In the last week, protesters in Minneapolis began putting up barricades to create checkpoints that bar federal immigration officers from entering certain neighborhoods. It is all too familiar to those of us who remember what the mayor in 2020 called “the Summer of Love” in Seattle and the establishment of an autonomous area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP). Ironically, these barricades are being set up after a jury ruled against the City of Seattle for negligence after the killing of 16-year-old Antonio Mays Jr. in CHOP.
The self-declared anarchist enclave was originally called Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) but was later renamed the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP).
In 2020, we discussed the prospect of tortious liability for the city, which abandoned the Seattle Police Department (SPD) East Precinct to the mob and stood by as CHOP declared itself the sole authority in its seized area. As I noted in the column, “If Seattle gets chopped in court, it will be due not to a failure of government but to a failure to govern.”
Seattle-based ice cream company, Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream, and other businesses sued the city.
While first supporting the autonomous zone as part of a “summer of love,” Democratic politicians like then-Mayor Jenny Durkan later distanced themselves from the massive damage and crime in the zone.
The Mays lawsuit included not only the city but former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best and Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins.
The jury awarded the Mays family more than $30 million in damages — $4 million to the estate of Mays Jr. and $26 million to Mays Sr., according to The Seattle Times.
Mays Jr. was visiting Seattle from San Diego when he went to the area to join the protests. He was later shot and the police failed to respond for five hours due to the limits on entry into CHOP. At that point, the crime scene was hopelessly corrupted.
Here is the complaint: Complaint Antonio Mays, Jr.
If Seattle gets chopped in court, it will be due not to a failure of government but to a failure to govern.
I’m not sure I really see the difference, but in any event, ceding control of parts of the city to hoodlums can be compared to a parent who rewards a toddler’s temper tantrum by giving him candy to quiet him down, thus incentivizing more temper tantrums. When soft-on-crime Leftists take control of a city that’s what you get.
see the difference … ? Government = entity. Govern = manage.
OldMan
More soft on crime. It;s going to get worse.
Journalist left BLOODIED after attack in Minneapolis
Just like Seattle….
A city or other local government can protect itself from similar claims in the future by repealing qualified immunity for the mayor and/or city manager, police chief, fire chief, and possibly the city council and making them personally liable financially for the results of their negligence, especially like the nonfeasance that was seen with CHOP.
Not far from these Big Cities are unused Military Camps, they are old but still have Barracks and Store houses and Commissaries and Kitchens that could house the Homeless and Drug Addicted people.
Seattle, San Francisco, L.A. could make use of these and move the indigent-bums out and give them a place to live. The Bums congregate to Cities because it is a place they can engage in an economy (albeit a Drug economy). Basically They need a place to go to make it (at some subsistence level),
Utilizing these old mothballed military camps is a place with a roof over their heads, that other wise sit and decay.
There are so many homeless coming into these Cities because of Lawyers that make a living ‘Defending the Indigent’ yet don’t fix the situation by advocating for Basic Needs at are in place and unused. State Governors are to blame as well for not coordination with Federal Military to use the ‘mothballed (abandoned’ camps’ for shelter.
It makes you think: What are these Lawyers and Officials going to do (Offer)? When the Big Catastrophe happens and the People of the Suburbs are left out on their own. FEMA Ha Ha Ha ha – that’s not a joke, We are not equipped nor prepared.
Where will you house 10 Million People when Yellowstone decides to blow (the Caldera goes up in smoke), If Gaza happen to a City here where will the people go? You get the idea, They (We) have no credible answer. The Big-City Homeless problem can be address with a little cooperation and thinking. Simultaneously building the relief shelters needed to prepared for a real disaster. The Media, Politicians and The People talk of Civil War – BUT NOT ONE of them talk about what we are prepared for if one breaks out.
Once the Walmart, Target, Costco and Amazon Warehouses are raided and overrun then what? That might last a week. People living in the National Parks – good luck…
Fund Shelter Camps and Soup Kitchens- Not Wars
Be on Guard & Get Our Country prepared
” move the indigent-bums out and give them a place to live. “
Good comment. What does one do with those who are homeless? The left has an answer demonstrated by Mandami, the mayor of NYC. In the past, homeless tents were removed when the temperatures went below a certain level, and the homeless sent to city provided shelters. Not the leftist Mandami. He balances the budget with dead and frozen bodies, I think ten reported in one day. That is the leftist solution.
S. Meyer,
It was not just Mandami. Hochul refused to take funds, supplies from the Trump admin when offered prior to the recent snow storm. Three died that day.
Upstate, you are right, and I am glad you added that. NY is in deep for big trouble as the spending increases and Hochul moves further to the left. You still remain in NY, so keep us informed. NY is where I come from, and returned to many times every year. I don’t know if I will return.
Keep warm.
And Hochul killed them?
Sorry, I’d rather fund mental health initiatives and institutions that treat the root cause and not the symptom and get these people off the streets.
Dissagree – “mental health problems” are not remedied with “mental health initiatives”,
That’s like saying “Prisons” are “Correctional Institutes”. (they are far from that!)
Ano
unused Military Camps
__________________________
Most of these camps are now camping grounds In WA state. Don’t think that’s going to fly with the taxpayers
Federal lands. Taxpayer have no say.
Wrong. These military camps were transferred to the state.
Try again
There is talk of CIVIL WAR in Minneapolis and Seattle , and probably your own Neighborhood.
[When’s the last time you said hello to your Neighbors, yet alone have a conversation. The HOA meeting – what is the HOA prepared to do when the SHTF? – LoL]
The President and Congress gives Israel and Saudi Arabia billions at their whim, yet not a dime for the U.S.. This isn’t right. IF money is going overseas then it should be ‘at the very least’ matched Domestically, every time it is done, for Our own 50 State Union’s protection.
