From the letters in today's Strib
• Fiscal conservatives will not object if the programs are run properly. After all, fiscal conservatives recognize good value.
• Social conservatives will not object so long as only those who are truly in need receive the benefits. Government programs always seem to become bloated and all-inclusive. (Including everyone is merely a way to buy votes with the taxpayers' money.)
If the Star Tribune would really like to see bipartisanship, it needs to stop the divisive rhetoric. Conservatives have good ideas, too. All we ask is accountability, and when we see a program that isn't working properly we no longer want to fund the program. Sorta like wanting to cut off funding for the war in Iraq.
So with a half trillion dollars spent in Iraq, do you see this as proper and accountable way to spend our tax payer money? Good value? Half a trillion dollars for the execution of a despot?
Sunday, December 31, 2006
The Gophers
Friday night, beyond cooking some world class stir fry and sipping on some yummy cocktails, I was glued to the TV watching the news on Saddam. Therefore, I missed out on the Gophers football game.
Jason and I talked later in the night, after Matt called him to tell him how impressive the Gophers were, being ahead 35-7 at halftime. I was just as shocked at Jason.
I never checked out the score again...until I picked up the Strib on Saturday morning.
Wow...Fire Glen Mason now! The Gophers collapsed...lost 44-41 in overtime.
So Sid Hartman devoted about 4 column inches, of his 100, to talking about the Gopher debacle. He's the biggest Mason apologist around.
He also wrote about the Twins Stadium problems to acquire the land for the stadium.
Ah Sid...just stop!
At least the Huskies won (swept a tourney) again!
Jason and I talked later in the night, after Matt called him to tell him how impressive the Gophers were, being ahead 35-7 at halftime. I was just as shocked at Jason.
I never checked out the score again...until I picked up the Strib on Saturday morning.
Wow...Fire Glen Mason now! The Gophers collapsed...lost 44-41 in overtime.
So Sid Hartman devoted about 4 column inches, of his 100, to talking about the Gopher debacle. He's the biggest Mason apologist around.
He also wrote about the Twins Stadium problems to acquire the land for the stadium.
Ah Sid...just stop!
At least the Huskies won (swept a tourney) again!
The execution
The execution of Saddam Hussein will be one of those moments I will never forget.
We have all seen the footage of his demise, and have witnessed the impact Hussein has had on world politics. No less than 3 wars and an invasion have occurred in no small part to this man, an invasion of Kuwait, 2 wars with the United States and one with Iran. Millions of people have died as a result of his actions.
And I am skeptical that his execution was not only the done at the right time, but whether it was right at all.
I ponder his execution as a former soldier, a veteran. With nearly 3000 of my collegaues having been killed in Iraq, 9 of them I knew personally...is this what we invaded Iraq for? "Mission Accomplished" PRECEDED the deaths of 2861 soliders.
I took an oath 4 times, "To support and defend the Constitution of the United States...to obey the orders of the Officers appointed over me and the President of the United States, so help me God." I took that oath, in a good faith contract that those appointed over me (Officers and our Commander in Chief), would never put us in harms way without proper evidence. Our soldiers have died on a throne of lies, led by our President.
I ponder this from the perspective of the Kurdish people, like my friend Kani Xulam. Kani and his family fled persecution in Turkey and genocide at the hands of Saddam Hussein, coming to America to find a better life. They have had to fight deporation regularly, knowing if they go back to Turkey they will be executed. Back to Iraq? They will be oppressed by Sunni's and the Shitte's.
The Kurdish population never recieved the justice they deserved. Yes, a brutal dictator was executed. But, they did not get the opportunity to confront that man who killed their mother, father, and other loved ones.
The most horrendous aspect of the Kurdish genocide were the chemical attacks on Halabja. We have all seen the picture of the mother holding the infant, lying in street. Dead from a chemical agent attack.
1. Saddam got those chemical weapons from the US and other Western nations.
2. You cannot tell me the United States knew nothing of the Anfal Campaign, and the attacks using chemical weapons. These attacks occurred from the Spring of 1987 through the fall of 1988. Similar, though not proportionately, to the Holocaust, the United States had information and simply did not act.
Why?
At that time, Iran was a bigger evil than Iraq, and we supported Iraq. That bit us in the ass...
The Anfal campaign destroyed some 4000 Iraqi Kurd villages, wiping out 90% of everything in the villages targeted, hospitals, schools, utilities, churches.
Upwards of 182,000 Kurds were killed as a result of this genocidal ehtnic cleansing campaign.
Yet, Saddam will never stand trial for these actions. For that, I am sad, sad for my friend Kani and others who have fled the violence of Saddam Hussein.
What would have happened in the Nuermburg trials if the conspirators were tried and executed on the first charge, participation in a common plan or conspiracy for the accomplishment of crime against peace.
Or the second charge, planning, initiating and waging wars of aggression and other crimes against peace.
These "evil doers" would never have been tried for the more henious charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
All I ask for is a consistent ethic of life and a consistent application of justice.
I am not an advocate of the death penalty. I believe, especially in the pro-life conservatives who are pro-death penalty, it creates an inconsistent ethic of life.
I will be anxiously awaiting my next opportunity to have dinner with Kani to discuss these events. I just hope any expanding violence can be slowed...
We have all seen the footage of his demise, and have witnessed the impact Hussein has had on world politics. No less than 3 wars and an invasion have occurred in no small part to this man, an invasion of Kuwait, 2 wars with the United States and one with Iran. Millions of people have died as a result of his actions.
And I am skeptical that his execution was not only the done at the right time, but whether it was right at all.
I ponder his execution as a former soldier, a veteran. With nearly 3000 of my collegaues having been killed in Iraq, 9 of them I knew personally...is this what we invaded Iraq for? "Mission Accomplished" PRECEDED the deaths of 2861 soliders.
I took an oath 4 times, "To support and defend the Constitution of the United States...to obey the orders of the Officers appointed over me and the President of the United States, so help me God." I took that oath, in a good faith contract that those appointed over me (Officers and our Commander in Chief), would never put us in harms way without proper evidence. Our soldiers have died on a throne of lies, led by our President.
I ponder this from the perspective of the Kurdish people, like my friend Kani Xulam. Kani and his family fled persecution in Turkey and genocide at the hands of Saddam Hussein, coming to America to find a better life. They have had to fight deporation regularly, knowing if they go back to Turkey they will be executed. Back to Iraq? They will be oppressed by Sunni's and the Shitte's.
The Kurdish population never recieved the justice they deserved. Yes, a brutal dictator was executed. But, they did not get the opportunity to confront that man who killed their mother, father, and other loved ones.
The most horrendous aspect of the Kurdish genocide were the chemical attacks on Halabja. We have all seen the picture of the mother holding the infant, lying in street. Dead from a chemical agent attack.
1. Saddam got those chemical weapons from the US and other Western nations.
2. You cannot tell me the United States knew nothing of the Anfal Campaign, and the attacks using chemical weapons. These attacks occurred from the Spring of 1987 through the fall of 1988. Similar, though not proportionately, to the Holocaust, the United States had information and simply did not act.
Why?
At that time, Iran was a bigger evil than Iraq, and we supported Iraq. That bit us in the ass...
The Anfal campaign destroyed some 4000 Iraqi Kurd villages, wiping out 90% of everything in the villages targeted, hospitals, schools, utilities, churches.
Upwards of 182,000 Kurds were killed as a result of this genocidal ehtnic cleansing campaign.
Yet, Saddam will never stand trial for these actions. For that, I am sad, sad for my friend Kani and others who have fled the violence of Saddam Hussein.
What would have happened in the Nuermburg trials if the conspirators were tried and executed on the first charge, participation in a common plan or conspiracy for the accomplishment of crime against peace.
Or the second charge, planning, initiating and waging wars of aggression and other crimes against peace.
These "evil doers" would never have been tried for the more henious charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
All I ask for is a consistent ethic of life and a consistent application of justice.
I am not an advocate of the death penalty. I believe, especially in the pro-life conservatives who are pro-death penalty, it creates an inconsistent ethic of life.
I will be anxiously awaiting my next opportunity to have dinner with Kani to discuss these events. I just hope any expanding violence can be slowed...
Friday, December 29, 2006
As St Paul goes, so goes the nation
The New York Times published a story on the changes recently in Minnesota politics.
"Minnesota’s capital is in many ways the perfect petri dish for testing what the nation’s new political landscape may produce. Once predictably Democratic in national politics, the anchor of Upper Midwest liberal populism from the 1920s through Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale, Minnesota is now considered a battleground, with the Republicans scheduled to hold their national convention in 2008 in Minneapolis and St. Paul around that declaration."
All political eyes will be on Minnesota, as neo-con Michele Bachmann heads to her first term in Congress and Tim Pawlenty leverages when political capitol he has remaining for a possible VP run, the 08 GOP convention will be an enormous stage for conservatives in MN. It's sad that the DFL had a shot at getting the 08 convention here but could not come through.
"But they emerged divided, too, owing much of their surge to newly elected moderates from the suburbs who are unlikely to embrace a pure liberal agenda. The Republicans lost big, but were pushed toward the center as well, led by Mr. Pawlenty, who has said since the election that many of his second-term priorities will overlap with those of the Democrats he fiercely battled in his first four years."
Indeed, the GOP has shifted from its base to the center. Tom Emmer discussed it on KTLK a few nights ago and many conservative bloggers state that scenario as the reason for the GOP ineptness in the 06 elections. Some will argue that they were not pushed to the center, but sold out the party...are purely RINO's (Republican's In Name Only).
Pawlenty states in the article,
“Republicans love to talk about markets — well, the market just told Republicans something,” he said. “The market just told them, ‘We’re not interested much in your product, and we’re choosing to go to your competitor.’ We need to hear that message.”
Steve Swiggum was not as nice...
The departing speaker, Steve Sviggum, a Republican who will begin his 15th two-year term in the House when the session starts Jan. 3, said that in reading the election, Minnesota Republicans would be wrong to abandon their message of fiscal restraint and economic freedom or to see the vote as an endorsement of all things Democratic.
“It was about George W. Bush,” Mr. Sviggum said in his office, which was lined with boxes ready for his move downstairs.
The NYT has pledged to follow the Minnesota Legislature as we move closer to the 08 Conventions and election. With session starting on January 3rd, we may quickly see an erosion of positivity?
Who knows!
"Minnesota’s capital is in many ways the perfect petri dish for testing what the nation’s new political landscape may produce. Once predictably Democratic in national politics, the anchor of Upper Midwest liberal populism from the 1920s through Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale, Minnesota is now considered a battleground, with the Republicans scheduled to hold their national convention in 2008 in Minneapolis and St. Paul around that declaration."
All political eyes will be on Minnesota, as neo-con Michele Bachmann heads to her first term in Congress and Tim Pawlenty leverages when political capitol he has remaining for a possible VP run, the 08 GOP convention will be an enormous stage for conservatives in MN. It's sad that the DFL had a shot at getting the 08 convention here but could not come through.
