Comments from the Chair

Yesterday, I came within inches of stepping on a rattlesnake. Determined to frame the perfect Mesa Verde shot, some instinct told me not to take that next step. Glancing down, I said "Oh, it's just a snake. Sorry, Mr. Snake, go on your way," and quickly snapped a couple of shots before he slithered on down slope. Only then did it dawn on me that, "Wait a minute! This isn't poisonous snake-free Washington -- that might have been a rattle snake!" Sure enough, the proof was there on my camera, right down to the distinctive rattler's tail.

In this instance I was alert and Mr. Rattler was sluggish in the cooler 7000 foot elevation of a Mesa Verde spring. Can we say the same for our own preparedness for the upcoming elections? Can we assume that our past victories have left our opponents sluggish and ineffective?

My encounter with Mr. R. reminded me of the very real dangers we face every day. Lest you take my experience metaphorically, consider this: Last week at my weekly art class, a man entered the shop to ask the manager if he knew of an artist who could airbrush a sign for his truck, a sign with a picture of a snake surrounded by the words, "Don't Tread On Me." To me, the motivation behind that request was more frightening than an encounter with a real live snake.

- NANCY FRANK,
Chair, Washington 35th Legislative District Democrats