusual in Seattle, where a metropolis of politically progressive professionals have created the second largest per-capita private school population in the nation – with only limousine liberal citadel New York City a more odious example. In 2004 we are nigh-on as culturally segregated as Little Rock in 1954. And perhaps worse, remain a community effectively incapable of holding true dialogue on the subject. When school district negligence created a fiscal crisis, Briarcliff’s sale became a crucial response.
A few neighbors have protested the resulting high end home development, and distributed a flyer. But many more community activists say their “due diligence” is more positive. To test this, last week I met with developer John Cochenour. He walked me through reams of public comments received, overwhelmingly favoring traditional style homes. So look for traditional Magnolia character and densities there. Better still, go read the sign at Briarcliff, visit the website, and comment yourself. I do agree with the complaining neighbors on one issue though (and the ‘Briarcliff Revival’ project actually helps by creating pedestrian-friendly neighborhood character): I’ve had it with speeding drivers on our side streets. We can make headway on this issue, but only if more folks get involved - and join the Magnolia Community Club.
Recently a blizzard of signs has emerged imploring you to ‘save’ Discovery Park. Now that’s important. What has the Friends of Discovery Park asked you to save? I went to their website. The message was a shocker. I could not believe what it said. “Best case scenario: Capehart housing is renovated and continues to house Navy families.”
What about Discovery Park’s master plan? One might assume that Friends, seeing the city pass on purchasing Capehart when the military initially offered it thirty years ago, would plan for this moment with relish. The Navy is, after all, a willing seller – albeit a seller bound by enormous federal statutory and regulatory oversight. It is high time our public officials do the right thing and acknowledge the Navy for playing fair and lawfully. Pressure groups associated with the Discovery Park have consistently called for the Capehart tract’s return to native habitat. Why then, in this ‘golden moment’ of opportunity, confusing calls for status quo? Somehow I missed the community forums and outreach by Friends explaining their strategy. The dynamic at play is hinted, though, in a letter to the Navy sent earlier this month by Jim McDermott, Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray:
“In 1986, the Seattle City Council adopted the Discovery Park Development plan that calls for the eventual inclusion of the military housing areas in the park and for the 66-unit Capehart tract ultimately to be removed and converted to open space.”
It is increasingly clear that city officials have not effectively planned for this change. With government, development plans have budgetary consequences. Budgets are a process of setting priorities. Was Capehart on the horizon, even as they set priorities for millions in METRO sewage plant mitigation money? And with designated opportunity funds left out of the ostensibly ‘pro’ parks capital levy? In essence, we are left to conclude: money for Taj Mahal city hall, yes. Money to make Discovery Park whole, no.
Last week the Port of Seattle abruptly and quietly suspended the ‘North Bay’ redevelopment zone planning process. Where does this leave community leaders focusing on complex sets of issues created by this project? Or the enormous waste of emergent port-focused energy by our Community Club? Port of Seattle: you have fence-mending to do with Magnolia. A start for our elected advocate, Commissioner Paige Miller: give us the real scoop on North Bay. As would firm commitment from Port planners to work with Seattle Parks on process regarding a land swap between Park’s sports-designated and view-full (but hopelessly crowded) Smith Cove and the wide open northern-most portion of the Port’s ‘North Bay’ site. Putting sports fields just off Thorndyke Avenue (where yellow buses park now), reachable without having to leave Magnolia, only makes sense. A commute clear out of Magnolia to Smith Cove so seven year olds can play micro soccer – now that calls for a conversation. Let’s not ‘pull the rug out’ from having that discussion merely because the Port is currying favor with City Hall by delaying high technology development plans at North Bay. And hey, let’s follow the example of our Ugandan admirers, and keep it civil.
Just this week I heard praises of Magnolia from faraway Uganda. For several years Magnolia families have donated out-grown sports jerseys bearing the familiar designs of our community sports leagues. Sister Schools ships them to Uganda – a country renowned for making forgiveness and reconciliation a societal touchstone in the wake of horrible genocide twenty-plus years ago. These lessons were not lost on me working in Uganda last month. Now we hear from Uganda about the spreading fame of Magnolia. Donating snazzy (and high quality) jerseys to Ugandan children earns us praise. You see, aid organizations too often receive ratty old tee shirts from the developed world. So, from their vantage, we have done needy children well. In return, maybe we can benefit from Uganda’s laudable example of peacemaking and civil discourse in society.
This past week witnessed two groups pushing the ‘panic button’ even as perhaps our most intrusive public neighbor has ‘pulled the rug out.’ Some neighbors of the home building project at the old Briarcliff School; strategy of Friends of Discovery Park regarding Capehart military housing; and Port of Seattle public planning process at Interbay – are similar in a crucial way, summed up in a single word: change.
Briarcliff Elementary School was a victim of ‘white flight’ in the 1970’s and 80’s. Families left Magnolia for the suburbs to an appreciable degree – but in large part demographics remained stable – and Magnolia families opted for private schools instead. This was not unusual in Seattle, where a metropolis of politically progressive professionals have created the second largest per-capita private school population in the nation – with only limousine liberal citadel New York City a more odious example. In 2004 we are nigh-on as culturally segregated as Little Rock in 1954. And perhaps worse, remain a community effectively incapable of holding true dialogue on the subject. When school district negligence created a fiscal crisis, Briarcliff’s sale became a crucial response.
