How to Celebrate MLK Day

Geov Parrish's excoriation of the white breadification of the King holiday was the best we've seen anywhere. He not only hit the major points of truth, he did so with a punch and power that kept us reading it out loud, even as we'd stop for side discussions.

Thanks for your analysis, Geov. It hit like a brick on the saddest co-optation since the Navy named a hunter-killer submarine the "USS Corpus Cristi."

For the record, we made a good run at trying to honor MLK as he deserved to be honored; there were 21 arrests made at Project ELF, the center in our Lake Superior woodlands that commands the Tridents and hunter-killer subs alike. In the spirit of Dr. King, people carried in packets identifying themselves as members of the first International Citizens' Inspection Team, looking for any connections to weaponry of mass destruction (that make Saddam's look microscopic by comparison). Other inspections have been attempted in Europe and this was the first on U.S. soil. We will file a report with the International Court of Justice, which ruled nuclear weapons illegal on 8 July 1996.

Of course, as in Iraq, the issue is about whether access was permitted or denied to inspectors. On January 18 in Wisconsin it was denied. The initial court appearance for the 21 people arrested will be February 3.

One little ironic twist: in the packet carried by the King Day inspectors, besides a signed pledge of nonviolence (including a one-day-only promise not to do any dismantling of the facility) and depositions from two court-certified experts on nuclear weaponry and international law, was a letter from 15 nationally known lawyers, all agreeing that the team had a right to inspect ELF. One of the signers was the man LBJ immediately sent to Memphis to investigate King's tragic assassination, his Attorney General, Ramsey Clark. What large loops we see through history...

Oh, Geov, thanks for the inspiration. Next year we'll be sure to invite Colin Powell! Powell can get a pink citation at ELF and prove himself a true King devotee. But would he sign the nonviolence pledge? Can't hurt to ask; these military folks never grow a conscience until they're collecting their huge retirement checks.

--Tom Howard-Hastings, Laurentian Shield Resources for Nonviolence in Maple, Wisconsin

He Needs a Rest

If I hear "amotivational syndrome" again on a talk show regarding the use of marijuana, I think I'll call in and mention the "hardest working man in show biz," James Brown-- aka "The Godfather of Soul."

Busted with pot again, he has just turned himself in to the good authorities in South Carolina. I wish I could figure out how to get in touch with him and convince him to utilize a medical necessity defense on this case. I understand he lives in terrible pain due to back problems and recently found himself addicted to prescription pain killers. While hooked on the legal drugs, he found himself unable to continue his busy concert schedule.

Many great entertainers have died over the years from using too many dangerous prescription narcotics. Not one has ever died from using the God-given natural herb marijuana.

--Darral Good, board member of the Washington Hemp Education Network (WHEN)

Paying Microsoft Is Worse

This is for Maria Tomchick and others who have been reporting on King County lately. I'm one of those overpaid bureaucrats and I am offended! (Just kidding--about being offended that is. I'm definitely overpaid.) I've only been with the county for three months, but it is strangely apparent that the budget office, at least superficially, and as you note, is not very detail-oriented. I don't work in the budget office. It might be interesting to see who the point people are on bond deals. I'm sure there is pressure from the private bond brokers to make bond offerings.

I appreciate all of your coverage in Eat the State! I'm not sure what is worse, working for King County or paying Microsoft to use their Internet service.

--John McCoy

Maybe Clinton's an Alien

First, best wishes to Mr. Parrish. Tell him to slow down, and not run out the warranty so fast!

Next, the piece on "Sex, Lies and Audiotape" (great cartoon!) did a good job, as far as it went. But there is an angle on the Ms. Lewinsky story that, as far as I know, no previous commentator has noticed. Ms. Jones sues Mr. Clinton, claiming he abused his power and attempted to extort sexual favors. Among those inclined to support Ms. Jones in her claim are future Independent Prosecutor Starr. Her lawyers, quite reasonably, attempt to show a pattern of abuse by Mr. Clinton. They depose Ms. Lewinsky, who tells them that Mr. Clinton never attempted anything of the sort with her. This undermines their case. They want to mitigate the damage this testimony will cause. The best way involves having her recant. Failing that, they can impeach her testimony by discrediting her.

Perhaps they know of someone with broad powers and access to FBI agents, someone who could bully Ms. Lewinsky into recanting her testimony, or, failing that, impugn her character? Succeed or fail, this episode provides Ms. Jones' lawyers with a potent threat against any future witness: either tell us what we want to hear, young lady, or you'll get abused just like Ms. Lewinsky.

--D. Patrick McArdle, Seattle