Lend Us Your Knowledge and Passion

Bob Schober is managing editor.

Elections have consequences, and it seems to me that the old journalism goal to “Afflict the comfortable, and comfort the afflicted” will be a bit harder for the next couple of years. Already we’re hearing words and phrases the Republican Party will hammer on: “war on coal,” “jobs,” “get the economy moving.” All these portend a concerted effort to roll back environmental regulations and push for even more fossil fuels. And we all know what that could mean for Whatcom County.

It’s easy to feel discouraged, but I see this as an opportunity. The conservative wave sweeping through Congress, country and locally can no longer hide behind “no” but will now have to step forward and actually propose solutions. And that’s where we at the Watch and other news media have jobs to do. To ferret out facts, follow the money, dig into the background and bring it all to light.

And that’s why, Dear Watchers, we need your assistance more than ever. We need your expertise, knowledge and skills. We need what you know about environmental and social issues, economics, almost any topic. Perhaps you spent your careers developing deep knowledge that can enlighten all of us on the crucial issues facing this county. Or you’ve jumped into the fray and are gathering knowledge and fueling passion about key issues facing all of us.

And what are they? Coal and oil trains; land use; water rights and supply; air, water and soil pollution; sustainable farming; living wages; affordable housing; rental unit certification; farm worker conditions; among many others.

All our writers are volunteers and work hard with passion and energy. And we need more writers — so I ask you to consider putting your knowledge and passion to work for the fight for environmental and social justice that is the Watch’s mission. I know many of you may believe you can’t write well enough, but it’s my job to surprise you.

So please call me at 360-595-7519 or email me at editor@whatcomwatch.org and let’s talk about it. Thanks!