In actuality – based on my experience – when living in Wash. State, if one is even a middle-right leaning voter and does the very things you’ve mentioned, then one ends up being trampled and comes away very discouraged in the whole political process. Here in Wash. State, unless you’re a Democrat, you’re going to be very disappointed in all things political. The Republican legislators are effectively neutered and rendered useless by the overwhelming Democratic majority. Meaningful Republican proposals are kicked to the wayside, regardless of their value. (see last session’s Republican proposal to balance the budget without new taxes)

As for me, I’ve all but thrown in the towel and have realized that the values of getting an education, working hard, living within a budget, saving money, being responsible, being self-reliant, and planning ahead for those “golden years” are ideals that are no longer valued by the Wash. State political-industrial complex. I’m weary of being FORCED by the government to give that which I have to those that don’t, via ever-increasing taxes and fees.

And some wonder why Wash. State is losing residents & businesses faster than gaining them?