THAT’S THE PROBLEM.
Re: (on January 30th 2027)
Recent reports indicate that the Trump administration has taken steps to bypass typical congressional review processes to finalize arms sales to Israel totaling approximately $6.67 billion.
Key Details of the Funding & Sales:
Total Amount: The package is valued at roughly $6.67 billion (often cited as “over $6 billion” in initial reports).
Major Equipment: The deal includes 30 AH-64E Apache Helicopters (approx. $3.8 billion), Joint Light Tactical Vehicles ($1.98 billion), and Namer Armored Personnel Carrier power packs ($740 million).
Bypassing Congress: The State Department officially notified Congress of the sales in late January 2026. Reports highlight that the administration bypassed the standard House Foreign Affairs Committee informal review process to expedite the transaction.
Broader Context of U.S. Aid:
Previous Approvals: This package follows an estimated $12 billion in military assistance already approved for Israel since the start of the 2025–2026 term.
Other Sales: Simultaneously, the administration approved a $9 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia.
Legislative Action: On January 16, 2026, the House of Representatives also passed the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2026, which included $3.3 billion in annual military aid.
Why did the Trump administration bypass congressional review for arms sales to Israel?
The Trump administration recently bypassed the traditional
informal review process for arms sales to Israel to expedite the delivery of equipment it deems critical for regional security and deterrence.
The administration’s primary reasons and the methods used include:
Regional Deterrence and Readiness: The State Department and Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated the sales are necessary to support Israel’s ability to defend its borders and population centers against “current and future threats”. Reports indicate a strategic goal of quickly bolstering air defense and strike capabilities for partners in the Middle East—including Saudi Arabia—to deter potential retaliation from Iran.
Overcoming Legislative Delays: The administration sought to advance sales that had reportedly been “slow-rolled” or under review for months by congressional committees. By moving directly to a formal notification, the administration triggered a 30-day statutory clock that makes it significantly harder for Congress to block the deal compared to the informal “hold” process.
Restoring Stockpiles: The equipment, including Apache helicopters and armored vehicle components, is intended to replenish Israeli stockpiles depleted during recent conflicts and to support the modernization of its armed forces.
Criticism of the Move:
Lack of Justification: Critics, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, have condemned the move as a “repudiation” of constitutional oversight, claiming Secretary of State Marco Rubio failed to provide specific documentation or briefings to justify bypassing established norms.
Violation of Norms: While the move is technically legal under the Arms Export Control Act, it circumvents the long-standing “gentleman’s agreement” where the executive branch waits for approval from the leaders of the House and Senate foreign relations committees before proceeding.
There is talk of CIVIL WAR in Minneapolis, Seattle and Chicago etc… , and probably your own Neighborhood.
[When’s the last time you said hello to your Neighbors, yet alone have a conversation. The HOA meeting – what is the HOA prepared to do when the SHTF?].
The President and Congress gives Israel and Saudi Arabia billions at their whim, yet not a dime for the U.S.. This isn’t right. IF money is going overseas then it should be ‘at the very least’ matched Domestically every time it is done, for Our own Military & Domestic protection.
THAT’S THE PROBLEM.
Re: (on January 30th 2027)
Recent reports indicate that the Trump administration has taken steps to bypass typical congressional review processes to finalize arms sales to Israel totaling approximately $6.67 billion.
Key Details of the Funding & Sales:
Total Amount: The package is valued at roughly $6.67 billion (often cited as “over $6 billion” in initial reports).
Major Equipment: The deal includes 30 AH-64E Apache Helicopters (approx. $3.8 billion), Joint Light Tactical Vehicles ($1.98 billion), and Namer Armored Personnel Carrier power packs ($740 million).
Bypassing Congress: The State Department officially notified Congress of the sales in late January 2026. Reports highlight that the administration bypassed the standard House Foreign Affairs Committee informal review process to expedite the transaction.
Broader Context of U.S. Aid:
Previous Approvals: This package follows an estimated $12 billion in military assistance already approved for Israel since the start of the 2025–2026 term.
Other Sales: Simultaneously, the administration approved a $9 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia.
Legislative Action: On January 16, 2026, the House of Representatives also passed the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2026, which included $3.3 billion in annual military aid.
Why did the Trump administration bypass congressional review for arms sales to Israel?
The Trump administration recently bypassed the traditional
informal review process for arms sales to Israel to expedite the delivery of equipment it deems critical for regional security and deterrence.
The administration’s primary reasons and the methods used include:
Regional Deterrence and Readiness: The State Department and Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated the sales are necessary to support Israel’s ability to defend its borders and population centers against “current and future threats”. Reports indicate a strategic goal of quickly bolstering air defense and strike capabilities for partners in the Middle East—including Saudi Arabia—to deter potential retaliation from Iran.
Overcoming Legislative Delays: The administration sought to advance sales that had reportedly been “slow-rolled” or under review for months by congressional committees. By moving directly to a formal notification, the administration triggered a 30-day statutory clock that makes it significantly harder for Congress to block the deal compared to the informal “hold” process.
Restoring Stockpiles: The equipment, including Apache helicopters and armored vehicle components, is intended to replenish Israeli stockpiles depleted during recent conflicts and to support the modernization of its armed forces.
Criticism of the Move:
Lack of Justification: Critics, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, have condemned the move as a “repudiation” of constitutional oversight, claiming Secretary of State Marco Rubio failed to provide specific documentation or briefings to justify bypassing established norms.
Violation of Norms: While the move is technically legal under the Arms Export Control Act, it circumvents the long-standing “gentleman’s agreement” where the executive branch waits for approval from the leaders of the House and Senate foreign relations committees before proceeding.