"But they emerged divided, too, owing much of their surge to newly elected moderates from the suburbs who are unlikely to embrace a pure liberal agenda. The Republicans lost big, but were pushed toward the center as well, led by Mr. Pawlenty, who has said since the election that many of his second-term priorities will overlap with those of the Democrats he fiercely battled in his first four years."
Indeed, the GOP has shifted from its base to the center. Tom Emmer discussed it on KTLK a few nights ago and many conservative bloggers state that scenario as the reason for the GOP ineptness in the 06 elections. Some will argue that they were not pushed to the center, but sold out the party...are purely RINO's (Republican's In Name Only).
Pawlenty states in the article,
“Republicans love to talk about markets — well, the market just told Republicans something,” he said. “The market just told them, ‘We’re not interested much in your product, and we’re choosing to go to your competitor.’ We need to hear that message.”
Steve Swiggum was not as nice...
The departing speaker, Steve Sviggum, a Republican who will begin his 15th two-year term in the House when the session starts Jan. 3, said that in reading the election, Minnesota Republicans would be wrong to abandon their message of fiscal restraint and economic freedom or to see the vote as an endorsement of all things Democratic.
“It was about George W. Bush,” Mr. Sviggum said in his office, which was lined with boxes ready for his move downstairs.
The NYT has pledged to follow the Minnesota Legislature as we move closer to the 08 Conventions and election. With session starting on January 3rd, we may quickly see an erosion of positivity?
Who knows!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Tuition Freeze for our College Students?
Two years ago, I was one of many students who rallied and lobbied legislators for a Tuition Freeze. I got Representative Dean Urdahl to sign on as a co-sponsor in the House and then Senator Dave Kleis from St Cloud to sponsor the bill in the Senate. We did meet with many local legislators, including Senator Dille, Rep Bruce Anderson, Representative Emmer, Representative Olson and many others. Urdahl and Kleis were the only leaders who tried to help us out.
So, with higher education being an area Governor Pawlenty gutted to balance the state budget in 2003, he now sees the impact?
According to the Startribune...
"The governor said he would sign that legislation if it passed," Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung said of a freeze Thursday after Seifert announced his proposal. While Pawlenty has not proposed a freeze, "he believes that tuition rates have increased too quickly in recent years," McClung said. The governor has proposed a plan that would provide free college tuition to high achieving students."
Wow, the Governor will sign a bill freezing tuition? Wow...I am actually shocked. I never thought I would see this happen.
But, it does not come without some controversey.
"A one-year fix is all well and good, but students go to college for at least four years," said Rep. Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, the incoming majority leader, who dubbed the House Republican proposal "a one-time gimmick."
Two years ago, we understood the impact of a tuition freeze. We knew it was a band-aid solution. However, the work by students over the past two years has had an enormous impact on the movement in higher ed. A freeze forces schools to find and sustain efficiencies within the system.
"Seifert said rosier state budget forecasts make it possible to consider using state appropriations to help finance a tuition freeze, but he stressed that spending cuts could accomplish much of the job."
"For someone to tell me there isn't one ounce of fat from top to bottom at the University of Minnesota, I just think it's just not credible," Seifert said
Session begins next week! It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out. Nonetheless, it should be a good year for higher education.
So, with higher education being an area Governor Pawlenty gutted to balance the state budget in 2003, he now sees the impact?
According to the Startribune...
"The governor said he would sign that legislation if it passed," Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung said of a freeze Thursday after Seifert announced his proposal. While Pawlenty has not proposed a freeze, "he believes that tuition rates have increased too quickly in recent years," McClung said. The governor has proposed a plan that would provide free college tuition to high achieving students."
Wow, the Governor will sign a bill freezing tuition? Wow...I am actually shocked. I never thought I would see this happen.
But, it does not come without some controversey.
"A one-year fix is all well and good, but students go to college for at least four years," said Rep. Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, the incoming majority leader, who dubbed the House Republican proposal "a one-time gimmick."
Two years ago, we understood the impact of a tuition freeze. We knew it was a band-aid solution. However, the work by students over the past two years has had an enormous impact on the movement in higher ed. A freeze forces schools to find and sustain efficiencies within the system.
"Seifert said rosier state budget forecasts make it possible to consider using state appropriations to help finance a tuition freeze, but he stressed that spending cuts could accomplish much of the job."
"For someone to tell me there isn't one ounce of fat from top to bottom at the University of Minnesota, I just think it's just not credible," Seifert said
Session begins next week! It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out. Nonetheless, it should be a good year for higher education.
Gerald Ford
I've taken some time to ponder the impact of President Ford's presidency. The actions of President Ford embody the American Way. He was not supposed to be the President. Yet, despite what he wanted to do, be Speaker of the House, he rose to the occassion and led this country through some of our darkest moments, a Presidential resignation and an unpopular war.
Some have tried to compare Bush 43 to President Ford, in that they have led a nation through difficult times. They also cite both President's strong religious faith. Some conservative callers last night on a local Twin Cities talk show stated Bush has actually had a more difficult time as he has drawn great media scrutiny.
Times are much different even over 2 decades. The internet boom has gotten information to a greater number of people. Our nation is polarized. Fewer Americans, IMO, are moderate.
What goes undiscussed though is that President Ford had great personal relationships because of his time in Congress. As President, he golfed with Democrats. Can you imagine that happening now? He served 12 terms in the House. President Ford was a true statesman who could move across party lines to get things done.
After his death, Bob Woodward of the Washington Post released an interview with the late President. Ford did not support the war in Iraq.
"Rumsfeld and Cheney and the president made a big mistake in justifying going into the war in Iraq. They put the emphasis on weapons of mass destruction," Ford said. "And now, I've never publicly said I thought they made a mistake, but I felt very strongly it was an error in how they should justify what they were going to do."
He will always be remembered for his integrity and willingness to be a public servant.
Some have tried to compare Bush 43 to President Ford, in that they have led a nation through difficult times. They also cite both President's strong religious faith. Some conservative callers last night on a local Twin Cities talk show stated Bush has actually had a more difficult time as he has drawn great media scrutiny.
Times are much different even over 2 decades. The internet boom has gotten information to a greater number of people. Our nation is polarized. Fewer Americans, IMO, are moderate.
What goes undiscussed though is that President Ford had great personal relationships because of his time in Congress. As President, he golfed with Democrats. Can you imagine that happening now? He served 12 terms in the House. President Ford was a true statesman who could move across party lines to get things done.
After his death, Bob Woodward of the Washington Post released an interview with the late President. Ford did not support the war in Iraq.
"Rumsfeld and Cheney and the president made a big mistake in justifying going into the war in Iraq. They put the emphasis on weapons of mass destruction," Ford said. "And now, I've never publicly said I thought they made a mistake, but I felt very strongly it was an error in how they should justify what they were going to do."
He will always be remembered for his integrity and willingness to be a public servant.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
A local twist on smoking bans
Talk of smoking bans a flying around the media and the blogosphere. At work tonight, I was listening to 100.3, KTLK...conservative talk radio. Thanks to my avid reader who called me to tell me Tom Emmer would be on. It was an interesting show.
Sue Jeffers and Dan Codrie were on with him. Emmer was interesting to say the least. Sue was beaming over the Emmer letter, published widely.
She scolded any anti-smoking callers citing her references yet called coffee more dangerous than cigarettes as "19 of 20 chemicals in coffee kill rats".
Where is the scientific support on that Sue? Are you saying second hand smoke has no effect on people? It's not harmful? See here...ah heck...don't make me post a few hundred links that tell us the peril of second hand smoke. Are we really going through this debate?
Hutchinson recently passed a ban on smoking in public areas in the city as well. Unless it is challegened in court, highly unlikely, it will begin this summer.
Meeker County has a current ban that is highly popular, with almost 3/4 of registered voters surveyed in September were in support.
The only thing that gets anything close to 75% support in Meeker County is Steve Dille. Trust me, I know.
Sue Jeffers and Dan Codrie were on with him. Emmer was interesting to say the least. Sue was beaming over the Emmer letter, published widely.
She scolded any anti-smoking callers citing her references yet called coffee more dangerous than cigarettes as "19 of 20 chemicals in coffee kill rats".
Where is the scientific support on that Sue? Are you saying second hand smoke has no effect on people? It's not harmful? See here...ah heck...don't make me post a few hundred links that tell us the peril of second hand smoke. Are we really going through this debate?
Hutchinson recently passed a ban on smoking in public areas in the city as well. Unless it is challegened in court, highly unlikely, it will begin this summer.
Meeker County has a current ban that is highly popular, with almost 3/4 of registered voters surveyed in September were in support.
The only thing that gets anything close to 75% support in Meeker County is Steve Dille. Trust me, I know.
Emmer's LTE in the Advocate
The same letter as the one printed in the SC Times was published in the Advocate.
To use one of my favorite Star Wars lines (Obi Wan Kenobi)...
"I know what I must do."
To use one of my favorite Star Wars lines (Obi Wan Kenobi)...
"I know what I must do."
Worst Politcal Persons in the State, 2006
From MnpACT!
#9 -- Tim Pawlenty: This is the GOP governor who said at his endorsing convention, "Now I know I may not be in some of your wildest dreams but I can tell you what your worst nightmare is," Pawlenty told delegates at his party's state convention. "It's one of the big spendin', tax raisin', abortion promotin', gay marriage embracin', more-welfare-without-accountability lovin', school-reform resistin', illegal-immigration supportin' Democrats for governor who think Hillary Clinton should be president of the United States." After all that chest thumpin' talk, the "new, I almost got beat" Pawlenty takes abortion and gay marriage off the table.... tax pledges are out; new budget priorities are in; health care spending is also in; education spending overrides reform; and illegal immigration measures will be shoved to the side to keep McCain happy. The only thing left on that diatribe that still operates is that he won't endorse Hillary Clinton for President......and that's only because he thinks he'll be on the GOP ticket against her. This guy takes 47% opportunism to new heights....
TPaw the moderate, pushing for the VP position in 08?
#7 -- Rep. Mark Olson: The only reason he isn't higher on the list is that we have no conviction...(yet)...on his domestic assault charge. The logical thing that would have made the most sense in this bizarre circumstance, would be for him to offer a resignation or, at the very least, take a leave of absence while all this shakes out. Rep. Olson apparently thinks he can weather the storm even when his Republican cohorts give him a no confidence vote. What will he call his caucus of one? The Lonely Guy Caucus?
I'd have rated him higher, conviction or not...but not ahead of...
#6 -- Michele Bachmann: Where do we begin? I know it is hard to believe that someone who has God's stamp of approval can be on this list, but I'm doing it anyway. Don't pity this "fool" for Christ. She is an armed and dangerous Christian soldier. She has devoted herself to be the last line of defense against "gay marriage" and for the 3 day Congressional work week. Michele plans to take the 110th Congress by storm. Anyone taking bets on how long it will take her to say something truly assinine? Anyone?
