Last Taxi Comments Of The Year 2024---A Taxi Dream

 There isn't much too report.  Uber and Lyft dominated, with taxi filling in the gaps.  It has been almost a year since I've provided any kind of transportation services, December 2023 being the last month, that being my Uber experiment and not taxi.  This being my birthday, I would have worked it as I always did.  Christmas too was always too good of a day not to work, my positive sentiments concerning that holiday long vanished since my divorce in 1987.  As many might remember, I took a number of cab rides last year in Europe and Asia Minor, and in January of this year in Mexico, a total of three rides.  Taxi will always remain part of my essential soul and self, the experience tattooed upon my brain and psyche, which probably explains last night's dream, amusing because it starts off in Seattle and ends up in New Mexico.  No, I didn't dream of the kind of magical ride I always hoped for though missed having in my 35 plus years beneath the toplight.  This dream started in downtown Seattle, taking a group of elderly tourists up to a museum located on a desert mountain pass.  It was my favorite kind of fare, asked to keep the meter running while they strolled through the museum.  Though telling my passengers a little about taxi reality, that was it, the dream ended, having I suppose left my fare stranded on the mountain. Hopefully they found their way back down.  I could say more but for today I will go with less, only saying hello to damn taxi in my dreams. 

I Promise: Taxi And Nothing But Taxi. Two NY City Taxi Tales From The NY Times "Metropolitan Diary" & A Real Life Taxi Novel: "Relita's Angel" ("Nobody's Angel") By Jack Clark, Chicago Cabbie & Have You Ever Wondered How Many Murderers You've Driven In Your Taxi?

Back to Taxicab, the Favorite Topic of Kings and of course Drag Queens 

Hell with politics, to hell with most everything but on the menu today its all "taxi specials," half-cooked or digestible I leave it up to you to decide.  Serving up first as your appetizer are two taxi stories taken from the December 1st, 2024 edition of the New York Times "Metropolitan Diary."  Both entertaining and both "real taxi," no goddamn Uber or Lyft sniffing around here.  No foolin' around. 

Ride Share

Dear Diary:

I had been living in the city for about a year and was slowly shedding my pleasant Midwestern manners in favor of some much-needed New York chutzpah.  It was raining, and I was trying to hail a cab to the Lower East Side during rush hour.  I knew it was a long shot.

Suddenly, one pulled up.  Just as I was about to get in, a man appeared out of nowhere and opened the passenger door on the opposite side.

I was in a classic New York City conflict I had seen in movies and TV shows.

We immediately started to bicker whose cab it was.  The cabby was getting increasingly annoyed, as were the people trying to use the crosswalk we were blocking.

Exasperated, I finally let my guard down.

"Where are you going?" I asked my enemy.

"East Village," he said.

"I'm going to the Lower East Side," I said.  "Get in."

I climbed in and sat down.  Slowly and reluctantly, he got in on the other side.

We sat in silence for the first block but eventually called a truce and shook hands when we parted ways.

Dave Quantic

________________________________

Yes, I too have had folks battle for the elusive cab but given who I am, instead of allowing fisticuffs I became a referee.  When a crowd of eager beavers are approaching, I lock the doors, taking the first raised hand.  I don't argue, I don't take bids or ask where they are going.  I see you first, you're in.  Someone else might be going to San Francisco.  I don't care, instead making it simple.  You're in and everyone else, you gotta wait.

That Was Quick

Dear Diary:

In May 1978, I and several other Cornell students traveled to Manhattan for interviews with prospective employers.  After the interviews we needed to get back to Port Authority to catch a bus back upstate.

I decided to show off my worldliness by confidently hailing a cab.  We piled in and I directed the driver to take us to Port Authority.

"Port Authority?" he asked.

"Please," I replied.

He stared at me for a moment, drove the cab for about 20 yards and pulled over.

"Here you go!" he announced.

I was thoroughly embarrassed.

"What's the charge?" I asked meekly.

"Nothing" he said.  It was worth the entertainment." 

George Lutz

____________________

Yes, sometimes people don't know where they are, and a bunch of years ago, a drunk couple certainly didn't.  I am belled into a DT motel, and the couple are going to a concert.  They jump in and I drive maybe 30 feet to the concert hall across the street.  Yes, they didn't know and I got a big tip.  Nothing like being disoriented.  They were stumble down drunk, harmless, only dangerous to themselves. 

Real Taxi! Brothers and Sisters! Real Taxi expressed by Chicago cabbie Jack Clark

I'll call this the main course.  Down here in New Mexico I've  just put up my Ikea bookcases, and unloading my many, too many boxes of books.  In one box was a paperback my friend Marty gave me 20 years ago, "Relita's Angel," a hard-boiled crime/taxi novel by someone who knows the trade inside and out, having driven cab for over 30 years.  It was refreshing and highly entertaining reading about the real-life crap all us cabbies know too well. The copy I read was self-published, one of 500.  Eventually it was reissued by a mainline publisher under the new title of "Nobody's Angel."  Search it out.  It is bloody great.  Having read hundreds of novels if not a thousand, Clark's book is damn good, the characters walk right out of the pages, grabbing you.  For anyone whose driven a cab, you're gonna like this book. 

God! the People we have Transported in the Back Seat!

During my off and on 35 plus years beneath the toplight, often I have wondered just what percentage were downright murderers.  Not that they necessarily wanted to murder me but how many of the untold thousands in my cab actually accomplished the foul deed I'm glad I never knew.   There was the "secret agent" who, before falling asleep, warned me not to use my cell phone because he would have to kill me.  He was going to Tacoma to meet the bride that Putin, yes that Putin, was delivering to him.  As any cabbie will tell you, they could not make this stuff up if they tried.  He gave me a hundred dollar bill for the ride  No complaints.  I hope they made for a happy couple.

I say all this because the New York Times reported that the guy who murdered the UnitedHealthcare executive, Brian Thompson in Manhattan, jumped off his getaway bicycle in Central park and hailed a cab, taking him to an interstate bus station.  I wonder if he tipped the driver?  

As I always said, and do say, cabbies carry everyone, every type of person residing on our planet.  There ain't no waiver.  We get everybody, good and bad, happy or sad or on the run, having just killed someone with their silent gun.  Bang! Bang! you're dead!  Nothing more left to be said.  Amen. 

The Commonplace Taxicab Passenger And Typical American Voter, One Of The Same, Two Of The Same Brain---A Shared Illiteracy The Obvious Source And Blame---A Cabbie's Post-Election Assessment Of How And Why All America Should Cry

 A Slightly Humorous Take Upon A Less Than Funny Election

Well, maybe not so funny but this election truly a reflection of America today, what it is and what it isn't.  But before I get into post-election analysis and commentary, I will grace your eyes with some hopefully applicable quotes to what we, the American voting public, just witnessed.  Laugh or cry as you may but what we appear to be seeing is democracy seen through a myopic lens, an hazy interpretation of what American Culture is and isn't.  An ophthalmologist might term the 2024 election as the "Year of the Cataract Inflicted Voter," whose distorted vision requires immediate surgery.  And of course a seeing eye dog.

Chinese Proverb:

"I hear and I forget.  I see and I remember. I do and I understand."  Xunzi (340-245 BCE)   

This quote is taken from "Patterns of World History," Oxford University Press, 2012, Peter von Sivers, Charles A. Desnoyers & George B. Stow.  If you search for it on the internet, you'll understand better why this applies to this election and to voting in general.

H. L. Mencken, July 26th, 1920 (the complete and non-abbreviated quote):

"The larger the mob, the harder the test.  In small areas, before small electorates, a first rate man occasionally fights his way through, carrying even the mob by force of his personality. But when the field is nationwide, and the fight must be waged at second and third hand, and the force of personality cannot so readily make itself felt, then all the odds are on the man who is, intrinsically, the most devious and mediocre---the man who can most easily adeptly disperse the notion that his mind is a virtual vacuum.

The Presidency tends, year by year, to go to such men.  As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people.  We move toward a lofty ideal.  On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the day will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." 

The sad part about this is that it remains true over 100 years later.  I give you this question.  Has expansion of the vote improved overall representation?  The year after the majority of American woman (1919) got the right to vote, Warren G. Harding was elected in 1920.  Anyone remember the"Tea Pot Dome" scandal?  Harding, dying in office in 1923, gave us Calvin Coolidge.  It is hard to find but the Sinclair Lewis novel from 1928, "The Man Who Knew Coolidge" is worth reading.  Very funny.  I liken it to one long prose poem.  

The next quote, two paragraphs, are taken from an article entitled "The Nazis were Human-just like Us" by Sir Richard J. Evans, which was published in the November 2024 issue of BBC History Magazine.  In August of this year, Evans published "Hitler's People: The Faces of the Third Reich."   The quote can be found on page 66 of the magazine, the article under the greater subject line, THINK PIECE/The Third Reich.  This examination is also part of a greater series on BBC Two.  Find it at bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00084td

"In addition to all this, an important new reason has emerged for turning our attention to Hitler and to those who carried out his orders. For the past few years, democracy has faced a growing threat in many parts of the globe.  Would-be dictators and strongmen have emerged, undermining and attacking democratic institutions in one country after another, replacing the rule of law by the arbitrariness of their own whims, muzzling the media and curbing freedom of thought.  They have millions of followers who swallow their propaganda lies and seem to care little about truth, probity or general human decency. 

While history never repeats itself, it does, as Mark Twain is reputed to have said, sometimes rhyme.  By trying to understand Hitler and the men and women who joined him in creating the Nazi dictatorship, we may perhaps help ourselves to better understand the enemies of democracy and the leaders and followers of authoritarian or populist movements and regimes in our own time."

I provide you this due to my obvious feeling that there are parallels between now,  the year 2024 and 1933/34 and what happened in Germany.  As Evans says, I see the "rhyme" in recent events and statements made both by Trump and the GOP and their followers.  How can anyone forget what happened on January 6th, 2021?  

Now I want to share two foreign language words that could apply to Mister Trump and what he does and is doing.  Words in any language can provide explanation.  Understanding and knowledge is essential for comprehending the world, both human and nature, around us.  Real information minus silliness is vital.  Factuality I suggest should be everyone's first religion. 

