One of the things I’ve always wanted to do was a video project that addressed the political divide of Washington State, infamously known as the “Cascade Curtain”.  And so I’ve begun… 

I’ve taken some footage but nothing too significant so far… until last week when I attended Dino Rossi’s visit to Kennewick. 

Despite my obvious left leaning bias, I don’t intend to pick on Rossi exclusively.  In fact, I’d pick on any pol that perpetuates what I feel is an artificial political divide.  

With that said, there is obviously a constituency on the east side of the mountains that has adopted a more conservative stance.  But looking at it from a more pragmatic perspective, moderates in both parties are pretty well tuned in to their constituency when we get right down to it, and either party can provide the necessary balance needed given the proper environment.  But all too often, divide and conquer is the status quo. 

In my own run at Richland’s City Council, I looked at the possibility of a win with the thought that it would be my job to absolutely represent my city regardless of my political leanings.  Doing less isn’t genuine. But the bottom line in my political leanings would be to get the ideas out there, see the response and govern accordingly.  We simply don’t get enough of that. 

When I went to the Dino Rossi event in Kennewick last Wednesday, I brought my camera and set up to record the event.  After getting initial permission (I asked), when Dino came to speak I was abruptly asked to turn off the camera.  Disappointing, yet interesting to note that earlier that day, Christine Gregoire spoke in Kennewick… with camera’s everywhere. 

Looking around, I could tell I wasn’t the only one recording either audio or video (I just happened to have a professional setup so I was obvious), so I captured a few clips with my handheld camera.  The speech wasn’t that dramatic and nothing really noteworthy was said except what was truly relevant to my project.  Thus the following entry in the ongoing saga.

So, do we have a “Seattle Chip” on our shoulder?  What do you think? 

My feeling is that this is largely perpetuated by political speak in an effort to create an “us vs. them” attitude.  When reality suggests (as well as state govt. spending) that this is merely a tool for political gain.

What do you think?

I’ll continue to post on this and I sincerely hope that the Rossi folks will be less reclusive in their campaign.