In late March, Washington state officials launched an online portal to report non-essential businesses operating despite Gov. Jay Inslee's order that they close.
These reports were among thousands submitted to the state regarding the alleged operation of non-essential businesses, against Inslee’s stay-at-home order. The measure is intended to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Ten minutes later, harassing phone calls came rolling in for the Kirkland woman, who asked not to be named in this story, citing concern for her personal safety. Kirkland was the first hot spot identified amid the U.S. coronavirus outbreak.“I just got news that you knocked on my business," said a male caller with a seemingly affected New Jersey accent."You got 48 hours to get the f--- out of Washington, or I’m coming for you and your loved ones.
By reporting businesses to the state, these complainants unwittingly found themselves in the middle of a conflict between right-wing groups advocating against business closures and state officials who argue the shutdown is necessary to curb the pandemic. "I will never write an article — unless I absolutely have to — that doesn't have the original source-linked documents that I'm referencing," he said."If you look at the other articles that I write, I mean I put up hundreds of original source links — usually government documents — on a monthly basis."
Today, the online complaint portal gives this warning: “All of the information collected at this site is considered public information. All of the information collected at this site is public information that will be publicly released in a public records request per RCW 42.56.”
KUOW The country was incredibly unwell long before COVID-19. COVID-19 is just putting a bright light on that fact.
KUOW This is what happens when you create a nazi state like GovInslee has. The same people that turned in their neighbors for not properly social distancing are the same ppl who would have turned in Jews in Nazi Germany. Still waiting for our coronavirus sleeves
KUOW '...Born with unalienable rights. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.' A virus tanked the economy and turned good hard working class Americans into quasi-criminals that need to be monitored? Strange times we're in.
KUOW This is the best part, if there is a small business that you rely on, and they're open, don't say anything. Keep it in our inner circle. We're happy, the business is happy, and no one is the wiser. For all you ASSHLES that want to tell on everyone, we're just trying to survive.
KUOW Good
KUOW Stitches
KUOW The kind of people who say things like “snitches get stiches” are 100% the kind of people who have NEVER done that kind of thing 😂😂😂🙄
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KUOW People nees to wake up and realiz this only targets small business.
KUOW At least we haven't gone full communist china.
KUOW Remember when boomers rebelled against authority? Yeah, that was awesome.
KUOW Oregon cannabis is better. If you live in western Washington youre paying four digits a month for 200 square feet and no parking. If you live in eastern Washington, you are dealing with right wing wackadoos all day long. Nice state. But a hot mess.
KUOW The Nazi's loved snitches.
KUOW Snitches should get stitches.
KUOW these are chinese tactics
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KUOW This is ridiculous and childish. Give these business owners money to help them out financially so they don’t have to open up! But do politicians want to do this? No. Freaking idiots. 😑
KUOW Those poor people, just trying to do the right thing and now they have to deal with the internet idiots.
KUOW They are snitches! Buy a clue. Sunshine laws reveal SNITCHES!
KUOW Nazis
KUOW *snitch list* or *vigilante syndrome* (some people believe they alone define wrong vs good).
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KUOW we are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion: the stage where the government is free to do anything it pleases, while the citizens may act only by permission; which is the stage of the darkest periods of human history, the stage of rule by brute force. Ayn Rand
KUOW Mmmmm yesssss. Kill the small businesses 🥰 Because you know this are the only ones being reported.
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