These two words, one from the Dutch and one from the German, are from the Dictionary Scoop website dated November 26th, 2024.  No, I don't speak either language, having enough trouble with English.  I have long enjoyed reading dictionaries and exploring new vocabulary.  Back during my ill-fated 10th grade of formal education, working on the school newspaper I wrote a column I called "The Spotted Zarf."  I am not telling you the definition.  Grab that dictionary! 

Epibreren: A Dutch word that means to act convincingly as if you are doing something important while actually doing nothing useful at all.  For more info concerning this word, go to DirectDutch.com.  Have fun!

Verschlimmbessern: A German word that literally means "to make something worse while trying to improve it." Or, "making something worse while intending to make it better."  For more info, go to https://germanyinusa.com 

Call me a cynic or just plainly, an asshole but these are apt descriptions of the incoming 47th President.  But I mostly disagree that Trump has any intention of making anything better for anyone except perhaps himself.  His entire narcissist personal history screams that out loud and clear.  Maybe many American voters need to have their hearing checked.  Or perhaps to them, common English usage is unintelligible. "What is Trump really saying?"  "Oh, that he loves me!?"  "Of course that must be true!"  And if you believe that, you belong in a zoo!

First, Before more Diatribe, WA ST Results:

At least with Seattle and King County and Statewide races, the Democrats won, and most won decisively.  The two Republicans I voted for, Sharon Hanek for WA ST Treasurer, and Lori Theis, District 32, WA State House, both lost badly even though they would have done a good job.  But when people blindly vote a ticket minus knowing anything about the candidate other than their party affiliation, you get what happened in Seattle and elsewhere in the country.  I do admit that some of the local GOP candidates were unelectable but is it fair to paint everyone with the same brush without first doing some investigation?  No it isn't but welcome to the mindlessness governing most voter's decision making. Three-quarters of all Americans are either overweight or obese.  Plump voters equal fat-headed decision making?  Perhaps.  And what a hypothesis that is, poor diets translating into knucklehead voting.  I'm am sure it is something based on solid science and endorsed by that Trump favorite, Dr. Oz.  Let's all us eat a Twinkle in celebration!

And continuing with WA ST results, only one of the millionaire's initiatives passed, that being the "take your hands off my natural gas stove" one.  While half-baked, natural gas does a great cheese omelet. 

Parallel Minds: Cab Passengers and the American Voter

I will fully admit it.  Given the obvious information concerning Donald Trump, I felt he was unelectable but I should have known better, given my long experience in the cab dealing with the typical passenger.  There is no better place to understand America than behind the wheel of a cab.  Everybody, and I mean every type of person imaginable enters the cab.  Transportation is a necessity whether one is crazy or sane--- they have to get to where ever they need to be.  And therein lies the typical American conundrum: everyone thinks they know more than you do upon every subject under God's heaven.  

The customer gets in the cab and of course they know the best route when clearly they don't.  One thing that is true about the illiterate passenger is that they don't understand or respect literacy, and in my case, knowing every damn street in Seattle and how to swiftly get from A to B, not comprehending I speak a different language, taxi, an obscure local dialect. 

The parallel to the typical voter is similar.  Thinking they know all about our American governmental rules and traditions and history, they make cockeyed decisions based upon self-manufactured fantasy, economic realities and fundamental laws be damned, insisting they know the best way to democracy even though their way is a crooked highway to autocracy.  

Thus, this kind of illiteracy is dangerous, leading to a dead-end like Donald Trump, DeStantis and many others more than willing to upend the 248 years-long arc of relative progressive democracy.  At times it has been a very bumpy ride but still we as a nation have arrived every four years to a rational agreement that what was started in 1776 was a good idea and should continue. 

Getting back to taxicabs, countless times have I told the disruptive passenger, " No sir, No madam" "Sorry to say but I know the way better than you.  Just sit back and I will get you there quicker than you can imagine."  But when someone thinks they are smarter than you, that you are fooling them, that you can't be trusted, you get a bad ride and a bad election.  Clearly Kamala Harris knew the best route taking America forward but instead voters chose the candidate taking America backward.  Try to tell them we are taking a wrong turn and they start shouting.  You should hear them in the cab, acting like I was about to murder them by taking the correct route, not for a moment respecting me.  

And that folks, in a taxi nutshell, is what happened to Harris.  H.L. Mencken's mob won the day, taking all of us down a doomed highway.  What our final destination will be I am afraid to think but on this slippery roadway I fear we are all headed for the nearest ditch, and once there, spinning our wheels, stuck in Trump's muck until 2028, the voters then calling for the nearest Democrat tow operator to get us the hell out of here. 

The True State Of Seattle Taxi: 1700 Miles Away, She Called Me For A Cab Ride

 As my Favorite Dispatcher from the "Voice" Days used to repeat, "That's a true story!"

Yes, Janis, in faraway West Seattle, who still had my business card, called me for a cab ride.  For better and often worse, passengers rarely forgot this cabbie.  Sometimes they loved me and other times hated me but across the taxi board, they found me memorable.  When Janis said she was at "Park West," I responded, "yeah, the 1700 block of California."  

That's what you got with me, I knew the city and still do.  Janis had tried Lyft and had a negative ride, and at the time of night she called, I am guessing there just wasn't any Yellow cabbies interested in flying across the West Seattle Bridge rescuing a fair damsel recovering from a broken leg.  We ended up talking for over a half an hour, Janis feeling a bit isolated in her rehab room. 

And folks, that is what taxi driving is all about, responding individually to a passenger's needs, whether they are 16 inches away sitting in the backseat or 1700 miles directly northwest of you.  Maybe that's why I was both loved and hated: I was attentive.  If you were nice and polite, you received a taxi ride of a lifetime.  If an asshole, I was always at first tolerant but warning: continue your evil ways and sorry buddy, you gotta go, and I mean now!  

Ah yes, sweet old taxi, how I don't miss you though some clearly miss me.  You may call me conceited but I knew when I stopped driving cab a gap in overall service would be one of the results.  The reason why is simply, again, I paid attention.  More times than not I rescued passengers trying to catch their flight by noticing an unattended "bell" sitting in a given part of town.  The Cebu callcenter might have been clueless but I wasn't, picking up the call, and like a proverbial "taxi bat out of hell," somehow, someway getting them to Sea-Tac on time despite all the screw-ups sabotaging their ability to get a cab. 

That's why Janis called me.  And why Yellow Cab is still limping along.  Most of the veteran cabbies like me are gone to better pastures, in my case Southwest New Mexico.  Uber and Lyft, they will never replace the professional cab companies and the professional cabbies.  It just isn't possible.  Ask Janis.  She'll tell you all about it. 

Elections Part Three: Finishing Up The State Of Washington----Ballots Have Now Been Sent Out October 18th

Some Election Comments

You will notice that I am including what should not have been omitted from Part Two, that is two Federal elective positions, Senate and Congressional.  The US Senate race involves the incumbent Democrat, Maria Cantwell and her GOP opponent, Dr. Raul Garcia. The other race I will comment on is in the 7th Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Pramila Jayapal vs her GOP rival, Dan Alexander.  My comments will be brief due to the reality is that neither GOP candidate has any chance of beating the Democrat.  

While it is a shame that many of the GOP candidates have some good ideas and positions, the national political reality is that any vote contributing to a GOP House and Senate majority in WA DC could potentially lead to disastrous national consequences extending far into the future.  That's why this election is too important to be too casual about.  

Do we need for tax breaks for the super wealthy?  Do we need more rubber-stamping conservative judges appointed to the Supreme Court?  Do we need to stop fighting climate change?  A vote on the national level for the GOP is a vote to turn back the clock but the clock, my friends, is ticking.  Hesitation this time could be fatal not only for our nation but for our planet's survivability.  This is no time to be a dumbbell.  We are past that moment. 

MAGA Politics: What Is It?

Many people keep yelling, lets "make America great again," which gives me pause, thinking, what "greatness" are they exactly referring to?   If anyone hasn't noticed, the United States keeps chugging along year after year, balancing the good with the bad.  Which eras are they longing to return to?  Could it be the Roaring 1920s, which brought the country Chicago gangsters shooting up the streets and the beginning of the Great Depression?  Ask any elderly American black how much fun they or their parents were having in the 1930s?   How would you like to to limited to a segregated water fountain when thirsty in the hot Alabama sun?  Yes, the 1940s had great dance music but wasn't there a terrible worldwide war ongoing?  How much fun was that, food rationing and innocent American citizens placed in concentration camps?   In the 1950s, the GI Bill paid for many former GIs college education, including my father's but the Middle-Class dream was not equally shared.  And top it off, Eisenhower laid the policy foundation for that disastrous war consuming the 1960s. Just what was the Vietnam Conflict all about, a war that ultimately killed over 58,000 Americans and an estimated 2-4 million Vietnamese?  This was and is  something to celebrate? 

I could go on decade by decade but my point simply put is that America is a roller-coaster ride, some enjoying the ups and downs while others are thrown clear out of their seats, landing on their proverbial heads.  What these MAGA supporters seem to be embracing is a kind of fantasy world that has never existed expect at Disneyland.  During my solitary visit there back in 1960 I loved the place but minus any doubt, even as a six-year-old I knew it was an amusement park and not daily American reality. 

 MAGA appears to me to be a kind of old-fashioned Isolationism, something very popular in our history but this version is an "Isolationism of the Brain." a setting aside of reality for an imaginary America that never existed and will never exist, these folks searching for an Utopia even beyond Thomas Moore's imagination.  The sad reality is that 95% percent of the American voting electorate have never heard or known of Moore, who he was and his time and place.   And worse, most could care less one way or the other, delusion their final destination, Utopia to them is a Big Mac and fries and a large Coke. Munch away!  Drink up! And cheer on your local NFL team!

But first! a few moments of self indulgent poetic nonsense (editor's note: skip if you will directly to the candidates).

A Doggerel Election Poem

America, America is in a sad place

All its Voters floating 

in Outer Space

Not knowing truth from a lie

Too many accepting verbatim anything said

From a most dishonest, dishonorable guy

Who doesn't care about you

nor me,

Totally obsessed with yet again

obtaining the White House key.

Why vote, why do they cheer 

for this complete buffoon?!

