@infantrydort I understand this completely. I never voted until I retired from Active Duty. I now encourage every active-duty members to vote in all elections, especially local.
@CynicalPublius Every year for decades we have given a full-size bar and a soda. I don't care what Karen says, this will continue until I die. I now have 2nd generation trick or treaters that come.
Richard (Dick) Harry James
August 29, 2026 (Age 83)
Clarkston, Washington
Special Forces (Vietnam)
Richard "Dick" Harry James, 83, of Clarkston, died Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Clarkston Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia.
A Life of Service, Courage, and Stories
Today we say goodbye to a truly remarkable man-a Green Beret, photographer, author, mailman, and so much more.
He lived a life defined by service, courage, creativity, and kindness. As a Green Beret, he demonstrated strength, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. As a photographer, he had the rare ability to see beauty and meaning in the world and preserve it for others to remember. As an author, he shared his thoughts, experiences, and stories, leaving pieces of himself behind in the words he wrote.
And as a mailman, he became a familiar and trusted face in the community-delivering more than letters and packages. He delivered a little piece of connection to the people along his route, becoming someone whose presence mattered.
But beyond the titles and accomplishments was simply a good man who touched many lives. His life cannot be defined by one profession or one chapter. He wore many hats, served in many ways, and collected countless stories along the way.
His photographs will continue to tell stories. His words will continue to speak. The memories he created will remain with those who knew and loved him.
Rest peacefully, Green Beret. Your service is complete, your watch is over, and your legacy lives on. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
As he would say SLURP SENDS!
A Memorial Service in Dick's honor will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 2:00pm at Merchant Funeral Home. 1000 7th Street, Clarkston, Washington 99403. Military Honors will begin promptly at 2:00pm.
@KalkinTrivedi They have been trying to outsource that to the 3rd party providers (Driving schools) thus making it as difficult as possible for not use that system.
SHERIFF KEITH SWANK TO FILE PEOPLE'S CHARTER AMENDMENT PETITION TOMORROW
Friends,
Tomorrow morning, Sheriff Keith Swank walks into the Pierce County Auditor's Office and files the People's Charter Amendment. He would like you standing there with him.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 · 11:00 A.M.
Pierce County Auditor's Office
2401 S. 35th St., Room 200
Tacoma, WA 98409
Here is what is being filed. The People's Charter Amendment would:
— Keep the Office of Sheriff a nonpartisan office elected by the voters of Pierce County
— Restore the four-year term voters awarded in 2024, through December 31, 2028
— Limit the Sheriff, Assessor-Treasurer and Auditor to three consecutive four-year terms
— Guarantee the Sheriff the right to independent legal counsel
In his sponsor statement, Sheriff Swank says:
"This filing of the People's Charter Amendment petition is the people's defense of their democracy and freedom of expression.
In contrast, November's Amendment 53 ballot measure was carelessly scribbled by a 'Dirty Dozen' of rogue commissioners. Amendment 53 is their embarrassing attack upon voter choice.
Amendment 53 will be REJECTED at the ballot box by every proud defender of democracy. Amendment 53 will go down in flames!
Following our defense of voter choice in November, this petition will offer the voters the opportunity to reinforce their freedom of choice against future attacks.
Per Charter requirement, upon this filing, we expect the elected Prosecuting Attorney to faithfully compose a ballot title.
Soon thereafter I look forward to arming Pierce County voters with a signature petition.
'Now' is always the right time to REJECT attacks upon our democracy!"
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TOMORROW
Filing starts the clock. The Auditor assigns the petition a number, and the Prosecuting Attorney then has fifteen business days to write the ballot title. Once that title is issued, there are 180 days to gather signatures from Pierce County voters to put this on the ballot.
That signature drive will take thousands of us, in every corner of this county. Tomorrow is where it starts.
Come early if you can. Bring a neighbor. If you cannot be there in person, forward this to someone in Pierce County who should be — and watch your inbox, because the day those petitions are printed, you will be the first to know.
See you at 11.
Thank you for everything you're doing.
-Reject 53 Team