Is there a cold weather emergency shelter system like in Seattle? How well equipped are the homeless to cope in a place with more woods than shelters? And how much work is being done to help them help themselves?

I saw the event about it getting colder, and had to wonder. I try to help feed and clothe people (despite what others may think of me, I am pretty soft hearted on a lot of things, desperate people trying to survive is one of them)

But there must be balances, I imagine as anywhere else there is an established population of "professional bums" those who have no desire to get off the streets but could. These people do not have my pity, only my disgust

But for those in true need, I have sympathy and help. I'm putting together a package to give to the homeless backpack donation I see at the library, plus the people I am a contract salesperson for is making a donation to the food bank instead of giving a premium with each sale. I have helped raise a few hundred dollars for the food bank that way...

I hope a solution to this can be found. Personally I think the port or city should provide space for long term winter shelter or camps, along with social services to get as many people off the streets.

So, tonight from 6:30 until almost 9pm I was at the new Cabela's in Lacey. My brother and uncle worked as electricians installing everything while the store was being built, and tonight was "contractors" night. Any folks that helped build the Cabela's were allowed into the store, along with their family, and given a discount.

I wish I had a digital camera because my description cannot do the place justice. It is absolutely huge. By the time I was done shopping my feet were killing me. I got a few Christmas presents, a small present for myself, and got to see lots of stuff. Even if you are never planning on buying anything there, you should stop in just to take a look at the place. All of the staff I met were very friendly, and there's even an electronic shooting gallery for the kids....adults too. Personally I wouldn't recommend trying on opening day though. Just friends and family of the contractors packed about 400 people in the store (rough count) and left me with a 45 minute wait in the checkout line.

12:00 MIDNIGHT: My source left the scene a few minutes ago, and according to the NewsFlash blog as of 11:50, residual and ongoing rioting is occurring. Because that source has retired, too, I believe there will be no more updates tonight. 

11:20 Strykers went out the other gate by Swantown (i.e., not the usual, main gate); police lined up in front of people , but some crowd chased the Strykers..... Police shooting steamballs at crowd and also flashbangs.... Crowd set up roadblock at 4th and Plum with dumpsters....Strykers went up 4th Ave and pushed through barricade and got out.....Crowd now milling around by Old School.

11:08 p.m. Police put on their gas masks.

10:15 p.m. Orderly arrests made at this point.

9:35 A source just called me and told me there are 50 women sitting in the street; they have been warned 3 times to remove themselves and it appears the police are now about to take action with pepper spray -

Corporate Lockdown (Prison for Profit) and Granito De Arena("Grain of Sand” about Public Education Privatization).
And Discussion: “Corporatization of Public Education” with Seattle School Board Member, Sally Soriano.

Friday, November 16th, 7:00 pm

LOCATION: Unitarian Universalist Congregation;
2200 East End St., NW, Olympia

Open to All; FREE; Donations Appreciated-- ($5 - $25) sliding scale

PRESENTED BY:

The Alliance for Democracy, South Puget Sound Chapter and The Social Justice Committee, Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

About 40 police dressed in full riot gear are lined up in two rows in front of the port gates.

There is a human blockade of around 100 anti-war demonstrators blocking the port exit. No activity from inside the port as of yet.

The counter protesters are "pretty passive right now", according to my source.

Dear Mayor Foutch and the Olympia City Council,

Wouldn't it be preferable to put the passion and creative energy of the compassionate citizens of Olympia to work finding ways to bring income to our City without a military contract than to continue to require the police force to brutalize the idealistic young and young of heart who only want to reduce the suffering in our world rather than feel the heavy weight of the responsibility of having stood by and done nothing to stop injustice from happening? Why not challenge the entire anti-war movement to bring ideas to the city council's table to replace these military contracts, close the ports to military shipment, and enjoy the power and beauty of citizens working together to resolve a problem we'd all like to see a solution to? Who knows, it may bring the benefit of some of the greatest minds in the peace movement to work for Olympia just for the assurance that the Port of Olympia will not be participating in the transport of war machines. I would think that people who would endure pepper spray, rubber bullets, and sit in front of very large trucks would be willing to work pretty hard to find an alternative, wouldn't you?

Thank you for your time.

Any justification for this? I would really like to know.

My source wonders why this was done. He wonders if his face will end up on a "hippy hit list" (his words).

My source, while opposed to the War in Iraq is offended by these "hippies" who pay little or no taxes, some who do not even live here claiming that the port is theirs.

My source even hangs out at drum circles and was pepper sprayed in last year's protests.

Why were faces and license plates being photographed by protesters. He said he was just trying to be a smart ass, and was subject to bad CIA style harassment.

Things at the port are still a bit weird. Counter protesters are frequently crossing the street, approaching anti-war demonstrators, getting in their faces and screaming. My source again repeated that he feels "They are looking for a fight. It's getting people a little worried about what might happen if we try to block the vehicles. Will they (counter-protesters) start a street fight?"

The soldier who walked out of the port was given a ride to base to face the consequences of his walkout by a lawyer with Veterans for Peace, he has asked that his name and photo be kept out of the news.

Also: Reports have the anti-war crowd at around 150, with the counter protesters at around 50.

More to come.