The Old Gaffer, Hamfast "Ed Murray" Gamgee, has a good point! We don't live in a mystical fantasy land nestled between the Brandwine River and the White Downs. Very astute observation, not at all talking down to the voters of this city.

It's almost as if the same person who failed to create consensus to secure a sustainable tax base for transit when he was speaker is now telling us all not to worry because he's going to secure a sustainable tax base for transit now that he is mayor. It's almost as if he's a petty, self-serving career politician who would rather see our transit system crumble than see the credit for saving it go to anyone else, especially McGinn.

I feel slightly embarrassed for not reading The Hobbit. Seems like a classic. Though I don't think I'm alone, not in feeling shame, just in not ever having read The Hobbit.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I live in a small, low-ceilinged, below-ground level domicile surrounded by an expanse of wild greenscape. That's pretty much the definition of a Hobbit dwelling.

Also, the hair on my toes...

Also Anna Minard should be suspended without pay, pending investigation, for her misleading and deceptive journalism. Old Gaffer Murray said, "We do not live in a little hobbit village," yet she posts a photo of Bag End on the Slog! I'm sorry, you call that a village? Post a photo of Hobbiton or none at all, Minard! This is push-pulling at its worst.

That's nice, Ed.

Urban transit in Seattle is a giant, disorganized, ineffectual pile of shit.

You're the mayor of Seattle.

Perhaps you should consider trying to address this problem.

@3 - Now I don't trust you even more. Philistine.

Actually, look at the density there. That's a four-level housing block with geothermal climate control and a green roof.

I'm sorry to Anna Minard, that was Eli who posted the picture of Bag End. He should be exiled to Bree.

Is 'yes' a vote for we live in a hobbit village or against that proposition? Is this type of double-negative how Seattle ended up voting for a tunnel?

@10

In this case, I see no need for answers. Rejoice in your ignorance.

@3 It's pretty quick and there's a little bell that DING!s when you're supposed to turn the page. I liked it.

Huzzah! We do not live in a hobbit village therefore Ed Murray wins the argument by default. Well played, Mr. Mayor.

Who is Sauron in this analogy? Olympia?

I totally agree with him.

We need regional transit.

@13, nice.

False. Seattle is a network of many small hobbit villages.