A few neighbors have protested the resulting high end home development, and distributed a flyer. But many more community activists say their “due diligence” is more positive. To test this, last week I met with developer John Cochenour. He walked me through reams of public comments received, overwhelmingly favoring traditional style homes. So look for traditional Magnolia character and densities there. Better still, go read the sign at Briarcliff, visit the website, and comment yourself. I do agree with the complaining neighbors on one issue though (and the ‘Briarcliff Revival’ project actually helps by creating pedestrian-friendly neighborhood character): I’ve had it with speeding drivers on our side streets. We can make headway on this issue, but only if more folks get involved - and join the Magnolia Community Club.
Recently a blizzard of signs has emerged imploring you to ‘save’ Discovery Park. Now that’s important. What has the Friends of Discovery Park asked you to save? I went to their website. The message was a shocker. I could not believe what it said. “Best case scenario: Capehart housing is renovated and continues to house Navy families.”
What about Discovery Park’s master plan? One might assume that Friends, seeing the city pass on purchasing Capehart when the military initially offered it thirty years ago, would plan for this moment with relish. The Navy is, after all, a willing seller – albeit a seller bound by enormous federal statutory and regulatory oversight. It is high time our public officials do the right thing and acknowledge the Navy for playing fair and lawfully. Pressure groups associated with the Discovery Park have consistently called for the Capehart tract’s return to native habitat. Why then, in this ‘golden moment’ of opportunity, confusing calls for status quo? Somehow I missed the community forums and outreach by Friends explaining their strategy. The dynamic at play is hinted, though, in a letter to the Navy sent earlier this month by Jim McDermott, Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray:
“In 1986, the Seattle City Council adopted the Discovery Park Development plan that calls for the eventual inclusion of the military housing areas in the park and for the 66-unit Capehart tract ultimately to be removed and converted to open space.”
It is increasingly clear that city officials have not effectively planned for this change. With government, development plans have budgetary consequences. Budgets are a process of setting priorities. Was Capehart on the horizon, even as they set priorities for millions in METRO sewage plant mitigation money? And with designated opportunity funds left out of the ostensibly ‘pro’ parks capital levy? In essence, we are left to conclude: money for Taj Mahal city hall, yes. Money to make Discovery Park whole, no.
Last week the Port of Seattle abruptly and quietly suspended the ‘North Bay’ redevelopment zone planning process. Where does this leave community leaders focusing on complex sets of issues created by this project? Or the enormous waste of emergent port-focused energy by our Community Club? Port of Seattle: you have fence-mending to do with Magnolia. A start for our elected advocate, Commissioner Paige Miller: give us the real scoop on North Bay. As would firm commitment from Port planners to work with Seattle Parks on process regarding a land swap between Park’s sports-designated and view-full (but hopelessly crowded) Smith Cove and the wide open northern-most portion of the Port’s ‘North Bay’ site. Putting sports fields just off Thorndyke Avenue (where yellow buses park now), reachable without having to leave Magnolia, only makes sense. A commute clear out of Magnolia to Smith Cove so seven year olds can play micro soccer – now that calls for a conversation. Let’s not ‘pull the rug out’ from having that discussion merely because the Port is currying favor with City Hall by delaying high technology development plans at North Bay. And hey, let’s follow the example of our Ugandan admirers, and keep it civil.
20 June 2004
Family Man
I am a family man
I traded in my mustang for a mini-van
This is not what I was headed for when I began
This was not my plan
I am a family man
But everything I had to lose
Came back a thousand times in you
And you fill me up with love
Fill me up with love
And you help me stand
'Cause I am a family man
And life is good
That's something I always knew
But I just never understood
If you'd asked me then, you know I'd say I never would
Settle down in a neighborhood
I never though I could
But I don't remember anymore
Who I even was before
You filled me up with love
Filled me up with love
And you help me stand
So come on with the thunderclouds
Let the cold winds rail against us
Let the rain come down
We can build a roof above us with the love we found
And we can stand our ground
So let the rain come down
'Cause love binds up what breaks in two
So keep my heart so close to you
And I'll fill you up with love
Fill you up with love
And I'll help you stand
'Cause I am a family man
I'm saving my vacation time for Disneyland
This is not what I was headed for when I began
This was not my plan
It's so much better than
So much better than
'Cause I am a family man
...
Artist: Andrew Peterson
Album: Love and Thunder
Label: Watershed / Essential
I traded in my mustang for a mini-van
This is not what I was headed for when I began
This was not my plan
I am a family man
But everything I had to lose
Came back a thousand times in you
And you fill me up with love
Fill me up with love
And you help me stand
'Cause I am a family man
And life is good
That's something I always knew
But I just never understood
If you'd asked me then, you know I'd say I never would
Settle down in a neighborhood
I never though I could
But I don't remember anymore
Who I even was before
You filled me up with love
Filled me up with love
And you help me stand
So come on with the thunderclouds
Let the cold winds rail against us
Let the rain come down
We can build a roof above us with the love we found
And we can stand our ground
So let the rain come down
'Cause love binds up what breaks in two
So keep my heart so close to you
And I'll fill you up with love
Fill you up with love
And I'll help you stand
'Cause I am a family man
I'm saving my vacation time for Disneyland
This is not what I was headed for when I began
This was not my plan
It's so much better than
So much better than
'Cause I am a family man
...
