Today we have three corrections that apply to the Feb 6 post below. The corrections are important but do not change the thrust of the article - and indeed put even more of an accusation against Congressman Rick Larsen for abuse of his position of public trust.

In the last paragraph of the post, the word 'criminal' should have been inserted before each instance of 'trial lawyer'. My post confused trial lawyers with criminal trial lawyers.

First, Ellen's attorney Joe Pemberton is a trial lawyer, but not a criminal trial lawyer. I've known and respected Joe for many years. Joe practices in court on a constant basis. He handles cases involving real estate, personal injury, employment and other issues in court cases where no one is threatened with jail or becoming a felon or criminal. He is a very experienced and successful trial lawyer - but does not seek and handle criminal cases such as Ellen's.

Second, it seems that a couple local criminal trial lawyers are willing to give Joe advice on criminal proceedings and that one apparently offered to help represent Ellen. My statement that none would help was not accurate. As a group, the local criminal defense attorneys have for many years abandoned those in need of civil rights defense in this county but there are a very few who have quietly helped.

The third correction has to do with who is responsible for the no-trespassing orders issued to Ellen. While the order itself was issued by the Bellingham Police, I was in error by stating that Judge Debra Lev was behind the no-trespassing orders. She was not. Rather it is a mystery who exactly is behind the orders but it is certain that Rick Larsen wants the no-trespassing order enforced. Why? Because if he did not then it would be dropped. Who could have asked the police to issue the order? It could have been the building owner, the City of Bellingham - thus the city attorney - or it could have been the building management firm or it could have been the tenant - Rick Larsen. But without Rick Larsen wanting her barred from even entering the building the others would have no interest.

Rick Larsen's actions in all this need to be known by his colleagues back in Washinton DC. When anti-war protestors sat in Senator Maria Cantwell's office, she met with them. Other Democratic senators and representatives have shown the same consideration. Rick has refused to speak with them, refused to answer their questions and has instead quietly sought to have them convicted of criminal activity. Rick Larsen's actions are those of a scared and cowardly person. I repeat my challenge below for any local liberal to question him on this at his City Club appearance later this month. If Rick asked the city to drop the charges then they would be dropped. And it would be very easy for him to meet with anti-war protestors.

One last point. Last summer, when it was possible that Rick would have a real challenge being re-elected, his office staff was suddenly communicating with me on issues posted here. They were so nice and tried to explain Rick's position. By October when it became clear that Rick would win, the communications stopped. We are now back to where we have been for years - Rick's office does not communicate with me. They check this site every day but hope that not too many others do. If you think Rick should change his tactics regarding Ellen and local anti-war protestors then let Rick's office know that you are following this and think he should change. You can help Ellen to not go through the trauma of a criminal trial and possible conviction for sitting in the office of her Congressional Representative during normal office hours.