Action Jackson

Sally Jackson, 76, has been a Spokane Valley activist her entire adult life. The former Spokane County Democratic chairwoman ran for elective office five times. Jackson raised six children, coached youth sports and still gives swimming lessons. Here are some of Jackson’s reflections on civic life, as told to editorial board member Rebecca Nappi.

“My challengers were all men in the general elections. I could have taken them all in a street fight. I was surprised that here’s old Sal – Mrs. PTA, coach, swimming teacher – and I’m up against those politicians. Piece of cake, baby. I loved to give speeches. I loved to see the veins pop out on their necks when I’d give them a good jab.

“Good candidates are like good athletes. They understand the game. They understand their goals. They have a clear vision. Bad politicians are like bad athletes: Self-serving, greedy, unprincipled.

“Waking up in the morning and getting out of bed at my age is a challenge. I do one exercise every day. I lie on my back and do a pushup. If there’s no coffin lid, I’m up and running.

“I’ve been very outspoken against Spokane Valley incorporation. It’s gained me some enemies. Anytime you walk out your front door and have opinions, you get enemies. But it’s also gained me a lot of friends.

“If the conditions were the same in this country right now as in 1776, I don’t think we’d fight the Revolutionary War. I think people are so happy with their TV, with their computers, that they wouldn’t get out and do what needs to be done. We’d still belong to England. Isn’t that pathetic?

“My husband was a professional baseball player. He liked me because I was strong. When I got married they wanted everything “Mrs. Ron Jackson.” I said, hell no. I gave up my last name. I’m not going to give up my first. If I said “I’m going to climb Mount Everest,” Ron would say, “Well, let me help you carry the heavy stuff.” We’ve been married 52 years.

“I believe in party politics because it’s a chance for every single citizen to participate in democracy. If everyone took advantage of grass-roots politics, the politicians would have to be true representatives of the people. We let them off the hook by not participating.

“Life should be very simple. If somebody needs a helping hand, you sure as hell give ‘em one. You don’t turn your back on injustice. If something’s broken, you fix it. You stand up for what you believe in.

“I’m from pioneer stock. My family came here in 1853 by covered wagon over the Oregon Trail. They were either incredibly brave or incredibly foolhardy to take little kids in a wagon across a country. That’s where I get it. I’m not afraid to try anything. I don’t know if that’s brave or foolhardy.