Artist: Andrew Peterson
Album: Love and Thunder
Label: Watershed / Essential
16 June 2004
Guilting the Lilly
Guilting the Lilly
P. Scott Cummins © 2004 The UrbaneR
Like a bad marriage, Seattle School Board Director Dick Lilly can at least offer that it started off so very well. With stellar credentials as a journalist and consummate city hall insider – he offered us hope of a bright future together. Sure, he already had kids, but then, so did all of us with children in the Seattle Public Schools. With some work, we could make it a lasting relationship. And my, could he talk about his hopes for small schools. Practically made me think he knew Bill and Melinda Gates personally with all the talk of their Foundation. And always the promise to keep an open mind regarding charter schools – to preserve our options. The newly renovated, and therefore over-enrolled, Ballard High School was causing no end of headache for Queen Anne and Magnolia families “aced out” by assignment plans worthy of the Politburo – but Lilly assured us he had it covered. He had been a reporter after all. Yes indeed, he was really going to ‘have at it’ for us. Just three short years ago.
Fast forward to summer, 2004: We are working our way out from under $33 million in accounting errors and budget shortfalls from 2000 (albeit before his watch) through 2003. There is hardly a school building in Seattle which can keep a principal, and the vacuum caused by leadership turnover is frustrating parents to the boiling point. But the topper is the high school assignment plan. This year we asked the voters to approve operating and capital levies (I say “we” because of my extensive volunteering on its behalf), and what came as the most immediate response to the Queen Anne and Magnolia communities? Answer: a high school assignment plan so punishing to our students it clearly must have been designed to send a message. I have been a booster of the Seattle Public Schools for most of my life. But the sheer malevolence of this assignment plan crosses the line. And shatters trust.
Ordering an advanced placement (“AP”) eligible student to ride a bus almost two hours to attend a high school where AP is a chimera – creates intolerable injustice to the educational potential of that child. If that child were eligible under a protected legal status by the civil rights laws of this country, government would leap into action, protecting equal access to education. Not so if that child is in the mainstream. (Oh, how carefully we tread in these areas, the minefields of politically correct society run amok.) Why, you ask? Well, to spare you a semester’s study of constitutional law, because the mainstream child’s parents have the full benefits and advantages of the political process. In other words, we vote on our problems. And Houston, we have a problem, because the Seattle Public Schools is one crippled ship headed out of orbit.
I was proud to go to Meany Middle School and Ballard High School in the 1970’s. And I have volunteered and financially contributed to Ballard ever since. I have also volunteered at Franklin and here at Blaine (where my daughters attend). The Seattle Public Schools has succeeded in one thing though: eroding my thirty-plus years of bedrock support into quicksand – because of what I see them doing to high school children who don’t deserve such horrible treatment.
And where is this high school that so many of our students have been assigned? Look, it is easy to find out. Suffice it to say that this school is part of Dick Lilly’s small school dream – calling it “our achiever high school” in letters he has written. So what of its achievements? In looking at the teacher website for the highest level math and science courses offered, even the faintest glimmer of hope for student achievement is shut down. Regarding each course offering the teacher states “Extra Credit - Really there isn’t any. Don’t ask.” with regard to Physics, and “There is essentially no extra credit. You don’t need to ask.” about Pre-calculus. This puts it plain as day. Do the course work and don’t bother me. We are having no advanced work here for motivated AP students. This is essentially an academic death sentence for those students.
The Seattle School Board should immediately amend the high school assignment rules to reflect the real needs of the advanced placement learner: if an eighth grader qualifies (by current school district testing procedures) for advanced placement learning, then that student must be given assignment to a high school for which there are AP offering in each and every subject (math, language arts, social studies, science) for which that student qualifies – and that school can be no more than one half hour away, door-to-door. This action benefits all students, because as Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson said in her most recent “State of Education “address: “Four times as many Washington students are taking advanced placement exams as they did 10 years ago, and over the past five years, participation rates for students of color have increased between 70 and 170 percent.” This action is about delivering on the dream for all students in the Seattle Schools, and will create strong incentives for middle school students to maximize their efforts headed toward high school.
Finally, what about basic fairness for high school students on Magnolia and Queen Anne? District officials should take immediate action on construction plans (following the successful example of West Seattle High’s temporary move into a middle school building), shifting Roosevelt High School’s temporary location to the former Wilson junior high school on North 90th near Aurora Avenue in North Seattle. This will allow the enormously important resource of Abraham Lincoln High School to be opened again as a school reborn – an incredibly overdue milestone. Lincoln, because of its close proximity to the University of Washington, is a “no brainer” for advanced placement learning. Its location on the major 45th street thoroughfare - and mid-way between Highway 99 and Interstate 5, provides commute options superior to any other high school in the city. Lincoln is right there, waiting to reach its potential. We should do no less to foster the potential of our high school students, because Dick Lilly’s dream has become a nightmare for our community.
