Interview with Mark Lamb regarding Joshua Freed religious freedom federal lawsuit against Governor Jay Inslee
Please note, this interview, video, and article are NOT approved by the Ministry of Covid Compliance. I am certain that if Washington State Governor Inslee felt he could suspend all free speech in Washington State via emergency proclamation, this would be one of the many videos and articles on this site which would be banned.
I recently interviewed attorney Mark Lamb, who represented Republican candidate Joshua Freed in a recent Federal lawsuit against Washington State Governor Jay Inslee challenging Inslee’s proclamations restricting the freedom of religion as a response to the Corona Virus (for a list of the lawsuits recently filed against Governor Inslee – go here). This is an interesting insider’s perspective on this lawsuit and the fact that Governor Inslee backed down from enforcing his proclamations. It is helpful to listen to knowledgeable people about this litigation and understand the significance this lawsuit has in regards to religious freedom in Washington State.
Additionally, this video also has some interesting insight from Mark towards the end of the interview in regards to his representation of the Snohomish County Sheriff who is facing a recall effort, and his personal interaction with Governor Inslee when Inslee was in Congress. (Full Disclosure: Mark Lamb has represented this author in legal cases in the past).
Inslee is angry at the people for being so darned “insubordinate”
OUR CONSTITUTION BEGINS WITH THE PHRASE “WE THE PEOPLE.” IT WAS THE FOUNDER’S INTENT THAT GOVERNMENT BE CREATED BY THE PEOPLE, TO SERVE THE PEOPLE. IT WASN’T THEIR INTENTION FOR THE PEOPLE TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT. IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED THAT GOVERNMENT WHICH FAILED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE “ALTERED OR ABOLISHED.” UNTIL WE RETURN TO THE FOUNDER’S INTENT, WE REMAIN WE THE GOVERNED…
Washington State leads the nation in unemployment statistics thanks to bureaucratic incompetence and some help from a Nigerian fraud ring
Washington State Governor Inslee
Washington State prides itself as a trend setter in many areas. Leading the nation in unemployment claims was not the indicator Washington State wanted to win. However, when formal nation-wide unemployment numbers were recently released, Washington State led the nation with unemployment numbers (according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics) of 30.8%. This rate of unemployment is unprecedented in modern state history. However, these numbers may not be accurate thanks to a Nigerian-linked fraud racket, which managed to steal millions (apparently hundreds of millions!!!) of dollars from the Washington State Employment Security Department.
The Unemployment numbers for Washington State are currently the worst in the nation
As reported in the New York Times (linked here) and other various national news sources (here, here, and here), last week, Washington State’s Employment Security Department had to stop issuing unemployment checks for several days due to the unprecedented volume of fraudulent requests which were processed and paid by the State:
““This is a gut punch,” said Suzi LeVine, the commissioner of Washington State’s Employment Security Department. In a memo obtained by The New York Times, investigators from the U.S. Secret Service said they had information suggesting that the scheme was coming from a well-organized Nigerian fraud ring and could result in “potential losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars.” Roy Dotson, a special agent who specializes in financial fraud at the Secret Service, said in an interview investigators were still working to pinpoint who was involved and exactly where they were. ”We are actively running down every lead we are getting,” Mr. Dotson said. Mr. Dotson said it appeared the fraud was being aided by a substantial number of “mules” — people, often in the United States, who were used as intermediaries for money laundering after making connections with fraudsters online. He warned people to be wary of quick-money job offers or other suspicious financial arrangements. The Secret Service memo said Washington State had emerged as the primary target thus far…”
At this point, no state officials are admitting how much Washington State taxpayer funds were stolen (rumor in Olympia is that it is in the $200 million+ range), and it appears unlikely that these funds will ever be recovered. According to media reports, the US Secret Service and other Federal Agencies are involved in the investigation, and their notice to the State probably prevented many millions more from being lost. Washington State bureaucracies have a legacy of incompetence and failure, but it isn’t every day they fall for Nigerian fraud scams.
Which raises an important policy question. Exactly how much of Washington State’s unemployment data is phony or artificial thanks to the diligent and effective efforts of this Nigerian fraud crew? This answer matters because Governor Inslee’s special brand of covid lockdown theatre has been very successful in flatlining Washington State’s economy, but nobody can yet quantify how bad the state’s fiscal affairs have become. The first real glimpse will be the Office of Financial Management Report scheduled for June 17th. However, we may discover that Washington State’s unemployment numbers are not as bad as they look right now (although someone needs to review just how ineffective our fraud prevention program is at Employment Security).
On a personal note – to the whistleblower who contacted me a few years ago and who claimed the state’s unemployment security department had many problems and the fraud detection was not very secure – I’m sorry I didn’t follow through on your information. You were right, and I was skeptical this agency was THAT incompetent. I wish I’d been able to expose this back then and perhaps create some bureaucratic incentive to fix the problem. Unfortunately, now it seems likely whatever fix gets implemented will be a far costlier endeavor.
It isn’t great (or surprising) news that Washington’s bureaucracy fell for a Nigerian fraud scam, but it could be good news that the unemployment numbers might be just as phony as the concept of “fraud detection” and competency in Washington State’s bureaucracy.In the middle of the storm clouds of covid mania, “snitch lists,” and Inslee lockdown madness, nobody can say I’m not able to find a silver lining.
OUR CONSTITUTION BEGINS WITH THE PHRASE “WE THE PEOPLE.” IT WAS THE FOUNDER’S INTENT THAT GOVERNMENT BE CREATED BY THE PEOPLE, TO SERVE THE PEOPLE. IT WASN’T THEIR INTENTION FOR THE PEOPLE TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT. IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED THAT GOVERNMENT WHICH FAILED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE “ALTERED OR ABOLISHED.” UNTIL WE RETURN TO THE FOUNDER’S INTENT, WE REMAIN WE THE GOVERNED…
Inslee isn't happy that he is getting caught making so many mistakes. He is angry at the people for being "insubordinate"
This article is definitely NOT approved by the Ministry of Covid Compliance and is clearly insubordinate to Inslee’s Civilian Covid Compliance Plan (CCCP). A few weeks ago, we posted Washington State Governor Inslee’s first “snitch list” of citizens he encouraged to report their neighbors, competitors, and employers for perceived, imagined, or even an occasional legitimate violation of Governor Inslee’s endless emergency proclamation orders. These reports are sent to Governor Inslee’s Washington State Military Department (yeah, I didn’t know that existed under the Governor either). Fortunately for the citizens of Washington State, all these reports are public records. It appears many people who reported their neighbors, competitors, or others for committing the great crime of not wearing a mask, failure to properly social distance, shaking hands, or some other egregious Covid compliance crime. All of which are evidence of “insubordination” according to Governor Inslee, of course.