–
We can’t get the Bums off our Streets, but we have plenty of money for this.
US approves major new arms sales to Israel worth $6.67 billion and to Saudi Arabia worth $9 billion
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has approved a massive new series of arms sales to Israel totaling $6.67 billion and to Saudi Arabia worth $9 billion.
By: Matthew Lee – AP diplomatic writer ~ January 30, 2026
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/us-approves-major-new-arms-sales-israel-worth-129722092
[Note to Mr. Meyer – please don’t take this as an criticism of Israel, just pointing out that the Purse in Washington needs to pay equal attention to Home, and it hasn’t otherwise we wouldn’t be so deep in these domestic problem. – Shalom]
Just speculation but, what are the odds that crushing regulation would make renovations unaffordable. Especially near the blue cities
I see that, sometimes you have to bend the rules.
Example, Look at how many Nuclear Plants that have outlived their calculated expiration date,yet are still running?
Government sets regulations but Reality sets how they are run (adhere to). Not always a health answer.
Here is what I say. The people of Seattle will eventually pay for the loss of law and order in their city.
There is some hope when we see that they will get what they got good and hard by the politicians they voted in. One can only hope that they get more of what they voted for and be required by their legislature to buy more lubricant to keep the pain to a minimum. In this case schadenfreude is justified.
will eventually pay … through what means? VIsa, Paypal etc.
It won’t be a burden on Seattle at all. They will just increase taxes on the “rich” to pay for the “ block party”
Santyger, and when the rich leave the city for more friendly confines who then will pay. The rich in blue states are parting the blue sea and declaring follow me brother to a new home of freedom.
When the rich leave the everyday man will be left to pay the bills and they will still vote the comrades into office. The new proposed name for Seattle will be DUHZville City where the history of the worlds communes is never taught.
TiT,
You are correct. Those who can afford to leave, are leaving failed Blue states/cities and they will eventually leave NYC and Seattle just the same. Many already have. What will be left? It will look like the failed city of San Fran.
Seattle like most major cities are self insured for those kinds of settlements. Seattle has a sort of hybrid system where it is self insured and has commercial insurance for these kinds of things.
https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OIG/Policy/OIG%202024%20Claims%20and%20Lawsuits%20Involving%20Seattle%20Police%20Department.pdf
If you haven’t noticed george. Wa state isn’t rolling in cash right now.
Washington’s total state and local debt reached approximately $143 billion by the end of 2023, ranking 10th highest in the nation at roughly $18,500 per capita. While the state maintains high credit ratings and fully funded pensions, it faces a projected $2 billion to $4.3 billion budget deficit for 2026, driven by slowed revenue growth and high spending.
Why is the revenue slowing down… Look at what is going on with Amazon right now. (Wa state)
Did you think that trough yourself dustoff?
What does Amazon have to do with WA revenue slowing?
They are leaving. Lost of tax money.
X, you act as if the city produces something to pay for the damages incurred. The insurance is paid for by what the populace produces. You’re no big deal the insurance will pay is short sighted. just like with a bad driver the payments must increase to cover the risk and a government that produces nothing has to pass the cost to the citizens. To help you out let’s back up and start with the ABCs.
clown georgie doesn;t even understand that, like Santyger said ^^^, municipal self-insurance settlement funds come from allocated TAX REVENUES. Georgie just scans the Internet for something he can learn from, then tries to speak with authority. Georgie also skipped the part about Washington State being $$$ONE BILLION in the red and is looking for other ways to fund. clown.
Hey george. You claim Seattle is doing fine.
See my long answer on 10:33am.
You know NOTHING about Seattle.
Lies are all you have.
I hope this stands and the city has to pay. The only way to make people understand the costs of not doing your job is to actually cover the expenses. Money talks. If you do not do your job and someone is hurt or killed due to your negligence, then you need to pay. You let bad guys run wild and mayhem hits, then do not cry later when you have to pay the price. This goes for the government as well as any private interests involved with this mayhem. This should have never been allowed to happen.
The problem is the city will pay with “Other Peoples Money”
You are correct. Unfortunately, when there is no personal liability, there is no moral hazard to one’s decision-making. Case in point, our politicians’ drunken sailor spending.
No, most major cities are self insured. Seattle is self insured and has commercial liability insurance for these kinds of things. They will pay with their own money or an insurer.
Seattle’s self insurance usually pays out $6.5 million for settlements below that sum. But those above they pay $6.5 million and their various levels of commercial insurers pay the rest.
That doesn’t change the core issue. Taxpayer funds pay either way. “Self-insured” means the city covers losses directly out of public funds instead of paying premiums upfront, and when commercial insurance is involved, those premiums are also paid with taxpayer money.
If the underlying risk isn’t removed, costs only rise. Claims drive higher premiums, larger self-insurance reserves, and cuts elsewhere to cover the gap. No individual decision maker bears personal consequence. The officials who created the conditions walk away untouched, while the public absorbs the loss. That insulation, not the insurance structure, is the problem.
Free Violent rioting and the taxpayer picks up the tab!
Demoncrats love inventing new free stuff.
They only do this crap in Blueville States and Cities. They know they would be held accountable in Red States.
Perhaps a smart Congressman can pass a bill that requires a proportional multiplier derived from “civil unrest and dissonance “ costs and lawsuits when determining their federal taxpayer dollar allocation. Kind of like a bad driver risk multiplier for your auto insurance.
Not one dime will come out of the pockets of the mayor or the police chief. So in what way are they discouraged from repeating the same behavior? If the mayor and police chief had any fear of being financially ruined by their inaction, they might do their job.
