Joel Connelly

I worked for Seattle Post-Intelligencer from 1973 until it ceased print publication in 2009, and SeattlePI.com from 2009 to 6/30/2020. During that time, I wrote about 9 presidential races, 11 Canadian and British Columbia elections‎, four doomed WPPSS nuclear plants, six Washington wilderness battles, creation of two national Monuments (Hanford Reach and San Juan Islands), a 104 million acre Alaska Lands Act, plus the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.

“The People That Live Under the Sea”: Lynda Mapes Chronicles the Orcas

When people say to me, ‘They are just like us,’ the first thing that flashes through my mind is, don’t flatter yourself.”

Cautiously: BC Loosens its COVID Shutdown

The border, closed to non-commercial travel since March of last year, remains shut until at least July 21. Cruise ships cannot use Canadian ports until March of next year.

Soundness Versus Sound-Bites: Lessons for Seattle From NYC’s Mayoral Primary?

So far, the Seattle mayor’s race has been dominated by forums before left-activist groups. We hear recitation of progressive bromides, with identity politics thrown in. The folks who "work hard and play by the rules," using Bill Clinton’s phrase, get little courtship.

How Mainstream LGBTQ Groups Became a Political Force in Seattle

Gay groups tailored their incrementalist message to the political realities of Washington state. That gained them clout, as well as the ire of more radical activists. Today, Gay Seattle is flourishing.

Cautiously: Canada ponders Reopening Border with US

Reaction to the prolonged restrictions has seemed in line with the motto for settling Canada: “Peace, order and good government.” “Safely and carefully” is how B.C. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon described recovery from COBID-19. Or “safe and gradual” in words of B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix. “Continuing to work together will bring us back together.”

Me and the News: Chris Matthews’ Loud Proud Memoir

Matthews has written quality books, notably the perceptive "Kennedy & Nixon: The Rivalry that Shaped Postwar America." In this case, however, the author has come too close to the sun – himself. ”My Country” is laden with high press socializing with himself as central figure.

Worrisome Poll for Sen. Patty Murray’s Re-election Hopes?

The statewide poll in late May shows a 40-36 approval/disapproval rating for Sen. Murray, a powerful incumbent of 30 years. Biden does much better in the polling, with a 54/41 approval score.

Memo to Biden: Do More to Protect the Tongass, America’s Last Great Rain Forest

The mills are long closed, but the battle is not ended. Cheered on by the Alaska delegation, the Trump Administration last year rescinded, in the Tongass, the Carter-era “Roadless Rule” which blocked construction of new roads into unlogged national forest land. The move was designed to open 186,000 acres of old growth forest to commercial logging.

Post-Pandemic Pork Comes in Two Shades, Red and Blue

The ARRA has showered resources on the country. On Thursday, Biden read off a list of Republican lawmakers who voted against the Recovery Act but have subsequently claimed credit for money bestowed on their states. A notable example was crusty Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska.

British Columbia: A Sloooow Reopening (so slow you might not notice)

There is no indication when the Canada-U.S. border will reopen to recreational and non-essential travel. The current closure lasts until June 21, But the crossing ban has been automatically renewed on the 21st of each month.

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