Inslee once said Washington had a “secret sauce” for success, but it probably won’t be found in the “snitch lists”
As of this writing, the original list was downloaded at least 7,500 times through our last article (many others distributed it, but that is the only number I can verify). This batch is actually a little different. It consists of eight Excel files. They can be downloaded at this link(I didn’t put in the color coding – they came that way – I’d be curious if someone knows the significance of the color coding). I suggest, if you are interested, you download it immediately because we found the original links were removed last time, so we had to repost the documents in a variety of locations. If this link goes dead, I will post up new links here as well, but please let me know.
One of these files is particularly large and appears to be titled “All Open Cases” (642 pages of spreadsheets). This will take some time to sort. One enterprising fellow migrated the last list to a searchable online database you can see here. I suspect others will do the same this time. There could be some duplicates in this batch. The rest of the Excel files appear to be pre-sorted lists (“Reported for Social Distancing, etc).
Oh, and in case anyone isn’t intelligent enough to figure this out on their own, don’t threaten anyone on the list. Seriously. Yes, I realize they are threatening the people and businesses they report to Inslee and Ferguson and the Covid police, but committing an idiotic crime yourself is on you. I understand the Stasi comparisons and all that, but fortunately we are still in the semi-free country of America, in the even less-free state of Washington. This is merely public information which is actually free for all to know. Use it to expose the truth, and the truth will set everyone free, eventually.
If you didn’t read the first article about Governor Inslee’s snitch list – go here. Otherwise, let me know what you find. I have not had a chance to review this one and crowdsourcing the information will be far more efficient for the curious and the research, but make it public.
Enjoy the research, and see if you can spot any interesting trends. There was a story reported by talk show host Jason Rantz about the Mayor of Mukilteo reporting on a business in her community, a lot of people reported Governor Inslee and other politicians, and I found a case where the Economic Development liaison employee for the City of Tukwila reported an Asian-owned business in his official capacity as an employee of Tukwila. This was odd since the city just passed a resolution expressing their concerns over Covid related Asian discrimination in their city. That doesn’t seem like a great way to improve business in your community. These are strange days.
AG Bob Ferguson wants you to know he might be coming for you next
As an aside, Governor Inslee and Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, while largely abandoning enforcement of the Governor’s proclamations (which most people outside King County appear to be ignoring) , have recently decided to pick on random businesses and crucify them (See this video where a Federal bureaucrat explaining how this is done to ensure compliance and keep the peasants in line) as examples to others. Presumably, Ferguson and Inslee believe destroying these people’s lives will encourage the rest of us little people to stop being so uppity. They know they can’t stop us all. Inslee has also been very testy lately when he was exposed for providing inflated and false Covid death statistics (see article here). It isn’t yet clear if the AG is going to eventually force the entire department of 600 attorneys to start doing this, but he appears to have chosen these businesses based on complaints – maybe from these “snitch list” complaints.
These are ugly times in Washington State, and this administration is failing the people of this state, but if you are in King County – make sure to wear your masks.
Some people like to make a statement with their masks in Washington State
Source: Facebook – Everyone wants to make a statement
OUR CONSTITUTION BEGINS WITH THE PHRASE “WE THE PEOPLE.” IT WAS THE FOUNDER’S INTENT THAT GOVERNMENT BE CREATED BY THE PEOPLE, TO SERVE THE PEOPLE. IT WASN’T THEIR INTENTION FOR THE PEOPLE TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT. IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED THAT GOVERNMENT WHICH FAILED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE “ALTERED OR ABOLISHED.” UNTIL WE RETURN TO THE FOUNDER’S INTENT, WE REMAIN WE THE GOVERNED…
Anything Governor Inslee reads to the camera is an approved message by the Ministry of Covid Compliance
This article is absolutely NOT approved by the Ministry of Covid Compliance, and might be involuntarily censored and banned once Governor Inslee’s staff write his next batch of Covid Virus Proclamations. “CCCP” is NOT a Ministry sanctioned acronym, but will be used in this article for clarity and brevity. The plan is summarized below, concerns are explained, and suggested steps you can take to make a positive impact are provided below.
Washington State Governor Inslee read the script prepared by his staff last week on Wednesday May 12, 2020 during his “press” conference announcement. While Inslee will be the face of the state’s virus policies, few believe he actually acquires these goofy ideas on his own. Every politician is controlled by advisors, and Jay Inslee is no exception. However, there must be a sliver of doubt in Inslee’s inner circle, somewhere, that he is not just making a major, catastrophic mistake, but that he is approaching the policy cliff and plans stepping off into the policy abyss – unless someone changes direction. This is the best reason to confront this proposed policy disaster now and expose it widely to influence government to stop and not take the leap into the abyss.
Governor Inslee appears ready to inflict this plan on the state. Whoever championed this idea originally should be removed from any influential positions in government. For the safety of Washington State and all who live here, we need rational people in these positions, and these appear rare in Governor Inslee’s inner circle. Concerns have been raised by others:
State Rep. Jim Walsh (19th LD)
On May 12, 2020, 11 Republican legislators, led by State Representative Jim Walsh (LD 19) has requested Federal Attorney General Barr review the unconstitutional rules being used to implement this policy and the certain violation of civil rights (see letter here).
The ACLU has even sent a formal lukewarm memo of concern to the Governor (linked here), in which they raise concerns with the proposed policy agenda. This is unusual because they have generally been silent about government’s violations of citizen civil rights at this time. Interestingly, this might have had a slight influence as Governor Inslee backpedaled on mandatory restaurant data collection and now claim this policy is temporarily “voluntary” – for now.
On May 13, 2020, Republican Legislative Minority Leader Representative Wilcox has expressed concern regarding Inslee’s personal attacks on all who oppose him and Inslee’s unwillingness to consider the downsides to the Governor’s policies.
Let’s review this proposed public policy fiasco and the inevitable disaster which will result.
The Proposed Plan (but NOT the final solution):
This is Washington’s Contact Tracing Program (Approved by the Ministry of Covid Compliance and presumably part of the Civilian Covid Compliance Plan (CCCP)) – 5/12/20. For an article about the Covid19 Tracer Course and how it is a guide to suspending your rights read this linked article from The Federalist.
1. If you have been in contact (or presumed or accused of being in contact) with a person who tests positive (whatever that means as the flawed testing fiasco bumbles forward) for the Wuhan Corona Virus, you and your family will be put under formal involuntary house arrest by the 1500 Health Officers and armed National Guard only to leave for medical emergency (presumably only with permission and who knows what an “emergency” is?) , no trips to the grocery store or anywhere else. Presumably they can verify/enforce this with the cell phone tracking data they are using currently to measure compliance with the existing lockdown orders.
