A lot of people, including myself, have been looking at the economy-inspired protests in England, and the somewhat-economy-related revolutions in the Middle East, and wondering: Is there nothing happening in Washington State (home of the $4.6 billion budget shortfall and huge, looming cuts to core services) that might inspire serious protest?

Maybe there is. From an e-mail sent today to people who work at the state capitol:

From: McDonald, Patrick
Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 3:22 PM
To: Legislative Bldg - All
Cc: Huntley, Michael
Subject: Heads Up - Security Issue
Importance: High

Just a heads up. The State Patrol has informed us of a possible sit-in demonstration by students at the Evergreen State College along with some ancillary folks concerning tuition hikes and cuts to social programs. There is not much known except that if they do show up they want to have a “sit-in” in the “lobby of the state capitol.” While we may think this is the rotunda — it is thought by the WSP to be the lobby of the Governor’s office. It is anticipated this will begin at 4:30 p.m. today (Feb 3).

This may have no bearing on our operations. But if it looks problematic, the front door will be closed and locked and you will be asked to take the elevator. If you don’t hear any updates — then the situation is a non-issue.

More to come…..

Patrick