P. Scott Cummins © 2004 The UrbaneR
Like a bad marriage, Seattle School Board Director Dick Lilly can at least offer that it started off so very well. With stellar credentials as a journalist and consummate city hall insider – he offered us hope of a bright future together. Sure, he already had kids, but then, so did all of us with children in the Seattle Public Schools. With some work, we could make it a lasting relationship. And my, could he talk about his hopes for small schools. Practically made me think he knew Bill and Melinda Gates personally with all the talk of their Foundation. And always the promise to keep an open mind regarding charter schools – to preserve our options. The newly renovated, and therefore over-enrolled, Ballard High School was causing no end of headache for Queen Anne and Magnolia families “aced out” by assignment plans worthy of the Politburo – but Lilly assured us he had it covered. He had been a reporter after all. Yes indeed, he was really going to ‘have at it’ for us. Just three short years ago.
Fast forward to summer, 2004: We are working our way out from under $33 million in accounting errors and budget shortfalls from 2000 (albeit before his watch) through 2003. There is hardly a school building in Seattle which can keep a principal, and the vacuum caused by leadership turnover is frustrating parents to the boiling point. But the topper is the high school assignment plan. This year we asked the voters to approve operating and capital levies (I say “we” because of my extensive volunteering on its behalf), and what came as the most immediate response to the Queen Anne and Magnolia communities? Answer: a high school assignment plan so punishing to our students it clearly must have been designed to send a message. I have been a booster of the Seattle Public Schools for most of my life. But the sheer malevolence of this assignment plan crosses the line. And shatters trust.
Ordering an advanced placement (“AP”) eligible student to ride a bus almost two hours to attend a high school where AP is a chimera – creates intolerable injustice to the educational potential of that child. If that child were eligible under a protected legal status by the civil rights laws of this country, government would leap into action, protecting equal access to education. Not so if that child is in the mainstream. (Oh, how carefully we tread in these areas, the minefields of politically correct society run amok.) Why, you ask? Well, to spare you a semester’s study of constitutional law, because the mainstream child’s parents have the full benefits and advantages of the political process. In other words, we vote on our problems. And Houston, we have a problem, because the Seattle Public Schools is one crippled ship headed out of orbit.
I was proud to go to Meany Middle School and Ballard High School in the 1970’s. And I have volunteered and financially contributed to Ballard ever since. I have also volunteered at Franklin and here at Blaine (where my daughters attend). The Seattle Public Schools has succeeded in one thing though: eroding my thirty-plus years of bedrock support into quicksand – because of what I see them doing to high school children who don’t deserve such horrible treatment.
And where is this high school that so many of our students have been assigned? Look, it is easy to find out. Suffice it to say that this school is part of Dick Lilly’s small school dream – calling it “our achiever high school” in letters he has written. So what of its achievements? In looking at the teacher website for the highest level math and science courses offered, even the faintest glimmer of hope for student achievement is shut down. Regarding each course offering the teacher states “Extra Credit - Really there isn’t any. Don’t ask.” with regard to Physics, and “There is essentially no extra credit. You don’t need to ask.” about Pre-calculus. This puts it plain as day. Do the course work and don’t bother me. We are having no advanced work here for motivated AP students. This is essentially an academic death sentence for those students.
The Seattle School Board should immediately amend the high school assignment rules to reflect the real needs of the advanced placement learner: if an eighth grader qualifies (by current school district testing procedures) for advanced placement learning, then that student must be given assignment to a high school for which there are AP offering in each and every subject (math, language arts, social studies, science) for which that student qualifies – and that school can be no more than one half hour away, door-to-door. This action benefits all students, because as Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson said in her most recent “State of Education “address: “Four times as many Washington students are taking advanced placement exams as they did 10 years ago, and over the past five years, participation rates for students of color have increased between 70 and 170 percent.” This action is about delivering on the dream for all students in the Seattle Schools, and will create strong incentives for middle school students to maximize their efforts headed toward high school.
Finally, what about basic fairness for high school students on Magnolia and Queen Anne? District officials should take immediate action on construction plans (following the successful example of West Seattle High’s temporary move into a middle school building), shifting Roosevelt High School’s temporary location to the former Wilson junior high school on North 90th near Aurora Avenue in North Seattle. This will allow the enormously important resource of Abraham Lincoln High School to be opened again as a school reborn – an incredibly overdue milestone. Lincoln, because of its close proximity to the University of Washington, is a “no brainer” for advanced placement learning. Its location on the major 45th street thoroughfare - and mid-way between Highway 99 and Interstate 5, provides commute options superior to any other high school in the city. Lincoln is right there, waiting to reach its potential. We should do no less to foster the potential of our high school students, because Dick Lilly’s dream has become a nightmare for our community.