I believe gross negligence can pierce the veil of sovereign immunity of the government and make them both personally accountable. The problem arises that the jury pools are made up of the same idiots supporting this stupid crap, look at Virginia, look at NY, DC! Makes it hard to have the law correctly applied in an unbiased manner.
Apparently, walls work now. Nothing is more hypocritical than a leftwing fascist scumbag.
The only thing that bothers me about this lawsuit is that he was there voluntarily and joining in the protests.
He may not have realized that he was signing his own death certificate in so doing. Waiting 5 hours before calling police and EMS is unconscionable.
Simple answer here – BEARCAT VEHICLES and TEAR GAS. Follow up with riot batons. The Karens and St Alex’s of Minnesomolia will RUN!!!
Sounds more like the barrios of Brazil than America. I wish ICE were able to handle these undesirables like Brazil Police do.
It is hard to name another profession where you can risk everyone else’s money, drive communities into debt, make decisions that affect lives and livelihoods, and face almost no personal consequence when it fails. In government, the worst outcome is usually political. Someone else gets elected. That is treated as accountability.
Meanwhile, the rewards are enormous. High salaries, generous pensions, lifetime benefits, top-tier healthcare, legal protection, and personal security. At higher levels, officials make decisions that shape entire markets and can legally turn insider access into personal wealth. Power this vast, paired with consequences this thin, is an open invitation to recklessness. Voting someone out after the damage is done is not accountability.
Great description of the warped system we have in this country. Spot on about the abuse of OPM while not having a bit of liability for one’s actions. Where else can someone who has never worked a day in the real world get elected to office (e.g., the presidency) and end up a multimillionaire? We have two significant examples in the last 35 years. The real insanity is that voters like those in Seattle, Portland, NYC, Chicago, and LA–failed cities–continue to vote such people into office.
You’re right Mary. Places like California reveal how durable the scheme really is.
Extraordinary natural beauty, climate, and opportunity create a powerful incentive to stay, even as governance deteriorates. That stickiness gives the system room to operate without immediate consequences.
Then the cycle runs predictably. Tax aggressively, soak the productive, and redistribute just enough to build and protect a permanent majority of middle and lower income voters. The resources mask the damage, the base sustains the power, and the politicians remain insulated. It is not brilliance. It is exploitation layered on top of abundance.
Olly, this is off topic, but what book (or books) did you write?
Thanks for asking Suze. Awakening a Forgotten Republic: Restoring the Soul of Liberty and the Duty of Self-Government is my first published book. It came out in December. It focuses on how we lost civic formation and how that shows up in today’s failures of governance. I’m also working on a follow-on book that’s more practical, focused on how civic formation can actually be rebuilt.
Thanx Olly, Just ordered it. Retired, but not too old to learn:)
Thank you, Suze! I really appreciate that. And you’re exactly the audience I had in mind. Civic understanding isn’t about age, it’s about engagement. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts once you’ve had a chance to read it.
Olly, I just ordered it too. I think I am too old to learn but I plan to give it to my grandson who is now in law school.
Thank you, wiseoldlawyer! And I respectfully disagree. You’re never too old to learn. Even after writing this book and working on the follow-up, I’m still learning as I go. That’s one of the great things about systems thinking. It opens your mind to new ways of seeing problems and connections. Once that happens, it’s a refreshingly different way to look at life itself.
I thought this was your first book.
https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Giving-J-D-Oliver/dp/1977226809
Heart Giving only received one review.
That is not my book.
This is my first book: https://us.amazon.com/Awakening-Forgotten-Republic-Restoring-Self-Government/dp/B0G67KM7JK
Oh shit, pushing that piece of shite still?
From your constant insults directed at commenters here, I find it impossible to take you as a credible writer.
You haven’t identified a single insult, and it’s clear you haven’t read the book. Disagreement is fine. But when a critique skips substance and jumps straight to anger, it’s usually worth asking why the ideas were triggering in the first place. If you want to discuss the argument, I’m open to that.
“It is hard to name another profession where you can risk everyone else’s money, drive communities into debt, make decisions that affect lives and livelihoods, and face almost no personal consequence when it fails… Someone else gets elected. That is treated as accountability.”
Exactly. The first step that must be taken to remedy this travesty of justice is to rescind the doctrine of presumptive limited liability for public employees, and that step needs to be taken ASAP. Legislators, no matter that party or faction they belong to, have zero incentive to change the status quo by passing a law to that effect, and, as you, note, massive incentives to preserve it. The only viable alternative I see would be the possibility of obtaining such an outcome from an Article V (Constitutional) Convention of States. Even then, the results would be far from assured. But it might be the best chance of the few that remain to us.
That’s the recurring reality. Every proposed solution eventually runs into the same prerequisite. Civic formation. You cannot enact reform, sustain it, or prevent backsliding without it.
First things first, you have to correctly identify the problem you are trying to fix. The root cause is an unformed citizenry. But at the same time, you still have to confront the damage that lack of formation has already produced. Reforming structures without reforming citizens fails. Reforming citizens without addressing existing abuse leaves the system intact. Both have to happen together, and neither works in isolation.
Today is election day in our small city. A vote for City Council. Expected turnout only about 25% of the registered voters. Those idiots who don’t vote don’t realize that a City Council member has more impact on a citizen’s daily life and happiness than a vote for President.
You’re exactly right about the impact of local offices. That realization connects directly to my own awakening. The first thing I had to come to grips with was accepting responsibility for the government I had. About 19 years ago, I began studying and eventually understood that I had never been formed to be the kind of citizen self-government requires. My book reflects that journey. Once I recognized that root cause, everything else came into focus. The problems we debate here, national and local alike, are downstream consequences of an unformed citizenry.
