What, expecting only one blog post tonight about my crazy pet peave? Sorry, I have time on my hands and links to link to.

I thought I’d point out the use of Olympia in regards to state government that is not metonymy. Basically, the rule is you’re safe if you are saying “in Olympia” and not “Olympia did this.” So, if you’re making a geographic distinction, you’re fine.

For example, Sen. Steve Hobbs (of some place up north I guess):

“I fought hard to carry out the wishes of my district,” Hobbs said. “When we come to a consensus as a community, I am able to carry our message to Olympia and work for the necessary results.”

Sen. Hobbs’ example is great because he even cites “my district” and “to Olympia,” making the obvious point that although he works “in Olympia” for a few months a year, he is actually from somewhere else in Washington. This is often something missed or fuzzed over when Olympia is metonymized.

And, an update from Rep.Reuven Carlyle in MyBallard. The headline states “from Olympia.” The report itself says things like “in Olympia” and “visitors to Olympia.”

Of course the trains leaves the tracks in the comment thread below when a commenter says “people in Ballard are compassionate and will enjoy giving their money to Olympia.” God, don’t I wish.

And, of course, I can’t leave without one more bad example from homefront media. From the Sammamish Reporter: “Help for carers under threat from Olympia.” I hate helping you and I hate your career, so this is a convenient one for me.