10 June 2004
Thinking About Our Ron Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan, a husband and father, died June 5, 2004. He was 93. For us, who are Magnolia neighbors and friends to his son Ron and daughter in law Doria, this is what matters. All of us have experienced the grief and loss from death of a close one. For a community which has guarded the privacy of these, our Magnolia neighbors for over a decade, a time has come to reach out. And we have already, in many appropriate ways. For others of us, who have not yet made the acquaintance of Ron and Doria, we can honor them in this time of grief - by renewing our commitment to reach out to one another in this little community they love so much. It was perhaps our spirit of community, in this beautiful place beside a bustling city, which brought them to our midst. And they are, like us, good people - enjoying life in full measure. When folks around us experience a death, it is so important to reach out. No, they do not want to be left alone. They need company, your good company. Willing to reach out. And spend time. And yes, you will think of the right thing to say. You are thinking about them, and care about them, and wanted them to know that.
The children of presidents never have it easy. Especially namesakes. And most of all when that president is emblematic for an era. It was the case for a man named John Kennedy – just as it has been for Ron Reagan. Two entirely different circumstances, with the same challenge. And thanks in some small part to neighbors with the grace and sense to just be themselves; we have been participants in something rare and wonderful: a presidential son allowed to be… himself. In this day and age of retread politics-as-family-business, I love the fact that OUR Ron Reagan is so darn liberal – it says so much about the American West and our spirit of free thinking. Devoid of any compulsion to lock step, yet paying homage to his father’s roots in the Democratic Party and leadership of the Screen Actors Guild. Still, for a presidential son, nothing can be so easy. Subtle nuance and enigmatic reserve help a great deal. So do neighbors that tell paparazzi to get lost. And now, with such an enormous loss to bear, are caring neighbors who reach out. Just like neighbors do. Like you.
It does not take long for anyone to figure out that our fortieth president, Ronald Reagan, is my hero. Much is being said this week about Ronald Reagan, President of the United States. One thing more all of us can add to the remembrances: he raised a fine son. Who bears his name. And is our neighbor. We want you to know that we feel your loss, Ron, and are reaching out among one another in a spirit of caring to honor your father and family. Because this week, as Americans, we are all one family.
The children of presidents never have it easy. Especially namesakes. And most of all when that president is emblematic for an era. It was the case for a man named John Kennedy – just as it has been for Ron Reagan. Two entirely different circumstances, with the same challenge. And thanks in some small part to neighbors with the grace and sense to just be themselves; we have been participants in something rare and wonderful: a presidential son allowed to be… himself. In this day and age of retread politics-as-family-business, I love the fact that OUR Ron Reagan is so darn liberal – it says so much about the American West and our spirit of free thinking. Devoid of any compulsion to lock step, yet paying homage to his father’s roots in the Democratic Party and leadership of the Screen Actors Guild. Still, for a presidential son, nothing can be so easy. Subtle nuance and enigmatic reserve help a great deal. So do neighbors that tell paparazzi to get lost. And now, with such an enormous loss to bear, are caring neighbors who reach out. Just like neighbors do. Like you.
It does not take long for anyone to figure out that our fortieth president, Ronald Reagan, is my hero. Much is being said this week about Ronald Reagan, President of the United States. One thing more all of us can add to the remembrances: he raised a fine son. Who bears his name. And is our neighbor. We want you to know that we feel your loss, Ron, and are reaching out among one another in a spirit of caring to honor your father and family. Because this week, as Americans, we are all one family.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we are in a time when there are no heroes just don't know where to look. You can see heroes every day going in and out of factory gates. Others, a handful in number, produce enough food to feed all of us and then the world beyond. You meet heroes across a counter—and they are on both sides of that counter. There are entrepreneurs with faith in themselves and faith in an idea who create new jobs, new wealth and opportunity. They are individuals and families whose taxes support the Government and whose voluntary gifts support church, charity, culture, art, and education. Their patriotism is quiet but deep. Their values sustain our national life.
I have used the words "they" and "their" in speaking of these heroes. I could say "you" and "your" because I am addressing the heroes of whom I speak—you, the citizens of this blessed land.
President Ronald Reagan
First Inaugural Address
Tuesday, January 20, 1981
04 June 2004
Perdition for Road Warriors
By P. Scott Cummins © 2004 The Urbane R
Make it downtown for John Kerry’s waterfront “photo op” last week? Me neither. Wasn’t invited. With donation patterns tending to favor causes over candidates, this is often the case for me - with regard to both parties. Still, seeing Kerry there couldn’t help get me thinking about what it will be like along the waterfront, or anywhere downtown, once they tear down the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Wouldn’t you love to know if Mayor Nickels brought up the subject when Kerry came to town? It might have gone like this: Excuse me Senator. See that ugly, noisy mess of a proto-freeway over there? That’s like the second busiest stretch of roadway in the entire State of Washington. No, err, yes - really. My wife loves my jokes too, Senator. But, about the Via… Yeah, I think your new campaign plane looks way cool too. Yeah, Boeing. Chicago now, that’s right. Uh huh, 757. Great plane, great plane. See, we are $3.9 billion short on fun… What’s that Senator? Your friends call you JFK? He was my favorite president too. Well, but you are my favorite future president (laughing). I bet you get that a lot! I agree, Sims or Gregoire can’t go wrong there. Uh huh, now about that … Yes, Senators Murray and Cantwell certainly are very capable, but you see, what the people don’t realize yet is that even if we can get the funding, shutting down that road is going to paralyze… Yes, you’re right, shades of the “Big Dig” alright. I quite agree, you’ve got bigger fish to fry right now, with them shutting down freeways in Boston during the Convention. One headache at a time, I quite agree. Thanks for your time.
