Other Voices

The voices featured here offer a diverse and dynamic range of perspectives on the issues that matter most to our community. Whether addressing social justice, environmental sustainability, healthcare, or education, you can expect thought-provoking insights and informed opinions from our dedicated contributors who are working tirelessly to create positive change in our county.

Our hope is that these topics will inspire you to engage in meaningful discussions and ultimately empower you to take an active role in shaping the future of our local community.

Lincoln Project Lincoln Project

The Aftermath

What would four more years of Donald Trump in the White House look like? Aftermath, a video produced by the Lincoln Project, paints a terrifying picture based on plans clearly outlined in the Heritage Foundations’ Project 2025.
The Lincoln Project

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MSNBC and others MSNBC and others

Project 2025: Mein Kampf 2.0

Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan created by the Heritage Foundation to prepare for a potential conservative administration in the United States in 2025. It outlines a detailed strategy to transform the federal government and implement a conservative agenda through policy changes and personnel appointments.
MSNBC and others

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Seattle Times Seattle Times

Seattle Times Endorses Bob Ferguson for Governor

Of the 28 gubernatorial candidates on the primary ballot, Democrat Bob Ferguson is best positioned to lead Washington through the next four years. His experience as state attorney general, his detailed policy positions, and his willingness to tackle tough issues give him the edge in a crowded field.
The Seattle Times

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Martin Edic Martin Edic

How Would You Feel If You Were Convicted of 34 ‘Minor’ Felonies?

A coddled billionaire who didn’t earn his fortune and who has never been told what to do, covered up his dirt to mislead voters and finally got caught. Aside from wondering if he actually knows how serious this is, ask yourself what is going on in his head.
The Witness Chronicles

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Brave New Films Brave New Films

Freedom to Choose

Two years ago today, the Supreme Court overruled Roe v Wade and gave states the ability to outlaw abortions. To date, most Republican-led legislatures have done that with a vengeance.
Brave New Films

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Jerry LeClaire Jerry LeClaire

Washington State Republicans Want To Keep You in the Dark

It was easy to miss. Last Sunday in the Northwest section of the Spokesman Jim Camden’s “Spin Control” unflashily presented “Judge: Voters deserve fiscal statement for 3 initiatives on the ballot.
Indivisible: The High Ground

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Don Schwerin Don Schwerin

Sticking Together

Think about it for a moment. Democrats in deep red districts tend to stick together. Without money or voters, we rural Democrats accept stranger bedfellows than if we enjoyed a comfortable majority. Accepting is one thing. Sticking together, though, is a higher standard, at least in the sense of building structures.
Ag & Rural Caucus

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Tim Copeland Tim Copeland

Washington Republicans Really Don’t Like Democracy

At their April 19-20, 2024 convention, Washington State Republicans voted to deny that our form of government is or should be called a “democracy,” as noted in Danny Westneat’s article, which we posted on April 24.

Then, on April 29, Rachel Maddow shared the video.
Rachel Maddow Show

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Don Schwerin Don Schwerin

Ranked Choice Voting?

Ranked Choice Voting has gained currency in blue jurisdictions in the Puget Sound; Seattle voted in 2022 to use RCV. It has earned a reputation as a “good government” Democratic idea, both a capital “D” and a small " D” democratic.
Ag & Rural Caucus

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Don Schwerin Don Schwerin

Youth Are the Future. Are We Ready?

When asked what gives me hope about the future, I invariably respond that this country's youth gives me confidence. Just because we are counting on the youth does not mean they are counting on us.
Ag & Rural Caucus

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Walla Walla County Democrats Walla Walla County Democrats

Moms for Liberty and Book Bans

CBS’ 60 Minutes recently reported the removal of 97 books from the Beaufort, SC School District, an action led by Moms for Liberty. This group’s actions are being felt well beyond its Florida headquarters.
60 Minutes

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Dan Rather Dan Rather

ABCs of Book Banning

In recent years, more than 2,500 books have been removed from school districts around the US, labeled as banned, restricted, or challenged, and made unavailable to millions of students.
Dan Rather in Steady at Substack

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Dan Rather Dan Rather

A 101-Year-Olds Fight Against Book Banning

I’m often inspired by those younger than I who work tirelessly to help our country survive and thrive. But at 92, it’s not every day I find someone older who is such an inspiration.
Dan Rather in Steady at Substack

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Don Schwerin Don Schwerin

Let's Plan for a Transition

I grew up with the dams. I was graduating from Walla Walla High School when the dams on the Snake were being built. My dad, a farmer, was trained in engineering. He left me with an appreciation of the dams as engineering successes. I am still awed by the massive structures.
From the Capital Press

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Don Schwerin Don Schwerin

Deaths of Despair – Suicide in Rural Washington?

What are “deaths of despair”?  Drugs, alcohol, and suicide. And “despair”? By definition, mental health is the proximate cause. Behind the mental health, though, lies real economic decline, relative loss of economic position, and perceived loss of economic status.
Ag & Rural Caucus

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Don Schwerin Don Schwerin

Wolf Management in North East Washington

When we first started looking at wolves and cattle in Stevens and Ferry counties, one version of the question was simple: Why should we require cattle operators to lose calves to wolves reintroduced by Puget Sound wildlife advocates?
From the Ag & Rural Caucus

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