My Call to Action

 I have spent most of my life in the Information Technology world. Holding various positions, doing various tasks, working with various products and technologies. When I started getting involved with organizations that are trying to change our state for the better, I found that my skills were helpful in allowing them to better function and communicate. Yes! A way that I could provide a service, right from the ol' arm chair. Just as important to the activist call as those that canvas the streets, I had found my way to volunteer.

My skills in logistics too were in high demand. I am able to project manage, coordinate efforts, and streamline the efforts of other volunteers so that we can operate at peak efficiency with the talents and dedication of those willing to donate their time and energy. Many of these organizations have wonderful charismatic, visionary leaders that have the gift to see need and inspire others to their cause. They need the support of others that can see their visions fulfilled and that is where I can provide assistance.

It is important for all of us to have a calling. We are all in this together and need to band together to be able make this a better state for ourselves and our families. A state that respects and supports each individual's freedoms, beliefs, and values. A place that we can be proud to call home and an example to others. This is not a need for one group or another, but rather every person should be included and afforded that level of respect and protection.

I found my call to action. I get to help multiple organizations to improve and expand their capabilities. I have a way to belong and feel fulfilled & proud. My prayer is that you can find yours as well.

Washington is the greatest state in the nation. But boy do we need some changes...

 

Ah, Washington!

Yes, with our beautiful mountains, glistening waterways, lush green forests, and even arid, wine producing deserts, we are quite spoiled in Washington. We have the wonders of nature to explore and enjoy, and the industries to support our lifestyles with Amazon, Boeing, and Microsoft (just to name a few), all here providing an economy that allows us to prosper.  

In the Puget Sound area, we live in a rain shadow that provides a climate unlike anywhere else in the country. Rarely too hot, even less likely too cold, but most often mentioned as just right. Rain? Sure, but not what the rest of the world thinks we get. Again, great for keeping things green but not likely to wash things away. 

All this should make us happy, healthy people, that are appreciative of the many blessings that have been bestowed on us. We should be honored to steward these resources and live joyous, productive lives that enrich not only ourselves, but everyone around us as well. Unfortunately, that is not the reality of our corner of the world. 

Our residents and neighbors seem to consistently separate into the left and the right, liberals and conservatives, progressives and traditionalists. There is nothing wrong with this, we used to be able to enjoy these differences and debate them back and forth. Sometimes finding common ground, and other times working to get our values out to a majority. We did it with respect for one another and didn't need to resort to school yard name calling. We knew it was the ideal that was the difference, not the person who held it. 

Those days seem to have long gone. Now we have people fighting in the streets, looting our neighbors' businesses, and even claiming parts of our state for themselves. All of this with no regard for anyone but these selfish individuals who put their media-fueled, misguided rage out on display for all the world to see. But our government here in Washington is quick to react to this and get it under control, right? They have the interests of the common citizens at heart and are ready to restore order from the chaos, don't they? 

It's not even on the agenda. It's not even being discussed. No, they'd rather worry about more taxes, wasting the budget that they already have, finding new ways to do the same thing, for more money and less benefit to our residents. Finding ways to treat those who are not here legally, better than the hard-working Washingtonians that strive every day to make this a great place to live and provide for their families. 

Friends, it is time for change here in Washington. I have sat by idly for too long and just minded my own business. But, as Jacob Marley told my old friend Ebenezer, "Mankind should have been my business."

I'm not as young as I once was. You won't find me walking the streets, going door-to-door. I will however, join with my friends and neighbors, ensure that we are all aware of the fraud, deceit, and hypocrisy that are all coming out of Olympia, the county, and the unsettled in Seattle. No, I'm not running around, but I am an activist. You'll see me fighting, using the power of words, facts, and even love, right here, from my chair by the window, ensuring that our kids, and their kids, get to enjoy the many blessings that we have, right here in Washington. And now you know why they call me...

-The Arm Chair Activist