Did it happen that way? Who knows – I must have missed the coverage on the Seattle Channel. Since we live in one of the most enlightened and benevolent urban dictatorships found anywhere, we hear only what’s needed, when needed. And in the Soviet of Seattle, we get our information spoon-fed with an expectation to swallow whole. The sad part is, most folks are happy to play right along. Particularly, it seems, with regard to replacement of the viaduct. Take the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, who just last week endorsed the most expensive “tunnel” viaduct replacement option. Personally, I am disappointed, because of dashed hopes that sometime during this “light bulb” stage the recommendation would re-emerge for a temporary ($1 billion, 20 – 25 Year) north-south Elliott Bay suspension bridge to preserve our basic vehicular capacity and economic well-being. So let’s just suppose that Congress is going to pony-up three to four billion by 2008 (much more if you add in the needed seawall replacement), and we are off to the races with viaduct demolition, seawall replacement, and digging for a brand new tunnel. What then? I recall the three year, $444 million bus tunnel project in the late eighties. That was a time in purgatory for downtown Seattle. Looking ahead on the Viaduct, and gauging the broad-side-of-the-barn time estimates thrown around, will be utter perdition. A disaster movie in the making, right here in Seattle, with our very own monster: Viaductus Horriblis. From my informal survey of major public transportation infrastructure projects (including Boston’s Big Dig, Seattle’s Bus Tunnel, and the I-90 project from Factoria westwards), cost estimates are tight – while projections on completion time are loose. Conclusion: plan for a decade or more of construction. And you thought World War II took a long time! And like that conflict, success will take sacrifice. Can’t stand Elliott Avenue, which is prone to back-up anywhere this side of the Art Institute of Seattle? Remember some of those historic backups, the ones that started before leaving Magnolia, or in Belltown? Ready for a decade or more of that kind of aggravation? Here’s a word to the wise: no matter what you “recall” about the Monorail, it is going to be one fantastic commuter option during the upcoming decade of viaduct construction. And one quick observation about the Monorail detractors: if they are that upset about elevated transport, their feelings about Sound Transit must eclipse road rage itself. So what are they going to do when word reaches them about the sheer, atrocious, Boston-Big-Dig scale of Viaductus Horriblis? Seattle’s benevolent-elected ones need to ponder that, because something tells me the depths of animus from Seattle’s public are yet to be plumbed. The Washington State Department of Transportation has a catchy slogan based on their share of the gas tax: “It’s Your Nickel. Watch It Work.” Can Hizzoner can paraphrase that – and get results? His job, and our standard of living, hangs in the balance.
Make it downtown for John Kerry’s waterfront “photo op” last week? Me neither. Wasn’t invited. With donation patterns tending to favor causes over candidates, this is often the case for me - with regard to both parties. Still, seeing Kerry there couldn’t help get me thinking about what it will be like along the waterfront, or anywhere downtown, once they tear down the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Wouldn’t you love to know if Mayor Nickels brought up the subject when Kerry came to town? It might have gone like this: Excuse me Senator. See that ugly, noisy mess of a proto-freeway over there? That’s like the second busiest stretch of roadway in the entire State of Washington. No, err, yes - really. My wife loves my jokes too, Senator. But, about the Via… Yeah, I think your new campaign plane looks way cool too. Yeah, Boeing. Chicago now, that’s right. Uh huh, 757. Great plane, great plane. See, we are $3.9 billion short on fun… What’s that Senator? Your friends call you JFK? He was my favorite president too. Well, but you are my favorite future president (laughing). I bet you get that a lot! I agree, Sims or Gregoire can’t go wrong there. Uh huh, now about that … Yes, Senators Murray and Cantwell certainly are very capable, but you see, what the people don’t realize yet is that even if we can get the funding, shutting down that road is going to paralyze… Yes, you’re right, shades of the “Big Dig” alright. I quite agree, you’ve got bigger fish to fry right now, with them shutting down freeways in Boston during the Convention. One headache at a time, I quite agree. Thanks for your time.
