Washington state tax payers, prepare to get hit hard!

When you are a hammer everything looks like a nail and when you are the government, every problem can be solved by a tax.

Running for office I hear the closed door conversations. Invest, levy, tax , forced contribution, are the words of the day. Even as the middle class and the working poor stretch and strain to keep from collapsing in to poverty and homelessness, behind closed doors, policy makers discuss the next wave of taxes. The impact of these actions on the average people who will be paying the bills is seldom part of the discussion. 

Carbon tax, income tax, capital gains tax, tolls, gas tax, and a countywide housing tax are all on the table. Little thought is given to alternative solutions. 

Increasing taxes raises the cost of living and detrimentally impacts our families, businesses and communities. Here on the east-side people need to make close to $30 an hour and in Seattle the rate is $27, a far cry from the $15 and hour minimum wage recently passed in Seattle and being discussed statewide. As increases in property taxes, foreclosure and unemployment impact rural communities, people are driven to the urban areas straining our schools, our transportation system and our housing market. Ironically, increasing taxes adds to this strain.

Some propose, a capital gains tax or an income tax on the wealthiest wage earners saying this is “fair”, but effectively, this approach takes money from individuals and funnels it to government agencies and then it returns to our communities’ in the form of public services for pennies on the dollar. There is also the question of how we define wealthy. 

Education, transportation and homelessness are all issues being leveraged to legitimize a wave of tax increases in 2017. I continually hear about how we must “fund McCleary” or face a $100,000 a day sanction, for example. No one dares to question the courts authority to leverage such a sanction or whether or not “ample provision was meant to mean “blank check”. Meanwhile, the Washington Education Association (WEA) files yet another legal action to fight a possible alternative to raising taxes: educational choice via charter schools. Not surprising that the WEA is supporting candidates who support taxes to foot the bill. When I tried to challenge this line of thinking during my recent Seattle Times interview, I was discredited. 

Ironically, taxes and programs meant to solve issues, are going to exacerbate them. But the government is not really in the business of efficiently solving problems. Modern government works to sustain itself and grow. Like a parasite feeding off its host, government feeds on taxes and those employed by government are willing and very vocal participants. Politicians are often well funded by special interests who will benefit from these same taxes. The candidates who oppose, often lack the resources to expose the truth and media is biased toward the status quo. 

I urge the public to become aware and educated this election cycle. Do your homework. Ask questions of those who are running for office. Think about the lasting implications of proposals like the $54 B ST3 project that could cost property owners $25,000 over the course of the project, with an undefined return on investment. What happens if your family experiences a loss of income or emergency? Ask legislators and candidates if they have considered other policy recommendations that do not come with a price tag. Remind them that your family does not have the ability to arbitrarily increase your household income to keep up with the increasing tax burden placed upon you. Remind them that the less discretionary income you have, the less you can buy, invest and enjoy and the closer you are to collapsing into poverty yourself. Remind them that “tax” is forced redistribution of the money you work hard to earn, money that when removed from your wallet, is no longer available for your community, your family or your future. 

Vote and vote smart. Your wallet depends on it. If you do not, you will feel like you were hit by a hammer in 2017.

BE the change."

- Michelle Darnell

Michelle is fighting for YOU in Washington State.

Pushing for REAL Education Reform in WA!

Michelle Darnell for 48th Legislative District.

This fight needs your help. Whatever you can provide is a step forward towards the goal. It's not just a donation, it's an INVESTMENT into everyone's future: https://secure.piryx.com/donate/ZLRowrM1/Michelle-For-The-House/

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100 Billion for a choo-choo train? I think not. Go back to the drawing board!

 

"I am not a math whiz but after reading the Sunday Seattle Times article about the original Sound Transit rail service over runs, it boggles my mind that we would entertain ST3.

The current proposal has us spending $54B for a choo-choo train that will not be fully functional for 30 years.

Based upon past history where might that actually put us?

The original Sound Move plan in 1996 promised light rail service from SeaTac to the University District within a decade for $1.67 billion. But after winning the vote, the plan was broken into five parts and is taking a quarter of a century to fulfill, with the last station to open in 2021. http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transits-cost-overruns-for-first-phase-hit-about-86-percent/

Apparently Sound Transit officials anticipated that the actual price would be double the original estimate but actually the over runs hit a whopping 86%!!

