King County’s Maleng Regional Justice Center (located in Kent) should be a symbol of our justice system, representing fairness, equality, and the pursuit of truth. However, it’s time to reassess the name adorning this institution. The building is named for Norm Maleng, seven-term King County Prosecutor and two-time-failed Republican candidate for governor. Racism and discrimination tarnish Maleng’s legacy. Because the …
Let’s Light SoDo Up!
Former mayor Charley Royer and Seattle Building and Construction Trade Council Executive Secretary Monty Anderson recently emphasized the importance of rezoning in Seattle’s SoDo area, and I agree. Seattle can attract outside investments and reduce taxes while addressing housing needs by transforming SoDo. A well-planned approach focusing on mixed-use zoning, including restaurants, diverse housing options, and clubs, will contribute to …
SCOTUS’ Holy Smackdown: Cakes and Websites
The US Supreme Court is reviewing the case of Lorie Smith, a Colorado web designer who refuses to create websites for same-sex couples based on her free speech protections (303 Creative LLC v. Elenis). Although she’s never designed wedding websites before, nor have any gay couples attempted to hire her, she claims that potentially being compelled to design websites for …
The MAGA Confederacy
Governor DeSantis, You lead your fellow Confederate states as the self-anointed crown prince of rebellion, reviving the ghosts of white supremacy and religious extremism. Florida is taking the lead like the “good ole’ boys” of the Klu Klux Klan, hell-bent on targeting and harassing the gay community. Your “Don’t Say Gay” law goes further than most previous attempts by targeting …
Tennessee’s Stars and Bars
The Universal Life Church Monastery is in a long battle to bring down the walls of Jericho, injustice, and unfair play. Our protracted war for justice has culminated in many legal victories. The Monastery has fought a legal battle against the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, sued by Edir Macedo, the controversial Bishop of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. With …
Tennessee’s Shame: Discrimination, Guns, and the Legacy of the Confederacy
In a disgraceful display of bigotry and discrimination, the Tennessee House has passed House Bill 878, authored by Rep. Monty Fritts (R-TN), which allows people to deny solemnizing marriages based on their “conscience” or “religious beliefs.” This thinly veiled attempt at legalizing homophobia and racism is a direct attack on the progress we’ve made as a nation in the fight …