Did it happen that way? Who knows – I must have missed the coverage on the Seattle Channel. Since we live in one of the most enlightened and benevolent urban dictatorships found anywhere, we hear only what’s needed, when needed. And in the Soviet of Seattle, we get our information spoon-fed with an expectation to swallow whole. The sad part is, most folks are happy to play right along. Particularly, it seems, with regard to replacement of the viaduct. Take the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, who just last week endorsed the most expensive “tunnel” viaduct replacement option. Personally, I am disappointed, because of dashed hopes that sometime during this “light bulb” stage the recommendation would re-emerge for a temporary ($1 billion, 20 – 25 Year) north-south Elliott Bay suspension bridge to preserve our basic vehicular capacity and economic well-being. So let’s just suppose that Congress is going to pony-up three to four billion by 2008 (much more if you add in the needed seawall replacement), and we are off to the races with viaduct demolition, seawall replacement, and digging for a brand new tunnel. What then? I recall the three year, $444 million bus tunnel project in the late eighties. That was a time in purgatory for downtown Seattle. Looking ahead on the Viaduct, and gauging the broad-side-of-the-barn time estimates thrown around, will be utter perdition. A disaster movie in the making, right here in Seattle, with our very own monster: Viaductus Horriblis. From my informal survey of major public transportation infrastructure projects (including Boston’s Big Dig, Seattle’s Bus Tunnel, and the I-90 project from Factoria westwards), cost estimates are tight – while projections on completion time are loose. Conclusion: plan for a decade or more of construction. And you thought World War II took a long time! And like that conflict, success will take sacrifice. Can’t stand Elliott Avenue, which is prone to back-up anywhere this side of the Art Institute of Seattle? Remember some of those historic backups, the ones that started before leaving Magnolia, or in Belltown? Ready for a decade or more of that kind of aggravation? Here’s a word to the wise: no matter what you “recall” about the Monorail, it is going to be one fantastic commuter option during the upcoming decade of viaduct construction. And one quick observation about the Monorail detractors: if they are that upset about elevated transport, their feelings about Sound Transit must eclipse road rage itself. So what are they going to do when word reaches them about the sheer, atrocious, Boston-Big-Dig scale of Viaductus Horriblis? Seattle’s benevolent-elected ones need to ponder that, because something tells me the depths of animus from Seattle’s public are yet to be plumbed. The Washington State Department of Transportation has a catchy slogan based on their share of the gas tax: “It’s Your Nickel. Watch It Work.” Can Hizzoner can paraphrase that – and get results? His job, and our standard of living, hangs in the balance.
20 May 2004
Playgrounds: Perfect Community Insight
If all the year were playing holidays,
To sport would be as tedious as to work.
-William Shakespeare (King Henry IV. Part I. Act i. Sc. 2.)
With all due respect to “The Bard” – but that is not really a Magnolia attitude. It might be kind of tough for him to fit in. Sure you say, just another guy with a goatee and frilly shirt, standing over there by that middle-aged Dad in a Utilikilt. Fashion trends what they are, just try to spot Will in a crowded Carleton Park cocktail party. But it is the attitude we are talking about, not appearance. To be sure, “playing holidays” is something we do really well around here. From church barbeques to Little League parades, garden party fundraisers to progressive dinners, ye shall know Magnolians by how we play. With our Village comprising one of the most enticing little shopping districts in the city, it is the adjacent parks and playgrounds that provide the opportunity to linger. All told, these are things which provide the essence of community. It is this synergy of complimentary attributes which make our community special. Grab some groceries for dinner while another parent is watching the kids at Karen’s Place Playground? No problem, happy to help. Drop the kids off for swim lessons while you meet a friend for a lovely little late-afternoon breve’ or goodie from the bakery? Sure, but let’s keep that our little secret. How about some pickup basketball with the guys at Blaine while your youngster bikes around with soon-to-be-discarded training wheels? That’s a slam dunk. It is the opportunity to combine myriad activities in seamless ways which define the Magnolia “lifestyle” as we know it. A Village center with the adjacent “Commons” (or “Green” as they say in Shakespeare land) is what makes that possible.
If this sounds like the breezy “affluent enclave” label the Seattle media licks and sticks on us whenever possible, please don’t let that bother you. And though there may be a certain element of truth to it, caustic commentators taking their shots have got it backwards. As lifestyle this is something to foster, not denigrate. And it is not carefree, mind you, not by any stretch of the imagination. Your Community Club steadfastly shepherds and conserves our community’s unique and special elements – conducting diplomacy with downtown parks managers and all manner of bureaucrats to encourage uses which serve the greater good. In the 1990’s, it took thousands of volunteer hours by a committed core group of community heroes to steer the jewel called Pop Mounger Pool from concept to completion. And then there is our community center director, Pati Maxwell, who has created activities for every age and activity level. You know it’s a good thing when your community center looks like “Grand Central Station” between classes, with toddlers heading one direction and seniors another. Thank you, Pati – it wouldn’t happen without you.
And this is just how it should be. Stanley Greenspan MD, in his book Playground Politics: Understanding the Emotional Life of the School-Age Child supports wholeheartedly the importance of the safe place to play in the life of a young child. “I believe that during this stage a lot of future creativity is generated, because children get a lot of their richness, their ability to dream, their boldness at this age. To children immersed in this stage, all things are still possible – there is a sense of grandeur and omnipotence. They have a curiosity about life, a bold expressiveness (“I am the best!”) and deep sense of wonder about the world.” Greenspan praises the playground as a social place, where children develop the “ability to relate, communicate, imagine and think.” Every year I am impressed by the quality and accomplishments of our graduating high school seniors from Magnolia. This year especially so, and every year the time span between playground and commencement gown seems shorter. After the home, it is the playground where those attributes of success began. We should take more time to celebrate that fact; and that as a community we are steeped in young people who are outstanding in their accomplishments - young people with no limit to their potential. As a community we can take pride in them, even as we look for more opportunities for every child to be encouraged in this way. As a community, we can directly influence positive social development in all children from the youngest age - by doing something very simple: encouraging social interaction through fostering better playgrounds. As a community, in 2004 we have reached the time when together it is appropriate to act on behalf of the greater good. If many of us will participate, and I believe we will, then we can all bask in accomplishing an enjoyable celebration of community. There are two very worthy playground projects which need your support. One is at Karen’s Place Playground next to the community center. The other is adjacent to the swimming pool. Taken together, these projects address very timely needs. As Dr. Greenspan makes very clear to us, they are crucially important needs as well. But I want to talk to those of you who don’t have children at home (the not yet, never will, did once crowd). Think about it: these projects deserve your financial support because helping to encourage another generation of great kids is not only worthy, it directly enhances your enjoyment of our community. So let’s get excited about our Village playgrounds, and drop off checks today at the Blaine Office and Community Center Front Desk. You can send an early graduation gift to an entire generation of toddlers. Walk around, and take in the beauty of our neighborhood. Spend some time in the Village. To help build community can be so easy.