So what does this mean for the new proposal?
Well, doing some rough math, if cost over runs hit 86% this time, that puts this project over $100 Billion and take 42 years.  Actually more accurately it would be $100,444,000,000, but hey, what is another $400 million when it is someone else’s money. “Let them eat cake.”

During a time when we see homeless spilling out on to our streets, the mentally ill wondering the streets or locked up, and the WEA  and  WA Supreme Court screaming more money- more money- more money, how can we possibly entertain such a plan?  Families and businesses are strapped: unemployment and the cost of living are squeezing them so tightly. Most families are just a couple paychecks away from calamity, although they stretch to “keep up with the Jones” by accumulating debt. Our current leadership is so incredibly out of touch with working Americans that they think they can order Dom Perignon on a beer budget.

For example, my opponent Patty Kurderer strongly supports ST3:  
"We need a modern transportation system with options for all commuters that don't just rely on the single car method," she said. "We also want to have the bus rapid transit. I'm a proponent of light rail, I think that it's going to be very, very important for us going forward." http://www.kirklandreporter.com/news/384262841.html

I disagree. First of all,  ST3 will no longer be modern by the time it is finished and secondly it is way too expensive.  While I prefer private solutions and the use of modern technology to solve our congestion problems, I do know that for 1/2 that price tag we could likely buy a fleet of buses and vans!

I say go back to the drawing board and come back to us with a reasonable plan, or better yet reduce regulatory red tape holding back real innovation and solutions to our problems and let the private sector help solve this problem."

- Michelle Darnell

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Interview with Charisma News: "Prophetic Word Yanks Mom Out of Kitchen and Into Political Campaign"

 Interview with Charisma News:

"Prophetic Word Yanks Mom Out of Kitchen and Into Political Campaign"

 "I think we need more freedom, that's why I'm running for office, to be an example of thinking differently. I think the whole world (is) going through transition right now, like labor pains (and the way to) go through a difficult time is to think about (issues) differently,"

Read Michelle Darnell's interview with Charisma News at the link below:

Link: http://www.charismanews.com/politics/59351-prophetic-word-yanks-mom-out-of-kitchen-and-into-political-campaign

Michelle Darnell -L, WA Candidate for the 48th District House of Representatives

 

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"Gary Johnson is Pro-Life Conservatives Best Pick"

Gary Johnson, 2016 Presidential candidates for the Libertarian Party

Link: http://www.nationalreview.com/article/438680/gary-johnson-pro-life-conservatives-best-pick

"The reason many libertarians ( not all) are "pro-choice" is not because they are pro death or pro abortion per se. It is because they are anti big government control over our lives and feel these decisions and influence over these decisions should be left to the individual, family and community. 

That said, this is a red herring issue meant to keep us divided as a nation. Many people tend to be one issue voters and would be barred from voting for the most sane, reasonable, adult in the room because of this one issue.

Frankly I think it is time that we get real and recognize that losing elections does not save babies and we need a different approach. What if we worked together to get a candidate elected that would work hard to create a pro life economy where families could AFFORD to have children and invest the time and resources in to them that they needed to become responsible young men and women? I mean when you have two parents working 40-60 hours a week to pay taxes and put food on the table, they haven't much left for the kids. The kids then raise themselves and lord know where they are getting their values. When mom and dad are so stressed financially that the family is destroyed how does this help our cause? THAT IS THE SITUATION RIGHT NOW. Why we are arguing over pro-life v. pro-choice, families are dying.

We need a different approach. What would Jesus do?

I do not think he would vote for support either of the other two mega-maniacal lying tyrants. I think he would tell us to speak the truth in love and often he was very pragmatic in his approach feeding the belly before seeking to feel the soul. 

Lets for this one election set aside that issue and work together so that we do not cut off our nose to spike our face. 

WE MUST NOT ALLOW A HILLARY OR DONALD IN TO OUR HOUSE!! They have both proven to be untrustworthy, to say the least."