What they become is “untouchables,” who can operate as such for decades, trouncing local aspirations and imparting a negative on economy. Politicians are kiling this country economically.
Well said, betuadollar. That’s exactly the dynamic. Once officials become untouchable, economic harm stops mattering. Civic formation isn’t optional. It’s entirely required if this cycle is ever going to change.
You nailed it!!! I’m going to post your comment on Facebook. You won the internet today!
Thank you, Stephanie. I appreciate that. If it gets people thinking a little differently about accountability, then it’s worth sharing.
Olly
How about financial advisors and lawyers, off the top of my head 🤣
Budweiser marketing executives comes to mind also…🌈
Fair pushback, but there’s a key difference. Advisors, lawyers, and executives risk their own capital, licenses, reputations, and legal liability. When they fail badly enough, they can be sued, fired, or ruined. Politicians risk other people’s money and other people’s lives, with insulation instead of liability. That asymmetry is the problem.
That is why so many Republicans cling to power once they are in Congress. They love the perks, and easy money once they get there. As long as they are enjoying those perks they will never reform the system that keeps them fat and happy.
That isn’t a rebuttal. It concedes the point and just flips the jersey. Saying “Republicans do it too” doesn’t refute the argument. It confirms it. The incentive isn’t partisan. Any system that rewards power, perks, and insulation will attract people who want to keep them. Change the jersey and the behavior stays the same. That’s the problem.
“Mays Jr. was visiting Seattle from San Diego when he went to the area to join the protests.” Is there not a question here of “assumption of risk”? More facts about the actions and knowledge of Mays are needed. We don’t want to reach the point where someone who makes a bomb can claim to be a victim of the bomb.
I believe we are already there. Burglars who get shot or injured breaking into other people’s homes have been successful with their tort claims. That began long ago, in Texas if I recall.
Mary – I remember the case from law school. It may have been out of Iowa. Someone who was absent from the home set up a rifle to go off automatically if someone broke in through a door or window. Someone did, and the gun went off.
Correct.
In a case I remember, the homeowner was convicted. Am I right?
ed
I think we’re already beyond that point. Walz and Frey both made multiple televised broadcasts demeaning the federal immigration deportation process. They portrayed them in a very negative light and compared them to lawless Nazis etc. The Mayor hurled profane messages at them to get the fk out, the Governor instructed his citizens to resist their efforts and to follow and videotape officers in their efforts. This was in a volatile atmosphere as the communist disruption network of idiots had already been actively observed. I believe there is substantial evidence of their complicity and involvement in this situation. Walz’s instructions have led to two deaths and millions in costs. He and Frey both need to be arrested, charged and prosecuted under the federal law as well as held accountable by the families for the wrongful deaths in civil court. That would put a Stop to this type insanity and those Communists that want to continue to actively disrupt and physically interfere are free to proceed at their own risk.
Seattle’s strategy? Appeal, delay, countersue, until we take back Washington, DC. Then, the judgment will be quietly dismissed. After all, we are the party of wisdom, intellectualism, and honesty, and have done no wrong.
City governments have no money other than what they can extract from the citizens in taxes. The citizens of Seattle will pay the bill. Of course there will be liability insurance payouts, increasing the cost of not only Seattle’s liability coverage but because of reinsurance the criminal negligence of Seattle will be costing us all in increased taxes to pay the increased premiums.
Pity they can’t write exclusions into those policies to prevent such “murder-and-inherit” results.
Many of the Seattle cops have retired or left. Now they have a shortage.
Our new Mayor will only make it worse.
Sure dustoff, whatever you say. And you’re an honorary Seattle cop. As well as a “retarded” firefighter as you so often brag.
Is it true the mayor asks for your advice too?
Do you live in the Seattle area Ano?
Or you just love making dumb remarks.
Yes and no. Dustoff you’re a pathological liar.
Two more people were murdered in the Seattle area.
Tell me about them…
Fire away loser.
First you have to prove that statement. As usual you’re a liar.
Agree. What a truly bizarre comment. Trolls usually do a little better. Wonder when Prof. T. will change this comment section such that each time someone posts they can simply change the name and email. At least make it a little challenging for the trolls. This anonymous posting stuff is caca.
What’s the difference between Mary and a troll? Nothing. She’s resort to swears and threats. Apparently you know how to override the comment section.
Mary, I have been complaining about the “Anonymous problem” for a long time. I don’t understand why the site doesn’t rectify it.
“I have been complaining about the “Anonymous problem” for a long time. I don’t understand why the site doesn’t rectify it.”
The first thing that should, and I am certain could, be done with little trouble to Turley or his site administrators, is to restore the ability for those of us who lack WordPress accounts to provide an identification name on the reply form. You do realize that was taken away from many (possibly most) of us over a year ago, do you not? I have complained about that in the comments section of this blog easily a dozen times over that year, and have never seen any acknowledgement of the problem or endorsement of a solution from any of the regulars here. If you choose that mode of conduct, which is what I expect to happen, you forfeit any reasonable expectation for a resolution to the problem.
HullBobby,
I have proposed in the past of a monthly/yearly pay to comment like subscription. Those monies then go towards a charity or the professor sets up a fund for lower economic high school students who apply and have to write a essay on the Constitution. Those monies goes towards higher education, vocational schools, or something similar. I would gladly support something like that, and could get rid of a lot of the annony morons and their inane comments. Return the blog to civility. If the X/slow and dumb one/Gigis of the world want to pay into it, by all means. We can still just scroll past.
You’re preaching censorship? Ironic huh? All these big mouths complaining about censorship by the federal, gov., UK, Europe and here you what to demanding censor others? For commenters pointing out your ignorance and lies and the insults and threats you spew. Are you people really that stoopid? Obviously.
