PERSPECTIVE FROM THE 19^TH HOLE: This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf. Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all of my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon, as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist. This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.

This, remember, is one of three departments I run as director. Therefore, I – and I alone – decide what should be handled by all of the departments, including on pet peeves.

In retirement, I have a lot of time to think about peeves, so I could leave the department open at all times. But, I demur, partly to underline the importance of the peeves I cite so they don’t get lost in the muddle of so much.

Peeve #1: WHERE ARE THE COPS?

I ask this question after driving up and down I-5 in the last few days.

On a number of occasions, despite heavy traffic, cars drove much too fast and changed lanes on a dime, endangering themselves and every one else on the road – all for gaining a new seconds of time.

In all my years on freeways, I have NEVER – yes, NEVER – seen a copy pull over such a driver.

Why?

Just the luck of the draw, I suppose.

But, it peeves me that cops aren’t more present on I- 5 – not to get me, but to get the fast lane-weavers.

Peeve #2: WHERE IS THE “JOBS ISSUE” IN POLITICS?

I have asked this question numerous times, but this time I raise the issue as a peeve.

Why don’t more politicians come down on the side of develop public policies that provide an solid environment to save or create jobs?

Makes sense from several points of view.

First, those with jobs would pay taxes and, thus, help to fund government.

Second, often, having a job and gaining the positive feeling from investing effort and energy is one of the most effective social policies.

Yet, most politicians, especially those on the left, ignore the jobs issue, even as they expand government.

Too bad, I say.

Peeve #3: WHY USE THE WORDS “DEMOCRATIC” AND “PROGRESSIVE?”

I have railed against these words before, but it will feel good to do so again – so here goes.

I contend that it is not accurate to describe the Democrat party as “Democratic.” These days, it clearly is not.

The Ds won’t want to work with Republicans to find the smart middle on various public policy issues. They want to impose their will. {So do Republicans you might add, and I would not disagree because of my current attitude that neither political party is worth supporting.]

Then, the word “progressive.” The word often is used to describe Democrats, but, to me, they are surely are not interesting in “progressing” for the good of the country. They are interesting in “progressing” on their own left-of-center agenda.

The solution?

I always use the word Democrat, not “Democratic.”

And, I never use the word “progressive.”

Enough peeves for today. On to better things and thoughts, one of which is more golf.