#6? I get it, but...only #6? I'd have had her in my top 2!
#4 -- Mary Kiffmeyer: Her quest for welding the Constitution and the Ten Commandments together has been temporarily derailed. Her defeat at the hands of Mark Ritchie was no fault of her own, of course, and the partisanship she always displayed was simply all in how you look at it. As she rants about how badly she has been treated, both by her predecessor and successor, you have to wonder how she will ever get a fair shake. But she is certainly looking ahead, as she has Michael Brodkorb tagging along to snakebite anybody who dares cross her. Maybe she should have been one of those tabloid journalists -- they take hyberbole like hers seriously.
She'd be in the lower top 10...but we post this, hoping she runs to replace Mark Olson.
#1 -- Michael Brodkorb: My 2006 worst person in Minnesota has redefined the Minnesota blog-o-sphere. Blogs used to be a genuine discussion of events and positions; they admittedly have slanted points of view, but that's usually not hidden from the reader-- they editorialize but don't pretend to be giving "hard" news....however, thanks to Brodkorb, blogs are rapidly becoming just another arm of political campaigns; operated by former campaign staffers and political hacks and working to influence or manipulate the mainstream media in any manner they can. It has gotten so out of hand, that Mary Kiffmeyer invites Brodkorb to a transition meeting with newly elected Mark Ritchie....for purposes only apparent to Kiffmeyer herself.... but we know Brodkorb's agenda is to simply "hatchet" another Democrat. To be fair, Brodkorb isn't the only one that has lowered the bar for political discourse. There are plenty on the left that are all too willing to take up the gauntlet. But Brodkorb envisions himself as some kind of "investigative" reporter.... with little or no regard for both sides of the issue and even less for factual content. He only looks for the negative... and only items that expose political "opponents". His news flashes are one-sided and distorted as much as possible. But given all that, Brodkorb might be simply ranting in obscurity if not for the local media's willing obsession to pick up the "negative" story, at the expense of examining issue content. Politics has been reduced to the lowest common denominator....thanks, partially, to Michael Brodkorb--- Minnesota's Worst Person in the State!
Since I am now in Vikings draft mode, MDE at #1 is a bust. His selection as Number 1 is a draft bust of Tony Mandarich proportions, Packer fans...you know what I mean!
My Top 10?
LOL, here we go!
10. Patty Wetterling. Ran a horrible campaign. Outraised her opponent significantly and could not carry a swing district in a strong Democratic year. I was so disappointed.
9. Matt Entenza. Sorry I had to put another DFLer up here, but his problems, which should have been fully vetted as a candidate, put the party at risk early in the election cycle. Then, lobbying with Conservative PAC's against DFLers for Law Enforcement? Come on Matt...
9. Mary Kiffmeyer...nuff said.
8. Michael Barrett. Had no plan, purely ran on immigration issues. His signs were outrageous. "Stop the Invasion!" Collin whiped him!
7. Bachmann supporters. Those that put Bachmann stickers on Wetterling and other DFL signs, as well as marched through the DFL contingent at some parades. Oh I wish they had tried to do that to me...
6. GOP Bloggers (MDE and his colleagues). The National Enquirer has more integrity.
5. Governor Pawlenty. Has never won a Statewide election with more than 50% 0f the vote. Has now become a moderate, advocating for many of the areas he gouged in 2003.
4. MCCL: Continuing your practice of flyering cars in Church parking lots the weekend prior to the election...stay classy MCCL.
3. Mark Olson. Search my blog if you have any questions.
2. Ron Carey. GOP Chair. His daily press releases coming after DFLer's for anything and everything really got old. Plus, he screwed the GOP over, had no plan
1. Michele Bachmann. She was divisive and to steal a Boschwitz line, "Embarassingly Conservative". Wonkette has high expectations for her...
There is my Top 10. Just like Fox, "Fair and Balanced"
#9 -- Tim Pawlenty: This is the GOP governor who said at his endorsing convention, "Now I know I may not be in some of your wildest dreams but I can tell you what your worst nightmare is," Pawlenty told delegates at his party's state convention. "It's one of the big spendin', tax raisin', abortion promotin', gay marriage embracin', more-welfare-without-accountability lovin', school-reform resistin', illegal-immigration supportin' Democrats for governor who think Hillary Clinton should be president of the United States." After all that chest thumpin' talk, the "new, I almost got beat" Pawlenty takes abortion and gay marriage off the table.... tax pledges are out; new budget priorities are in; health care spending is also in; education spending overrides reform; and illegal immigration measures will be shoved to the side to keep McCain happy. The only thing left on that diatribe that still operates is that he won't endorse Hillary Clinton for President......and that's only because he thinks he'll be on the GOP ticket against her. This guy takes 47% opportunism to new heights....
TPaw the moderate, pushing for the VP position in 08?
#7 -- Rep. Mark Olson: The only reason he isn't higher on the list is that we have no conviction...(yet)...on his domestic assault charge. The logical thing that would have made the most sense in this bizarre circumstance, would be for him to offer a resignation or, at the very least, take a leave of absence while all this shakes out. Rep. Olson apparently thinks he can weather the storm even when his Republican cohorts give him a no confidence vote. What will he call his caucus of one? The Lonely Guy Caucus?
I'd have rated him higher, conviction or not...but not ahead of...
#6 -- Michele Bachmann: Where do we begin? I know it is hard to believe that someone who has God's stamp of approval can be on this list, but I'm doing it anyway. Don't pity this "fool" for Christ. She is an armed and dangerous Christian soldier. She has devoted herself to be the last line of defense against "gay marriage" and for the 3 day Congressional work week. Michele plans to take the 110th Congress by storm. Anyone taking bets on how long it will take her to say something truly assinine? Anyone?
#6? I get it, but...only #6? I'd have had her in my top 2!
#4 -- Mary Kiffmeyer: Her quest for welding the Constitution and the Ten Commandments together has been temporarily derailed. Her defeat at the hands of Mark Ritchie was no fault of her own, of course, and the partisanship she always displayed was simply all in how you look at it. As she rants about how badly she has been treated, both by her predecessor and successor, you have to wonder how she will ever get a fair shake. But she is certainly looking ahead, as she has Michael Brodkorb tagging along to snakebite anybody who dares cross her. Maybe she should have been one of those tabloid journalists -- they take hyberbole like hers seriously.
She'd be in the lower top 10...but we post this, hoping she runs to replace Mark Olson.
#1 -- Michael Brodkorb: My 2006 worst person in Minnesota has redefined the Minnesota blog-o-sphere. Blogs used to be a genuine discussion of events and positions; they admittedly have slanted points of view, but that's usually not hidden from the reader-- they editorialize but don't pretend to be giving "hard" news....however, thanks to Brodkorb, blogs are rapidly becoming just another arm of political campaigns; operated by former campaign staffers and political hacks and working to influence or manipulate the mainstream media in any manner they can. It has gotten so out of hand, that Mary Kiffmeyer invites Brodkorb to a transition meeting with newly elected Mark Ritchie....for purposes only apparent to Kiffmeyer herself.... but we know Brodkorb's agenda is to simply "hatchet" another Democrat. To be fair, Brodkorb isn't the only one that has lowered the bar for political discourse. There are plenty on the left that are all too willing to take up the gauntlet. But Brodkorb envisions himself as some kind of "investigative" reporter.... with little or no regard for both sides of the issue and even less for factual content. He only looks for the negative... and only items that expose political "opponents". His news flashes are one-sided and distorted as much as possible. But given all that, Brodkorb might be simply ranting in obscurity if not for the local media's willing obsession to pick up the "negative" story, at the expense of examining issue content. Politics has been reduced to the lowest common denominator....thanks, partially, to Michael Brodkorb--- Minnesota's Worst Person in the State!
Since I am now in Vikings draft mode, MDE at #1 is a bust. His selection as Number 1 is a draft bust of Tony Mandarich proportions, Packer fans...you know what I mean!
My Top 10?
LOL, here we go!
10. Patty Wetterling. Ran a horrible campaign. Outraised her opponent significantly and could not carry a swing district in a strong Democratic year. I was so disappointed.
9. Matt Entenza. Sorry I had to put another DFLer up here, but his problems, which should have been fully vetted as a candidate, put the party at risk early in the election cycle. Then, lobbying with Conservative PAC's against DFLers for Law Enforcement? Come on Matt...
9. Mary Kiffmeyer...nuff said.
8. Michael Barrett. Had no plan, purely ran on immigration issues. His signs were outrageous. "Stop the Invasion!" Collin whiped him!
7. Bachmann supporters. Those that put Bachmann stickers on Wetterling and other DFL signs, as well as marched through the DFL contingent at some parades. Oh I wish they had tried to do that to me...
6. GOP Bloggers (MDE and his colleagues). The National Enquirer has more integrity.
5. Governor Pawlenty. Has never won a Statewide election with more than 50% 0f the vote. Has now become a moderate, advocating for many of the areas he gouged in 2003.
4. MCCL: Continuing your practice of flyering cars in Church parking lots the weekend prior to the election...stay classy MCCL.
3. Mark Olson. Search my blog if you have any questions.
2. Ron Carey. GOP Chair. His daily press releases coming after DFLer's for anything and everything really got old. Plus, he screwed the GOP over, had no plan
1. Michele Bachmann. She was divisive and to steal a Boschwitz line, "Embarassingly Conservative". Wonkette has high expectations for her...
There is my Top 10. Just like Fox, "Fair and Balanced"
Dean Zimmerman and Mark Olson
MDE has a post up about former Minneapolis City Council member Zimmerman's interactions with the DFL. It has been reported in the comments section of a blog that Zimmerman attended at DFL Progressive Caucus meeting last week.
Not really any evidence though.
On Representative Mark Olson's wiki page, we have visual evidence of Olson's dealings with Zimmerman.
Not really any evidence though.
On Representative Mark Olson's wiki page, we have visual evidence of Olson's dealings with Zimmerman.
Olson with Zimmerman, discussing "personal rapid transit".
Zimmerman is a staunch Green, hates both the GOP and the DFL, but seems to like Olson.
SC Times opinion
The SC Times is running a series (an 8 part series) on the top legislative issues. Today, they tackled the "bickering" at the capitol.
"For three of Pawlenty's four years, partisanship not only gridlocked the Capitol, but eviscerated Minnesota's reputation as a place where good government prevailed."
And we re-elected him. With a DFL controlled House and Senate it could be an interesting session. The majorities in both houses are close to being able to override a veto. Both sides have publically stated their desire to work together, but with Seifert, Emmer and other GOPers launching Scud after Scud...
It will be an interesting year!
"For three of Pawlenty's four years, partisanship not only gridlocked the Capitol, but eviscerated Minnesota's reputation as a place where good government prevailed."
And we re-elected him. With a DFL controlled House and Senate it could be an interesting session. The majorities in both houses are close to being able to override a veto. Both sides have publically stated their desire to work together, but with Seifert, Emmer and other GOPers launching Scud after Scud...
It will be an interesting year!
Strib editorial highlights
The Strib, which also just announced that they were sold for less than half of what they were purchased for, ran a four part series on key legislative issues.
Here is a sampling.
Healthcare
"In 2003, trying to balance the state budget, Gov. Tim Pawlenty borrowed millions of dollars from MinnesotaCare's "health care access fund" and cut thousands of families from the program. Minnesota still has the nation's lowest uninsured rate, but that number is creeping upward. Just since 2001, the number of uninsured children has climbed by more than 11,000 to an estimated 73,000."
GOPers use the figure that 92% of all Minnesotan's are insured. They fail to disucss the number of Minnesotan's that are underinsured. We heard their plight while out campaigning. Whether its the family that struggles after a catastrophic medical event, or increases to premiums, Minnesotan's really do struggle with access to affordable and quality healthcare. It's time to do something about this, and starting with children makes the most sense.
"Minnesota has the money. The MinnesotaCare provider tax produces an annual surplus of $50 million to $100 million -- if lawmakers would quit raiding it for other purposes. Combined with federal matching funds, that's probably enough to do the job."
Conservatives decry any sort of health care plan to cover everyone. While most people I spoke to support it, some in our area were very upity about the premisce of everyone having access. They truly do not understand the concept of preventative maintenance.
Higher Education
The editors do not support the concept of a tuition freeze at all, calling it a populist move in the Legislature.
I disagree.
Students were disproportionately taxed by the GOP and Pawlenty the past 4 years. Cuts to MnSCU and the U of M forced large double digit tuition increases across the board, for most of my higher education experience.
The money is there for a tuition freeze and making this bold statement does several things.
First, it shows the committment to affordable education to our college students.
Secondly, it forces administrators to deliver an efficient product. When students worked to cap tuition several years ago, and when we tried to freeze it as well, we heard cries of large and deep cuts on our campuses.
Nothing of the sort occurred.
I support the idea of investing in the technology side of education, which should include a move towards renewable energy sources on our campuses. Make our campuses the fertile soil for which these programs can grow and prosper!
Transportation
"In June 2004 the Hiawatha light-rail line debuted to rave reviews from riders, applause from community leaders and a volume of passengers that far exceeded official projections. The result? Minnesota won't open its next light-rail line until ... 2014."
The Strib is correct, it's appalling!
Unfortunately, so was the Strib's portrayal of the transportation problem.
I do believe that light rail is the way to go. However, we have some real problems that need addressing today.
I heard the grumble when rural Minnesota read the editorial. Who's going to help us? With the majority of roads in rural areas, we see a disproportionate amount of funding to maintain the heart of this state.
The Transportation Amendment is a start, possibly a poor start, but a start nonetheless. We will have dedicated funding for transportation to the tune of $300 million a year. Billions of dollars need to be spent.
A comprehensive plan is needed to address the issue as a whole! Light rail and other mass transit opportunities can fix many of the metro transit woes. At some point, we cannot build enough roads to quickly and safely transport people and goods.
Obviously Congressman Oberstar's seat on the Transportation Committee will help our state, but at some point, we need our elected leaders to really find a solution to our transportation woes.
Early Childhood Education
"Cuts in state child care assistance to low-income families combined with a freeze in reimbursement to care providers to push her monthly child care bill from $58 to an unaffordable $359 in 2003. Her children dropped out of their child care center, to be cared for by a friend."
In rural areas the problem is even bigger. With low and stagnant wages and rising health care costs, familes struggle for the basics.
"Nationally, about two-thirds of kindergarteners are in school all day. In Minnesota, that's true of only one-third. "
All day Kindergarten is only a part of the solution. Ensuring that kids get opportunites before they enter the K-12 system levies the playing field. Education is the great equalizer in our society. Ensuring that families have access to affordable child care programs and opportunities to educate their children is a top priority.
All told, the Strib exposed the top issues from the campaign season for discussion. While I do not agree with some of their stances, at least they have exposed the issues that matter most to Minnesotan's.
While a smoking ban is not in those priorities (Strib may pubish something later), I would expect the Legislature to take action. Despite the GOP discussion of freedom, the ban is the right thing to do. Allowing counties and other local governments to ban smoking will be worse for businesses than an all out ban.
Here is a sampling.
Healthcare
"In 2003, trying to balance the state budget, Gov. Tim Pawlenty borrowed millions of dollars from MinnesotaCare's "health care access fund" and cut thousands of families from the program. Minnesota still has the nation's lowest uninsured rate, but that number is creeping upward. Just since 2001, the number of uninsured children has climbed by more than 11,000 to an estimated 73,000."
GOPers use the figure that 92% of all Minnesotan's are insured. They fail to disucss the number of Minnesotan's that are underinsured. We heard their plight while out campaigning. Whether its the family that struggles after a catastrophic medical event, or increases to premiums, Minnesotan's really do struggle with access to affordable and quality healthcare. It's time to do something about this, and starting with children makes the most sense.
"Minnesota has the money. The MinnesotaCare provider tax produces an annual surplus of $50 million to $100 million -- if lawmakers would quit raiding it for other purposes. Combined with federal matching funds, that's probably enough to do the job."
Conservatives decry any sort of health care plan to cover everyone. While most people I spoke to support it, some in our area were very upity about the premisce of everyone having access. They truly do not understand the concept of preventative maintenance.
Higher Education
The editors do not support the concept of a tuition freeze at all, calling it a populist move in the Legislature.
I disagree.
Students were disproportionately taxed by the GOP and Pawlenty the past 4 years. Cuts to MnSCU and the U of M forced large double digit tuition increases across the board, for most of my higher education experience.
The money is there for a tuition freeze and making this bold statement does several things.
First, it shows the committment to affordable education to our college students.
Secondly, it forces administrators to deliver an efficient product. When students worked to cap tuition several years ago, and when we tried to freeze it as well, we heard cries of large and deep cuts on our campuses.
Nothing of the sort occurred.
I support the idea of investing in the technology side of education, which should include a move towards renewable energy sources on our campuses. Make our campuses the fertile soil for which these programs can grow and prosper!
Transportation
"In June 2004 the Hiawatha light-rail line debuted to rave reviews from riders, applause from community leaders and a volume of passengers that far exceeded official projections. The result? Minnesota won't open its next light-rail line until ... 2014."
The Strib is correct, it's appalling!
Unfortunately, so was the Strib's portrayal of the transportation problem.
I do believe that light rail is the way to go. However, we have some real problems that need addressing today.
I heard the grumble when rural Minnesota read the editorial. Who's going to help us? With the majority of roads in rural areas, we see a disproportionate amount of funding to maintain the heart of this state.
The Transportation Amendment is a start, possibly a poor start, but a start nonetheless. We will have dedicated funding for transportation to the tune of $300 million a year. Billions of dollars need to be spent.
A comprehensive plan is needed to address the issue as a whole! Light rail and other mass transit opportunities can fix many of the metro transit woes. At some point, we cannot build enough roads to quickly and safely transport people and goods.
Obviously Congressman Oberstar's seat on the Transportation Committee will help our state, but at some point, we need our elected leaders to really find a solution to our transportation woes.
Early Childhood Education
"Cuts in state child care assistance to low-income families combined with a freeze in reimbursement to care providers to push her monthly child care bill from $58 to an unaffordable $359 in 2003. Her children dropped out of their child care center, to be cared for by a friend."
In rural areas the problem is even bigger. With low and stagnant wages and rising health care costs, familes struggle for the basics.
"Nationally, about two-thirds of kindergarteners are in school all day. In Minnesota, that's true of only one-third. "
All day Kindergarten is only a part of the solution. Ensuring that kids get opportunites before they enter the K-12 system levies the playing field. Education is the great equalizer in our society. Ensuring that families have access to affordable child care programs and opportunities to educate their children is a top priority.
All told, the Strib exposed the top issues from the campaign season for discussion. While I do not agree with some of their stances, at least they have exposed the issues that matter most to Minnesotan's.
While a smoking ban is not in those priorities (Strib may pubish something later), I would expect the Legislature to take action. Despite the GOP discussion of freedom, the ban is the right thing to do. Allowing counties and other local governments to ban smoking will be worse for businesses than an all out ban.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Anderson Cooper 360 and Veterans
I was watching Anderson Cooper on Christmas Eve as he shared a story of a disabled Iraqi Gulf War Veteran.
This Marine was wounded in Iraq by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). He suffered some brain damage as well as some injuries to his hands.
He went through physical therapy through the VA and was set at a disability rate of 20%, which paid him about $300 a month. He soon lost his job because he was unable to fully use his hands and became a homeless Veteran, parking his car near the New Jersey shores and living from VA check to VA check, fighting the system for help.
He applied through many programs and was mired in the same bureacracy many Veterans struggle with. Soon he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but did not recieve a higher VA rating.
Anderson Cooper followed proud Veteran as he would look for an odd job and fill out more paperwork to try and get help from the VA.
Only after Anderson and his producers intervened, did this Marine get re-evaluated and is now collecting full disablility as he works through PTSD issues and his other physical pain.
If only Anderson could help all our Veterans...
Is this what our society has come to? These brave men and women deploy and fight, only to have to fight even harder for their benefits. This is a travesty!
Support our Troops is much more than a slogan, a mantra of the GOP. We must also Support our Veterans.
This Marine was wounded in Iraq by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). He suffered some brain damage as well as some injuries to his hands.
He went through physical therapy through the VA and was set at a disability rate of 20%, which paid him about $300 a month. He soon lost his job because he was unable to fully use his hands and became a homeless Veteran, parking his car near the New Jersey shores and living from VA check to VA check, fighting the system for help.
He applied through many programs and was mired in the same bureacracy many Veterans struggle with. Soon he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but did not recieve a higher VA rating.
Anderson Cooper followed proud Veteran as he would look for an odd job and fill out more paperwork to try and get help from the VA.
Only after Anderson and his producers intervened, did this Marine get re-evaluated and is now collecting full disablility as he works through PTSD issues and his other physical pain.
If only Anderson could help all our Veterans...
Is this what our society has come to? These brave men and women deploy and fight, only to have to fight even harder for their benefits. This is a travesty!
Support our Troops is much more than a slogan, a mantra of the GOP. We must also Support our Veterans.
Democracy and Capiltalism
After doing last minute X-mas shopping, watching the local news and seeing long lines for Playstation's, Nintendo's, and other popular gifts, and now seeing the long lines for returns, I am saddened.
Democracy will be restored when we have lines waiting to elect our political leaders. When people are as excited to vote for Candidate X as they are to give their hard earned money to the greedy capitalist, we will see some significant change in our society.
Until then, just another mountain of ice to melt.
Democracy will be restored when we have lines waiting to elect our political leaders. When people are as excited to vote for Candidate X as they are to give their hard earned money to the greedy capitalist, we will see some significant change in our society.
Until then, just another mountain of ice to melt.
Comments on Emmer's SC Times LTE
The following are some comments from Tom Emmer's LTE in the SC Times.
Enjoy
MASTER OF rePUPPETlicanS from Wherever I May Roam
Number of Posts: 351
Comment Posted: 12/26/2006 12:59:05 AM
That's the problem with you conservatives Tom. You never think to the future!
... of course the smoking ban is going to pass!
So... see what you can do about creating a smoking license (similar to a liquor license) that may be issued by and purchased from local municipalities.
By forcing businesses to buy a smoking license, you eliminate smoking from 80% of the establishments that currently allow it, yet give the 20% the option to keep smoking if they feel it will hurt their business.
... and you get to collect more revenue for something or other.
It's a win, win, win!
Some Clown from Central Mn
Number of Posts: 4
Comment Posted: 12/26/2006 7:51:20 AM
This writer is a hypocrite. He claims to be opposed to government government control and taking away rights, yet in the last legislative session he voted to ban Gay marriage. Then in this letter he is so two faced as to say "What will stop them from legislating who we can associate with by restricting procreation based on genetics?"
He tried to ban marriage based on genetics. (gender is genetic)
I can respect opposition to smoking bans based on the thought that it will harm business. ( Although I think the evidence shows otherwise)
I can respect the opinion that this is government overstepping its bounds, if the same position of less government then carries over to other areas such as marriage, business, religious freedom, labor law, and adult businesses.
To oppose a smoking ban, while at the some time trying to pass his own government control of individuals is total hypocrisy.
Robert M from ALAmn
Number of Posts: 6
Comment Posted: 12/26/2006 8:18:19 AM
I wish Rep. Emmer would name the members of the "junta" he seems so concerned about. I follow this issue closely, as many of you know, and I can tell you that the only state lawmaker who has made a "top priority" of the Freedom to Breathe Act is Mr. Emmer, in his personal media campaign in favor of the status quo. Why so much protest for a bill that has yet to be introduced in a session that has not yet begun?
While it is true that most Minnesotans support the Freedom to Breathe Act, and there has been changes in House leadership, I again point out that there is strong support for a smokefree Minnesota among Republican representatives and senators as well, not to mention Governor Pawlenty.
Castle: We "antis" can speak for ourselves, so don't put words in our mouths. BTW: just about all of the tobacco settlement money is being (or has been) spent by the MN Legislature, not by groups like ours.
M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A!! from Golden Gopher Land
Number of Posts: 4
Comment Posted: 12/26/2006 9:06:30 AM
Very thin!
It is also indisputable that if you hold food above 41 degrees for too long bacteria will grow. It is a state reguulation that food be held at a certain temperature. Not in your homes...but in a privately owned restaurant or bar and grill. If you believe in the rights of the private business owner then this law should go as well.
So, let's review: Food held above 41...bad. Regulations passed to protect the customers from contracting a food borne illness.
Second hand smoke...bad. Regulations passed to protect customers and employees from contracting various illnesses.
Seems pretty plain to me. Argue away.
Enjoy
MASTER OF rePUPPETlicanS from Wherever I May Roam
Number of Posts: 351
Comment Posted: 12/26/2006 12:59:05 AM
That's the problem with you conservatives Tom. You never think to the future!
... of course the smoking ban is going to pass!
So... see what you can do about creating a smoking license (similar to a liquor license) that may be issued by and purchased from local municipalities.
By forcing businesses to buy a smoking license, you eliminate smoking from 80% of the establishments that currently allow it, yet give the 20% the option to keep smoking if they feel it will hurt their business.
... and you get to collect more revenue for something or other.
It's a win, win, win!
Some Clown from Central Mn
Number of Posts: 4
Comment Posted: 12/26/2006 7:51:20 AM
This writer is a hypocrite. He claims to be opposed to government government control and taking away rights, yet in the last legislative session he voted to ban Gay marriage. Then in this letter he is so two faced as to say "What will stop them from legislating who we can associate with by restricting procreation based on genetics?"
He tried to ban marriage based on genetics. (gender is genetic)
I can respect opposition to smoking bans based on the thought that it will harm business. ( Although I think the evidence shows otherwise)
I can respect the opinion that this is government overstepping its bounds, if the same position of less government then carries over to other areas such as marriage, business, religious freedom, labor law, and adult businesses.
To oppose a smoking ban, while at the some time trying to pass his own government control of individuals is total hypocrisy.
Robert M from ALAmn
Number of Posts: 6
Comment Posted: 12/26/2006 8:18:19 AM
I wish Rep. Emmer would name the members of the "junta" he seems so concerned about. I follow this issue closely, as many of you know, and I can tell you that the only state lawmaker who has made a "top priority" of the Freedom to Breathe Act is Mr. Emmer, in his personal media campaign in favor of the status quo. Why so much protest for a bill that has yet to be introduced in a session that has not yet begun?
While it is true that most Minnesotans support the Freedom to Breathe Act, and there has been changes in House leadership, I again point out that there is strong support for a smokefree Minnesota among Republican representatives and senators as well, not to mention Governor Pawlenty.
Castle: We "antis" can speak for ourselves, so don't put words in our mouths. BTW: just about all of the tobacco settlement money is being (or has been) spent by the MN Legislature, not by groups like ours.
M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A!! from Golden Gopher Land
Number of Posts: 4
Comment Posted: 12/26/2006 9:06:30 AM
Very thin!
It is also indisputable that if you hold food above 41 degrees for too long bacteria will grow. It is a state reguulation that food be held at a certain temperature. Not in your homes...but in a privately owned restaurant or bar and grill. If you believe in the rights of the private business owner then this law should go as well.
So, let's review: Food held above 41...bad. Regulations passed to protect the customers from contracting a food borne illness.
Second hand smoke...bad. Regulations passed to protect customers and employees from contracting various illnesses.
Seems pretty plain to me. Argue away.
Tom Emmer strikes again!
Rep Emmer wrote a LTE in the SC Times defending the rights of smokers.
It's nice to see the Representative who is anti government interference when it comes to 3 inch, cancer causing, tobacco sticks. Yet...when it comes to same sex marriage or a woman's right to choose...he wants the government to intervene. Rights for some, but not for all.
Nice letter Tom.
Your turn: Statewide smoking ban is not a priority
By Rep. Tom Emmer, Delano
I don't smoke. I don't like smoke. But my distaste for the habit doesn't give me cause to have the state manage individual rights.
The new junta of Democratic legislative leaders has declared a statewide smoking ban as the top priority on their thin agenda for the upcoming legislative session.
That baffles me. How property taxes, education reform, health care reform and funding for roads and bridges do not top that list of priorities is, in a word, outrageous! Apparently promises made during recent campaigns can now be forgotten.
A statewide smoking ban in Minnesota is a dangerous constitutional precedent. If the new regime wants the ban to pass, it very likely will pass. But we should at least call it what it is as we plummet further into the nanny-state formerly known as Minnesota.
America was founded on principles of freedom and the right of the individual to self-determine. As a "free" society, the laws we enact must necessarily be directed toward protection of individual freedoms.
A tension exists, however, between the right to self-determine and our predisposition to control. Simply stated, we all want to make decisions about our personal liberties, but some also want to make decisions for fellow citizens.
Why? Is it because we believe only the uneducated would disagree with our enlightened position?
We are all concerned with health. In fact, we are all responsible for making healthful choices. The first law on the DFL legislative agenda is a statewide smoking ban.
The real issue is much larger. The real issue is how far we are willing to let government rules erode our freedom.
What will stop the regulatory engineers from focusing their sights on the freedom to consume certain foods they consider unhealthful foods? What will stop them from outlawing certain expressions, like no one should be forced to sit in a public place next to someone spouting profanity or praying aloud? What will stop them from determining who can own and hold certain property like a farmer's right to decide how and what to farm? What will stop them from legislating who we can associate with by restricting procreation based on genetics? What will stop them from legislating our religious freedoms?
I expect those who want to dictate our freedoms will cry out that the smoking ban is altogether different from the examples offered.
Secondhand smoke obviously affects workers in bars and restaurants. Of course no one wants to suggest that employment is voluntary. Evidence of the negative health impact of secondhand smoke has been presented as indisputable.
If this is such an indisputable truth, then why does the federal government rate secondhand smoke below cell phones as a carcinogen?
I realize this train may be out of the station and that it seems to be picking up steam. I only ask that before we set this course we consider the impact on not only the many businesses that will be hurt, but also the dangerous precedent we set for liberty.
This is the opinion of District 19B Rep. Tom Emmer, Delano. He can be reached at (651) 296-4336 or (800) 474-3425.
Emmer likes to call out DFLer's on campaign promises that they have failed to achieve. Let's talk about our legislative leaders across our district too.
Senator Dille's "top legislative priority" is to ensure that every Minnesotan is a happily married millionaire. His words, not mine. When has that happened? Did I miss something while I was on active duty?
He has been talking about health care issues for more than a decade, as evidenced by decade old local newspapers. He's been talking about education funding reforms...for more than a decade. No results. Come on Tom, hold everyone to the same standard. I am sure you promised your constituents that you would do everything you could to fight abortion. Where are your results?
You sponsor laws to safeguard Minnesotans and help us prosper. Should you rescind bans on asbestos, lead and other unsafe materials in order to allow businesses to remain profitable? Allow the consumer to take the risk of going to Jack and Jill's Bed and Breakfast just to save a few bucks?
What about making sure that those that serve food wash their hands? Is that not a personal choice? Establishments could compete based on cleanliness as well.
As a civilized society, we do not allow that. We do not allow that because we know the harm that is caused by these materials and practices.
Get off your high horse Tom, and serve the people.
It's nice to see the Representative who is anti government interference when it comes to 3 inch, cancer causing, tobacco sticks. Yet...when it comes to same sex marriage or a woman's right to choose...he wants the government to intervene. Rights for some, but not for all.
Nice letter Tom.
Your turn: Statewide smoking ban is not a priority
By Rep. Tom Emmer, Delano
I don't smoke. I don't like smoke. But my distaste for the habit doesn't give me cause to have the state manage individual rights.
The new junta of Democratic legislative leaders has declared a statewide smoking ban as the top priority on their thin agenda for the upcoming legislative session.
That baffles me. How property taxes, education reform, health care reform and funding for roads and bridges do not top that list of priorities is, in a word, outrageous! Apparently promises made during recent campaigns can now be forgotten.
A statewide smoking ban in Minnesota is a dangerous constitutional precedent. If the new regime wants the ban to pass, it very likely will pass. But we should at least call it what it is as we plummet further into the nanny-state formerly known as Minnesota.