It can only mean you yourself too

are a misguided feathered loon

incapable of knowing Wrong

from Right

But if your brain has an internal 

100 watt bulb,

Please, Brothers and Sisters:

Please illuminate that 

LIGHT!

Opening your eyes to much needed

Constitutional

INSIGHT!

_________________________

 More USA Doggerel

Ain't it something, ain't it sad,

Our entire country gone mad!

Out of its mind, out of its brain,

It is complete Bedlam,

It's totally insane!

To a Jesus anointed candidate

To a Hillbilly VP

The election season has gotten very

October Halloween creepy!

All the GOP candidates 

monsters and vampires

seeking your election blood,

and after that,

burying all truth 

in the Helene and Milton

hurricane ravaged and flooded

 Florida DeSantis 

MUD!

_______________________________

All this done with a wink at Ogden Nash (1902-71), thinking he would like my sass, then kick my ass!

___________________________________________________________

United State Senator

Democrat incumbent Maria Cantwell vs GOP Doctor Raul Garcia 

Cantwell has been in the US Senate since the year 2000, and she isn't going to lose this election.  Check out her website and you will find she has been a good workhorse for the State of WA.  But her GOP opponent, Raul Garcia, is a moderate that would bring a fresh perspective to the Senate.  He is a ER doctor from Yakima in Eastern WA.  He owns a medical practice along with being the founding dean of two medical schools and medical director of two hospitals.  It is a wonder he has time to campaign.  I voted for Cantwell but a vote for Garcia isn't a bad choice except for what I said earlier about national implications. 

7th Congressional District 

Democrat Pramila Jayapal vs GOP Dan Alexander 

I voted for Jayapal but I didn't want to, her "Liberal-Knee-Jerk" reaction is sometimes minus thought but sometimes I just hold my nose when I vote.  Her GOP opponent seems like a Republican in the tradition of the late Dan Evans, a Boeing engineer and local arts supporter.  He seems to be a moral human being, something of a rare GOP animal in this Age of Trump. 

WA Sec of State

Incumbent Steve Hobbs vs Dale Whitaker

What the job does.  The Secretary of State oversees election security, state archives, public libraries and business licenses. 

Hobbs was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to succeed the GOP Sec of State Wyman, who resigned to take a position in the Biden administration.  Hobbs won a special election in 2022.  Reading a report of a recent debate in Spokane between the two candidates, I can' really figure why Dale Whitaker is running for the office other than to tear it down.  Hobbs seems genuinely interested in safeguarding voter's rights as opposed to Whitaker's unfounded suspicions.  It seems Whitaker is a Donald Trump  Republican posing as a State of WA moderate.  I voted for Hobbs.  I predict Whitaker will garner 35-40 % of the statewide vote. 

WA State Office of Treasurer

DEM Mike Pellicciotti, incumbent vs GOP Sharon Hanek

I find this to be an interesting race.  But there are two figures which is going to translate into a Pellicciotti victory: a $464,000 Pellicciotti campaign war chest vs a mere $38,000 for Hanek, which is a shame because she might be the better candidate.  What Hanek is questioning is the 1.7 billion mishandled COVID funds creating an auditor's nightmare.  I think it would be wise to explore this issue more than I have time to give it.  

One initiative that Pellicciotti, promotes, dubbed the "Baby Bond", is officially called the WA Future Fund, something providing a $4000.00 trust fund for the estimated 40,000 yearly Medicaid babies born each year in the state. Interesting idea, trying to create a kind of affirmative action equality for the unborn.  Please remember that Donald Trump had 2 million dollars when he was born.

Hanek is a long time CPA.  She is interested in fiscal sanity.  I voted for Pellicciotti but I should have voted for Hanek.  She is the one I recommend.  Good luck, Sharon, is all I can say.

WA State Auditor 

DEM incumbent Patrice "Pat" McCarthy vs GOP Matt Hawkins

I pity Hawkins because he is running against a real buzzsaw in McCarthy.  She has been State Auditor since 2017 and it was her office that made 86 findings against 11 state agencies spending 1.7 billion in federal funds minus proper or sufficient evidence.  Hawkins is a law & order kind of guy but in McCarthy she is the Sheriff.  Vote for Patrice. 

WA Attorney General 

DEM Nick Brown vs GOP Pete Serrano 

These are the guys who want to replace the man who is about to become governor, Bob Ferguson.  Nick Brown is a former US Attorney for Western WA.  He also once served as Gov Jay Inslee general counsel.  In other words, he is a well known local figure.  Pete. Serrano is currently the city of Pasco mayor and once worked for the US Dept of Energy as an environmental lawyer helping to clean up the mess that is the Hanford nuclear site.  Serrano might be described as someone who believes in less government, advocating for folks to own guns regardless of need and not liking the COVID-19 mandates telling you to wear a mask during a epidemic.  Brown is for civil liberties.  I voted for Brown and think your vote should be cast for him too.  My only connection to Pasco is that I had two taxi fares to that distant E WA city.  Over $500.00 each time.  I liked that but not enough to vote for its mayor.  

WA Commissioner of Public Lands

DEM Dave Upthegrove  vs GOP Jaime Herrera Beutler 

The primary difference between them is their vision on how to manage WA St Forests.  Upthegrove wants to preserve more forests, allowing the trees to become second-generation "old-growth," while Herrera Beutler wants to utilize more of WA State owned timber to generate state income.  Both support fire suppression. I voted for Herrera Beulter in the primary and for Upthegrove in the general election.  To me, its a tossup.  Both will do a good and honest job.  You might remember that when in Congress, Jaime voted to impeach that scoundrel Trump.  It cost her her seat.  She is ethical.

WA Superintendent of Public Instruction

DEM incumbent Chris Reykdal vs GOP David Olson

There is only one real candidate here, and that is Chris Reykdal.  Mister Olson is another kind of Republican animal, no, not the usual elephant but an ostrich with his head in the sand. Olson is against accurate history being taught in schools, which translates into not wanting children to know the REAL history of their own country.  Reykdal's policy positions are ones of student empowerment, interested in students becoming independent thinking, not automations bowing down to mindless authority.  Reykdal is the only serious candidate here.  

WA Insurance Commissioner 

DEM Patty Kuderer vs GOP Phil Fortunato

Mike Kreidler, who held the position since the year 2000, decided not to run after some questioned his temperament, finding him belligerent.  Knowing the bad publicity wasn't going away, he stepped down, giving us the race we now see.  To me, once again, I only see one serious candidate, and that is Kuderer.  Fortunato isn't at all shy about being an advocate for the insurance industry, wanting them to issue rates hike minus review, his reasoning being this will ultimately lower rates, not increase them.  I'm glad he trusts insurers but I certainly don't.  In short, Kuderer will be a consumer advocate and her opponent will glad-hand the insurance industy.  Read her candidate statement in the WA ST voter guide and you will understand why she can be trusted to fight for you the WA ST consumer. She got my vote and deserves yours. 

WA ST Supreme Court, Justice 2

Dave Larson vs Sal Mungia 

Larson has been a judge for the Federal Way Municipal Court for 14 years.  He writes and talks as exactly who he is.  There is no mistaking that he is a professional judge.  Sal Mungia, the son of immigrants, is a next-generational success story.   He has loads of impressive endorsements and has argued before the US Supreme Court.  If you want a conservative take, vote for Larson.  If you are interested in a "breath of fresh air" on Washington's highest court, vote for Mungia.  I did.

 King County Superior Court, Judge Position 41

Paul Crisalli vs Andrew Schach 

Crisalli is the sitting judge.  Schach has been an Administrative Law Judge in the state of WA.  Both of their policy statements seem reasonable.  I voted for Crisalli.  The only way to truly know who is good or not is to appear before them as a defendant, something I would rather avoid.

City of Seattle Council Position # 8

Alexis Mercedes Rinck vs Tanya Woo, incumbent

I voted for Mercedes Rinck in the primary and Woo in the general.  Why?  Because Mercedes Rinck appears to espouse positions that have done little to nothing to addressing homelessness and street level drug abuse.  Woo is trying to be a little tougher, and besides, she is the only voice for Seattle's large Asian community.  Because Woo was appointed, if you don't like her, you can vote her out in a year or two. 

Legislative District 32, State Rep Position 1

DEM Cindy Ryu, incumbent vs GOP Lisa Rezac

Ryu has been in office for a longtime.  I even saw her in Olympia when I was doing something involving taxi.  I voted for her.  Rezac is a Brian Heywood "Let's Go Washington" initiatives fan.  That's enough for me to know I can't recommend her.  Boo!

Legislative District 32, State Rep Position 2

DEM Lauren Davis, incumbent vs GOP Lori Theis

I voted for Theis because she is "mad as hell" about all the crime related nonsense occurring on Aurora Ave North.  As someone who lived next to Bitter Lake for a few years before moving down here in NM, I can attest to the madness bleeding over from Aurora.  My cars were broken into twice.  Prowlers were frequent.  The condo association had to build a fence but still there was trouble.  Lauren Davis clearly is a caring person.  Theis seems like she is ready to starting screaming at all the fools allowing chaos in her neighborhood.  That's why I voted for her. Go ahead, Lori, shout your lungs out!  Maybe, just maybe,  someone will hear you. 

City of Seattle  Proposition # 1---Property Tax Levy Renewal for Transportation 

I voted no because it raises property taxes by about $600.00 annually on average and does not achieve what it sets out to do, repairing Seattle's failing bridges.  As I keep saying, Mayor Bruce Harrell, in my experience, is a clueless fool, and that is a kind assessment.   Seattle voters appear to be favoring this levy but I think it should be returned to the City Council for further revision.  Vote no and curse Harrell as you hit yet another pothole.

__________________________________________

Okay everyone, you get what you got and maybe all my opinions is rot but still I had fun suggesting what vote to take, and if you don't like it, go jump in a lake (Lake Washington, that is!)

Vote your conscious, vote your mind, and hopefully, come November 6th, everything will be fine! 