2. Every member of the household will be tested and required to give a list of all people they have come in contact with (presumably they will use cell phone tracking data to verify this information). All of those people will be put under house arrest including their entire families. All of those people will be tested, etc. The CCCP crew will then use the patient confidentiality excuse to conceal the identity of the person who supposedly “exposed” you to the virus, so there will be no effective way to challenge, audit or verify the accusations, test results, or anything else. Just trust these guys, they would never abuse the process. And you will automatically be dumped into house arrest if you refuse to consent to their tests.
3. All restaurants will be required to keep lists of customers prior to opening seating (now they are saying this will be “voluntary” “for now”). If a customer tests positive, all other customers will be required to self-quarantine (no clarity on whether the National Guard will enforce this one, but presumably they will have to do this). It appears that RCW 43.20.050(5) is the police power authority the state is claiming. This will really help the restaurants open back up in a profitable manner.
4. If people do not comply with the house arrest the WA State Administrative Code – WAC 246-100-040 states that they will be subject to the following:
Historical Quarantine Notice from 1930s
Put under house arrest by Court Order, at the sole discretion of an unelected bureaucrat with an ex parte court order (meaning you can’t contest the initial order, you can only petition the court for release AFTER the fact with your attorney (WAC 246-100-040(3)(b)(vi)(d), and WAC 246-100-055). Note this is all an unelected bureaucrat needs to violate 4th Amendment rights (WAC 246-100-040(1)). Even if you petition the court, you’ll have to stay locked up until the court might get around to hear your case (WAC 246-100-055(3)). Of course, if the unelected bureaucrat wants to prevent you from having your day in court, it looks like they can prevent the court from giving you a hearing (WAC 246-100-055(6)). And, the unelected bureaucrat can keep you locked up in 30 day increments if they want (WAC 245-100-040(5) and WAC 245-100-045(6)(b)).
Up to $2000/day fine – and they do need more cash in this time of collapsing budgets. It looks like they can put you in jail for 90 days as a bonus (RCW 70-05.120 (4))
Required to wear electronic monitoring (Ankle Monitor). This appears redundant to the cell phone tracking, but it will be intimidating to the people who have to wear it. (See website here – below is a screen capture)
Screen Capture from Dept. of Health – 5/19/2020
A state official will check daily to ensure that all people are at their house, and if you don’t have family members who want to get your food and supplies for you, they will theoretically try to do your shopping for you – maybe.
Possible removal of children from parents if the Contract Tracers decide this is necessary, and these kids will be moved to a state facility to be supervised by childcare workers (some of whom Inslee exempted from background checks, after he helpfully finished early releasing sex offenders from prison).
We do have a pandemic in our bureaucracy, but it is a simple government staff infection that can be solved with downsizing and budget cuts. Unfortunately, in Washington State, the worst of the incompetent tend to be promoted to the highest echelons of policy making. We shouldn’t be too surprised they are pushing this scheme. Inslee read this as it was presented to him. If we didn’t have a tame and compliant media, this would have been aborted before it got this far. The Republicans couldn’t have politically sabotaged this Governor any better than these proposed policy disasters are doing right now. However, political self-immolation is no excuse for the Republicans to not become more assertive, grow some spines and toss water on the inferno before it hurts real people (politicians don’t count).
The problems with the Civilian Covid Compliance Plan (CCCP)
The contact tracing game as a legitimate policy tool ended months ago – once the Covid19 genie left Wuhan and thousands of people started spreading it all around the world. This is a policy exercise in futility for a disease as contagious and widespread as this virus. Game over. We should all be thankful the fatality levels of this one are so low and manageable. There could still be a place for voluntary contact tracing notices and communication (similar to what the health departments sometimes do for STDs), but involuntary lock-downs are a predictable disaster.
The flawed models used to hype this virus have all proven to be false, fraudulent, or just orders of magnitude divergent from reality. We overreacted to the virus and our government is doing more harm to society with the “cure” than the disease itself ever will. No matter what, it is going to take many years to recover from the self-imposed economic destruction. The economy is off the rails, and all we can do now is mitigate the damage. However, Inslee is choosing to make this crash as traumatic and destructive as possible.
I get it. Three months ago, we were all concerned. Nobody wants to take a chance at catching a disease. We couldn’t trust any information coming out of China, and the scary computer models (garbage in – garbage out) were enough for conservative people to be cautious. Better safe than sorry. People adapted quickly to forced homeschooling, prepping, and a little bonus rioting over toilet paper. We are drinking more, binging on Netflix, gaining weight, and wearing cool masks in public. We flatlined our economy and have created epic collateral damage throughout society in addition to the virus deaths. We’ve done this, and we can’t take it back. However, in Washington State, it is long past time to stop the self-destruction. We don’t need to jump off the cliff with Governor Inslee and this Contact Tracing (CCCP) scheme.
Reasonable people will not trust this crew to manage a complex and problematic contact tracing program months after the lockdown destroyed our economy (and the dreams, hopes, and plans of millions along with it). Many people question if it was worth it. The vast majority of the people who supposedly have the virus never even know. Who would trust the testing? I don’t. Forced house arrest on your political enemies is a gift to the politically corrupt – which may explain why this is so popular on the Left today. Plus, punishing their families and anyone they ever met as a bonus? Political insiders and partisan hacks are jumping for joy. Does anyone think this will go down well with those they target? Forced blood tests? Armed agents at your door? No search warrants? Zero due process? $2,000 per day fines? What is next? Yellow Covid Patches you need to wear before you leave the house?
This CCCP plan makes the craziest conspiracy theorist look like they were not crazy enough. It isn’t a theory when they launch the “plan.” Seriously, this is the sort of government overreach that actually leads to violence, a breakdown in civil order, and real justified rebellion (or “insubordination” as Governor Inslee likes to call his subjects when they misbehave).
Attorney General William Barr
We suffer from a hyper-politicized bureaucracy in this state, an unpopular governor who believes he has found salvation from low poll numbers by milking this crisis and dragging it out as long as possible, and a shockingly spineless or inept Republican opposition.
As mentioned above, 11 Republican legislators formally asked Attorney General Barr to review some of the bureaucratic administrative codes (WAC 246-100-040) among others for their unconstitutionality and likely use to violate the civil rights of the citizens who live here. The brain-dead defense of these codes is that they are “old” – apparently they have been on the books for 20 years – as though old stupid rules crafted by bureaucrats are somehow immune from question due to their age (apparently, like wine, they improve with time). I’m sure people defended Jim Crow laws using the same justification. Regardless, this was a good step towards pushing back on this insane policy, but it is not enough.