America was founded on principles of freedom and the right of the individual to self-determine. As a "free" society, the laws we enact must necessarily be directed toward protection of individual freedoms.
A tension exists, however, between the right to self-determine and our predisposition to control. Simply stated, we all want to make decisions about our personal liberties, but some also want to make decisions for fellow citizens.
Why? Is it because we believe only the uneducated would disagree with our enlightened position?
We are all concerned with health. In fact, we are all responsible for making healthful choices. The first law on the DFL legislative agenda is a statewide smoking ban.
The real issue is much larger. The real issue is how far we are willing to let government rules erode our freedom.
What will stop the regulatory engineers from focusing their sights on the freedom to consume certain foods they consider unhealthful foods? What will stop them from outlawing certain expressions, like no one should be forced to sit in a public place next to someone spouting profanity or praying aloud? What will stop them from determining who can own and hold certain property like a farmer's right to decide how and what to farm? What will stop them from legislating who we can associate with by restricting procreation based on genetics? What will stop them from legislating our religious freedoms?
I expect those who want to dictate our freedoms will cry out that the smoking ban is altogether different from the examples offered.
Secondhand smoke obviously affects workers in bars and restaurants. Of course no one wants to suggest that employment is voluntary. Evidence of the negative health impact of secondhand smoke has been presented as indisputable.
If this is such an indisputable truth, then why does the federal government rate secondhand smoke below cell phones as a carcinogen?
I realize this train may be out of the station and that it seems to be picking up steam. I only ask that before we set this course we consider the impact on not only the many businesses that will be hurt, but also the dangerous precedent we set for liberty.
This is the opinion of District 19B Rep. Tom Emmer, Delano. He can be reached at (651) 296-4336 or (800) 474-3425.
Emmer likes to call out DFLer's on campaign promises that they have failed to achieve. Let's talk about our legislative leaders across our district too.
Senator Dille's "top legislative priority" is to ensure that every Minnesotan is a happily married millionaire. His words, not mine. When has that happened? Did I miss something while I was on active duty?
He has been talking about health care issues for more than a decade, as evidenced by decade old local newspapers. He's been talking about education funding reforms...for more than a decade. No results. Come on Tom, hold everyone to the same standard. I am sure you promised your constituents that you would do everything you could to fight abortion. Where are your results?
You sponsor laws to safeguard Minnesotans and help us prosper. Should you rescind bans on asbestos, lead and other unsafe materials in order to allow businesses to remain profitable? Allow the consumer to take the risk of going to Jack and Jill's Bed and Breakfast just to save a few bucks?
What about making sure that those that serve food wash their hands? Is that not a personal choice? Establishments could compete based on cleanliness as well.
As a civilized society, we do not allow that. We do not allow that because we know the harm that is caused by these materials and practices.
Get off your high horse Tom, and serve the people.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Strib on school levies
School levies have failed in numerous school districts across the state. We campaigned hard on the issue in the past election and now will work hard to hold our elected leaders accountable. Senator Dille has stated he supports reforms to school funding for more than a decade now with results being few and far between.
Now...our public schools are in trouble. Here is the story from the Strib!
Public school officials need to look no further than retired carpenter David Ervin to understand why many Minnesota property owners recently rejected pleas for more money.
Burnsville schools got a no for an answer last month when they asked voters to approve a major property tax increase. Ervin, 66, said he has supported school referendums in the past, but this time, "I voted no. It would have increased my taxes $200 to $300 a year. The homeowners are getting hit pretty hard because of the lack of state funding. There's got to be some kind of relief."
Relief is expected to be at the top of the agenda when the new DFL-controlled Legislature convenes Jan. 3. But lawmakers will have to wrestle with the risk that one person's property tax break could create a burden for other taxpayers, or for the state budget.
If Ervin represents one side of that equation, Beth Purcelli embodies the other. Purcelli, 30, lives with her daughter in a $900-a-month Burnsville apartment. She sells two-way radios and is studying for a bachelor's degree.
Property taxes affect Purcelli's rent only indirectly, so she's not a fan of curbing them if it means higher taxes on her income, cigarettes or other purchases. "I already survive paycheck to paycheck," she said.
Economic insecurity
The tension over differing taxes' impact on different taxpayers intensified when recent changes in Minnesota laws shifted more of the burden from the state to local governments. A decline in state aid to local governments contributed to residential property taxes rising an average of 58 percent from 2002 through 2006. Higher property values and local government spending also fed the increase.
Property taxes will rise an average of 8.2 percent statewide in 2007, the state Revenue Department estimates.
Taxes on a median-valued home in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District rose about 35 percent from 2002 to what is proposed for 2007.
It could have been higher still. This year the district asked voters to boost levies nearly $6 million a year over the next decade to erase an operating deficit and avoid increasing class sizes.
The district said that would add about $228 a year to the tax bill on a home valued at $250,000. Officials held community meetings to explain the proposal and got an inkling that it would be a tough sell in a district where many homeowners work for economically strapped Northwest Airlines.
"I think the overriding issue was economic insecurity and therefore a concern about increasing property taxes," said Superintendent Benjamin Kanninen.
He recalled a meeting where one resident said: "I support schools and I understand what you're saying, but how can you ask me to raise my taxes? I just lost my job."
Record rate of 'no' votes
Resistance also came from senior citizens living on fixed or nearly fixed incomes.
One of those was Ervin. A widower with grown children, he said he voted to raise property taxes for Minneapolis schools years ago when his family lived there. But he said passage of the Burnsville referendum would raise his taxes at a time when "there's way too much money spent on administration" in the school system.
He also says local governments were in a bind because of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's refusal to increase statewide taxes. "They had to raise property taxes," Ervin said.
The district stressed that it was among a minority of school systems spending more than 70 percent of their budgets on teaching rather than administration, a benchmark set by Pawlenty.
But the referendum failed, 56 to 44 percent.
It was one of 40 school district operating referendums that failed in November. Statewide, 57 percent of the school referendums were shot down -- the worst percentage since tracking began in 1980, said Greg Abbott, a spokesman for the Minnesota School Boards Association. He saw the defeats as a measure of long-standing public frustration with property taxes.
"With schools ... you get to vote on it," he said. "It's one time you can say, 'My property taxes are too high.' "
For the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage district, the defeat probably means laying off 50 to 75 employees -- including perhaps 5 percent of its teachers.
Which taxes to relieve?
As a renter and her household's sole wage earner, Purcelli has a different perspective on taxes. She is skeptical about how long the state's projected budget surplus will last. And she doesn't want income taxes or other levies -- she's a smoker still upset about the 75-cent-a-pack fee enacted in 2005 -- boosted to pay for property tax relief. Still, she hopes to own a home one day.
"It's hard enough to survive in this world on one income, let alone if they start taking more of that income from me," she said.
DFL leaders and Pawlenty have promised some form of property tax relief next year. Both the Republican governor and Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, the new chairman of the Taxes Committee, oppose state tax increases to pay for it. But funds steered to relief for homeowners could just as easily go to income or sales tax breaks that might more directly reach taxpayers such as Purcelli.
The governor wants to hold annual property tax increases to under 10 percent, said spokesman Alex Carey. DFLers will probably push for increasing state aid to local governments as a way to control or reduce property taxes.
"The cities that have lost local government aid over the last four years would like to have some of that back to help pull down property taxes," Bakk said. Another way to hold down property taxes would be more state aid to schools, he said.
The amount of tax relief will depend on the state economic forecast to be released in February, Bakk added.
Now...our public schools are in trouble. Here is the story from the Strib!
Public school officials need to look no further than retired carpenter David Ervin to understand why many Minnesota property owners recently rejected pleas for more money.
Burnsville schools got a no for an answer last month when they asked voters to approve a major property tax increase. Ervin, 66, said he has supported school referendums in the past, but this time, "I voted no. It would have increased my taxes $200 to $300 a year. The homeowners are getting hit pretty hard because of the lack of state funding. There's got to be some kind of relief."
Relief is expected to be at the top of the agenda when the new DFL-controlled Legislature convenes Jan. 3. But lawmakers will have to wrestle with the risk that one person's property tax break could create a burden for other taxpayers, or for the state budget.
If Ervin represents one side of that equation, Beth Purcelli embodies the other. Purcelli, 30, lives with her daughter in a $900-a-month Burnsville apartment. She sells two-way radios and is studying for a bachelor's degree.
Property taxes affect Purcelli's rent only indirectly, so she's not a fan of curbing them if it means higher taxes on her income, cigarettes or other purchases. "I already survive paycheck to paycheck," she said.
Economic insecurity
The tension over differing taxes' impact on different taxpayers intensified when recent changes in Minnesota laws shifted more of the burden from the state to local governments. A decline in state aid to local governments contributed to residential property taxes rising an average of 58 percent from 2002 through 2006. Higher property values and local government spending also fed the increase.
Property taxes will rise an average of 8.2 percent statewide in 2007, the state Revenue Department estimates.
Taxes on a median-valued home in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District rose about 35 percent from 2002 to what is proposed for 2007.
It could have been higher still. This year the district asked voters to boost levies nearly $6 million a year over the next decade to erase an operating deficit and avoid increasing class sizes.
The district said that would add about $228 a year to the tax bill on a home valued at $250,000. Officials held community meetings to explain the proposal and got an inkling that it would be a tough sell in a district where many homeowners work for economically strapped Northwest Airlines.
"I think the overriding issue was economic insecurity and therefore a concern about increasing property taxes," said Superintendent Benjamin Kanninen.
He recalled a meeting where one resident said: "I support schools and I understand what you're saying, but how can you ask me to raise my taxes? I just lost my job."
Record rate of 'no' votes
Resistance also came from senior citizens living on fixed or nearly fixed incomes.
One of those was Ervin. A widower with grown children, he said he voted to raise property taxes for Minneapolis schools years ago when his family lived there. But he said passage of the Burnsville referendum would raise his taxes at a time when "there's way too much money spent on administration" in the school system.
He also says local governments were in a bind because of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's refusal to increase statewide taxes. "They had to raise property taxes," Ervin said.
The district stressed that it was among a minority of school systems spending more than 70 percent of their budgets on teaching rather than administration, a benchmark set by Pawlenty.
But the referendum failed, 56 to 44 percent.
It was one of 40 school district operating referendums that failed in November. Statewide, 57 percent of the school referendums were shot down -- the worst percentage since tracking began in 1980, said Greg Abbott, a spokesman for the Minnesota School Boards Association. He saw the defeats as a measure of long-standing public frustration with property taxes.
"With schools ... you get to vote on it," he said. "It's one time you can say, 'My property taxes are too high.' "
For the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage district, the defeat probably means laying off 50 to 75 employees -- including perhaps 5 percent of its teachers.
Which taxes to relieve?