  

2024 Elections, Part Two

My Choice for US President 

As you will notice by looking at your ballot, there are a number of individuals and parties running to be president of the United States.  Unlike many European countries, where more than two political parties have real opportunities to govern, here in America it remains a two-party system despite numerous other hopefuls.  If a strong third-party candidate emerges, that person acts as a spoiler, as Ralph Nader did in the 2000 election, drawing away votes from the Democrat Al Gore, and giving the presidency to the Republican George W. Bush.  I recently created a stir when I said to a group of email buddies that Cornel West would make a good protest vote if you lived in a state, like Washington, where Harris was assured of victory.  One very emotional response I received was "Are you out of your f_ _king mind!" saying, minus a doubt that many, myself included, feel that the stakes are high, not wanting to see Donald Trump back in the White House.  

My official choice (my ballot is already filled out and mailed) without question or hesitation is the Democratic ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.   I really don't feel the need to repeat what is obvious to anyone who understands history: Donald Trump was the worst president in American history, as rated by a group of American historians (Biden was number 14), and completely undeserving of a second term. Rhetoric is not sustainable policy.  It is that simple.  

As concerning a candidate like Cornel West and his Justice for All party, it's true he has some great ideas but whether they would be possible to implement if he was president is difficult to say.  To anyone paying attention, the USA is run like a giant corporation, with the President, more than Commander in Chief, is in reality the CEO of USA Inc.  That is the truth of everything we are facing collectively as a nation.  And what a poorly run company the United States is, with a national debt of 28 trillion dollars.  That's nuts!  How will the nation ever get out of debt? It is a question that must be answered but as of yet, not Harris, not anyone is willing to tackle this issue. Welcome to America, everyone! 

Also a comment upon Robert Kennedy Jr and his run for the presidency, something he says he is no longer interested in.  A supporter I talked to hadn't known that he was a junkie into his late 20s.   By now, many have heard about his odd behaviors, and most recently, having an affair with a political reporter on the campaign trail.  Beware of junkies because, as someone who has gotten to know many of them while driving cab, they are folks who can never be completely trusted.  They lie, they deceive, not only you but  themselves.  Do junkies ever make a complete and thorough psychological recovery?  From my extensive experience, I say no, they don't.  My advice to everyone: don't shoot up heroin, not even once.  Last thing you need to be is permanently crazy.  Lou Reed's song, "Heroin," performed while with the Velvet Underground, is a great song, one of Rock &Roll's best but as a lifestyle, it isn't to be recommended.  "Heroin, it's my wife, it's my life," Mister Reed sang.  Not a great marriage. 

My final comment is that, whoever becomes president, the minimum criteria is that they must be reasonably sane.  I know that is a lot to ask of our fellow humans but insane rulers across history have caused incredible damage and misery, Hitler and Stalin being just two of many bad examples.  During Donald's term as president, I twice wrote to the GOP Senate Leader, Mitch O'Connell, expressing my concern that Trump was in early stage psychosis.  His deterioration continues.  I have watched silent footage of him onstage, and find his antics alarming.  Trump is mentally ill.  Why tens of millions of my fellow Americans cannot comprehend the obvious is a mystery.  Do they not understand dysfunctional behavior?   The sad answer may be that when they themselves are dysfunctional, how can they be expected to interpret dysfunctional behavior in someone else?   Maybe impossible is the answer.  How wonderful that isn't.

The Race for WA ST Governor 

Do I like the Democrat candidate, WA ST Attorney General Bob Ferguson, even after voting for him, and now recommending that you too vote for someone I view as a slimy asshole, as opposed to "good cop" Dave Reichert?  I watched as much as could of their first televised debate until I couldn't take it any longer, their snipping and snapping at each other tedious and boring.  

Ferguson is an arrogant bastard, while Reichert, even after more than ten years in Congress, is unpolished, making me wonder how he survived all those years in WA DC.  I watched 3 of his campaign ads in which he blames Ferguson for a series of issues, except there is one big problem with his assertions.  Jay Inslee, and not Ferguson has been governor for the past 12 years.  Reichert might be a bit confused, like mistaking the wrong suspect is a police lineup.  Regardless, Ferguson is going to be the next governor and not Reichert.  

In the primary, I voted for Mark Mullet.  I knew he wouldn't win but Mullet, an owner of four ice cream shops, is certainly a better flavor than Mister Bob "Rocky Road" Ferguson.  And does anyone remember the name Semi Bird?   Bird had the official endorsement of the WA State GOP party but lost in the primary, yet another candidate doomed to be forgotten in the misty fog of history and time.   And thank goodness for that!

The Race for Lt Governor

The GOP candidate, Dan Matthews, a former US Air Force pilot and commercial 747 airlines captain is not going to beat that professional politician Denny Heck, who has been holding public office, since it seems, from kindergarten.  Matthews appears to have some solid ideas and would be a change from Heck, which is why I voted for him.  If Matthews suddenly found himself governor, it would shake up Olympia, and I'm not referring to the kind of earthquake tremors that damaged the Capitol Dome back in 2001.  It would be kind of fun!    

Who do I really recommend?  Write in your favorite comic book character.  When I was a kid I loved Donald Duck.  Or what about writing in both Goofy and Pluto as Governor and Lt Governor?  They are both canines and all the candidates I have mentioned are "dogs."  Sorry.  My apologies to both Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. And also to my childhood companion, Sadie, who was one fast pooch.  She was amazing, her sharp teeth keeping the bill collectors away from our door. 

I've decided to break this up into a Part Three.  With all these candidates and issues, I want everyone to be "clearheaded" when making you choices.  Not like Tina Peters from Mesa County in the State of Colorado who has recently been sentenced to 9 years in prison for violating her official election duties.  You don't want to be like her!  Peters is just one of many Trump supporters who have ended up arrested and sent to jail while he remains free to daily lie to everyone.  One would think that these ill-fated folks would catch on to what is happening.  Maybe they just aren't that smart, something they hold in common with the ex-president.  

This Posting Is Dedicated To The Late Matt Driscoll Of The Tacoma News Tribune: 2024 Election Recommendations, Part One----Never Take Your Ability To Vote For Granted

Dedicated to the Memory of Matt Driscoll, formally of The Seattle Weekly

It is my sad duty to report that a past ally of the Seattle taxi industry, Matt Driscoll, editorial page editor and columnist for the Tacoma News Tribune, died suddenly at his home on July 22, 2024 of what has been described as hypertensive heart disease.  I knew Matt thorough his work at the Seattle Weekly, where he sometimes wrote and reported on our local taxi struggles and me personally.  Just this past June 10th, Matt and I exchanged a friendly email, with Matt commenting that "that not much had changed" for Seattle taxi since his time at the Weekly.  Too true of course but the loss of Matt is not the kind of change the Tacoma News Tribune or the local writing community needed.  His political outlook embraced everyone, whether he agreed with them or not.  He was compassionate and just.  His empathy will be missed by the entire State of Washington.  Goodbye to a good man and writer.  There is a GoFundMe account set up to assist his wife and 3 children.  I donated.  I encourage you to do the same.  

Don't Be A Dolt, Vote!

According to Merriam-Webster, synonyms for dolt, are, in part, numbskull, dimwit, dunce, dullard, ignoramus, doofus, chowderhead, buffoon. lamebrain, clodpoll; all very descriptive nouns of someone who isn't particularly bright.  And given the history of the United States, if you are foolish to the point of taking the privilege of casting a vote for granted, then you too are worthy of another synonym: idiot.  

For those amongst us who could be categorized as "asleep at the wheel," for much of American history, voting rights, and who was allowed to vote, was limited by prejudice, discrimination, racism, misogyny and pure hatred of humanity in general.  Much of this animosity remains, illustrated by the continuing obstacles to voting now put forward by GOP allies and conies, doing everything they can to restrict everyone's right to cast a ballot.  In our nations's early history, only white, male property owners could vote.  I think some would be happy if that still was the prevailing reality, not letting the unwashed rabble have any voice in deciding their own fate. 

Across the globe, a vast percentage of the world's population still have little say when it comes to deciding who governs them.  Here, for the moment, we still share that right to elect who represents us locally, and at the state and Federal government level. Be glad you have this special privilege.  

Back in November 1972, when I was 18, back in Denver, Colorado, I  was thrilled to be able to vote for  George McGovern for President and Patricia Schroeder for Congress.  Schroeder was a great congresswoman, later dubbing Ronald Reagan the "Teflon President" for nothing ever sticking to that not completely honest president.  Regardless of anything, vote this election season.  Make your voice, your vote count! 

And clodpoll is another word for blockhead. Com' on, I know you don't want to known as someone like that!  Be a bright, shining star in our twinkling elective universe.  Vote!

My Recommendations for 2024, National and Local (Seattle, King County, State) Elections, Part One

As I don't see myself moving back to the State of Washington, for economic reasons if nothing else, this will be my last commentary on what, locally in Seattle, will no longer be a concern of mine.  Matt Driscoll, when writing at The Seattle Weekly, commented on my past recommendations, which is how I came to know and appreciate him.  I am listing the WA State Initiatives and the Candidates in the order they are presented on your ballot.  I do not list the candidates who have no opposition, so in that sense there are a few omissions.  I also don't list the candidates that are not in my Broadview/North Seattle district.  I did some small research on all of the candidates I have listed, hopefully implying that my recommendations are based upon fact and not bias or misinformation.  I might, minus argument, hate everybody in general but I try to be selective with my personal perdition. One must be broadminded!

The Statewide Initiatives: Numbers 2066, 2109, 2117, 2124

What is important to know is that these initiatives exist due only to the effort and money from one man, Brian Heywood, a hedge fund executive (worth approximately 25 million dollars), who created "Let's Go Washington," Heywood funding an army of petition gathers to get the initiatives on the ballot.  I will briefly describe each one but I voted against all of them.  Why?  Because, with these initiatives becoming WA ST law,  the over all heath and physical well-being of WA ST residents will be put into jeopardy.  

Is Brian Heywood an evil man, looking to kill his fellow Washingtonians, a kind of mass murderer?  Of course not but money appears to be behind his reasoning, an as usual response of a rich individual seeking to keep as much money as they can in their own pockets.  His pretext is that HE LOVES YOU, you his fellow Washington residents, and by saving him money, you too are saving money regardless of any and all real consequences accompanying an initiative victory.  To everyone who says that there is too much money involved in today's political spectrum, that money can't buy an election, "Let's Go Washington" is a case study.  "Let's Screw Washington" is more like it, and laugh all the way to the bank!