Seattle has had a police shortage since the 90’s. It’s not due to the protests in 2020. It has been an issue in Seattle for a while now. Bad cops, retirements, attrition, etc. all contribute to the poor numbers, Seattle can only deploy around 910 police officers at any time when they should be 1,400. Bonuses and higher pay have not helped much. The problem is finding quality cops. It’s hard to find well educated and competent cops everywhere. That is why there are so many problems with policing these days and why DHS also has problems. They had to lower standards and physical requirements to meet hiring goals and that presents them with the added problem is poorly trained and badly vetted recruits who then make things worse for the departments.
This is a nationwide problem. Poor training produces more misconduct. Police departments around the country have the same problem. Poor quality recruits and a very small pool to hire from. High school diplomas as the bare minimum to become a cop should be raised to having a 4 year degree. The majority of developed nations require higher education standards for police forces than we do. Perhaps we should start by raising standards instead of lowering them and offering $10,000-$30,000 bonuses to entice poorly qualified recruits.
Oh oh, its george again. Got proof? Answer: nope.
I’m sure X said something inane, off topic and contrary to Professor Turley and common sense but I no longer read his drivel.
george.
You know nothing about Seattle
Seattle Police lost 96 more officers in 2023, over 600 since defund the police.
The Seattle Police Department (SPD) has experienced a sustained staffing crisis since 2020, with over 600 officers leaving, bringing total personnel to their lowest levels in over 30 years (approximately 848–933 deployable officers as of late 2024/early 2025). The exodus, heavily influenced by the 2020 Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP)
Late 2025 Seattle police staffing levels (deployable) has been 1,123.
“ As of Aug. 31, SPD employed 1,123 officers, including recruits in training. The proposed 2026 budget adds $26 million to SPD to fund 86 net new officers next year. This change includes $23.5 million in salary and benefits funding and $2.5 million in equipment and training funding.
https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_99c44cb7-d864-467b-b98c-7594eb276722.html
Claims the resident con artist:
“It’s not due to the protests in 2020.”
Says reality:
End of 2020: about 1,300 police
End of 2024: about 920 police
“Seattle has had a police shortage since the 90’s.”
Seattle had a stable and slowly growing police force from 2013-1019 of 1300-1400 or about 14 officers per 100K people and was about median in the US for police to people ratio.
Since 2020 the SPD has dropped to just over 1000 officers a just under 40% loss. This is not as bad as MPD, but it is similar to the police forces in major cities accross the country with George Floyd/Defund the police Riots.
It should not surprise people that police officers do not stay where they are not wanted.
“It’s not due to the protests in 2020.”
Possibly correct, it is more due to the hostile attitude towards particularly in left wing Seattle Government that coincided with the 2020 Riots.
Seattle was not the site of a protest in 2020 – it was the site of an out of control riot where the police ceded control of parts of the sity and were police stations were bombed and armed protestors took over parts of the city.
“It has been an issue in Seattle for a while now”
From 2013-2019 SPD was slowly growing and had a police/population ration that was average for the country.
“Bad cops, retirements, attrition, etc. all contribute to the poor numbers,”
early retirements, and attrition are often the consequence of poor political support for the police.
https://policescorecard.org/wa/police-department/seattle
“Seattle can only deploy around 910 police officers at any time when they should be 1,400.”
In 2019 they had over 1400 sworn officers.
“Bonuses and higher pay have not helped much.”
Seattle police funding is about average for its population and number of officers.
“The problem is finding quality cops. It’s hard to find well educated and competent cops everywhere.”
Absolutely and both the left and the right make this same error all the time, believing that they can solve nationwide problems by hiring more educated people in a job or by paying people more.
Employment is close to zero sum. There are a finite number of people available to perform all the roles that we have in a country.
If you pay more and hire more skilled police – you have fewer people in that skill cohort for EMT’s teachers, nurses, ….
If you increase those wages, and hire more skilled people – you have less doctors, lawyers, engineers, ….
Absolutely if YOUR force has lower than normal average skills you should improve your pay and hiring.
But as a national police you are robbing peter to pay paul.
The number of people in each education/skill grouping is finite. Hiring better police means either lower education and skill in other similar professions or raiding professions that require even more education and skill.
No matter what getting better paid and more skilled police means a loss of skilled people somewhere else.
Leftists constantly offer what are utopian first order thinking solutions to problems.
In the real world you must solve the problems you have with the people that you have.
Not with mythical people that do not exist.
Worse – left wing nut education programs that focus on DEI and similar nonsense, result in poorer education outcomes.
When our education system produces adults with lower literacy and lower critical skills – those are the people that we have to fill jobs.
When we graduate more people who can flip burgers at McD’s and fewer people who can perform 3R tasks proficiently – now
ALL roles that require skill end up with less capable people or some canabalize others.
But left wing nuts never think about the predictable but unintended consequences of their actions.
“That is why there are so many problems with policing these days and why DHS also has problems. They had to lower standards and physical requirements to meet hiring goals and that presents them with the added problem is poorly trained and badly vetted recruits who then make things worse for the departments.”
Partly true – absolutely the overall quality of people available for jobs is declining – that is the direct consequence of the left wing nut driven failure of education.
However, there is ABSOLUTELY a shift amoung law enforcement from communites that do not support them to communities that do.
Rural and suburban police forces – particularly in red localities have little problems recruiting capable officers.
The workforce naturally goes where they are wanted and respected. We are seeing that not just in police, but all over the country.
As places like CA and NY treat the wealthy badly and further pillage them – they go elsewhere.
As schools and policing in Blue localities decline – people go elsewhere.