As a renter and her household's sole wage earner, Purcelli has a different perspective on taxes. She is skeptical about how long the state's projected budget surplus will last. And she doesn't want income taxes or other levies -- she's a smoker still upset about the 75-cent-a-pack fee enacted in 2005 -- boosted to pay for property tax relief. Still, she hopes to own a home one day.
"It's hard enough to survive in this world on one income, let alone if they start taking more of that income from me," she said.
DFL leaders and Pawlenty have promised some form of property tax relief next year. Both the Republican governor and Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, the new chairman of the Taxes Committee, oppose state tax increases to pay for it. But funds steered to relief for homeowners could just as easily go to income or sales tax breaks that might more directly reach taxpayers such as Purcelli.
The governor wants to hold annual property tax increases to under 10 percent, said spokesman Alex Carey. DFLers will probably push for increasing state aid to local governments as a way to control or reduce property taxes.
"The cities that have lost local government aid over the last four years would like to have some of that back to help pull down property taxes," Bakk said. Another way to hold down property taxes would be more state aid to schools, he said.
The amount of tax relief will depend on the state economic forecast to be released in February, Bakk added.
More insightful comments by Tom Emmer!
The following is from a Coon Rapids publication. Mr. Emmer will undoubtedly continue to provide the "liberal media" and bloggers with more gems.
Deputy House Minority Leader Tom Emmer, R-Delano, doesn’t smoke and doesn’t like smoke curling about the room.
But Emmer in column lit up Democrats for support of a statewide smoking ban.“The new junta of Democratic legislative leaders has declared a statewide smoking ban as the top priority on their thin agenda for the upcoming legislative session,” writes Emmer.
“That baffles me. How property taxes, education reform, health care reform and funding for roads and bridges do not top that list of priorities is in a word, outrageous!”
While some Democrats support a statewide smoking ban, in recent weeks they listed property tax relief, education and health care as top priorities.
Deputy House Minority Leader Tom Emmer, R-Delano, doesn’t smoke and doesn’t like smoke curling about the room.
But Emmer in column lit up Democrats for support of a statewide smoking ban.“The new junta of Democratic legislative leaders has declared a statewide smoking ban as the top priority on their thin agenda for the upcoming legislative session,” writes Emmer.
“That baffles me. How property taxes, education reform, health care reform and funding for roads and bridges do not top that list of priorities is in a word, outrageous!”
While some Democrats support a statewide smoking ban, in recent weeks they listed property tax relief, education and health care as top priorities.
Bachmann is the Chosen One, Part IV
The final piece from the City Pages
WHEN Bachmann won the GOP endorsement for the Sixth CD, she used a familiar strategy: Overturn the old-school delegates with new ones from the church. With that, she defeated two longtime and well-known Republicans—State Rep. Jim Knoblauch and State Sen. Phil Krinkie—to run as the Republican candidate for the U.S. House. But this time no one was particularly surprised. The political landscape has shifted in Bachmann's favor.
The Sixth, which runs northwest from Stillwater past St. Cloud, is odd political terrain. Little more than a decade ago, much of it was rural, but now it's full of bedroom communities, new highway interchanges, and McMansions. The Sixth is the whitest district in the state (95 percent) and the median household income is $60,893, some $16,000 above the national average, according to 2004 census numbers. In the last presidential election, George W. Bush received 57 percent of the Sixth District vote, even though he lost the state of Minnesota. All of this would seem to favor Bachmann.
But the Sixth District is also home to some folks with strong libertarian leanings. Many working-class and first-time voters turned out there in 1998 to help propel Jesse Ventura to the governor's mansion. And Paul Wellstone twice captured significant votes in some enclaves of the district. It's unlikely that Bachmann's past on social issues and school reform would attract these people. (Just last week, polls released by Emily's List regarding "five competitive House districts" showed a narrow gap in the Sixth, with Bachmann at 44 percent to Wetterling's 41 percent.)
And it's clear, on the stump, that she knows this. One weekday evening in early August, there was a debate at the VFW in Forest Lake between Bachmann and the Independence Party's John Binkowski. (Wetterling did not participate.) Bachmann talked of a permanent repeal of the "death tax," and mentioned that she was a tax attorney no fewer than five times. "I am a federal tax attorney," she said at one point, calling for an overhaul of the U.S. tax code. "That's my background and my profession."
She then called for more "local control" in the public schools. But if you get Bachmann off those two issues, she's on less certain footing. Take this answer to a question about raising the minimum wage: "In Minnesota, we have only 3.6 percent unemployment. We are the workingest state in the nation. We have more two-income families than any state in the nation. We have more women in the work force than any state in the nation. We have more people working two or three jobs than anywhere else." She concluded that "minimum wage in this state is not a big issue." The book on Bachmann, and it's at times very apparent, is that when she's off-message, she's doomed.
A few days earlier, Bachmann was on a congressional candidate panel at Farm Fest 2006, in Redwood Falls, far out of her district. There were displays of farm equipment everywhere, and about 300 people had gathered under a white tent to hear the candidates field questions. Bachmann immediately made a point of saying she "married a dairy farmer" and spoke of the days when she and Marcus would milk the cows on his father's farm.
"That's something that certainly doesn't fit with my image of Michele," chuckles Michael LaFave when told of this. Bachmann is petite to the point of looking frail. She often is surrounded by people—supporters, staffers, fellow politicians, Marcus—who seem intent on sheltering her from any outside forces. From a distance, she looks youthful and composed. Up close, she appears at once older and less self-assured. In short, she's made for television. At Farm Fest, she looked completely out of her element.
There were complicated questions about farm policy—What's your stance on crop insurance? Should the current farm bill be extended?—that, in fairness, made sense to only four or five of the nine candidates on the panel. But while some candidates simply admitted as much, Bachmann repeatedly referred to "marrying into a farm family" in weaving answers that never quite got around to the questions.
In response to a complex question about setting up a permanent disaster fund for farmers and ranchers who raise beef cattle, Wetterling balked and admitted she didn't really understand the question or have an answer. Bachmann, by contrast, dove right in. "I appreciate the question, because on our dairy farm, we raise beef cattle as well," she began. "One thing we can never, ever, ever get away from is that we are not two separate entities: Commodities. Livestock. If there's anything that can interact, it's commodities and livestock. Without commodities, you don't have livestock. It's just that simple."
She concluded by noting that, as a mother of the sum of 28 children, she has learned that when families don't get fed, "they get cranky."
This drew a small chuckle from the crowd, but it was an uncomfortable one. One farmer turned to the one sitting next to him, shaking his head. "What the fuck is she talking about?" he wanted to know.
WHEN Bachmann won the GOP endorsement for the Sixth CD, she used a familiar strategy: Overturn the old-school delegates with new ones from the church. With that, she defeated two longtime and well-known Republicans—State Rep. Jim Knoblauch and State Sen. Phil Krinkie—to run as the Republican candidate for the U.S. House. But this time no one was particularly surprised. The political landscape has shifted in Bachmann's favor.
The Sixth, which runs northwest from Stillwater past St. Cloud, is odd political terrain. Little more than a decade ago, much of it was rural, but now it's full of bedroom communities, new highway interchanges, and McMansions. The Sixth is the whitest district in the state (95 percent) and the median household income is $60,893, some $16,000 above the national average, according to 2004 census numbers. In the last presidential election, George W. Bush received 57 percent of the Sixth District vote, even though he lost the state of Minnesota. All of this would seem to favor Bachmann.
But the Sixth District is also home to some folks with strong libertarian leanings. Many working-class and first-time voters turned out there in 1998 to help propel Jesse Ventura to the governor's mansion. And Paul Wellstone twice captured significant votes in some enclaves of the district. It's unlikely that Bachmann's past on social issues and school reform would attract these people. (Just last week, polls released by Emily's List regarding "five competitive House districts" showed a narrow gap in the Sixth, with Bachmann at 44 percent to Wetterling's 41 percent.)
And it's clear, on the stump, that she knows this. One weekday evening in early August, there was a debate at the VFW in Forest Lake between Bachmann and the Independence Party's John Binkowski. (Wetterling did not participate.) Bachmann talked of a permanent repeal of the "death tax," and mentioned that she was a tax attorney no fewer than five times. "I am a federal tax attorney," she said at one point, calling for an overhaul of the U.S. tax code. "That's my background and my profession."
She then called for more "local control" in the public schools. But if you get Bachmann off those two issues, she's on less certain footing. Take this answer to a question about raising the minimum wage: "In Minnesota, we have only 3.6 percent unemployment. We are the workingest state in the nation. We have more two-income families than any state in the nation. We have more women in the work force than any state in the nation. We have more people working two or three jobs than anywhere else." She concluded that "minimum wage in this state is not a big issue." The book on Bachmann, and it's at times very apparent, is that when she's off-message, she's doomed.
A few days earlier, Bachmann was on a congressional candidate panel at Farm Fest 2006, in Redwood Falls, far out of her district. There were displays of farm equipment everywhere, and about 300 people had gathered under a white tent to hear the candidates field questions. Bachmann immediately made a point of saying she "married a dairy farmer" and spoke of the days when she and Marcus would milk the cows on his father's farm.
"That's something that certainly doesn't fit with my image of Michele," chuckles Michael LaFave when told of this. Bachmann is petite to the point of looking frail. She often is surrounded by people—supporters, staffers, fellow politicians, Marcus—who seem intent on sheltering her from any outside forces. From a distance, she looks youthful and composed. Up close, she appears at once older and less self-assured. In short, she's made for television. At Farm Fest, she looked completely out of her element.
There were complicated questions about farm policy—What's your stance on crop insurance? Should the current farm bill be extended?—that, in fairness, made sense to only four or five of the nine candidates on the panel. But while some candidates simply admitted as much, Bachmann repeatedly referred to "marrying into a farm family" in weaving answers that never quite got around to the questions.
In response to a complex question about setting up a permanent disaster fund for farmers and ranchers who raise beef cattle, Wetterling balked and admitted she didn't really understand the question or have an answer. Bachmann, by contrast, dove right in. "I appreciate the question, because on our dairy farm, we raise beef cattle as well," she began. "One thing we can never, ever, ever get away from is that we are not two separate entities: Commodities. Livestock. If there's anything that can interact, it's commodities and livestock. Without commodities, you don't have livestock. It's just that simple."
She concluded by noting that, as a mother of the sum of 28 children, she has learned that when families don't get fed, "they get cranky."
This drew a small chuckle from the crowd, but it was an uncomfortable one. One farmer turned to the one sitting next to him, shaking his head. "What the fuck is she talking about?" he wanted to know.
Bachmann is the Chosen One, Part III
A third installment from City Pages
But that's exactly what happened. Laidig believes, in retrospect, that he was one of a number of moderate Republicans targeted by elements of their own party as vulnerable candidates in the run-up to the 2000 races. "And it became a different kind of party," he says. "Suddenly all of these religious litmus tests were going on, and they were getting support in the churches. My father was a very conservative minister, and very politically active. But never once did he bring the pulpit to politics, and he never brought politics to the pulpit."