For the sake of brevity, I am only providing the initiative numbers and not their full title.  Also, my explanation will also be brief.  For more detailed information concerning the initiatives and the candidates, please consult the WA ST voter's guide along with doing research online yourself.  What I don't recommend is being lazy, voting all Democrat or GOP while knowing nothing about the person you have used your precious vote on.  Be an informed voter.  All I am providing here is a primer, and not anything that should be regarded as the full story.  

Initiative #2066

If this initiative becomes law, it would prevent local and state officials from barring natural gas ranges and usage in your kitchen.  Why would anyone think of doing that, taking away your ability to fry your breakfast omelette or pancakes with natural gas?  Because countless studies show that the gas is filling your kitchen, thus your lungs, with toxins.  Here in New Mexico, my stove is fueled by propane, which probably isn't much better than natural gas.  Before voting either yes or no, I encourage everyone to examine all the science regarding this.  If I end up living here permanently, I will go solar and everything, stove, water heater, heating, will be electric.  Yes, gas is great for cooking but do you want to be limiting your life expectancy while frying that steak?  Maybe not.

Initiative #2119

What this does is repeals the Capital Gains Tax on certain earning above $250,000.  This is a fat cat's money grab, something most of us will not have to worry about.  The reason the State of WA needs this kind of revenue is because there is no state income tax.  And this year, the WA ST House and Senate passed a bill prohibiting the State from implementing a state income tax though there were no plans to do that in the first place.  

Everybody wants a free ride!  Who wants to pay for anything?  No one is the answer but at the same time everyone wants paved roads, police protection, etc.  Does anyone want to pay for all these services?  No, it should be free, allowing everyone to eat at MacDonald's every night, go to Seahawks games with all that money they no longer have to provide to local and state governments.  And Brian Heywood will keep getting richer and richer.  But he will be eating at the Canlis Restaurant, sipping one-thousand dollar a bottle vintage wines.  You, you'll be drinking Bud Light!  Ha! Ha!

 Initiative #2117

Heywood says he believes in carbon-based climate change then laughs, and chuckles, "produce more oil!"  What this initiative does is prohibits the carbon tax credits that are at the center of the 2021 State of WA Climate Commitment Act (CCA), embracing a goal of reducing emissions by 95% by 2050.  Ask all the current flood victims in the American SE battered by Hurricane Helene if they believe in carbon-influenced weather alterations?  

What has happened since the CCA was passed is that BIG OIL is passing on the costs to the WA ST driver at the gas pump.  In some recent publicity stunts, Heywood has given individual gas stations $1000.00 to temporarily lower the gasoline to $2.99.9 per gallon to make his point that Governor Jay Inslee is to blame for the high cost of gasoline, discrediting the effort toward reducing car-based emissions.  What Heywood is ignoring, along with many others, is that much of the high taxes related to gas prices in Washington is due to an unbalanced funding system filling state coffers.  The money to provide basic services has to come from somewhere.  From Heywood's personal pockets?  No, no, that can't happen!

Initiative #2124

The goal of this initiative is to allow workers to opt out of the WA Cares Act, a kind of State of Washington supplement to, if you will, to Federal Social Security programs, acting as an aid to cover future medical and nursing home costs. The automatic contribution from a paycheck is 0.58 percentage points.  For some historical context, the GOP is still furious with FDR's creation of Social Security way back in August 14th, 1935.  As anyone knows, medical costs of all kinds in the USA and the State of WA continue to rise.  Having a "nest egg" to cover those costs is not a bad idea.  

Here is what you will read if you open the WA Cares Act website:

"Helping You Cover Your Tomorrows"

The WA Cares Fund ensures all working Washingtonians can earn access to long-term care when they need it."

All this sounds good, at a VERY minimum cost.  Not unlike the Russian serf during the reign of Catherine the Great during the 18th Century, where the Russian peasantry were expected to work and then die all for the benefit of the landed gentry and royalty, Heywood wants YOU to remain complacent, and when falling ill, suffer, unable to pay the bills.   His objection to the WA Cares Act is political, holding a grudge against government-mandated assistance programs.  What happens to you the worker, he has no real concern. That's his bottom line.

And concerning Heywood, do you have any idea what a Hedge Fund is and what it does?  Investigate and perhaps understand that Hedge Funds might be the worst instrument of the Capitalistic Economic model governing our lives.  What I am hinting at, is that Heywood very likely is not your friend.  If you think he is, call him and ask for one of those 1000 dollar bills he is handing out.  Tell him you need the money to fill up your gas guzzling GIANT pick-up truck you have no good reason to be driving. 

NEXT WEEK: Part Two----the Candidates and Seattle Proposition # 1

   

A Taxi Dream & King County Licensing's Difficulties

A Dream this Morning

I should have written it down sooner, this vivid dream of driving my cab, with barely any time to spare and I was off to Europe but first I had this fare to serve before I could go.  Everything was fine, and even a Seattle freeway entrance ramp new to me magically appeared, allowing a quick arrival to my passenger's destination, an address I knew because this passenger is someone in waking reality I know well, his usual routine a roundtrip from 6th Ave S and Yesler Way to the Broadway and Union QFC.  

In the dream, we were talking about the fare, no, forty not enough, sixty no, how about eighty dollars? a kind of funny, unusual conversation with an odd, difficult passenger I always tried to avoid because his fussiness was maniacal, not sane, his grip unrelenting.  Now here I have him residing in my dreaming hours, not quite haunting, this time generous.  And did I make it to my flight in time?  I think so, flying off into the sky far, far away from that nightmarish land that is Taxi.  And madness.  And everything else I wish I had avoided. 

A Friend's Telephone Call this Morning

alerted me to a dilemma of him being told by King County Licensing that, according to them, his six months driving Uber/Lyft didn't exist, so "sorry" you're out of luck, but Uber/Lyft  "said they sent you the paperwork" but no, we don't see it.  Turns out my friend, who is driving TNC because his taxi was destroyed by some reckless fool in January, confused King County by remaining an actively licensed medallion holder.  Or something like that.  

I made some telephone calls.  Sent some emails, one not completely nice and, praise the Taxi! not the Uber gods, I got a positive email in response and my friend a productive telephone call saying "Come on down tomorrow, we got it figured out."  That he lost 1 1/2 weeks of income of Seahawk football and other prime opportunities is something that cannot be retrieved.  I could say more but I am tired.  Yesterday I hiked for five straight hours.  Today I walked 2 1/4 hours in the Black Range.  I think I am getting into some kind of basketball shape.  Watch out fellas, I am ready to raise hell on the court!

Taxi Potpourri

 Mem Shannon---"A Cab Driver's Blues"

Mem Shannon was a cab driver in New Orleans, who also played the guitar, and back in 1995, he put out a record/CD.   It is great.  Interspersed between the songs are conversations Shannon recorded of passengers in his cab.  Anyone who has driven cab can identify with what is going on in his cab.  Track 9, "The Miserable Bastard," is my favorite, Shannon recording this asshole of a lawyer in the backseat.  God! the crap people say to cabbies.  It is ridiculous!  Gert Town/Rykodisc Records.  Every cabbie should listen to this even if you are not a fan of the blues. 

"I'm a taxicab driver and I have problems...." he sings.  "There has to be a better way, if my luck ever changes I'm gonna quit this cab business some day."   "Boy! Boy! Boy! what a life!"

He is now out of the cab and touring and making records.  Good for him.  I just heard the conversation again with that lawyer.  Painful!  Yeah, he's a complete bastard.  I've had too many like him in my cab, insulting, revolting people, oblivious to the crap spewing out of their mouths.  

Fucked Uber!

A cabbie friend sent me an U-Tube video about 7 cabbies who put their smart phones on a table and watched how they were being offered different rates for the same fares.  What was, and is happening, is that Uber is controlling the algorithms governing its app.  Uber is obviously discriminatory.  I noticed it when I worked the few Uber months I did.  Some of my friends are making great money driving TNC, others not.  "What is going on, they ask?"  As I will always say, Uber is immoral. 

Crazy Seattle Traffic

I don't miss it.  And to think I once averaged 5000 miles a month on those congested, hilly streets. KIRO News reports that Seattle has the second worst congestion and the third worst traffic among 49 measured major Metro areas.  Los Angeles ranks first.  About six months ago some fool Seattle Times columnist wrote that traffic hadn't reach pre-pandemic levels.  Of course I knew he wasn't driving in it for a living everyday.  Most of Seattle-generated opinion ain't worth shit!  And you can quote me.

Bullshit Bus Lane Violation Misreported 

Changing my car insurance here in NM, I was shocked to find a moving violation from April 11, 2022 listed on my driving record from Progressive, of course raising my rates up.  I could not figure it out until I called the reporting agency and discovered some fool in Seattle miscoded the violation, with it showing up as a moving traffic violation.  My WA State MVR is clear.   I called the City of Seattle to complain and got some idiot who knew nothing and who hung up on me.   Nothing new when it comes to incompetent Seattle.  Dysfunction City is what it is.  I will be getting it removed but it is taking some effort.  SCREW SEATTLE!

New York City Taxi In 1924 & 9th US Circuit Court Of Appeals Uber Decision & Poem: "The Taxis" By Louis MacNeice

NYC Taxi Fare War 1924

One hundred years ago, taxi fares dropped from 30 cents a mile to 20 cents a mile, encouraging a huge increase in ridership and traffic congestion.  Taxicab ridership in August 1924 was averaging 300,000 passengers daily in New York City.  NYC population that year was 10, 943,000.  Some cabbies were complaining that the new rates were too low.  

Here is a list of monthly average taxi expenses for the NYC cabbie in 1924:

Car payment                 $132.00

Garage rent                   $25.00

Insurance                      $30.00

Gas & Oil                     $50.00

Tires                              $35.00 

Repairs                         $15.00

Association Dues.        $5.00

Total                             $301.00

___________________________________

Back in 1924, that was a lot of money.  Taxi overhead has always been high.  A rough estimate of my monthly taxi expenses, counting dispatch fees, insurance, gasoline was about $2000. per month.  That's why it always felt I was working myself to death.  Being a lease driver was a breeze.  Initially, way back in 1987, my entire weekend taxi lease was $100.00.  Even later at Yellow Cab, at first, I think the lease was $160.00. per weekend.  Later it was $200.00 per 48 hour weekend and still quite the bargain.  I normally had my lease and gasoline paid for by 7 AM Saturday, leaving the rest of the time to roll in the money. And gasoline was cheap, averaging 90 cents a gallon in 1987.  

