Taking Back Sammamish
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Perhaps the most demoralizing aspect of our current state is the unveiling of so many in our communities – neighbors, leaders, colleagues, strangers – who are either directly entrenched in white supremacy or by default – through their indifference. I recently asked Sammamish City Council about their thoughts on Trump’s values and the importance of diversity in leadership.
There are a few online forums in our community. I chose social media because I felt the feedback would be valued by many, especially those from marginalized groups.
The first group I tried to ask in was Vote Sammamish, which is administered by Celia Wu and Stephanie Rudat; both are self-proclaimed progressives. This group is touted to be an unbiased forum for civic engagement; local leaders have engaged there as well. When I brought up the subjects of representation, diversity, inclusion, and racism, I was ridiculed or silenced, told by moderators these topics were irrelevant to local issues.
I posted my questions in Sammamish – Say Anything (administered by Dave Plummer). The mob set in – over 300 comments shaming me. I was told I was a troll, how to raise my kids, that I was a liar; to teach my kids to respect elected leaders no matter what, that the reaction was my fault due to the ‘tone’ of my questions; to use a dildo to calm down, that I had mental health issues. Many of the people attacking remain active members of Vote Sammamish. When a few people called out the bad behavior, including their racism – they were viewed as the aggressors, and the bullying further escalated. My post was deleted by Dave at the end of the day. When I posted a question about whether it was okay to delete, given an elected official (Ken Gamblin) had briefly engaged to praise a disparaging remark by Miki Mullor (the business partner of Celia Wu of Vote Sammamish), I was muted and publicly chastised by Dave for ‘lecturing him.’ His post has been commented on 100+ times. Derogatory comments include one person whose profile picture says ‘STAND AGAINST RACISM’ thanking Dave for ‘taking out the trash.’
I took a deep breath and persisted. I went back to Vote Sammamish and asked about what our local leaders and community thought about diversity in leadership, given we have an all-white city council. I was again shamed and questioned about why I didn’t ask my questions in person at a council meeting or by email (mind you, these same folks attacked the only woman of color candidate during the last election for NOT engaging on social media). I explained that I preferred to ask in a public forum so other community members could see responses from our leaders, and also that I didn’t feel safe to ask in person due to the online bullying I was subjected to. When I posted evidence demonstrating why – including photos of people who work on City Commissions engaging in the mob behavior (Stan Gunno – Human Services; Josh Amato – Planning), my comments/photos were deleted, and I was promptly muted.
I have reached out to Sammamish City Council with my original questions by email. Additionally, I have asked them to review the photos of the online bullying – many of the people involved are the friends, advocates, and collaborators of at least 3 of our leaders. I have asked them what they will do to hold these people accountable.
Pam Stewart and Jason Ritchie have reached out to me directly to provide their thoughtful feedback on my questions and also to express their outrage at the bullying. Christie Malchow said she empathized – but without answering any of my questions about values/diversity and without any input on what she would do to hold her friends and collaborators accountable. Chris Ross said that he was sorry, and then referred me to the Inclusion Charter of Sammamish. No one else has responded.
In 2017, my kids and I were subjected to a racially motived road rage incidence. I tried to bring the issue of racism in our community to light at that time. After some poor reporting in the media, including a feature gaslighting me by Jason Rantz, I was subjected to online bullying in various public forums. At the time, I wanted to hide under a rock – bullies succeeded in making me fearful. This incident was brought up by my attackers this week as well, but I no longer felt intimidated. I will not allow the hate in Sammamish to make me doubt my values and life experiences.
If development is the only issue that matters to you, it may be time to examine your privilege. Until we acknowledge our issues with inclusion, diversity, racism, and corruption, how can we create a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and welcomed? We must get out of our comfort zones and actively work to understand the perspectives and life experiences of people who are living these issues – if we don’t, history will repeat itself.
Photo by Jerónimo Bernot
Sammamish, I love you - but, your silence has been deafening, your indifference heartbreaking. There are no two sides here – only the side of humanity. So yes, be kind. But it is far more important to find the courage to learn, face your shortcomings, and use your privilege to fight for the rights of all people, not just the ones you surround yourself with.
Please, don’t be a bystander. Bystanders are complicit in the harm they ignore. Sammamish, my call to action is to engage in whatever way is meaningful to you - open your eyes and raise your voice. If an inclusive future is important to you (and it should be), let’s hold our local leaders and community accountable. Our kids are watching.
Remembering the greatness of leaders past gives me hope. As we approach MLK day, do not celebrate his legacy unless you understand what his words mean, who they were meant for.
Dr. King, forever rest in power. I hope you will inspire the change we need in Sammamish.
Yours in solidarity,
Tarul Kode Tripathi
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”