Productive steps you can take to stop the CCCP
I’m hoping that Inslee will keep backpedaling on this stupid policy, and like his extreme lockdown orders – people will just ignore him and get on with their lives. However, hope is not a plan. In the last day or so, his health department has been waffling, but they may also be shifting the dirty work to the local health departments and then playing “point the finger” bureaucrat blame game, and the local health departments will do it because they need the grant cash. If this insane policy is actually being implemented, law enforcement will be drafted along with the National Guard to enforce this CCCP scheme. This is the time to push back. As citizen activists who care, we need to expose this right now. Here are some specifics:
Call, email, message, or contact every elected official you can find (get off Netflix for a few hours during the day), and let them know you oppose the CCCP scheme the governor is pushing.
Reach out to your neighbors (respect their virus concerns, call them, etc), and let them know you care and they are not alone. We have to help each other. We need to protect our neighbors and communities from the abuse of the state. This might include formal offers to help them by the community if they feel pressured or threatened. I believe people are less likely to respond violently if they know others are there to help them.
Start recruiting insiders, whistleblowers, and law enforcement officers who can give you accurate, insider information – and spread it far and wide – including source documents, planning documents, etc. Including inside your local health department. We all know some of these people. Sometimes bad ideas are aborted when they are exposed in advance. This might make the more radical policy ideas go away and not be implemented.
If they start the forced, involuntary confinement of citizens – we need to publicize who they are, video the events and highlight the truth about how this program is implemented. Offer to help those who are forcibly confined.
We need to file records requests or recruit insiders to provide us the data (even the data exempt from public records requests) to verify the budget and identities of who is profiting from these programs. This must be exposed. The opportunity for corruption in darkness where no audits or transparency exists is guaranteed to attract the worst that human nature has to offer, and by exposing it, perhaps we can reduce the damage and destruction
We need to post articles, videos, and documentation about every aspect of this effort. Forget the tame media – they have abandoned the truth and decided to side with the state. It is up to us to expose this ourselves any way we can.
We should not tamely comply with horrible public policy. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and a major spotlight needs to be directed at this fiasco and those who support it.
OUR CONSTITUTION BEGINS WITH THE PHRASE “WE THE PEOPLE.” IT WAS THE FOUNDER’S INTENT THAT GOVERNMENT BE CREATED BY THE PEOPLE, TO SERVE THE PEOPLE. IT WASN’T THEIR INTENTION FOR THE PEOPLE TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT. IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED THAT GOVERNMENT WHICH FAILED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE “ALTERED OR ABOLISHED.” UNTIL WE RETURN TO THE FOUNDER’S INTENT, WE REMAIN WE THE GOVERNED…
Last week, I interviewed State Representative Jim Walsh (R- Legislative District 19), and we discussed how Governor Inslee has been abusing the emergency powers granted to him by the State Constitution, other policy problems that recent events have exposed and the coming budget collapse in state and local government. Walsh sits on two of the three budget committees in Washington State (Transportation & Capital). Please note, this interview was done a week before the Governor announced the 15% across the board cuts and hiring freeze. Serious budget cuts – far beyond that proposal are coming.
OUR CONSTITUTION BEGINS WITH THE PHRASE “WE THE PEOPLE.” IT WAS THE FOUNDER’S INTENT THAT GOVERNMENT BE CREATED BY THE PEOPLE, TO SERVE THE PEOPLE. IT WASN’T THEIR INTENTION FOR THE PEOPLE TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT. IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED THAT GOVERNMENT WHICH FAILED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE “ALTERED OR ABOLISHED.” UNTIL WE RETURN TO THE FOUNDER’S INTENT, WE REMAIN WE THE GOVERNED…
This website is dedicated to providing services and value to its readers. With the confusion, political turmoil, and economic chaos in the current covid compliance climate, and the strong feelings on both sides of the debate, we are providing bloggers, writers, and meme creators an opportunity to clearly distinguish the covid content stories out there so that readers can more easily organize their binge surfing and know exactly the type of message to which they are exposing themselves.
After all, how could we possibly understand anything we are reading or being told if we don’t know whether we have permission to believe it in the first place? In addition, these can serve as de facto “trigger warnings” to reduce the number of enraged trolls and commenters who can’t believe anyone dares to express an opinion different than their own. These are genuine time savers, and while this article certainly is not approved by the Ministry of Covid Compliance, the Ministry still must recognize the value of these seals (Yes, they have permission to use them too).
First, feel free to download and use the following seal on information that is approved by your local Ministry of Covid Compliance. When discussing the upside of lockdowns, economic destruction, social distancing, and flatlining the economy, this seal should be added, just so that everyone will know those messages are “Approved”:
For those a bit more rebellious out there and not willing to settle for the Civilian Covid Compliance Plan (CCCP) where you live, the following seal of “Not Approved” is for you. Maybe you have independent, scary messages, thoughts or observations. You can use this seal and it will serve as a trigger warning for those who don’t want to know anything the Ministry of Covid Compliance hasn’t already approved:
Finally, if the colors on either one of these are two binary options are too harsh and bold, and perhaps you are simply looking for more subtly in the messages you share and promote on Facebook, Twitter, and elsewhere, you can use the following grey-scale seal, and a politician seal which just says “Approved”:
You are welcome, please use wisely…
OUR CONSTITUTION BEGINS WITH THE PHRASE “WE THE PEOPLE.” IT WAS THE FOUNDER’S INTENT THAT GOVERNMENT BE CREATED BY THE PEOPLE, TO SERVE THE PEOPLE. IT WASN’T THEIR INTENTION FOR THE PEOPLE TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT. IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED THAT GOVERNMENT WHICH FAILED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE “ALTERED OR ABOLISHED.” UNTIL WE RETURN TO THE FOUNDER’S INTENT, WE REMAIN WE THE GOVERNED…
The Teamster Union PAC was recently fined, and Seattle Socialist Kshama Sawant gets a closer investigation for her many additional campaign finance violations
I’ve filed a lot of complaints against politicians, judges, PACs, and candidates over the past few years for violating various Washington State laws (see here for complete list of resolved cases). Mostly these involve violations of Washington State’s glorious campaign finance laws (RCW 42.17A) and also the random patchwork of ethics laws which are theoretically applied to some of the political leadership in this state (not equally applied, but random application occurs). I receive numerous reader requests for updates on the status of these cases. Many are still “in process” (being investigated) at this time, but I try to keep readers updated as these are completed by the Public Disclosure Commission, the Washington State Attorney General, or various other local and state ethics boards.
Last Friday, the Public Disclosure Commission completed their investigation of the Washington Teamsters Legislative League PAC (see case file here). This was based on a campaign finance complaint I filed against this PAC on December 21, 2017 (see here). Mostly, this PAC concealed large campaign contributions to various Democratic Party legislators and delayed revealing many of these expenditures for extensive periods of time during various election cycles. As anyone who has followed my work knows, this is not unusual behavior. This PAC agreed to a $1,000 fine (see here), and received a formal wrist slap warning letter from the PDC last week (see here).
