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I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully." —Presidential candidate George W. Bush, Saginaw, Mich., Sept. 29, 2000

I ran this by Rick real quick to see if he thought it was Olyblog appropriate... The link takes you to another website where you can download a PDF of a comprehensive Washington State Gun Rights pamphlet. I'm happy to discuss any issues or questions that arise from this. It is a PITA to load PDF docs on my computer right now (slow 'puter) so I would appreciate a quote of the issue in question. Thanks!

Housing & Homelessness Advocacy Day 2008
"Home Is the Heart of It All"

Special Guest - Governor Christine Gregoire

Join hundreds of Housing Advocates from around the state for a day of activism, education and inspiration.

Click Here To Register

Poetry & Experiences from Iraq

David Smith-Ferri – an activist poet whose newly released book, Battlefield without Borders portrays his encounters with Iraqi people and events – reads poems and recounts his experiences Thursday February 28, 7:30 p.m. at the Artisans Café, 109 Capitol Way N (between 4th and State), Olympia.

The poet focuses on children who are forbidden life and who survive with precarious futures. The Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation sponsors this exploration of the tragedy of war as seen through the eyes of a poet and peace-maker.

“I hope to portray the resilience, courage, and decency of the Iraqi people I’ve met,” Smith-Ferri says. “Everyday, Iraqi people – in Iraq and in exile – resist the degrading effects of violence and occupation, doing everything they can to care for themselves, their families, and their neighbors, and to provide a future for their children.”

All proceeds from the sale of his book (all but $2.00 of the sales price) will go directly to Iraqi victims of this war through a new program called the Direct Aid Initiative.

Three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Kathy Kelly says in the Foreword of Smith-Ferri’s book: “Mesmerized by the images David paints so tenderly and skillfully, we follow him onto the battlefield. We enter arenas populated by children, parents, teenagers – people similar to ourselves. What can the poet do to bring about a cease-fire, a truce, a broad and deepening belief in mercy? This poet brings the children to our very doors.”

Poet W.H. Auden said, “In the deserts of the heart, let the healing fountains start.”

Admission is free. Please join us.

The Friends of the Olympia Library will be having a two day book sale this weekend.

Saturday (February 9) from 10:00 to 4:00 and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00.

From email (mostly): 

If you are a member of the Friends there is a friends members presale from 8:00 to 10:00. This is a great booksale - paperbacks are .50 cents and all of the other books are $1.00, except for some special books which are specially priced. On Sunday only it's $3.00 for an entire bag of books. The bags are provided by the Friends.

Bows out in bid for the 2008 White House

Mitt Romney once said,

"We're gonna keep on battling. We're gonna go all the way to the convention. We're gonna win this thing, and we're gonna get in the White House."

The only way your getting in the White House - guided tour.  Almost feel like he's clearing the way for McCain to cruise while Obama and Clinton battle down to the wire.  Huckabee?  He has very little support in remaining delegate states and likely won't be much of a factor.  The bible belt voted on Super Tuesday.

McCain could be tough to beat on election night given his status as an American Hero P.O.W.

It looks like power is out at Evergreen, so the campus is closed until at least 1:00. Olympia schools are open, except for Boston Harbor, which also is without power.