Appeals Court Ruling 

Friday, a 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals panel, in a 2-1 decision, ruled that in the case of State of Washington liability laws, Uber owes "a duty of care" to its drivers.  This case involved the December 13th, 2020 murder of Uber driver Cherno Ceesay, stabbed to death in an apparent carjacking attempt by his Uber dispatched passengers.  This is a big deal.  If the ruling holds, big bad Uber will be liable for millions of dollars in this case and others.  I encourage everyone to search for articles concerning this decision. 

Taxi Poem by the Irish Poet Louis MacNeice 

MacNeice is a long time favorite and influence of mine.  He was born in Belfast in 1907.  Here is a strange, funny poem about taxis.  Please note: there are four stanzas with no double space in each stanza but my computer will not allow me to eliminate the double spacing hence the small line earmarking the next stanza.  Got that!?   Damn computer! and damn my lack of computer skills!

The Taxis

In the first taxi he was alone tra-la,

No extras on the clock. He tipped ninepence

But the cabby, while he thanked him, looked askance

As though someone had bummed a ride.

___

In the second taxi he was alone tra-la

But the clock showed sixpence extra; he tipped accordingly

and the cabby from his muffler said: 'Make sure

You have left nothing behind tra-la between you.

___

In the third taxi he was alone tra-la

But the tip-up seats were down and there was an extra 

Charge of one-and -sixpence and an odd

Scent that reminded him of a trip to Cannes.

___

As for the fourth taxi, he was alone

Tra-la when he hailed it but the cabby looked

Through him and said: 'I can't tra-la well take

So many people, not to speak of the dog.'

___________________________________

Odd piece of poetry.  I can only wish that the invisible dog would have growled at the cabby.  The clock mentioned is the term for the taxi meter.  On a personal note, my ex-wife, back when she was 14, studied dance in Cannes with the famous and not always nice Maria Tallchief. 

Folks, I Am Still Paying Attention: Murderer Of Cabbie Nick Hokema Had His Preliminary Hearing August 12th & Uber Up To Its Old Tricks

 Finally the Trial is Beginning

I'm back to let everyone know that finally, the US Army soldier, Private Jonathan Kang Lee, faced a preliminary hearing on August 12th at the Fort Lewis Army base.   He is charged with the following offenses: murder, resisting arrest, wrongful use of a controlled substance and failure to obey a lawful order.  As some of you might remember, Lee has already previously been sentenced to 64 years in prison for child rape.  This time he was in shackles and escorted by four Army police officers.  Too little too late.  Hokema's surviving girlfriend keeps asking the question as to why hadn't Lee been held in custody prior to his rape trial.  Going AWOL, knowing he was facing a life sentence, is when he encountered Hokema, stabbing him multiple times in the chest. 

Unfortunately, that is all I can report due to almost no continuing media coverage of the case.  Seattle's KOMO News was the only media outlet covering the hearing.  Craig Sailor, a reporter from the Tacoma News Tribune, told me in an email that his news editor told him not to do any further reporting until there is a conviction.  At least you know that I will keep my reporting up to date concerning this.  At least you and I know why this case is so important.

Uber is Not Nice

That has been obvious for over ten years now, with Uber showing their true colors once again.  I could say they are black and white, the colors of that favorite smelly weasel, the skunk, but I don't want to insult those noble animals by associating them with evil Uber.  

This is what is happening in Nevada.  Uber continues to face multiple lawsuits across the nation pertaining to the many sexual assault lawsuits connected to Uber operators.  Using the state of Nevada as their starting point, they are sponsoring a petition drive to limit lawyer contingency fees to 20%.  Uber created a PAC called "Nevadans for Fair Recovery" but that's a misnomer as Uber is the sole financial backer, funding the petition drive with a cool five million dollars.

What all this is concerning are the fees lawyers are allowed to earn when successfully winning a suit filed by a victim against a big company like Uber.  Normally the lawyers are rewarded as much as 40% of any settlement.  Since this relates to Nevada, call if a kind of gamble on the lawyer's part.  Lose a case, regardless of time and money spent, and the attorney gets nothing.   What Uber is hoping for is to chase away any lawyer thinking of taking on cases threatening Uber.   As I keep saying, Uber is immoral.  Who can argue with that assessment? 

What Have I Been Doing Instead of Driving Crazy Taxi? 

Walking deep into the Gila Wilderness.  What is so amazing is that I have yet to meet another hiker, meaning I am all alone to enjoy the wild surrounding me.  Today's trail was lined with big yellow "sunflower-like" blossoms.  Damn its beautiful around here.  Try SW New Mexico.  You might like it.

A PS:

Late this afternoon I took a walk deep into the Gila National Forest.  Again, 1 1/2 hours in the same direction and no one but me.  I did come across the remains of a fawn, proving how wild this area is.  It was new to the trail, because I was there five days ago.  Where  I have been walking is part of an effort called the "Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Area" so perhaps a wolf snacked on the young deer.  I composed this haiku after coming upon the animal, or what was left of it.   The Mexican Wolf is an endangered species, with about 300 left in the wild, 45 of those are in Mexico. 

5       A fawn's head and hooves 

7      festers in the sun.  Black ants

5      finishing the meal.

________________________

Nature, and life itself, can be quite brutal.  Coming across the animal stirred much emotion.  I could smell its rotting flesh.  I kicked the remains off the trail.  The air was warm.  The sky a pleasant blue. The trail rocky and dusty.  Welcome to life, and death.  Welcome to Southwest New Mexico.  

Very Unhealthy Taxi

Since Leaving Taxi, I Have Dropped 20 Pounds

My normal adult weight has been about 155 pounds.  Toward the end of my cab driving days, I weighted nearly 200 pounds or even beyond that, underlining how unhealthy of an occupation it is.  And it isn't that I was chomping down cheeseburgers or not exercising.  I eat lots of fresh vegetables and usually walk 1-2 miles daily.  Still, given what taxi is, none of my efforts were good enough.  Unfortunately, other issues also came up, telling me it was time to quit. 

Back in 2018 when I still had my Tacoma, Washington condominium, I was making a once a week 60 mile roundtrip commute that encompassed nearly nine years.  Added to my monthly 5000 miles in the cab, my body began objecting, my liver, kidneys, abdomen and urinary tract telling me they were no longer happy with what I was doing, the stress of too many hours in the cab weakening my usually strong body.  Part of the issue was my cab driving style.  To call me relentless is apt, pushing the taxi envelope each weekend with 20-22 hour long days.  I made the big money but it was obviously killing me.  Even with taking Monday through Fridays off, and getting plenty of sleep, it wasn't enough to counteract the physical reality of beating myself to death. 

After selling my condo, I moved back into Seattle but that wasn't enough to counteract the damage already done.  In a real sense, I was continually re-patching the worn out tire that was my body.  It wasn't something that could continue.  And after I sold my medallion, and sampled the world that is Uber, the results were the same.  I made great money but my body kept asking me, "What the hell are you doing to me?"

Now that I am no longer in Seattle, and living in a very rural setting, the advantages are many.  There is no traffic, no noice, no gunshots, no road rage.  Unless I need to go into Silver City for shopping, which is 25 miles west of me on State Route 152, usually my miles are confined to my favorite walking area nine miles away down on road on NM State Highway 35.  It is a straight shot, taking me through farmland to the Nature Conservancy Preserve.  The traffic is minimal, often not meeting another car the entire way.   

Today I drove further west, doing a hike that took me on part of the Continental Divide Trail.  It was wonderful.  Only me and some very spectacular scenery.  After that, continuing down Route 35,  I soaked at the Gila River Hot Springs, $8.00 for a day pass.  I watched four hawks soaring overhead.  I jumped into the Gila River to cool off.   

All this is so much better, and much healthier than crazy taxi.  Taxi is brutal, like doing 10 rounds in a heavyweight boxing match.  Boom! Bang! Biff!  No thank you, folks, no thank you. 

 

In Retrospect, A Perspective: Is Driving A Cab Averaging 5000 Miles Per Month Reasonable Or Sane

Too Many Miles

My rationale for additional blog missives is a winding down of an experience encompassing over 36 years of my life, from the ages 33 to 69.  While yes, many of my taxi years were only part-time or confined to long weekends, taxi still dominated my psyche, with most identifying me as a cabbie and little else, which explains why it remains intact in my overall consciousness.  

Am I glad I gave so much time to taxi?  No, not at all, viewing it as a regrettable waste of my time and life.  And how does driving over 5000 miles per month in sometimes heavy and irritating Seattle and King County traffic making any sense whatsoever?  

For comparison, by hopping on I-90, you can drive its full length of 3,000, 030.2 miles taking you all the way to Boston.  Coming back, another 2000 miles driving west will have you entering the great state of Montana.  Folks, that's the equivalent of what I did every month for years on end.  At least on I-90 it is a straight shot, with no stop signs.  In Seattle it was up and down the hills in often dense traffic while avoiding even denser drivers.   

It was an insane experience.  Add the too often dumbbell passengers and there you have the ultimate deranged world that is taxi.  While yes, the money was good but if I had been wiser and gotten the required papers, getting my MA and PHD, as a licensed Clinical Psychologist I would have been charging $100-200.00 per hour.  

As a cabbie, I have sometimes averaged $100.00 an hour and, brothers and sisters, it adds up quickly.  Instead, I could have sat in a cozy office, books and artwork on the walls, Mozart wafting through the air, making real money while at the same time actually assisting people who required serious interventions.  

Instead, I very efficiently plied the streets, getting folks on time to their flights when it seemed to be an impossibility.  30% of everything I made came by way of tips.   People liked my driving, impressed with my skills.  But was it a complete waste of my time and talent?  Undeniably, it was.