This was the 66th Politician, Judge, or PAC officially fined since I started this effort in late 2016, and was the 154th group/politician officially confirmed by a regulatory agency as a law-breaker based on my complaints. Many more will be added to that list over time. The wheels of justice and bureaucracy move slowly, particularly if the violators are aligned with the favored political establishment.
For those who complain about the paltry sum of the fine, please remember, this was a direct result of the “Stop Glen Morgan Bill” which Inslee signed into law in 2018 (much of which I supported, by the way). The steep fines were originally intended to be applied to political outsiders only (and the campaign finance laws were mostly about creating barriers to entry and the protection of incumbents who already know the game). However, once the entire political establishment of Washington State began to experience the joys and wonder of the campaign finance laws equally applied – it wasn’t so fun any more. It became time to change the law. So, in theory, insiders and outsiders alike will mostly receive wrist slap fines moving forward (unless you are Tim Eyman – in which case, the scorched earth rules still apply).
Seattle Socialist Kshama Sawant gets investigated for lawbreaking once again.
I filed a more recent complaint against Seattle City Councilmember Socialist Kshama Sawant on February 11, 2020 (linked here). Mostly, as you can see from the complaint this was based on the ethics violations committed by Sawant as documented by the Seattle ethics commission report attached to the complaint. Another citizen filed a similar complaint at the same time (linked here), which was combined in one investigation. Based on a recent letter received from the PDC on May 11, 2020 (linked here) it appears this case is likely to result in a deep dive investigation now which may or may not result in some type of wrist slap fine. Sawant’s response written by the law firm who usually defends these politicians when I file complaints (yes, they owe me a Christmas basket and a thank you note at least for all the business I’ve sent their way) is linked here. The first complaint I filed against Sawant (linked here) resulted in a $150 fine (see here) by the Seattle Ethics and Election Commission (To whom the PDC referred the complaint to back then)a few years ago. We will have to wait to see how this more egregious violation shakes out. It may be worth writing an article just about all her ethics and campaign violations someday.
State Insurance Commissioner, Certified Public Accountants PAC, David Sawyer, and the City of Olympia
The City of Olympia’s overt and reckless violation of the state’s campaign finance laws was put into a deep dive investigation by the PDC a few months ago as well (see letter here). This was based on a complaint I filed (linked here), and numerous other people also filed complaints against the city for egregious violations where they used taxpayer dollars to oppose a citizens initiative in clear violation of the law (see case file here). This will be a fascinating case study in just how many violations political insiders can commit with impunity. Students of the state’s glorious campaign finance laws are watching this one to see what type of wrist slap “naughty, naughty” letter they receive or if the PDC actually decides to send a mini-message to others who are willing to blatantly violate the law the same way in the future. The current strategy is to drag this out until most people forget.
David Sawyer
Disgraced former Democrat Representative David Sawyer (29th LD), from Tacoma was fined $1,000 based on a 2017 complaint I filed against him with the PDC (See file documents below or case file here). This was mostly for his habitually deficient and late campaign finance reporting. He also acted like the law was never intended to apply to him. This matched his Ethics Fine of $1,000 for the #MeToo investigation which occurred recently (see here). Sawyer was treated more like a Republican in this case because he was no longer a favored son of the Democratic Party (politics can be a fickle game of thrones).
The Washington State Conservation Voters Action Fund PACwas wrist slapped with a $300 fine based on two different complaints I filed against them (see here and here) in October and November 2019. These were mainly focused on shady, secretive, strategically late filings they made to obscure and conceal some of their last minute political activity. The PDC staff gave them the benefit of the doubt and imposed a minor fine. Partly, this was influenced by earlier warning letters this well-funded PAC had received for historic campaign finance violations (see here). A pattern has been established, but it might take a few more fines to correct this habitual lawbreaking.
The Washington State Association of Certified Public Accountants PACwas fined $2500 based on a 2017 complaint I filed against them. This included a laundry list of random violations mostly involved with late reporting, concealing donations made to Governor Inslee and others for many months. Unlike the Conservation Voters Action Fund PAC, this one also gave to Republicans, so they had a larger fine imposed. However, these guys are supposed to be the professionals, and if they can’t follow Washington State’s glorious and wonderful campaign finance laws, what hope is there for the rest of us?
For a complete list of the last 66 politicians, PACs, judges, and others who have been fined based on my complaints, and a list of the 94 PACs and politicians who have been publicly and officially exposed for violating these laws go to this link and see the complete list, including direct source links to the original documents. As I’ve said before, you can mock me for my hobby of exposing these guys, but there are worse and far less productive hobbies out there.
Sometimes all we can do is shine a little spotlight in the darkness of the political process.
OUR CONSTITUTION BEGINS WITH THE PHRASE “WE THE PEOPLE.” IT WAS THE FOUNDER’S INTENT THAT GOVERNMENT BE CREATED BY THE PEOPLE, TO SERVE THE PEOPLE. IT WASN’T THEIR INTENTION FOR THE PEOPLE TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT. IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED THAT GOVERNMENT WHICH FAILED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE “ALTERED OR ABOLISHED.” UNTIL WE RETURN TO THE FOUNDER’S INTENT, WE REMAIN WE THE GOVERNED…
A sky sign was flown around the Washington State Capital stating "Inslee is Non-Essential" during a May 9, 2020 protest rally against Inslee's Covid virus lockdown order
Please note, this article is NOT approved by Inslee’s Ministry of Covid Compliance.
This was the promotion distributed via social medial in advance of Saturday’s event.
Saturday’s “Hazardous Liberty” rally attracted 1500 or so protestors to Washington State’s Capital campus. While the topic was serious, the attendees appeared to be enjoying their freedom in the sun and on the un-mowed lawns (How can you not social distance on a riding mower?) surrounding the main fountain. The Washington State Patrol described the protestors as more “belligerent” than the previous protest (see article here). I wrote about the capital Reopen Washington protest a few weeks ago (see here). However, this sense of “belligerency” might have been because the state patrol threatened to arrest a few organizers who dared to post pop-up tents without a permit. Of course, the state wasn’t issuing permits for anything, so the rally itself was “unsanctioned” by the state. When the organizers who had committed the crime of placing un-permitted pop-up tents on the un-mowed lawn dared the State Patrol to arrest them, the State Patrol wisely backed off that threat and prudently let the peaceful protest carry on.
