Joel Connelly

I worked for Seattle Post-Intelligencer from 1973 until it ceased print publication in 2009, and SeattlePI.com from 2009 to 6/30/2020. During that time, I wrote about 9 presidential races, 11 Canadian and British Columbia elections‎, four doomed WPPSS nuclear plants, six Washington wilderness battles, creation of two national Monuments (Hanford Reach and San Juan Islands), a 104 million acre Alaska Lands Act, plus the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.

Power Politics: Orchestra Conductors Versus Tyranny

“If concerts offer nothing, then people will not attend,” Furtwangler wrote to Goebbels. “That is why quality is not just an ideal. It is vital.” It was a cultured, conservative German’s distaste of ruthless barbarians.

Canada Prepares to Defend itself from the US

The sower of wind is reaping the whirlwind. The threat of Trump has unified Canadians of all stripes.

To the Ramparts: Republicans! Defend your Constituents!

The Elon Musk wrecking crew has decreed 60 layoffs at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, site of the nation’s premier nuclear-waste cleanup. It produced a blunt message from the Tri-City Herald to Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse: do something, say something.

Pramila Jayapal Stokes the Seattle Audience at Town Hall

Rep. Jayapal is not without ego and basks in praise from the Seattle left. And self-confident people are needed to push back against what Jayapal called a “far right authoritarian … American fascist” government.

Oncoming Train: Opposing Trump’s Clown Car Cabinet

Trump has spawned a MAGA movement, and overstepping is already apparent. Congress’ phone system is “melting down” with calls from worried constituents.

What Trump’s Hiring Freeze means to our Stressed National Parks

The Trump resign-or-else message to federal workers is particularly insulting to park employees. Tell that to Mt. Rainier climbing rangers, or search and rescue teams who find lost hikers in the Olympics.

Sen. Ron Wyden: Making Noise with Fearless Chutzpah

“It Takes Chutzpah” has a serious goal, offloading what Wyden has learned and what works. Wyden has lived by the premise that anything worth doing is worth doing with enthusiasm. 

British Columbia Goes Hedgehog in Response to Trump Threats

“We are relatively small compared with south of the border,” Eby said in an interview, discussing his country’s and province’s economy. BC has mapped out a response “as targeted as possible.”

The Transactional President: Trump Vs Religion

Despite three marriages, thousands of lies and countless demeaning of others, our 47th president has acquired a frervent, formidable amen corner among some Christians.

The Gentlelady from Washington Carves Up RFK Jr.

The onetime preschool teacher from Shoreline was uniquely positioned to press the nominee. Murray is the Senate’s longest serving Democrat.

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