A Real Business Opportunity: A Tri-City Taxi Cab Company Comprising the New Mexico Cities Of Las Cruces, Deming And Silver City

A Kind of Advertisement

I am writing this as a public service for the good people living in this part of Southwest New Mexico who need and want alternative forms of transportation.  Perhaps there is ample TNC (Uber/Lyft) coverage in Las Cruces, a city of over 113,000 residents but not in Deming, population 15,000, and Silver City, just under 10,000 folks.  

Las Cruces no longer has a cab company, which makes it a logical choice to base a company serving all three cities.  El Paso, Texas, population over 677,000, and its major airport, is only 46 miles away on I-10.  With proper promotion and advertising, I could envision a lucrative business running folks to the airport from Las Cruces and the other towns.  

How many cabs would one want to begin with?  I suggest a minimum of 10, initially basing 6 cabs in Las Cruces, and 2 each in Deming and Silver City.  For such a small company, radio-based dispatch would be adequate but making sure you have 24-dispatch coverage, if nothing else to take early morning time calls.  

As to rates, they must be competitive with Uber while covering insurance costs.  What do I think the initial cost of investment would be for 10 new cars (don't be cheap), insurance and setting up dispatch?  A minimum of $500.000.  How would the drivers get paid?  I would suggest starting off with an hourly salary plus 25% of fares in additional to any tips that the drivers would keep in total for themselves.  

Again, with proper promotion, I think anyone would recoup their initial investment within one year.  A General Manager would be necessary, someone also serving as Cab Superintendent and Day-Time dispatcher.   I think the possibilities for success are unlimited.  My only warning is that this kind of venture is not for rookies unfamiliar with the taxicab industry.  Savvy cab veterans need only dip their toes in this kind of market.  If I won the lottery I would finance it but not run it.  Anyone but me.  

Poem Concerning The Mimbres River & Anyone Want To Start A Cab Service in Silver City, NM?

 Walking to the Rio Mimbres After a Fast, Heavy Rain---7:21 PM on a July Evening

That light!---a sunny glow illuminating bright green a leafy post-cloud burst canopy---leaves and branches damp along the path brushing my shoulders.  

A shallow reach takes me across into more woods when, suddenly ahead, a surprise in the bushy clearing---"Who is that looking at me?"---a large elk, then more, a family, perhaps thirty to forty calves, adults, their dinner now interrupted racing, fleeing west.

Now alone but not---moist grassy scents filling nose and lungs, eyes and brain relieved, caressed by emotions minus any and all necessary thinking and talking.   

__________________________________________________

For anyone wondering what I am doing and are doing, here is an answer.  Where I am is the Mimbres River valley surrounded by high desert hills and mountains still verdant in the piercing, nearing mid-July sunshine. 

Taxi Opportunity in Silver City, New Mexico?  Not for Me but Perhaps for You

The local librarian, when finding out that I had driven cab, responded, in an almost pleading tone, 'We need taxis in Silver City."  She didn't know about the lone Uber/Lyft driver I had mentioned months ago.  Its clear some kind of local and reliable transportation would be helpful in a city of nearly 10,000 occupants.  I know nothing about local regulations or what insurance might cost.  The town has Western New Mexico University and is a tourist destination.  Housing especially is much cheaper than Seattle.  I could see how it would work.  Two cabs would be workable.  But not me, no, not me.  Maybe for you to venture in the sunny and hot New Mexico blue. 

Short And Sour, Bitter Not Sweet, This Deranged Cabbie Is Signing Off Down the Street

Yes, folks, this could be, or is my last blog missive to the taxicab universe.  It's been fun chatting with you all but time is time and time to change my mind and life, enough of taxi cutting my inner fibers like a sharp knife.  No more fighting traffic, or telling passengers no, no, no, this is not the way I'm gonna go.  No one truly listens, either cabbie or fare, and no, brother and sister, I don't want you grabbing my underwear.  The money was good, the rest insane so now is the time to rest and resuscitate my brain.  Hello, goodbye, hello, goodbye, I depart with a sigh, with a crocodile tear in my eye.  So long taxi, not sure if it was good to know ya but I am gone minus any poetic song, not much was right with the majority wrong!

Dennis Roberts' Last Donation To Seattle Children's Hospital & "Gypsy" Operators Hounding P-91

His Last Twenty Dollars

Dennis was well known, famous even, for his donation activities for Children's Hospital.  Going through his belongings one last time, I found $20.00.  Thinking it the most appropriate gesture, his twenty dollars was donated to the hospital.  It wasn't my money.  I couldn't keep it.  If Dennis is watching, I hope it made him happy. 

P-91 Shenanigans 

KOMO News reported that "rogue" or "gypsy" operators are grabbing cruise ship fares at P-91.  It is only news to those unfamiliar with the practice, something occurring for years at Coleman Dock, King Street Station, and Piers 66, 69 and 91.  Drivers were complaining they are losing their customers to these "eager beaver" operators.  While that isn't good, the real issue is the transportation of passengers minus insurance, endangering every one involved.  Of course regulators and enforcement officers have long been aware of this practice but what have they done to stop it?  Exactly zero is the answer.  They might protest but it's completely true.  The "gypsies" are not hiding in plain sight.  In fact they instead make themselves well known and visible, fully aware there is no one around to stop them.  When you don't care, you don't care.  Only thing stopping all this will be a fatality accident.  Short of that, nothing will change, blood on the highway perhaps gaining everyone's attention.  I can hear the wailing now but it will be too late.  Someone will die and the Port of Seattle and King County will be to blame.  Will these officials lose any sleep over it?  Hand them a pillow because we all know the answer. 

Post Script 06/20/ 2024 7:12 PM

Sorting through boxes I found a subpoena request, # 100069126, for Bellevue, Washington Police Chief Steve Mylett, dated  11/11/2020.  The subpoena was denied.  I can't remember what bullshit excuse I was provided.  The situation I was asking explanation for was the parking ticket I received for having a taxi parked on a Bellevue Street.  I remember writing about this when it happened because Bellevue has a truly outrageous law regarding taxis.  Bellevue outlaws anyone from parking their taxicab within the city limits.  Even if you own a house in Bellevue, you can not park your cab in front of the house without risk of the car being ticketed.  And insult to injury, I was dozing off in the cab, waiting for a bell when the parking enforcement officer ticketed me.  What a chickenshit act!  

Ah yes, those wonderful days driving cab!  As I wrote recently, no one told me that simply by stepping behind a cab's steering wheel, I was deemed a criminal and dalit (Untouchable).  Bellevue that autumn day underlined that, telling, minus any doubt, what I and every other cabbie are: pure garbage to be tossed away in society's rubbish bin.  Ain't it nice, not so culturally sweet sugar and spice!

The law, the City of Bellevue City code is 11.23.026:

"The operator of a for-hire vehicle shall not stop. stand, or park such vehicle upon any street at any place other than a designated taxicab stand.  This provision shall not prevent the operator of a for-hire vehicle from temporarily stopping in accordance with other stopping, standing, and parking regulations at place for the purpose of and while actually engaged in the expeditious loading and unloading of passengers.  This provision does not apply to vehicles or companies that have leases or other such agreements with the city for use of its right of way."

Who wrote this crap!  Nice to know that they will let the cab driver drop off their passengers.  This is so insulting that it is beyond belief.  

And by the way, the City of Bellevue does not have any designated taxicab stands.  Isn't that funny?

 

 

The Reasons Why Behind The Seattle Taxi Industry's Current Deficiency And Overall Malaise

Did I, or do I think, given the opportunity shown by the Ottawa cab's class-action victory over the City of Ottawa, that Seattle's surviving taxi associations and drivers would embrace the moment, saying "Yes, we can do it too!"---righting the wrongs that were jammed down our throats?  Knowing the past 37 year history of Seattle cab and the many individuals involved, of course I knew the response would instead be apathy and denial.  The reality is that no energy or impetus exists to get this kind of class-action lawsuit into motion, even though the potential positive monetary outcome could be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. 

Then what is wrong, what is occurring in the collective brains that encompass the local taxi industry?  For the drivers, it is inertia, never competently understanding taxi's potential and how their attitudes, good and bad, affect outcomes.  For ownership, it has been a combination of greed and contentment, greed as in taking every possible dollar out minus any return back while remaining content to sit atop all the money made, the old "fat and happy" syndrome.  Even when the BYG Co-op (Seattle Yellow Cab) owners were making $1000.00 per cab per month, one multiple medallion owner pushed for even more profitability, the $200,000 plus he was raking in annually off the sweat and toil of the hardworking drivers simply not enough for him.  

Adding it all up, you get the answer as to why no one is going hold the City of Seattle accountable for their evil deeds, having freely allowed Uber and Lyft to operate illegally starting in 2012.  I care but I am only one person.  If I was remaining in Seattle, I would put some real effort to making the lawsuit a reality.  But since I am not going to be here, it is up to others to move forward.  As I just explained why, it isn't going to happen.  The assholes that nearly destroyed Seattle's taxi industry will not be held liable or made answerable for what they did.  That is the way it is going to be, full stop.  I hope you have a good and happy Summer. 

A Letter Of Apology From The Seattle Police Circa 2014 & For-Hire Drivers Lying To Chase Bank & Busy In Kyoto, Japan & What Class-Action Lawsuit?

During this month's sorting and packing for my move to New Mexico, I discovered a letter of apology I frankly forgot about.  As any Seattle cabbie will tell you, they have been targeted by the SPD for years, with too many cab drivers losing their ability to work due to a vicious campaign minus any real explanation as to why.  That's why I always have encouraged my fellow taxi comrades to be very proactive when issued a ticket.  Many who haven't gone this route are either no longer driving or paying inflated insurance rates.  

As this letter illustrates, I never gave up when I was ticketed.  Too often, like this citation, no violation occurred.  The reality is that an Uber driver was let into the intersection just before I entered, making the traffic stop even more nonsensical, without justification.  But when you are hated, this kind of crap happens.  

The apology was appreciated but it cost me money for no good reason whatsoever.  As usual, I utilized the lawyer Doug Silva to get the ticket dismissed.  When I started driving cab all those years ago, someone failed to tell me that suddenly I had become a criminal.  I didn't know it then.  I certainly know it now.  

