I Know the President is Listening (In) – But Are You, Congress?

Congress has the power to tear down the Patriot Act, but will they?

Congress passed the Patriot act, they can repeal it. At the very least, they can tweak it. But are they even listening to our complaints?

I have heard a great deal of rhetoric, but very little actual determination on the part of our representatives, those empowered and obliged to protect our rights. Upon the revelations of Mr. Snowden and his involvement with the N.S.A. last week, I contacted the offices of all three of my members of Congress. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.

It has been a week and no response. This is shameful and we will not let it go.

Now the NSA has revealed more taps without warrants. If we allow this to go on, the shame will be on us as well. Just ask yourself, why was this program kept secret? The initial, obvious and pat answer from the security hawks would be that the program could not work if it was made public. But think about that. The program has been exposed and do you think it’s being shut down. Not a chance. So it appears that the hiding was from us, not the terrorists.

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Two Hundred plus years old and the meaning is still crystal clear. What is being allowed is wrong. It’s time for Congress to act.

The Devil’s Toenail – Spokane River

A unique set of rapids on the Lower Spokane – Diablo’s big toe.

Many of you are aware of the torrent of humans (50,000 plus) that run through Spokane every May during Bloomsday, but how many of you are also cognizant of the river that surges here each year at the same time? The following shots will introduce you.

Puzzle Peace

Mixing puzzles, autism and photography.

My son, like many kids on the spectrum, enjoys puzzles. Perhaps it’s the spacial relationships. Or, perhaps, the finality. When it’s done, it’s done. No abstract finish line to interpret. There’s either a hole somewhere or there isn’t.

I like my camera. Well, I confess, I like puzzles too. Here’s what happened when we decided to mix the two.

Get Lit! 2013

Spokane’s annual literary event once again delivers.

Every April in Eastern Washington, the snow melts, the green buds appear and the goldfinches return. That’s when those of the literary persuasion arise from their winter isolation to share what they have written, read and dreamed. Each new edition of Get Lit! (now in its 15th year) offers something for posers and prosers alike, and 2013 was no different.

We enjoyed a choice of venues and topics that covered the spectrum, from library balconies to hotel conference rooms, from pie and whiskey to red-eye gravy. The list of participants was long and varied, from regional favorites Kim Barnes and Jess Walter to the back east based Jaimy Gordon and Joyce Carol Oates.

The panel discussions are my favorite events. They are the most intimate, and therefore, the most interactive. I enjoyed discussions on philosophy, facial wounds and simmering sauce. Kim Barnes was most impressive.

Hope to see you there next year.                          

Snoqualmie Falls Delight

Thirty minutes outside of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls puts on a show.

Due to warm weather and early runoff, Snoqualmie (Sno-qualm-ee) Falls, just east of Seattle, is running high and loud – its misty plume enveloping its northern wall like sea rain.

 

Windmills

Windmills are popping up all over the West.

Windmills have long been a favored subject of painters and photographers. Now, you can add bloggers to the list. I have a particular affinity toward the sleek, new breed of wind turbines popping up all around the West.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crystals and Thistles

The deep freeze of an Inland Northwest January offers frosty formations.

Recent heavy fog and near-zero temps conspired to create interesting frost formations on thistles and other foundations.