- Michelle Darnell

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America is like a battered spouse struggling with a decision to leave

"America is like a battered spouse struggling with a decision to leave. 

After decades of abuse she has been demoralized, isolated, emotionally shaken, made to be financially dependent and hopeless.

At times she reacts in violence at other times, silence and submission. 

Then one day she looks up and sees a small ray of hope, slipping through the door of a brighter future.

She struggles to take the first step, numb and weak. Consumed by fear of the unknown. She struggles with memories of what things once were, the "if onlys" and the hope that things could be different, if she just worked harder at it....

But there is the sliver of light beckoning her forward. . .escape and a new life..... if she just takes a chance.

America has a choice. She does not have to remain a victim of the two party tyranny and oppression.
We have a chance this election to step toward the light and away from the oppression and abuse by voting for people who will guide us through the door. People who have experienced what we have and boldly stepped forward replacing fear with the power of love.

Can we as a nation and individuals muster the courage and strength to take that first scary step?"

- Michelle Darnell

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Why I am Running for Office

Why I am Running for Office

"I am running because of what I see and what I believe. I see that our country and state is in crisis and I believe we can do much better than this for ourselves and our children.

• I see homeowners being forcibly turned in to renters and renters spilling out on to the streets.

• I see a lack of justice in our courts.

• I see that our elected officials seem out of touch with the critical concerns of most of the folks I talk to on a daily basis.

• I see small businesses struggling to navigate a labyrinth of regulation and taxation.

• I see workers who are making 1/3 of what they were making before the recession with no hope of advancement.

• I see the elderly, families and the weakest among us being abused and brutalized by monopolistic forces.

• I see an education system where 1 out of every four of our children doesn’t graduate and more still graduate loaded down with debt and no hope for secure employment.

I believe that TOGETHER we can do much better than this.

• I believe it is time to end all forms of waste fraud and abuse in our state

• I believe it is time to get traffic flowing again because this s good for families, the economy AND our environment

• I believe it is time we put government back in its place and get government out of our businesses, bedrooms and wallets

• I believe is it time we revolutionize our education system so we can prepare our children for the responsibilities of tomorrow, without dumbing them down for the political expediency of today.

• I believe the bedrock of the 48th district and this state is small business and we need to do everything in our power to unleash the ingenuity, passion and opportunity that healthy small business offer our state

• I believe that every employee should have the opportunity to move up the ladder and not be stuck at a minimum wage, no matter what that wage is, their entire lives.

• I believe the people of my district need a representative that will hear their concerns and take that message to Olympia.

• I believe it is time for WE the people to embrace our diversity and respect our differences.

• I believe it is up to US as individuals and communities to solve our problems and that we must stop waiting on the government to do it for us.

• I believe it is time for us to BE the change we wish to see.

I am running for the Washington State House of Representatives to be witness to what I see and an example for what I believe. TOGETHER we MUST BE the change we wish to see.

Thank you and I appreciate your support and your vote in August and November."

- Michelle Darnell

Michelle is fighting for YOU in Washington State.

Pushing for REAL Education Reform in WA!

Michelle Darnell for 48th Legislative District.

This fight needs your help. Whatever you can provide is a step forward towards the goal. It's not just a donation, it's an INVESTMENT into everyone's future: https://secure.piryx.com/donate/ZLRowrM1/Michelle-For-The-House/

http://www.michelleforthehouse.com/
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I am 100% Pro-Choice in Education.

"I am 100% pro choice in education. It baffles me why Americans would support choice in nearly every other area of life but don't mind being locked into an out dated-government- run education system.

http://www.edchoice.org/studying-pursuit-innovation-competition-affect-k-12-education/

I think if teachers were honest and not controlled by unions, they would admit that competition incentivizes innovation.

I hear that charters and vouchers might render us vulnerable to corporate interests but we don't seem to mind corporate inspired restaurants, stores and cell phones. Why should education be different? Frankly, there is already an education monopoly that funnels $$ to textbook companies and standardized testing publishing companies.

Why is education a sacred cow and only the government qualified to manage it?

