Conservatives enjoy a day of each other's company

by Sue Forde, Editor

Nix Ranch, Chehalis, WA - 8/12/01 - The annual conservative picnic brought out like-minded individuals from all over the state (and beyond) to enjoy a sunny day and each other's company.  Approximately 100 people - coming and going - showed up at Bob Nix's 400+ acre ranch.  It was a day made for a picnic and meeting folks known only before as an email message. Jackie Juntti, the person responsible for many of us attending, offered cheery hellos to folks as they came into the picnic area.  Although we communicate frequently by email, I hadn't seen her in several years.  You look great, Jackie!

Monte Benham, co-founder of Initiatives 695, 722 and the current I-747, was there supplied with plenty of tags promoting the cause of lower taxes.  Everywhere we looked, people were wearing them, so he did a great job.  He shared some vignettes of a recent history of Ben Franklin that he'd just finished, and remarked on the fact that public (government) schools are neglecting our childrens' education in so many ways. The curriculum is much of the problem, he agreed, originating from Robert Muller and the United Nations.  The fact that homeschooling is on the rise indicates that people are getting more and more frustrated with the direction it's taken.  Monte's site for more information about the initiative they're presently working on can be found at http://www.permanent-offense.org/747/index.html

There were several tables set up where various groups handed out education material.  The Alliance for Washington's Future was on hand to gather signatures for I-257 - Initiative to the Legislature - Performance Audits of State Government.  The initiative authorizes the state auditor to conduct comprehensive and independent performance audits of state government and establishes a citizens' committee for government accountability.  Advisory Board members include Tom Copeland (R), former House speaker, and Ken Eikenberry (R), former state attorney general.  Initiative supporters include Mark Miloscia (D), House Rep., 30th Leg. District, Kevin J. O'Sullivan (D), chair, Thurston Co. Commissioners, and Tim Sheldon (D), State Senator 35th Leg. District.  For more information about this initiative, contact Suzanne Karr, sdkarr@gte.net or call 425-303-8608.

Citizens for a Sound Economy (CSE) offered information about the IRS and the "Death Tax", along with global warming facts.  They offered cups and t-shirts, one of which read "Save the Salmon - Can Government Regulation" on the front; "Washington's newest endangered species - the economy" on the back.  Their website is www.csef.org

Vivian Henderson, executive director of Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners, was on hand with plenty of excellent material about the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) "4d" rules, which is devastating property rights and circumventing local government control.  If you've been to Kitsap County, you'll have seen their nifty signs all over the place - they're doing a wonderful job of "fighting the good fight."  They now have a website at www.kapo.org.

Steve Frank, Events and Political Coordinator of Washington Property Rights Alliance told about the property and water rights conference his organization has planned in October.  It will be held at the Shilo Inn in Richland, WA on Oct. 20 & 21, and will offer an excellent array of speakers, including Ron Arnold, J. Zane Walley, WA State Representatives Joyce Mulliken and Richard DeBolt, and Diana Capp, chair of Upper Columbia Resource Council, who also edits Natural Resource Justice Alert.  Diana was also there, and spoke with this editor about publishing informational newspapers and how to best get the word out to people who are still uninformed.  To register for the event, or for more information, write to Diana at wpra3@hotmail.com

Husband Bob and I had opportunity to bring folks up to date about our Critical Areas Code challenge and that the county commissioners have taken it "to the courts".  We'll keep you advised as more takes place.

There was a fun hayride which took riders over to the other side of the property where the "Shire of Fire Mountain" - a medieval re-enactment group was holding their weekend campout.  Enroute, we were "held up" by bandits from the Shire, but alas, they attacked the wrong group this time, and left with nothing! :)  Entering the shire, there were armor-clad folk testing their archery skills, gathering for joyous combat, and a Merchant's Row where a variety of pre-17th century type items were offered for sale.

Upon return to the picnic, J. J. Johnson, editor of Sierra Times ( www.sierratimes.com) was there surrounded by a group, sharing good stories.  He and his wife had stopped by on their vacation.  One of the highlights for this author was meeting Claire Wolfe, who writes wonderfully humorous and thought-provoking books. Claire's site can be found at http://www.curleywolfe.net/cw/Lodge.html. Thanks to Jackie for the introduction! (Jackie's forum is located at http://www.voy.com/19385/).  Lots of good information there!! :)

A special thanks to Bob Nix for opening his ranch for this great event each year, and to Jackie for helping coordinate it.  It offered a good opportunity not only for fun and relaxation, but for getting to know the folks involved in the battle for constitutional freedoms on every front, and put faces with names.  I highly recommend you mark your calendars for about this time next year, and plan on attending.