West Coast Can-Am Politics

Vancouver and Seattle possess striking similarities and differences from each other. In this first post, let's look at some similarities, some which are not well-known to persons not living in the region. International Events : World's Fairs : The Century 21 World Exposition was hosted by Seattle in 1962. Century 21 was dedicated to showcasing the advances of science during the height of the Cold War. I will expound more on Century 21 in future postings, as this event was an enormous turning point in Seattle's history. More about Century 21 at this commemorative site . Expo 86 was hosted by Vancouver in 1986. Themed " World In Motion - World in Touch ", Expo 86 celebrated the astonishing advances in all forms of transportation. Expo 86 - Looking Back commemorative site has some neat information about this event. International Conferences : The Second World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference was held in Seattle in late 1999, and brought Seattle ...

"They can kiss my ear!", responded Representative Don Young (D-Alaska) when presented with pleas by thousands of Alaskans that their state voluntarily relinquish the staggering amount of transportation pork barrel money, to provide desperately-needed money for Gulf-coast Hurricane Katrina relief. When pressed further about the "America Gives Back" proposals being pushed by many Alaskans, Rep. Young further exclaimed, "That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard." "Young Scoffs at Criticism of Bridges" (Anchorage Daily News) gives a rather grim insight into the desperation elected officials feel in protecting their "hard-won" pork barrel projects for their pet constitutencies. Michelle Malkin provides a vigorous critique of "Don Young: Hog Wild". Left-wing blogger Think Progress captures the essence: Rep. Don Young (R-AK) is a self-proclaimed “ little oinker ” and aspires to be the “chief porker. A CNN video interview ...