Let's try something different. Charter schools, home schools and private schools are outperforming public schools and the greatest barrier to education is access. Access to quality education is an antidote for income inequality. As long as the best schools are only available to the wealthiest families the divide will widen.

Let's elect leaders who support innovation and are not slaves to the old system. This is better for kids AND teachers. Who wouldn't want to attend or teach at Google High school?! And if ya didn't like it.....you have options!"

- Michelle Darnell

Michelle is fighting for YOU in Washington State.

Pushing for REAL Education Reform in WA!

Michelle Darnell for 48th Legislative District.

This fight needs your help. Whatever you can provide is a step forward towards the goal. It's not just a donation, it's an INVESTMENT into everyone's future: https://secure.piryx.com/donate/ZLRowrM1/Michelle-For-The-House/

http://www.michelleforthehouse.com/
http://www.facebook.com/mdarnellwashington
http://www.twitter.com/Darnell4Change 

Read Michelle's other recent article about Education:

"We have an Allocation of Resources in Education Problem"

http://www.michelledarnell.org/2016/07/we-have-allocation-of-resources-in.html

Citizens' Alliance for Property Rights rates Michelle Darnell "Outstanding"

http://proprights.org/PAC/outstanding_list

You can review the rating at the link above.  Simply select from the drop down box Michelle's name to view.

Citizens' Alliance for Property Rights is self described as the following from their "About" page.

Citizens' Alliance for Property Rights was organized in 2003 as a non-partisan political action committee where individual citizens and existing organizations can work together protecting property rights. We support equitable and scientifically sound land use regulations that do not force private landowners to pay disproportionately for public benefits enjoyed by all. We protect everyone's property rights by:

• Presenting a single coordinated voice dedicated to preserving and protecting individual property rights.
˙
• Electing legislators pledged to protect, not destroy, property rights and electing judges pledged to uphold our constitutionally guaranteed right to own and control property.
˙
• Promoting legislation to preserve and protect property rights while opposing excessively burdensome legislation and regulation.
˙
• Reducing the regulatory cost of property ownership.

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END THE INSANITY

END THE INSANITY

   "Recent events are no surprise to me at all.  The situation has developed over time.  A society that no longer cares for its poor and elderly, has little respect for life and does not prioritize its young, is on the decline.  The brutality in our streets are symptoms of much deeper issues and no amount of restriction on weapons or crackdown of the law is going to heal our nation.  We have homeless spilling  out on to our streets, weekly mass shootings, police brutality and daily protests.  Drones, mass incarceration, failing schools, a rising tide of mental health and drug and alcohol abuse are all indications that America is very sick.
   Yesterday, I was driving through a parking lot and a young woman, likely in her 20’s, was driving the wrong direction.  She yelled profanities at ME out the window.  I had a young man in my car.  He yelled profanities back.  Latter when thinking about it, I felt this exchange illustrated well what is going on in our society and this experience coupled with the events this week, inspired this piece." - Michelle Darnell 

"It is time we had some REAL leadership in this country. Instead of fanning the flames of fear, violence and hate, we need leaders who will work to de-escalate the tension and end this insanity!! Leaders at every level of government. Leaders in my own state. Leaders in my community. Leaders in our homes. Leaders with vision, discernment and the ability to influence and help us become better than we might be with out them. 

 

Violence begets violence and I do not hear ANYONE denouncing the violence but rather "leaders" on both sides spew rhetoric and escalate the tensions. They chant “Black lives matter” and “Gun control”, each seeking to generate the sort of passion within their base to increase their power and influence. This will assuredly result in more loss of life. I see no leaders responding to the cries of the people as they demand justice. This will result in an escalation of the tensions. We are sitting in a powder keg and it is the fault of those who call themselves politicians and leaders. 

 

We need leaders who will tell the truth and that truth is that we are where we are at in this country as a consequence of a lack of leadership. The recent shootings are symptoms of deeply rooted systemic issues. Police brutality IS an issue in this country. But this is a consequence of layers and layers of regulation and the drug war. Police departments have been equipped with weapons of war not the tools to deescalate tension. The real issue is not necessarily rooted in racism, though African Americans have felt the full effect of the war on drugs. The proper response is not to shoot police. Particularly police innocent of brutality themselves. The proper response is a demand to end the brutality, the drug war and the over regulation that causes the increased interaction between police and the public. 