A popular highlight at the protest was the Sky Sign flown over the event – “Inslee is Non-Essential” which generated cheers from the 1500+ protest attendees and probably other Washingtonians enjoying the good weather and clear skies on May 9, 2020
There were a variety of speakers including activists, five state legislators (Rep. Matt Shea (LD4), Rep. Jim Walsh(LD19), Rep. Jesse Young(LD26), Rep. Vicki Kraft(LD17), and Rep. Robert Sutherland(LD39)), various local elected officials, political candidates, and even this author. In the middle of the event, a well-timed airplane flew over the rally pulling a sky sign that stated “Inslee is Non-Essential” which was a nice popular touch for the event – generating cheers (and probably added to the sense of “belligerence”). As always, the homemade signs were entertaining and I’ve included a variety of photos here for those unable to attend. In addition, if you want to watch a few videos of the event – they are linked here, here, and here (If you have more video links, feel free to send them to me, and I’ll add them here).
As usual, the Statists will mock those who attended this protest, claim they are all “fringe” or “extreme” or the Leftists will wish death (via Covid) on the attendees. Those who fail to recognize the legitimate concerns average people have with Governor Inslee‘s endless lockdowns, the destruction of their small businesses, forced unemployment, economic destruction, and a one-size fits all flawed policy approach to this virus, are displaying a clear lack of empathy themselves.
Will Governor Inslee arrest you for mowing the overgrown lawn at the Capital?
Here is a suggestion for future activists and protesters in the state. In light of the unkempt look of our state capital lawns (and it is our capital), perhaps we can organize a free, volunteer lawn-mowing event at the state capital? We can clean up the look of our capital campus, do some good for the community, and commit another “belligerent” act of rebellion at the same time. Governor Inslee will probably threaten to arrest you, but it just might be worth it.
Photos from Saturday’s event:
For those who are Star Wars fans
Note the grass. Looks like it could use a good mowing…
Andy from Olympia had a message for Jay Inslee
It never gets old…
The speakers stage at Hazardous Liberty May 9, 2020 – all of them were better than this guy…(Glen Morgan pictured speaking)
If you are under 10 years old, and you have to protest, who can argue with this?
Not much subltety here…
OUR CONSTITUTION BEGINS WITH THE PHRASE “WE THE PEOPLE.” IT WAS THE FOUNDER’S INTENT THAT GOVERNMENT BE CREATED BY THE PEOPLE, TO SERVE THE PEOPLE. IT WASN’T THEIR INTENTION FOR THE PEOPLE TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT. IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED THAT GOVERNMENT WHICH FAILED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE “ALTERED OR ABOLISHED.” UNTIL WE RETURN TO THE FOUNDER’S INTENT, WE REMAIN WE THE GOVERNED…
Washington State Governor Inslee wants to create an army of informers who will turn in their neighbors to the state so he can punish them for being insubordinate to his virus proclamations.
This article has NOT been approved by Inslee’s Ministry of Covid Compliance.
*Update: Please note, I have to keep updating the download location due to heavy volume and it appears those sites get taken down.
There have been multiple concerns raised in Washington State recently by the “snitch on your neighbor” websites and other efforts made by local government to create on-line tools to report your neighbor and local business for violating Washington State Governor Inslee’s Corona Virus Lockdown proclamations. In some cases, like the Bellevue Police Department clearly stated last month, this was a way to reduce the workload of the 911 call center who were being inundated with panic calls from citizens who spent their days cooped up at home with the only entertainment (in between Netflix binging) available appears to be spying on their neighbor and reporting all potential “violations” to the police. For those who already had conflicts with their neighbors, this was a great way to escalate the ongoing fight. It is not a great way to build harmony, and it certainly doesn’t help the police stop the real criminals.
Sign at May 9, 2020 protest at State Capital Campus
Washington State Governor Inslee decided to create a state wide “Inslee Ministry of Covid Compliance” (a truth tag we added for clarity) hotline/website (see here) where bored citizens could also report the businesses they felt were not obeying Inslee and those who were not properly subordinate to whatever whimsical proclamation Governor Inslee kicked out next. This produced a bonanza of complaints, and thanks to Washington State’s public records act (RCW 42.56), this is the first installment of the list of Inslee’s informant army. Download the 146 page PDF file yourself here. Or, you can download a more useful Excel file here. Or, you’ll have to send me a message and I’ll email it to you. Note, there appear to be over 7,000 entries. Most people who filed complaints also included their email and phone number, which is now part of this public record (a fact Inslee conveniently left out and probably did not communicate to the complainers).
Sign at May 9, 2020 protest on Capital Campus
I’ve expressed concern in years past for turning neighbor against neighbor by allowing anonymous complaints to be weaponized as the basis for tortuous harassment by code enforcement officers, central planning departments, and the various environmental groups who must justify their existence by hurting and harassing as many people as possible. Of course, it was always “for the environment,” “for the pocket gopher,” or “global warming” or some other excuse. I’ve detailed a variety of stories related to the ridiculous outcome of that process here, here, and here. I’ve always been concerned about how encouraging these complaints between neighbors and enemies causes a breakdown in community, reduces the ability of people to work out their differences (which only become chasms when the bumbling power of the state gets involved), and how it creates pointless divisions in communities and among neighbors escalating minor neighbor annoyances into Defcon 1 bitter battles.
Governor Jay Inslee
However, this new state-wide informant line is particularly concerning because Governor Inslee’s proclamations have been sudden, random, and a substantial portion of the population will not accept his goal of destroying their business, livelihood, or future. Additionally, this is the Governor who early released 5,000 violent felons so they could continue to inflict additional bonus violence and harm on the law abiding people of the state – including murders – just because his Dept. of Corrections had a known software glitch which they didn’t fix for years. Ooops, Inslee’s bad – oh well, not like there are any consequences for him, just the rest of us suckers who live here. The Governor was eager to release another 1,000 felons to prey on the unarmed and vulnerable early last month including sex offenders and other criminals because they might catch the virus in prison. At the same time this Governor has also been doing everything in his power to restrain and deny the citizens of the state the right to defend themselves.
So, while releasing violent felons on the law-abiding citizens of the state is state policy, and police resources have been stretched thin dealing with a substantial increase in crime in many parts of the state, the Governor also wants to use police powers to threaten businesses and citizens who don’t follow his proclamations – regardless of how irrational and illegal they might be. When the opportunity to join Inslee’s Informant Army was presented, thousands jumped at the chance to turn in their neighbors for being “insubordinate” to Governor Jay Inslee.
A few notes about the complaints:
The spelling is so atrocious in many cases it makes it difficult to even understand the complaint (If you are doing that on purpose – good one, but I suspect literacy is just on the decline these days)
Many complaints are filed by business competitors trying to harm each other
Some complaints appear to be from workers who believe they can make more on unemployment
Often, it appears, that if someone didn’t like the business in the first place, this was a good way to pile on and throw something more at it.
I liked the innovative complaints on all the private aircraft taking off from Renton airport (and elsewhere). Very detailed.
