Why is Olympia still locked down?

The world is beginning to unfreeze after more than a year of physical and economic lockdowns. Many states have ended mask mandates, citing increasing vaccinations and decreasing cases. Others are allowing normal activities to resume.

By and large, it seems as though America is ready to turn a corner and return to normal life. That is, unless you're in Washington.

As our state Legislature moves closer and closer towards the conclusion of its 2021 session, the Capitol in Olympia still sits in total lockdown, surrounded by a fence and completely isolated from the Washingtonians who have, at this point, almost no oversight of what government is doing behind closed doors.

Schools and businesses are opening everywhere, but our legislators cannot still meet together or with the public. Unless you're a select legislator or staff, you're not allowed in the building – not even if you have a mask, have been immunized or have already recovered from COVID-19.

This is in stark contrast to other states that not only allow the public to participate in-person, but encourage it. For goodness sake, a full capacity crowd of 38,000 screaming fans saw the Texas Rangers play a baseball, but the public can't see 49 Senators, or 98 House members debate new laws in our state?

How does Gov. Inslee justify this disparate standard?

Washingtonians have no way to meet with those who are supposed to be representing their interests – and that's a huge problem.

Why is Washington so far behind?

I believe the reason lies within Gov. Inslee and the radical left's worldview - the general public doesn't play a role in their government. They have decided what is good, true and moral, and they're going to do implement it whether you like it or not.

Keeping you out of the Capitol should tell you everything you need to know about the way they see you.

Under the threat of COVID and the extremists they expect to take over the building, they've put up a fence to keep you out. Frankly, I don't think this new policy is going to end any time soon.

Their plans to do government business behind closed doors is unfair, unjust and unaccountable. Washington's political leaders will always find a "new threat." They'll point to a new disease or security threat and tell you that it's just not safe for you to come inside.

Bottom line: The disease they want to keep out is you.

And why is the media silent on this blatant abuse of government power? Why aren't they more interested in knowing what is going on behind the closed doors of power in Olympia?

Washingtonians must be allowed to re-enter the halls of government, meet with elected officials, testify at committee hearings, attend floor sessions and be present to keep their leaders accountable. Without the public playing a role, politicians are only accountable to their political leaders of the state. That's not representative government – that's dictatorship.

All Washingtonians – of all political and faith persuasions – must demand their access to government be reinstated immediately, so that the will of the people can truly be heard, and not just assumed.

- Mark Miloscia is the executive director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington. Email him at [email protected].