 

Police themselves must also self regulate. Don’t let fellow police abuse the public. Don't choose to enforce unnecessary regulation. Leaders of the black lives matter movement or any anti brutality movement must denounce responding to violence with violence. 

 

Politicians running for office should stop tossing political “red meat” out to the masses for political expediency and assume the responsibility that they have in deescalating the tensions. They must stop playing on the public’s fears and anger to propel themselves in to office. They should aim to identified the cause of the tensions and facilitation resolution. They should inspire us to be better than we would be with out them.

 

This escalation of violence will NOT end well. It is time for some leaders who will denounce the violence, unite the people and inspire us toward real resolutions. If this does not happen, the crisis has only just begun. Our children deserve much better than this. 

 

STOP THE INSANITY. NOW!"

 

- Michelle Darnell 

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"LOVE or DEATH: Its our choice."

"LOVE or DEATH: Its our choice."

"I am running for office. I am not running because I had a dream of a life in politics. I am not running because I want fame or a salary. I am not running because I want to sell books or create a name for myself. I am not running because I was appointed and now must maintain run to maintain my seat. I am running because 8 years ago I woke up to the injustice in my country. The sort of injustice that when taken to its extreme, results in the brutal death of the innocent, in front of a 4 year old child.

The events of this week come as no surprise at all to me. I have watched this develop over time. America is on a downward spiral. Anyone who cares to review my Facebook feeds and the thousands of postings I have offered, would quickly learn how acutely aware I am of what is going on.

I believe once you become aware you have two choices; to ignore or to engage. I have chosen the later. I decided that I could not tolerate a society that would kill the innocent, ignore the weak and empower the greedy and abusive. I could not just “keep shopping” when the elderly were being forced from their homes, children cast out on to the streets and the weak trampled upon. I can not accept a society that rewards theft, malice and lies and devalues integrity, compassion and humility. I can not participate in religion that is so heavenly minded that it is no earthly good or embrace any political party that is deaf to the cries of the people.

Therefore, like in 2014, I find myself running for office again. Things have only gotten worse. The tragedies crash over us like waves in a storm, one after the other. Many of us have grown petrified and helpless. Others are ignorant until a wave crashes upon them. Others are enraged and think the war will be won ranting on Facebook, alone. It will not. Still others think we have decades to recover. Our condition is dire and urgent.

As I said 8 years ago, when I became aware, we need AWARENESS, EDUCATION, UNITY AND ACTION. Once we become aware that we have a problem, we must seek information. This can be over whelming because the number of issues is coming at us hard and fast. It is like wack-a-mole. I suggest picking one or two that speak to your heart and focusing on them.

Then seek out others who are sympathetic to that issue, no matter their race, religion, political party or creed. Those do not matter. Do not argue over these sorts of things. It is a waste and only divides us as a nation, during a time of emergency. When the house is in flames you do not argue about the color of the flowers in the front bed. You find a place on the hose.

Finally, real change requires action. We have been apathetic, complacent and lazy for decades. That is why we are in this state now. Myself included. WE must accept responsibility for the deaths of the innocent men killed at the hands of police and the innocent police brutally assassinated this week. The blood is on our hands. We must accept responsibility for the homeless living in our streets and mentally ill wondering our alleys. We allowed this to happen. As we look into the hopeless eyes of our young, we must take responsibility for their future.

We now have a choice. Will we allow the spiral to continue or will we act, TODAY? Love is a verb. Love does not sit idly by while the innocent are destroyed. Love does not turn a blind eye to oppression. Love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things and love saves the day. Love is the power that both binds us and sets us free.

Love for my children, my country and love for my people, empowers me to overcome nearly every obstacle, criticism or doubt. This love comforts me during times like these and strengthens my resolve to BE the change. It is a well I draw from daily. It can be that way for you too., if you choose it.

Please consider your response to recent events, today. Will you act? Will you choose love?"

- Michelle Darnell 

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