An independent account about the recent episode in Gaza. From International Solidarity Movement:

The other week some friends from Olympia received a visit by militants in Rafah whom explained that the whole group was to be kidnapped to pressure the Palestinian Authority to release an al-Aqsa brigades leader. The parents of Rachel Corrie happened to be around, they had what was certainly an awkward conversation which miraculously ended with the armed people leaving and being somewhat polite and apologetic about the whole incident. The seven Olympians had to be driven out of the Gaza strip in a siren blasting convoy of Palestinian police vehicles. The event was indicative of the chaos in the Palestinian areas and the near-impossible job of the PA when armed factions empowered during the heat of the uprising hold the balance of power in some places, especially in lock-down Gaza, although that is nothing compared to the difficulty that the PA faces when Israel blockades and violates the areas they are supposed to control.

Common Bread would like to invite you to join us in dancing for peace on

Wednesday, February 15th at 6:30 PM in the longhouse.

The Dances of Univeral Peace are an international organization based out of the Sufi tradition. The songs and movements used are taught at the beginning of each dance. There is no dance or singing experience necessary. The Dances of Universal Peace use songs from various religious traditions around the world all focused on the theme of peace.

This opportunity only comes to campus once a quarter so don't miss it.

Peace, Kristi Rychener Coordinator of Common Bread

This map includes all locations throughout the Olympia (and Thurston County mostly) that offer free wireless connections. To add locations to this map, go here.

I'm really at a loss for this one.

GRANDVIEW, Yakima County — After 18 years with the state Department of Agriculture, Cathy Munson will work her last day today.

Munson, 56, isn't retiring. She's been fired for refusing to pay union dues or alternative fees as required under a labor agreement between the state and the 40,000-member Washington Federation of State Employees.

Effective July 1, the contract contains a "union-security clause" that allows the union to collect dues or fees from employees who become members — and from those who do not.

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Even the "nonassociation fee" goes to the union.

While she shouldn't be able to enjoy the benefits the union has negotiated, she shouldn't be forced to join the union simply to keep her job.

In my opinion, Washington state should simply treat her as a private employer would.

Like Christian Brothers, schools around the nation have been trying to determine what's helpful and what's over the line when it comes to testing children for drugs.

There's a move in many public schools to test athletes or students involved in extracurricular activities. Schools testing for steroids are on the rise. There are voluntary programs for middle schoolers who have agreed to stay drug free.

The Grapevine-Colleyville public school district in Texas, with about 4,500 students at its two high schools, has started random testing for students in competitive extracurricular activities.

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I even think it's garbage (though backed by the Supreme Court) that those participating in extracurricular activities are being randomly targeted.

If I were a student, I would show up to the next school board meeting asking why they're not testing their teachers.

I'd be willing to bet you'll find a few positives.

You want an example of facism? It's called the public education system.

There will be a march to the federal court house, the rally will start at around 1 p.m.

A carpool will be leaving at 10:30 A.M. (or shortly thereafter) from Olympia's Westside parking lot at Division and Harrison!

Here's a link to more information: Feb 4th: 13th Annual NW Leonard Peltier March in Tacoma.

Be there!