Everyone has a story. What's yours?
 Linda Thomas
twitter: @TheNewsChick
About Linda
Linda is the morning news anchor and features reporter for KIRO Radio. This is her local news blog, with an emphasis on social media, technology, Northwest companies, education, parenting, and anything else that grabs her attention.

If you have a news tip or story idea, I'd love to hear from you...

To leave a voice message for Linda about any of her stories call toll free 1-855-251-2363

Follow Me on Pinterest


Despite violence, Seattle is a 'great city'

June 3, 2012 @ 6:05 pm (Updated: 8:35 am - 6/4/12 )

"In a city known for its post-hippie vibe - street fairs, vegan cafes and politics so earnestly committed to consensus that almost nothing gets done - Seattle's violent spring has been a rough awakening."

SPDWhile writing about Seattle's 21 murders since the beginning of the year, the Los Angeles Times characterizes our city as "an emerald refuge at the corner of a troubled country."

Seattle is also "deeply stressed." There is a "sense of vulnerability in a city that usually feels tidy, if not a tad smug, behind its liberal ramparts," observes The New York Times in its article about last week's shootings.

Media organizations from both coasts are doing their jobs reporting on the increased gun violence. Sometimes, with the constant coverage of horrible crimes, it's easy to forget a few uplifting moments. We heard about one last week, with the man police described as a hero fighting off the Cafe Racer gunman with a couple of bar stools, allowing three people to escape.

Here's another positive reminder, posted today on Facebook by Nick Metz, the Seattle Police Department's Deputy Chief of Operations.

"Since the start of the Memorial Day Weekend, Seattle has seen several examples of the worst of the worst preying on innocent victims. At the same time, however, Seattle responded with its BEST OF THE BEST to aid the injured and their families," Metz writes.

"Seattle's Police Department (and regional partners), Fire Department, Harborview Medical Center, its incredible citizens, and even the media, stepped up together to show what's right about this city. Amidst the violence of the last ten days, it remains obvious why Seattle remains such a great city."

By LINDA THOMAS

AP Photo, Ted Warren from last Wednesday's fatal shooting at Cafe Racer near the University District in Seattle.

More from Linda Thomas

MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (15)


  • Add A Comment

  • It's me! Ha ha! wrote...
    Seattle is also "deeply stressed." There is a "sense of vulnerability in a city that usually feels tidy, if not a tad smug, behind its liberal ramparts,
    June 3, 2012 6:02 pm
    Perhaps this is the reason behind the upswing in violence. It does seem that violence and unchecked Liberalism go hand in hand
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    Ha Ha...it's the sheep mentality.
    June 3, 2012 7:41 pm
    You know as well as I; the philosophy that "gubment" will swoop in and "save" the day.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    haha
    June 4, 2012 1:48 pm
    And where does one find unchecked Liberalism?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    "great city"
    June 3, 2012 7:39 pm
    That, is open to interpretation.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    Want to have an old fashion shootout . . . .
    June 4, 2012 6:07 am
    Welcome to Seattle home of the RWNJ's.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Country_Dog wrote...
    Good point
    June 4, 2012 6:07 am
    If you neglect to consider all the violent crime, all the non-violent crime, the increasingly visible and aggressive panhandling population, the traffic problems, the lack of parking, the high taxes, the poor public schools, the micro-management of every portion of a person's life including what bag they can use a the groceries stores, the incredible passive-aggressive tone of the intellectual snobs in town, the fact that soccer is the most popular sport ...

    Seattle is a GREAT town.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Alex Mason wrote...
    Here goes coffee all over my computer monitor.
    June 4, 2012 6:34 am
    "Seattle is a great city." uh oh, here come the chunks again.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Zoeller wrote...
    Seattle is such a scummy crime pit!
    June 4, 2012 6:37 am
    I have not been inside the city limits in over three years and do not plan on going back anytime soon!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • circuitfr wrote...
    Washington
    June 4, 2012 6:43 am
    I think Washington is a great state (minus Christine G) It has great beaches (diving) hiking, skiing, tons a small towns that are great and hospitable. That being said, other than the elitist like Dave and Luke, there is a whole other state out their besides Seattle. Seattle thinks it owns Washington and is the king pin. Well, most people who don't live up in that pit never visit, and never will. This state has much more to offer than a 50 year old needle and a crappy waterfront.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mnpat wrote...
    I have to say that "circuitfr" said it best for me
    June 4, 2012 6:52 am
    But all the other posters pretty much hit the mark as well.....to bad we can't sell, Seattle, San Francisco, Portland and LA to France....and let them become the socialist empire that will tax each other to death.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • roomtemp wrote...
    Seattle is a great city...
    June 4, 2012 2:12 pm
    Yeah, it rates right up there with banana slug flavored ice cream...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }