The Decade our American Democracy worked -- right here in Olympia.
The authors of the new book, Politics of the Possible, Mary Ellen McCaffree and Anne McNamee Corbett will be at Orca Books on 4th Steet on February 29th. Join them for a presentation, reading and lively discussion.
Date: February 29th, 2012
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Orca Books, 509 4th Ave E
Given our current political environment, the new book, Politics of the Possible by Mary Ellen McCaffree and Anne McNamee Corbett offers a timely and refreshing approach to today’s often frustrating governmental process. Budgets, deficits, wrangling political parties, and special interests that increasingly press (and achieve) their demands in disregard of the public’s general welfare – all find antidotes in this lively political history. Politics of the Possible reminds us how our government is supposed to work. It’s a living example of an effective decade of governing when our elected leaders moved beyond partisanship and focused on problem-solving for the people.
By retracing McCaffree’s’ path inside the gears of governing during Washington state’s most productive and legendary decade, Politics of the Possible charts the overhaul of our state during the 1960’s, culminating in a stunning 1970 special legislative session that capped a sweeping program of progressive, bi-partisan reforms.

For more information or to purchase a book, please visit: www.politicsofthepossible.com. Questions can be directed to me, Alison McCaffree, the author's granddaughter and marketing manager at info@politicsofthepossible.com.
It’s that time again – candidate filing time. The importance of running and serving cannot be overstated. It’s what creates a living, participatory, healthy democracy. Without a vibrant and highly qualified selection for the voters we have a mere image of democracy – a transparent version where drive-by debate is mistaken for open and thoughtful discussion, where the mere appearance of public engagement is mistaken for true listening by policy makers and public involvement, where going along to get along passes for true leadership.
This year there are three school board races on the ballot. The Olympia School Board is in great need of new blood: creative, bold, intelligent people who believe that the standard for public service is more than just perpetuating the status quo – because “it’s always been done that way”. There can be no more capitulation than allowing the incumbents a “free ride” because no one else had the commitment to run and serve.
The current School Board members who are up for election (actually, since they were all appointed, none have ever been elected) are prone to defending the status quo and perpetuate tradition rather than challenging and inquiring. The Olympia School District is now known more for its “lucky” possession of highly qualified students and energetic and involved parents then it is for the value it adds from k through 12. While there clearly are some great teachers doing truly inspiring teaching, the Districts’ leaders are, by and large, institutionally protective in their thinking and lack creativity and risk taking so necessary today.
Come and discover how these and other current events are setting the stage for an unprecedented global crisis that will impact the lives of us all.
***See attached flyer for more details***
You will come away from these amazing Scriptural-based Keynote presentations clearly understanding how you can face these coming crises unafraid and with absolute confidence.
Location: Java Flow, Washington Street & Fourth Avenue, Olympia Time: Every Thursday night at 6 p.m. Contact: Liberty of Conscience Ministries at 360-402-1154