We must speak for those who can't speak for themselves

posted 06:54 AM 12/01
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In law, there is a principle known as the "burden of going forward." In today's popular lexicon, the phrase, "going forward" has become burdensomely over-used, particularly as an often redundant appendage at the end of a sentence.

But as I now end my term as a member of The Olympian’s Board of Contributors, “going forward” is a useful phrase for considering what still lies ahead. The burden of going forward is to consider our responsibilities as we prepare to move into a new year.

In writing these columns, I’ve had the opportunity to address issues near to my heart, and have been pleased to hear from members of the community who have appreciated that I have put into words some of their own views. Others tell me that their understanding of some issues has been expanded, or that they’ve learned something new. Some readers have posted my columns on their refrigerators (the ultimate compliment), or used them in their work or personal relationships.

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Offer little pillows of compassion and opportunity every day

posted 09:46 AM 10/27

Stuart McLean, host of the Vinyl Cafe on CBC radio, gives out annual awards for small acts of kindness.

Students today find a rainbow of diversity inside their school

posted 02:19 AM 09/22

When I was in elementary school back in the 1950s and ’60s, most of us students looked pretty much alike. We were all the same color, and we lived in houses that were almost identical to each other. Most of our fathers worked in the same industry and most made about the same amount of money. Most of our mothers stayed home, although I remember a handful of latchkey kids whose mothers worked outside the home.

State returns to dark, secretive process of executions

posted 09:07 AM 08/18

Washington is back in the business of killing.

Help with move shows kindness abounds with professionals

posted 07:14 AM 07/14

Twenty-five years after moving to Olympia, I have recently completed a move to a smaller house in a different neighborhood. I've been completely absorbed in this move for more than two months, and have hardly noticed what's been going on in the rest of the world. (I think I heard something about an oil leak and a soccer tournament.)

It's hard not to want to respond to crime with the greatest force possible

posted 07:38 AM 06/09

This month I wanted to write about birds. I wanted to talk about saying goodbye to my home in the forest, and hello to a different Olympia neighborhood.

Speaking up can be difficult, messy

posted 01:51 AM 05/05

“ ... the fact is, running a democracy requires a certain amount of civic courage.”

Adults can learn from kids' four-step process

posted 06:53 AM 03/31

As an elementary school counselor, I have the privilege of helping children learn to resolve conflicts in a safe, respectful and effective manner. Many adults would be amazed at the proficiency children can develop in solving their problems with each other.

An execution cannot make a murder victim's family feel better

posted 07:28 AM 02/24

In response to my previous column, one thoughtful reader commented that while she agreed that the death penalty is wrong for every reason that I had discussed, she still wondered if capital punishment might be worth it in order for victims' families to achieve closure.

State needs to give serious review to death penalty

posted 07:00 AM 01/20

An Olympian editorial raised a question of critical concern to the citizens of Washington. Do we believe that the death penalty is the most effective and just response to the most heinous crimes in our state?