The US has among the highest mobility in the world. Americans of all professions increasingly seek out the places to live that offer them better conditions.
Put differently – free markets work -even in govenrment.
What is today called “globalization” – which like most leftist newspeak is the invesrion of the 20th century globalization which meant more free markets, and more competition between governments. 21st century globalization – the WEF and Davos crowd are efforts to stiffle free markets in government – to force to the greatest extent possible similar left wing nut tax and other policies on the world so that people could not escape bad left wing nut BS. To stiffle competition between governments.
“This is a nationwide problem.”
No it is primarly a blue locality problem – red localities are canabalizing blue localities.
They are doing so with respect to police,
They are doing so with respect to taxes and schools, cost of living, and myriads of quality of life issues.
While the 2020 defund the police riots were ONE trigger – specifically for police, the 2020 lockdowns and massive shift to more and more remote work, has resulted in a continuing mass movement of people from blue localities to red ones.
I would note that the mass movement of professional jobs that CAN be performed mostly remotely also moves large numbers of service jobs that can not. As the population of blue localities drop, and the population of red ones rise – fewer service jobs are needed in blue localities and more are needed in red ones. Further this also drives business relocations. Businesses either locate where the people are, or where their employees want to be.
Returning to YOUR nonsense claims about ICE recruiting.
ICE has SOME specific impediments to recruiting talented people.
A week ago almost 1/2 of all ICE officers were in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis was the 15th major city that ICE surged to since the election.
While there were problems in one or two cities – like LA, the top down total lack of cooperation and hostilitiy in Minneapolis was unique to the nation. Which is Why Minneapolis became the hot spot for conflict with ICE.
I do not think that the president is going to make good on his threat to allow places like Minneapolis to remain the h311holes they have made themselves to be. I would also note that ICE dramatically reducing operations in Minneapolis WILL result in even larger numbers of criminal illegals flocking to Minneapolis. We already know that criminal illegals are heavily attracted to so called “sancturary” cities and states.
If ICE backs down in Minneapolis then criminal illegals in places like NY and LA and Austin where the government hostility to ICE has been more rhetorical than real, will flock to Minnesota and Minneapolis.
Trump often threatens things in the hope that people will THINK – whether that is Walz, Frey or Kahmeni.
Regardless, ICE requiting has the negative that officers can be moved all over the country. ‘
The portion of people who truly like a constant traveling lifestyle is quite small.
Conversely ICE is offering current Law Enforcement officers from all over the country a job where the government will have their back.
You rant about the rapid defense that Noem has made of officers. It is critical to maintaining good people for officers to beleive that absent damning evidence of misconduct, their superiors will have their backs.
Regardless most ICE hiring is of existing LEOs – these are people already trained.
Further unlike MOST law enforcement positions – the job of an ICE officer is fairly simple – execute arrests in accordance with deportation orders. There are currently 2M active deportation orders in the US – a number that is growing even as 1M people have been deported, and 1.2M people have self deported. Making those arrests is nearly all that ICE officers do. As I have noted before – under Trump they make more arrests in a year than other LEOs make in a carreer. But even under Obama they made more arrests in a year than other LEOs in a decade.
And even under Biden they mar 5 times the number of arrests of other LEOs.
ICE officers do NOT have a broad menu of law enforcement duties to perform.
Contra your argument – training is easy and experience – if they do not already have it and most do comes rapidly.
“Poor training produces more misconduct.”
Rates of police misconduct have been dropping precipitously with the rise of Body Cams and dash cams.
BBB funding for ICE has kicked in – despite the schumer shutdown, so ICE Body Cams will increase from 1:6 officers to 1:1 officers rapidly.
The massive increase in video – Body Cams, Dash Cams, Cell Phones, CATV, and home andbusiness cams has dramatically altered law enforcement. It has radically reduced allegations of misconduct – both because officers can not get away with bad behavior and because good officers are far less likely to be falsely accused. I am personally highly skeptical of the “surveilance state”. China has brought about almost 1984 like population control and social engineering.
But THUS far in the US the abuse of mass video surveilance hhas MOSTLY been small – there are some issues but NOT mostly related to LEOs,
conversely it has significantly improved the justice system, making it more likely the innocent go free and the guilty are convicted.
Increasingly the police lose cases they should lose – or do not even file them, while they win more cases against the more affluent who otherwise did well because they could afford good lawyer. Excessive force complaints are down – because the police are less likely to use excessive force on camera AND because people are less likely to file false claims when events are on camera.
“Police departments around the country have the same problem. Poor quality recruits and a very small pool to hire from.”
Because you F$%Ked up education.
“High school diplomas as the bare minimum to become a cop should be raised to having a 4 year degree.”
As noted above cannibalizing other professions to improve the quality of policing is just such a wonderful idea.
Do you left wing nuts THINK before you offer stupid utopian solutions.
Again – rather than figure out how to solve problems in a nonexistant utopia – maybe you should look at fuguring out how to make things work in the real world with the people we have.
“The majority of developed nations require higher education standards for police forces than we do.”
More smoke out your a$$. please provide data to back up your claims.
In the UK there are some limited oportunities to become a police officer if you do not have the equivalent of a HS degree.
Partial completion of HS equivalents will get you into just about every entry level policing position – that is any student that has completed atleast 2 A-level programs. UK a-levels are for 16-18yr olds, they are pre-college education and the equivalent of US HS education.
“Perhaps we should start by raising standards”
Absolutely lets improve policing by canabalizing other professions.
“offering $10,000-$30,000 bonuses”
Right – people do not work for money.
Its not like the local gas station is not offering 6K bonuses to get people to take jobs that pay 50-60K per year ?