It was a nice touch to see people file complaints on Inslee himself using this system (no reason to stop)
Spying on your neighbors can be fun
Some favorite quotes from the snitch list
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the Ministry of Covid Compliance snitch list (I’ve censored the full names and home addresses, but you can get the unredacted version from the state’s own list here) Or, an Excel file here:
Line#7547 – Seattle – “Owner b**** a***** has no respect for the governors proclamation, and has told his employees he will spit in jay inslees face if he tries to close his business. In addition to refusing to close there is no social distance being practiced” – “Pete”
Line #7525 – Pasco – “This business is still operating and has the order to stop. Owner said he will not be told what to do when it comes to operating his business.” – “Heaven”
Line #7517 – Bainbridge Island – “Reported to city of Bainbridge code compliance. Illegal tree cutting and landscaping activity for 9 days. Claus *****, home owner said he doesn’t care about non essential work order stoppage, it doesn’t apply to him or anyone who wants to come work for him. City compliance officer has visited site and recommended I follow up on this form. Also cutting trees without permit is R***** Y** with same operation at **** wing point drive. He was also spoken to by compliance officer” – “Catheri”
Line #7474 – Seattle – “They are working on the house next door. The workers stated that the mandate is not being enforced so they are starting work back up on all their job sites. They say the small risk of a fine is worth it. What’s the point of a mandate that isn’t being enforced?” – Unknown
Line#5983 – Port Orchard – “Owner is having daily morning meetings in person with up to 70 people in order to distribute roofing jobs. Thinks the pandemic is a joke, saying he would bring out his AK-47 before they stop him from working.” – Unknown
Line #65 – Moses Lake – “Many people lined up and “waitresses” walking out to cars and getting orders about 2 feet from the driver! Coffee is NOT an essential business.” – “Molly”
Line #121 – Airway Heights – “(Sign) out that says Fuck coronavirus we are open 8-8” – “Unknown”
Line #135 – Olympia – “They have been seeing patience daily since the mandate. I have pictures of vehicles/licenses.” – “Brent”
Line #164 – Seattle – “I am a King Co Sheriff’s deputy. Last week I warned this business about being open during the restrictions. Today I walked into the business and they had a full staff of 4 workers and were giving a body massage to a male client. The male was naked with a towel on (foot massage?) I told the owner X***** C*** to close the business. King Co Case # C20013297” – “Robert”
Line #201 – Bellingham – “Business is operating as usual. I asked owner and he told me he wasn’t going to close. Belligerent about government can’t tell him what to do.” – “Unknown”
Line #208 – Spokane Valley – “They are still operating and only plan on closing if they get caught.” – Unknown
Line #212 – Bellingham – “Please tell the stand alone gun shops that they are not to sell guns during the shelter in place order. I understand that multipurpose shops like TENEX and Coastal Farm and Ranch are able to still sell as are pawn shops (financial institutions) , but am still seeing lots of background requests for stand alone gun shops.” – “Morgan”
Line #251 – Colfax – “Non essential business still working and bragging about it.” – Unknown
Line #349 – Aberdeen – “I just know they are open. They have an employee that goes out in the public everyday. They lock doors Sometimes but all you have to do to get in is make an appointment.” – “Cindy”
Line #566 – Tulalip – “Cabela’s in Tulaip just re-opened this morning (4/3/20). I was in the store today. I was told by Cabela’s staff they are an essential business, they only follow Federal rules. Also said this: “We are on tribal land and can do anything we want.” – “Thomas”
Line #666 – Graham – “Coffee stands are NON-ESSENTIAL Businesses. They do NOT provide a full meal, just muffins and cookies and ALL Coffee stands should be required to shut down.” – Sara
Line #827 – Arlington – “We hear guns Being fired everyday at this private gun club. Did not see this on the list of essential businesses.” – “Helen”
Line #831 – Arlington – “More GREAT news. Norpoint gun Range in Snohomish County has re-opened it’s doors! Please stop by and support them, and thank them for taking a stand against the illegal edicts from Governor Inslee that forced them to shut down in the first place.”i have screenshots if you need them. they want to test to see if enforcement has teeth, I think.” – “Christi”
Line #1043 – Port Orchard – “Large gatherings of people. Only golf course in western washington that remains open. Owner and Management laughs at Governor Inslee’s Order and is defiant. Total disregard for social distancing.” – “Unknown”
Line #2051 – Bellevue – https://www.wadesguns.com/ site says they are purposefully defying Governor’s shutdown orders. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/some-washington-gun-dealers-keeping-stores-open-defying-inslees-order-amid-coronavirus-outbreak/” – “Lauren”
Line #2551 – Coupeville – “Owner Terri Montana REFUSES TO CLOSE GYM DOWN!!! When asked why She will not for the protection of the community, her exact words were “Governor Inslee can’t tell me what to do!!” And she further said that the laws do not apply in island county! Carage the nursing home in Coupeville which has an outbreak of coronavirus patients and staff is just a stones throw away and Coupeville fitness has members from Carage families and staff!!! PLEASE CLOSE THIS BUSINESS FOWN AND SEND HER TO JAIL FOR NIN COMPLIANCE!!! There were at least 15 members in there this morning just inches apart from each other!!!!!!!!” – “Diane”
Line #3380 – Vancouver – “I’ve reported this establishment previously, they are still gathering in fairly large groups. It is my understanding churches and religious groups are not exempt from Gov. Inslees non essential stay home orders. I have photos of the parking lot full, people in the parking lot and entering the building” – “Kate”
Line #4389 – Olympia (specifically about Jay Inslee) – “This jack-ass is destroying businesses while shielding his favorite cash generators. As in Boeing, Pot shops and his DNC and vice president campaign” – “Dan”
Read the complaints for yourself by downloading the list here. Or, an Excel file here. Again, if you want a more useful Excel file, it is quite large, I can email it to you if you send a message.
Now, I think I’m going to get on that complaint website and file some complaints against Inslee, the Department of Ecology, and all the genius politicians and bureaucrats who thought this was a good idea in the first place.
OUR CONSTITUTION BEGINS WITH THE PHRASE “WE THE PEOPLE.” IT WAS THE FOUNDER’S INTENT THAT GOVERNMENT BE CREATED BY THE PEOPLE, TO SERVE THE PEOPLE. IT WASN’T THEIR INTENTION FOR THE PEOPLE TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT. IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED THAT GOVERNMENT WHICH FAILED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE “ALTERED OR ABOLISHED.” UNTIL WE RETURN TO THE FOUNDER’S INTENT, WE REMAIN WE THE GOVERNED…
Washington State Governor Inslee's controversial, arbitrary and random Corona virus lockdown policies have attracted many lawsuits
Washington State Governor Inslee
Recently, over the past few weeks, a variety of lawsuits have been filed against Washington State Governor Insleedirectly related to his virus lockdown policies in response to his declaration of emergency and the various edicts and proclamations that have been treated as binding law since Inslee’s original emergency declaration on February 29, 2020 (linked here). I’ve attempted to provide the original list of lawsuits (including links to downloadable court documents) as I am able to obtain them, and I’ll try to keep this list updated on this page as the list inevitably grows. Governor Inslee is running for reelection for a 3rd term (see campaign website linked here).