To sport would be as tedious as to work.
-William Shakespeare (King Henry IV. Part I. Act i. Sc. 2.)
With all due respect to “The Bard” – but that is not really a Magnolia attitude. It might be kind of tough for him to fit in. Sure you say, just another guy with a goatee and frilly shirt, standing over there by that middle-aged Dad in a Utilikilt. Fashion trends what they are, just try to spot Will in a crowded Carleton Park cocktail party. But it is the attitude we are talking about, not appearance. To be sure, “playing holidays” is something we do really well around here. From church barbeques to Little League parades, garden party fundraisers to progressive dinners, ye shall know Magnolians by how we play. With our Village comprising one of the most enticing little shopping districts in the city, it is the adjacent parks and playgrounds that provide the opportunity to linger. All told, these are things which provide the essence of community. It is this synergy of complimentary attributes which make our community special. Grab some groceries for dinner while another parent is watching the kids at Karen’s Place Playground? No problem, happy to help. Drop the kids off for swim lessons while you meet a friend for a lovely little late-afternoon breve’ or goodie from the bakery? Sure, but let’s keep that our little secret. How about some pickup basketball with the guys at Blaine while your youngster bikes around with soon-to-be-discarded training wheels? That’s a slam dunk. It is the opportunity to combine myriad activities in seamless ways which define the Magnolia “lifestyle” as we know it. A Village center with the adjacent “Commons” (or “Green” as they say in Shakespeare land) is what makes that possible.
If this sounds like the breezy “affluent enclave” label the Seattle media licks and sticks on us whenever possible, please don’t let that bother you. And though there may be a certain element of truth to it, caustic commentators taking their shots have got it backwards. As lifestyle this is something to foster, not denigrate. And it is not carefree, mind you, not by any stretch of the imagination. Your Community Club steadfastly shepherds and conserves our community’s unique and special elements – conducting diplomacy with downtown parks managers and all manner of bureaucrats to encourage uses which serve the greater good. In the 1990’s, it took thousands of volunteer hours by a committed core group of community heroes to steer the jewel called Pop Mounger Pool from concept to completion. And then there is our community center director, Pati Maxwell, who has created activities for every age and activity level. You know it’s a good thing when your community center looks like “Grand Central Station” between classes, with toddlers heading one direction and seniors another. Thank you, Pati – it wouldn’t happen without you.
And this is just how it should be. Stanley Greenspan MD, in his book Playground Politics: Understanding the Emotional Life of the School-Age Child supports wholeheartedly the importance of the safe place to play in the life of a young child. “I believe that during this stage a lot of future creativity is generated, because children get a lot of their richness, their ability to dream, their boldness at this age. To children immersed in this stage, all things are still possible – there is a sense of grandeur and omnipotence. They have a curiosity about life, a bold expressiveness (“I am the best!”) and deep sense of wonder about the world.” Greenspan praises the playground as a social place, where children develop the “ability to relate, communicate, imagine and think.” Every year I am impressed by the quality and accomplishments of our graduating high school seniors from Magnolia. This year especially so, and every year the time span between playground and commencement gown seems shorter. After the home, it is the playground where those attributes of success began. We should take more time to celebrate that fact; and that as a community we are steeped in young people who are outstanding in their accomplishments - young people with no limit to their potential. As a community we can take pride in them, even as we look for more opportunities for every child to be encouraged in this way. As a community, we can directly influence positive social development in all children from the youngest age - by doing something very simple: encouraging social interaction through fostering better playgrounds. As a community, in 2004 we have reached the time when together it is appropriate to act on behalf of the greater good. If many of us will participate, and I believe we will, then we can all bask in accomplishing an enjoyable celebration of community. There are two very worthy playground projects which need your support. One is at Karen’s Place Playground next to the community center. The other is adjacent to the swimming pool. Taken together, these projects address very timely needs. As Dr. Greenspan makes very clear to us, they are crucially important needs as well. But I want to talk to those of you who don’t have children at home (the not yet, never will, did once crowd). Think about it: these projects deserve your financial support because helping to encourage another generation of great kids is not only worthy, it directly enhances your enjoyment of our community. So let’s get excited about our Village playgrounds, and drop off checks today at the Blaine Office and Community Center Front Desk. You can send an early graduation gift to an entire generation of toddlers. Walk around, and take in the beauty of our neighborhood. Spend some time in the Village. To help build community can be so easy.
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