Monday, September 23, 2013

How is everybody enjoying the Seattle Process right now?


The Stranger lists out six good reasons why the Seattle City Council should consider and potentially release a resolution denouncing the restrictive and destructive laws against being something equal to other than heterosexual. 

But, I think I know why they, and in particular Sally Clark, have not acted: we haven't had the Seattle Process yet. Pretty obvious, right?

First, let me help the Sally Clark's of the world by pointing out the actions of a place in the world that the city council obsesses over:
Copenhagen: 

Government and Prince Frederik speak out against Russia's anti-gay law


I've saved the taxpayers some travel expenses.

Next, a blue ribbon commission:
Look in the mirror, kiss each other's asses for an afternoon, order coffee, water (not bottled), and Plocky's hummus chips (Caramelized Onion).
Voice vote, yea or nay .

There, one day Seattle Process, you are welcome.


The Stranger: Sally Clark Speaks Up on Russia—Sorta

Seattle City Council president Sally Clark may be coming around: Whereas last week she had only a flat-out rejection of a resolution opposing the anti-gay laws and violence in Russia, now she seems to be moving toward a middle-ground. She wrote a long blog post today on the subject. Here's the section titled that "Now What?"
What's happening in Russia is deplorable. Let's also recognize that what's happening in 75 other countries not mentioned in the recent focus on Russia is equally deplorable (http://76crimes.com/). Instead of building conspiracy theories about why I didn't say yes to a resolution, why not come up with strategies to better educate people on what's happening in Russia and in these 76 countries, and give people real ways to be heard and make change. And do you want to talk about the situation for women in far too many parts of the globe? That can keep us busy with resolutions for a while, too.
If we need to do a resolution to make the point super clear, great, let's do it — and let's do it right. Let's use the Council's convening power and the platform made possible by Seattle Channel to get the best information we can about international human rights abuses against LGBT people in Russia and elsewhere, and let's identify constructive steps City government and others in Seattle can take to effect change. I think the City's LGBT Commission and Human Rights Commission can assist, but so can other Seattle-based organizations deeply involved in world affairs.
The resolution should mean something and shouldn't be the end of people's attention to what's happening around the world and the attacks that happen in our own city and country.
Clark is making progress, but still dodging and blaming "conspiracy theories." She appears to be saying the same thing Council Member Tom Rasmussen said yesterday: suggesting the city council needs to take its time and consider atrocities around the globe. I understand that argument, but the other council members should dismiss that excuse as punting.
Here are six reasons why the city council shouldn't put this off:
Follow the link to read the six reasons:
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2013/09/20/sally-clark-speaks-up-on-russiasorta


Have a great day,
Mike Baker
Seattle, Wa

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Posted by Mr Baker on Monday, September 23, 2013