I encourage the curious to download the original filed court documents in each case to better understand the claims and details in each (same with the state’s responses as they are acquired). I’ve provided my own brief summary and perspective on each case, but that is no substitute for reading the original documents yourself.
Since I doubt the tame media in Washington State will cover the status of these cases accurately or comprehensively, I hope to provide regular updates on this same article, and I’ll indicate the portions of this article which contain those updates as they occur. If you are involved in any of these cases and have additional source documents (which I can publish and make public in this article), please provide them to me. If you have inside information on any of these cases and believe I have missed anything or made any mistakes in my representation of these cases, please feel free to comment below, and indicate where you believe those mistakes have been made. I will correct the post if I am in error, or I will clarify why I believe I’m accurately representing the case if we disagree.
Here is the list:
#1 – Joshua Freed vs. Jay Inslee – restrictions on Bible Studies and Church Services
Joshua Freed
This is a Federal Lawsuit filed on April 22, 2020 by plaintiff Joshua Freed, who is a Republican candidate for Washington State Governor’s office (campaign website here). Plaintiff’s attorney is Mark Lamb (website here). (full disclosure – Mark Lamb has also represented this author in the past)
See the original complaint linked here (feel free to download for yourself)
Essentially, this is a very narrowly tailored lawsuit targeting what appears to be obvious constitutional problems associated with Governor Inslee’s original proclamations against freedom of assembly for religious reasons and a narrowly tailored 1st Amendment case. I’ve reviewed this case with over a dozen lawyers and most agree that the state will have a difficult time prevailing in this lawsuit, and the odds of plaintiff prevailing is very high.
Update – I found out this case has a GoFundMe page – linked here
#2 – Clint Didier vs. Jay Inslee – class action “nonessential workers”
Franklin County Commissioner Clint Didier
This is also a Federal lawsuit. This one was filed on Friday, May 1, 2020 against Governor Inslee and the plaintiff attorney is Stephen Pidgeon (former candidate for State AG in 2012 – see here). This case was promoted by plaintiff Tim Eyman, Republican candidate for Governor (campaign website linked here). The named plaintiff in this case is Franklin County Commissioner Clint Didier. The original filing has seven named plaintiffs, but it is expected that more may be addded.
This case is mainly focused on the “essential” vs. “non-essential” designation of businesses and workers in Washington State and arbitrary method by which the state chose to discriminate with Governor Inslee’s lockdown “stay home, stay safe” orders. This is a broader case, structured as a class action and is much broader in focus on the arbitrary and capricious nature of the Governor’s actions. The likelihood of success in this case will hinge, most likely, less on the unconstitutional actions Governor Inslee made, and more on whether the Federal Court will be willing to more clearly constrain the emergency powers State Governors, something the Federal Courts have been reluctant to challenge in the past.
Interestingly, Governor Inslee was responsive to this case and pushed back (Fox28, Spokane story here)
It looks like there is a fundraising link for those who want to donate to this lawsuit and #4 below.
Interview with Attorney Joel Ard aboout the problems with Governor Inslee’s virus policies
#3 – Drew MacEwen vs. Jay Inslee – Republican legislators challenge Emergency Declaration
Rep Drew MacEwen (35LD)
This was also a Federal Case filed on May 5, 2020. The Plaintiff’s attorney is Joel Ard, who I recently interviewed about Governor Inslee’s virus policies in a video (linked here). The lead plaintiffs are seven Republican Legislators, listed as follows:
Rep. Drew MacGwen – 35th Legislative District (Mason/Thurston County)
Essentially, this case argues that Governor Inslee may have been justified in his initial emergency declaration, but argues that the original justification for the emergency has passed, and the extension of the emergency powers of the Governor’s office is being done in an unconstitutional manner and not consistent with the facts, and is an abuse of the powers of the State Governor. In addition to the named legislators (originally only four were in the first draft of this lawsuit), another four state residents were included in the listed plaintiffs.
Inslee also responded to this lawsuit with some bizarre statements (see here)
It looks like they have a fundraising link to fund this case and the one linked below:
#4 – Simper vs. Jay Inslee – Schools are “paramount duty” of the state?
This is the first Superior Court case filed, so far as I know, in the coronavirus policy problems pantheon, and was filed in Lewis County Superior Court on May 5, 2020 by attorney Joel Ard (again, I just interviewed Joel Ard last week in regards to concerns about Governor Inslee’s Coronavirus lockdown policies last week – linked here).
Unions and the Public Education lobby spent years litigating to get more government funding for public schools, but they have been supportive of state-wide school shutdowns
This is a very different case than the Federal cases listed above because this case stems from a recent high-profile Washington State Supreme Court case (McCleary – linked here), which emphasized the fact that public education in Washington State was a “paramount duty” of the state (according to the Washington State Constitution). Building on McCleary, this recent case makes the argument that if, indeed, public education is the “paramount duty” of the state, then how can the Governor arbitrarily shut down all the public schools in the state and essentially deprive over a million kids of their right to public education?
This case is particularly interesting because the Washington State Supreme Court has shown extreme deference to the power of the state in recent years and rarely recognizes any limits on that power, however, for the Supreme Court to rule against the plaintiffs in this case, they will need to essentially indicate that schools are not that “paramount” after all, and the logical contortions that this court will have to pretzel together will be impressive and disturbing. Of course, if this were to happen, it wouldn’t be the first time the Washington State Supreme Court defied rational logic, the constitution, or recent precedent.
I’ll continue to update this list and the information related to these cases as I am able and have access to the source documents.
While many people may be losing their jobs or businesses during the Corona Virus Lockdown crisis, it does appear job security for attorneys and the court system will be increasing as the public debate and dissention about recent government actions continue to grow.
Inslee started his career as a injury/malpractice attorney, so he should be comfortable with these lawsuits
OUR CONSTITUTION BEGINS WITH THE PHRASE “WE THE PEOPLE.” IT WAS THE FOUNDER’S INTENT THAT GOVERNMENT BE CREATED BY THE PEOPLE, TO SERVE THE PEOPLE. IT WASN’T THEIR INTENTION FOR THE PEOPLE TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT. IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED THAT GOVERNMENT WHICH FAILED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE “ALTERED OR ABOLISHED.” UNTIL WE RETURN TO THE FOUNDER’S INTENT, WE REMAIN WE THE GOVERNED…