Dustoff, you’ve got a Seattle handle on this, what message, if any, does this Seattle jury verdict send to the city- and Olympia? It doesn’t look like how we perceive Seattle votes.
Dustoff has a handle? Now that’s ripe. Pal, search google for some degree of truth. Dustoff is a habitual liar.
Dustoff, really?
lol
Proof.
Most of my of my posting are from the news reports
I must be over the target
No. Just proves how illiterate you are and willing to steal others words without credit.
Mike.
I don’t really understand this whole suit,
A father’s son was killed in CHOP and the city had to pay out. The weird part his son was stealing a Jeep. It’s confusing. I know the business in the downtown area that CHOP took over lost money and were threaten. So they are suing too.
DustOff,
The whole situation was a total mess. The city should be held accountable, the mayor, the police chief. The people who organized the CHOP should also be held accountable, but they never will. Those kind of people are never held accountable for their actions. The kid should of never been there in the first place.
Sanity is holding people accountable for their behavior. In addition to government officials, the actual funders and participants in establishing CHOP should be held personally accountable.
Why, what did they all do that was “personally accountable”? Do recall that he city government approved the action. State too.
How’s about some joint and several liability? If it could be proven that someone was funding CHOP, (which no doubt they were), like George $.’s organization, seems attorneys (and the city’s insurance carriers) would look for more deep pockets to pick.
But what is the crime Mary? Funding an Illegal block party that the mayor and council approved?
And, why would the insurance company go after unknown persons – recovery? Nope. Burn millions to get Soros?
Just will raise the rates or cancel.
A block party? Were you there. I’m betting not.
DustOff,
Definitely NOT a block party. Prime example of what far-leftists want. Lawlessness. And the fact the then mayor, and IIRC then governor just let it happen, tells you what kind of people they are.
Prove the lawlessness part.
Insurrection
Really? Against who and what? Treason against whom?
Treason Law: Under RCW 9.82.010, treason against the state consists of levying war against the people of Washington, adhering to its enemies, or giving them aid and comfort. This law explicitly includes levying war as a form of treason, which is defined in RCW 9.82.020 as an actual act of war committed by persons rising in insurrection with intent to prevent or force the repeal of state laws by force and intimidation. Treason is a Class A felony, punishable by death.
They disrupted businesses and interfered with the lives of property owners.
So what. That’s why those businesses have insurance.
Ah, the standard reply of those that never owned anything.
You a re perfectly stupid.
Capitalist business’ have insurance. One of them is voting in politicians that protect life and property along with their customers.
I know all these words are alien to CCP trolls but i figure as long as you’re here, you might want to learn about what your missing over here in freedom-land.
For example, here, you can work in anything you enjoy! It’s your choice! AND you can get rich if you’re smart and work hard. Even homeless people live better than you.
No one over here in freedom-land has time for CCP trolls as we are amongst the richest people on earth over here! we get paid what humans are worth!
Of course it wasn’t easy straightening this place out so we are very cautious of who we allow in. Sorry, it won’t be you. I know you are pretending to live here in freedom-land but there’s no way you ever will because we all over here don’t like you.
Businesses in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood suffered extensive damages, safety threats, and severe revenue losses during the 2020 CHOP/CHAZ occupation. The city settled a lawsuit for $3.65 million in 2023, acknowledging property damage, blocked access, and negligence, as businesses faced vandalism, arson, and a lack of police and EMS
And they are doing just fine now. Every rioting or event produces temporary inconveniences, delays, disruptions, etc. That is why insurance exists. Businesses have them, cities have them. Police departments have their own.
Seattle’s police force has had chronic staffing problems since the 90’s. It’s an issue that plagues not just Seattle it also affect other cities including those in Red states.
Also many are lowering education standards, physical fitness, and a few other things to increase the pool of potential employees. That is not good.
” That is why insurance exists.”
When cities are not managed correctly, ” rioting or event produces temporary inconveniences, delays, disruptions, etc. That is why insurance exists.”
That insurance raises prices significantly, which you will complain about in another posting, not recognizing that you and your thoughts are the cause of pain for all American citizens.
george
And they are doing just fine now
____________________________________
Really. You live in this area?
Bet not. Look at how many have left.
Downtown Seattle is facing a severe, ongoing crisis in early 2026, with office vacancy rates hitting a record 34.7% and numerous retail, restaurant, and small business closures, often described as worse than the COVID-19 pandemic. Declining foot traffic, high operating costs, crime concerns, and remote work are driving departures, including major retailers like Nike and Lululemon.
Retail: Major brands leaving the downtown core include Nike, The North Face, Vans, Saks OFF 5th, Tiffany & Co., LuLu, Abercrombie & Fitch. The Ross Dress for Less store on 3rd and Pike also closed in early 2026.
Tech Sector Layoffs: Recent massive layoffs at Amazon, Meta, and T-Mobile (early 2026) have further dampened the local economy and reduced the spending power of the downtown workforce.
Safety and Crime: Persistent concerns regarding open-air drug use, retail theft, and a lack of police presence in neighborhoods like 3rd Avenue have discouraged both shoppers and potential new tenants.
geroge, you are so full of it.
Perhaps you’ve never built and / or owned a business?
The business insurance will have a deductible and then the premiums will increase after the payout or not be offered for renewal. During that time the owner will have to cover the costs out of pocket and or raise the price of the goods sold and probably close down. Just what the rioters want, no private owned businesses.
They invaded a City neighborhood, they set up barricades (false imprisonment), they blocked and restricted public services, access and transportation, they attacked and harassed citizens within their neighborhoods, they subverted local government, they did so brandishing weapons. Pretty sure that rises to the level of insurrection.
The city leaders told the police to abandon the police station In Seattle.
The crime went nuts.