Your Letter to SPD Police Chief, dated 10-16-14

Dear Mr. Blondo,

I have been forwarded the letter that you sent to Chief O'Toole, dated 10-16-14, where you describe an interaction you had with a SPD officer.  I am a supervisor in the PSD Traffic Section and I am very familiar with the intersection that you describe as well as the traffic patterns during Seahawk games.

I would like to apologize to you that your interaction was not a pleasant one.  I would also like to state that you were indeed correct about Yellow Cab having a contract with the Amtrak Station to pick up train customers. The officer was obviously unaware of this contractual agreement.  I have spoken to the officer and have informed him that he should have allowed you safe access into the Amtrak Station and should not have issued the citation.  I will also be addressing the issue with all the officers who will be at the traffic section roll call before the next Seahawks game.  It is my hope that this will clear up any misunderstandings and the taxis will be allowed to enter the Amtrak Station on a game day.

As far as the citation that was issued, unfortunately, it has already been processed and is not under my control.  I suggest that you avail yourself of the opportunity to see the magistrate (Option 1 or 2 on the back of the citation). Feel free to print out a copy of this email and show it to the magistrate.

Again, I apologize for the inconvenience and it is my hope that your future interactions with Seattle Police officers will be more pleasant.  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention so that it could be corrected and will hopefully not happen again.  Please do not hesitate to call, if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,

Sergeant Richard F. O'Neill, 

Seattle Police Department, Traffic Section, Tom 3 Squad 

__________________________________________________-

Yes, a remarkable letter, marking the second I received from local police authorities.  The first came from King County Sheriff Sue Rahf, providing a personal letter of apology after one of her Metro Under-cover officers chased me while I had two passengers in the cab. I have also received a third letter from the then-acting Chief Diaz but one I never opened due to my anger over an officer's perjury.  Perhaps one day I will open it but I will never forgive the cop for lying.  That kind of venal retribution is unforgivable.

But some good news is that Sue Rahf is back in active law enforcement, as she is now the interim Seattle Chief of Police.  There she will remain until a new Chief is named.  

Very DUMB! Eastside for Hire drivers

That these six guys are still driving at Sea-Tac is beyond me.  They should be suspended if not charged with felonies.  The situation is this.  King County has informed all the renegade drivers working the airport that they must be operating beneath the legal umbrella of an association.  Of course they call knew this but were ignoring paying association dues.  KC told them to pay up or get out of the airport.  Unbelievably, six Eastside-For Hire owners got it into their brains to report their payments were somehow fraudulent, unauthorized by them.  Unreal!  This set off a bunch of disjointed reactions from Chase Bank, making a bad situation far worse.  Accounts have been frozen, etc.  While Chase admitted their errors, weeks are required to get everything back to normal.  King County regulators should not let these scoundrels get away with this.  Teach these fools a lesson they will never forget.  Suspend them. Fine them. Kick their butts!

No Rest for Kyoto Cabbies

In part due to a weaker Yen, tourists are flooding Japan with their bodies and money.  One Kyoto cabbie says he is so busy, he won't be taking any time off, making the easy money while he can.  Good move, is what I say.

Doubtful Concerning any lawsuit

Short of me winning the lottery, there will be no lawsuit against the City of Seattle and its complicity in allowing Uber to illegally operate in Seattle in the years 2012-2014.  All the Seattle cabbies (and association management) are frozen in place.  They are not moving forward.  Nothing is going to happen.

Murder Suspect Lee Finally Charged With The Killing of Lacey Cabbie Nick Hokema & Are You Prepared To File A Class-Action Lawsuit?

Jonathan Kang Lee was Charged with the Premeditated Murder of Cabbie Nicholas Hokema

It look over five months but finally the US Army has charged the prime (and only suspect), Specialist Lee, with the murder of Lacey, Washington RediCab driver, Nick Hokema.  In addition to murder, Lee has also been charged with robbery, resisting arrest, desertion, wrongful use of a controlled substance and two counts of failure to obey a lawful order.  In the various news reports I have read, I think one of them reported that he is facing the death penalty.  Whatever the consequences, it is unlikely that Lee will ever be released from prison, having already been sentenced for 64 years for sexually assaulting two children.  Both the sexual crimes and the murder occurred off-base, making it somewhat unusual that he was tried in a military and not in a civilian court.  This trend continues.  

The news I am waiting for is the announcement of a settlement with Hokema's survivors. By not keeping Lee in custody while awaiting trial for the sex crimes, the US Army clearly holds some legal liability for Hokema's murder.  There is not any real reason why Nick Hokema isn't alive today other than the US Army's incompetence in their pretrial approach to Lee.  The Army should have known better.  And hopefully, now they do.

Is Everyone Ready to Sue the City of Seattle?

Last week's blog post concerning the Ottawa, Canada lawsuit generated some interest and readership but will it encourage active participation is something I of yet can't answer.  I believe this time we have a much more winnable issue than when we sued King County over Green Cab medallion issuance.  At least one person believes it could be viable.  I certainly believe it holds that potential.  If anyone is interested in getting together with other cabbies and talking about it, please send me an email and I will try to organize something.  jbyello@yahoo.com.  Include your telephone number.

Why The Ottawa Metro Taxi Lawsuit Win Against The City Of Ottawa ( And Uber) Is So Important & Yellow Paint Doesn't Make A Car A Taxi & A Final Appreciation & An Editor's Apology

Following Ottawa's Lead, Should Every American and Canadian Taxicab Company Sue Uber and their Home City? 

This quote from the judge making the ruling, Superior Court Justice Marc Smith, essentially says it all: "Uber was a bandit taxi company."  Smith found that the City of Ottawa "was negligent in enforcing its own taxi bylaws from 2014 until changes were made in 2016 to account for the growing presence of ride-hailing companies like Uber."

What is interesting about this lawsuit, and what makes it potentially a harbinger of future lawsuits against cities, like the City of Seattle, who were clearly complicit in letting Uber and Lyft operate illegally within their municipal borders, is that it shows that victory, the righting of wrongs, is possible.  All anyone has to do is to begin shifting through the evidence that exists in public records.  We know that Uber was operating illegally in Seattle for over two years.  The investigation begins there.

There is also perhaps an untold story both in Ottawa and other cities, and that is one of Uber's influence peddling.  At the 2016 Davos, Switzerland World Economic Forum, no less a prominent political entity than then US Vice-President Biden, made positive reference to Uber in his speech to that most powerful gathering of world and financial leaders.  Just prior to Biden's endorsement, who had just held a private chat with the Vice-President?  None other than Uber's CEO at the time, Travis Kalanick.  Why, back in 2014, did Jim Watson, the Ottawa mayor, claim that Uber was only a technology company, thus not subject to existing rules governing transportation companies?   Why did Seattle mayor Ed Murray suddenly reverse himself from taxi ally to Uber supporter?   It has been a question I have always hoped would someday be answered.

Here are three more quotes from Judge Smith:

"Uber provided transportation services to customers for compensation, and for two years, it refused to comply with the City's regulations."

"Uber was permitted to defy the law openly for two years without suffering any consequences whatsoever.  On the other hand, because of Uber's blatant disregard of the law, the plaintiffs suffered."

"A multinational giant was invading Ottawa, and because of the city's unpreparedness and its lack of effort to develop a plan to enforce the 2012 by-law, the city's enforcement efforts against the Uber drivers were ineffective." 

One interesting note is that Smith has deferred the $215 million judgement to a later date.  Hopefully the cabbies will be getting their money soon.  One driver was quoted as saying his earning have been cut in half since Uber's arrival.  I can believe that.  

Back in 2014, I advised BYG (Seattle Yellow Cab) to sue the City of Seattle, just like Ottawa's Metro Taxi did.  It can still be done.  We too can win a huge judgement against the City of Seattle.  We can still kick Uber's butt.  It can be done.  It only takes the will to do it.  

But in reality do I think it will happen?  No, because PSD's current General Manager would oppose it even though he personally would receive part of any settlement, just like I would.  But it really isn't a question of money.  It is more about justice and accountability.  Mayor Murray, along with Sally Clark and the other Seattle City Council members, murdered Seattle's taxi industry.  That wasn't nice.  I was there in the council chambers when the vote was taken. I will never forget that moment.  I will never forgive them. 

The Seattle Times Headline read: "Woman killed in taxicab crash near Pioneer Square; truck driver arrested"

The big problem here is that a taxi wasn't involved in this fatality accident.  A yellow-colored Prius, minus lettering and toplight, was rear-ended by a truck, directly impacting three passengers seated in the back, killing one of them.   The accident, in a more comprehensive report released by KOMO News, displayed multiple photographs clearly showing a yellow Toyota Prius minus any lettering or regalia signifying it as a taxicab.  Not having a toplight is a clear giveaway that it was a TNC (Uber or Lyft) app operated vehicle.  Now there is a very good chance that the car was once a Yellow Cab though obviously not any longer.  If the reporters had bothered to take a closer look, they would have noticed that the car bore neither a City or County issued medallion plate located next to the license plate.  

The reason why all this is significant is the long bias directed against cabbies and their taxicabs. Despite the headline, I am guessing that if a poll of readers were taken, nearly 50% of them would say that somehow the cab driver was somehow responsible, even though a cabbie wasn't in any manner involved.  

I sent an email to the Seattle Times requesting a correction but really its too late, the damage already done, sloppy reporting by both KOMO and the newspaper stating that a cab was involved.  This is a classic case of not being able to believe what you read.  

And from my long experience, no one truly cares if their opinion or reporting about the taxi industry is accurate.  They already know the answer, taxi guilty as charged by public opinion!  Guilty as sin, guilty of driving a cab, the cabbie a cultural criminal weaving headlong down the roadway.  And for many, wishing he/she is heading directly to a jail cell, bread and water their daily repast. 

Is this an exaggeration?  Drive a cab and you too will answer, "Hell no it isn't!"

Thanks again, everyone!

A big hug to PSD, Minette, Greg, Deb and Cindi for donating toward Dennis Roberts' burial expenses.  The taxi angels sing your praise!

Editor's Apology 

Before I reread it, I allowed last week's blog to go "off to the presses" extremely flawed, riddled with errors big and small.  Sorry about that.  When I was at the Columbia Falls, Montana library, I let myself be pressured by the closing time, failing to do a proper proofing.  Always a mistake to rush.  Yes, I too can be an idiot!  JB