On April 1, 2000, the GOP held its endorsing convention for the District 56 Senate seat. Laidig was immediately put off when he saw a number of new delegates—churchgoers. He also realized that they were against him, calling him "a Republican in name only," despite his 30 years of service to the party. To his surprise, he had an opponent—Michele Bachmann—and was caught off-guard. Bachmann won the endorsement on the first ballot. (The two went on to face off in the primary, which Bachmann won.)
"It hit me like a tsunami," Laidig says. "I heard the rumble out there, but I never thought the wave would come."
"Republican Senator Loses Endorsement Over Profile," read a post-mortem headline on the Maple River website. "Senator Laidig is known as the senator who for years has been opposing the party platform, and local activists wanted to support a candidate who would support them at the legislature," the story said in reference to the religious-right voting bloc that ousted Laidig.
The story went on to contend that "Dr. Bachmann herself, who had no intention of running, was shocked by her victory," and that a "spontaneous and genuine draft effort" had convinced Bachmann to run. "I came in wearing jeans, a sweatshirt and moccasins, and I had no makeup on at all," the story quotes Bachmann as saying. "I had not one piece of literature, I had made not one phone call, and spent not five cents and I did not solicit a vote."
"Absolute bullshit," Laidig says now. "She planned this all along."
WHILE Michele Bachmann was rising through the political ranks, her husband Marcus—a lumbering, soft-featured man—was working toward a psychology doctorate and a practice in Lake Elmo. There is an overt Christian theme attached to the practice. "Bachmann and Associates believes in providing all clients with quality counseling in a Christian environment," reads the mission statement on the business's website. Some of the listed specialties of the clinic and its counselors include "abuse issues," "co-dependency," "men's and women's issues," "shame," and "spiritual issues."
But some observers claim that the mission of the practice includes counseling homosexuals in an effort to "ungay" them. "It is absolutely sincere," adds former school board member Cecconi. "They specialize in 'reparation' regarding sexual orientation."
Marcus Bachmann, who is also 50, denies that is part of his clinic's practice. "That's a false statement," he says, refusing to answer any questions that don't have to do with Bachmann and Associates. "Am I aware that the perception is out there? I can't comment on that." Still, Bachmann offers, "If someone is interested in talking to us about their homosexuality, we are open to talking about that. But if someone comes in a homosexual and they want to stay homosexual, I don't have a problem with that."
Questions about his work aside, Marcus Bachmann has never played much of a public role in his wife's campaigns, and neither her allies nor her detractors seem to know much about him. But many believe he has played a huge part in the evolution of Michele Bachmann's religious convictions and, in turn, her political career. At the GOP endorsing convention in May, he worked the floor of delegates for his wife. Before that, he had gone on the political offensive. "She's pro-life, pro-family, and knows the values of the [Sixth] district," he told the Stillwater Courier in March 2006. "Whatever's left, she'll eat for dessert." He added that his wife would "eat up" Patty Wetterling in the general election.
Stepbrother Michael LaFave remembers that the Bachmanns' born-again identity started to cause divisions in the family sometime in the mid-1980s. "She kind of went all the way back to the Old Testament, and wouldn't eat pork and things like that," LaFave says. "Things got much more rigid around them. She got into it very deeply. I don't want to say she went off the deep end, but you might say something like that." With respect to Marcus Bachmann, LaFave says he has always "purposely stayed at arm's length. We just chit-chat about the family when we see each other."
On the campaign trail, Michele Bachmann has said her husband grew up on a family dairy farm in western Wisconsin. According to a brief biography that ran in the Forest Lake Times when Bachmann and Associates opened an office there in March 2005, he earned a master's degree in counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a school then affiliated with Christian Broadcasting Network pitchman Pat Robertson. Bachmann later was awarded a doctorate in clinical psychology from an institution listed as Union Graduate School on his clinic's website, an apparent reference to Union Institute in Cincinnati, though nothing on either of the Bachmanns' public résumés suggests they ever lived in Ohio.
Last November, the Bachmanns attended a "Minnesota Pastors' Summit" at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. Some 300 religious leaders participated in the event, which was organized by the conservative, antigay Minnesota Family Council. Michele Bachmann was there to lead a session on the gay marriage amendment, while Marcus offered a presentation titled "The Truth About the Homosexual Agenda."
Curt Prins, a 35-year-old marketing executive from Minneapolis, attended. Prins, who is gay, says he went because he was "curious" and wanted to "understand the language" of the antigay movement. "There was so much bile, I nearly had to leave," Prins recalls. For Marcus Bachmann's session, Prins says there were more than 100 people crammed in a room at Grace, and most of the presentation involved stereotypes of gays. "He was saying how homosexuality was a choice, that it was not genetics," Prins says. "He was claiming there was a high predominance of sexual abuse in the GLBT community. There was no research to back any of this up." (Marcus Bachmann refused to answer questions about the seminar.)
The climax of the presentation was when, according to Prins, Bachmann brought up "three ex-gays, like part of a PowerPoint presentation." The trio, two white men and a black woman, all testified that they had renounced their homosexuality. "One of them said, 'If I was born gay, then I'll have to be born again,'" Prins recalls. "The crowd went crazy."
"Listening to him," Prins surmises, "it becomes clear that he's had a huge impact on her. He might be the spearhead of this whole religious/gay issue." Shortly after Bachmann announced her candidacy for U.S. Congress, there was an announcement on a website called the Minnesota Christian Chronicle. "Michele is a compassionate, intelligent woman of integrity who has a calling in her life. I am confident in Michele's ability to serve the constituents superbly well in the Sixth District," Marcus Bachmann was quoted as saying. "As her husband, I fully endorse Michele running for U.S. Congress. I am so thankful for her Christian testimony. She is a servant who honors Christ."
But Michele Bachmann's Christian testimony has not endeared her to everyone in her family. When Bachmann held a hearing on the gay marriage ban at the Capitol last April, she got a rude surprise: Sitting just a few feet away was her stepsister, Helen LaFave, who chose the occasion to come out publicly for the first time, with her partner of 20 years in attendance. "This issue has been very hurtful to me personally, and divisive for our family," LaFave told the Star Tribune at the time. Bachmann said at the time that she had taken a family vote on the gay marriage ban, and that family members favored it by a 6-3 margin. But both Michael and Helen LaFave insist she never spoke to them about it. Helen LaFave added that Bachmann ignored letters LaFave had sent her about the matter.
(Helen LaFave, 46, declined to be interviewed for this story, saying, "My dad is in his 80s now, and it's too much to have all of this out there for him.")
"I've got to be clear that I've always been kind of proud of Michele," Michael LaFave says cautiously. That all went sour, though, as Bachmann increasingly became the face of the efforts to ban gay marriage at the Capitol. LaFave had no choice but to take things personally: "I wrote her an e-mail, and asked very nicely why she had to carry the water on this, knowing that my father has a gay daughter. How could she discriminate against Helen?
"She's out there courting a family values agenda, but she's saying things about her own family that's not true," he claims. "She could have been talking to the voters the whole time about having a gay sister," he says. "That at least would have been honest. Dick Cheney had the good sense to do that with his daughter. He had the good sense to know not to engage the base, to not get involved in the debate, because he knew how much it would hurt his daughter. If anyone spent the most time together between the LaFaves and the Ambles," LaFave concludes, "it was Michele and Helen.
"What I'd say to Michele is that you've got a situation here that you didn't have to create. You didn't have to go about it this way," he says, and pauses before announcing he'll likely vote for Patty Wetterling. "I'd say, 'Michele, for all of this, you've lost your family. You've lost my vote.'"
But that's exactly what happened. Laidig believes, in retrospect, that he was one of a number of moderate Republicans targeted by elements of their own party as vulnerable candidates in the run-up to the 2000 races. "And it became a different kind of party," he says. "Suddenly all of these religious litmus tests were going on, and they were getting support in the churches. My father was a very conservative minister, and very politically active. But never once did he bring the pulpit to politics, and he never brought politics to the pulpit."
On April 1, 2000, the GOP held its endorsing convention for the District 56 Senate seat. Laidig was immediately put off when he saw a number of new delegates—churchgoers. He also realized that they were against him, calling him "a Republican in name only," despite his 30 years of service to the party. To his surprise, he had an opponent—Michele Bachmann—and was caught off-guard. Bachmann won the endorsement on the first ballot. (The two went on to face off in the primary, which Bachmann won.)
"It hit me like a tsunami," Laidig says. "I heard the rumble out there, but I never thought the wave would come."
"Republican Senator Loses Endorsement Over Profile," read a post-mortem headline on the Maple River website. "Senator Laidig is known as the senator who for years has been opposing the party platform, and local activists wanted to support a candidate who would support them at the legislature," the story said in reference to the religious-right voting bloc that ousted Laidig.
The story went on to contend that "Dr. Bachmann herself, who had no intention of running, was shocked by her victory," and that a "spontaneous and genuine draft effort" had convinced Bachmann to run. "I came in wearing jeans, a sweatshirt and moccasins, and I had no makeup on at all," the story quotes Bachmann as saying. "I had not one piece of literature, I had made not one phone call, and spent not five cents and I did not solicit a vote."
"Absolute bullshit," Laidig says now. "She planned this all along."
WHILE Michele Bachmann was rising through the political ranks, her husband Marcus—a lumbering, soft-featured man—was working toward a psychology doctorate and a practice in Lake Elmo. There is an overt Christian theme attached to the practice. "Bachmann and Associates believes in providing all clients with quality counseling in a Christian environment," reads the mission statement on the business's website. Some of the listed specialties of the clinic and its counselors include "abuse issues," "co-dependency," "men's and women's issues," "shame," and "spiritual issues."
But some observers claim that the mission of the practice includes counseling homosexuals in an effort to "ungay" them. "It is absolutely sincere," adds former school board member Cecconi. "They specialize in 'reparation' regarding sexual orientation."
Marcus Bachmann, who is also 50, denies that is part of his clinic's practice. "That's a false statement," he says, refusing to answer any questions that don't have to do with Bachmann and Associates. "Am I aware that the perception is out there? I can't comment on that." Still, Bachmann offers, "If someone is interested in talking to us about their homosexuality, we are open to talking about that. But if someone comes in a homosexual and they want to stay homosexual, I don't have a problem with that."
Questions about his work aside, Marcus Bachmann has never played much of a public role in his wife's campaigns, and neither her allies nor her detractors seem to know much about him. But many believe he has played a huge part in the evolution of Michele Bachmann's religious convictions and, in turn, her political career. At the GOP endorsing convention in May, he worked the floor of delegates for his wife. Before that, he had gone on the political offensive. "She's pro-life, pro-family, and knows the values of the [Sixth] district," he told the Stillwater Courier in March 2006. "Whatever's left, she'll eat for dessert." He added that his wife would "eat up" Patty Wetterling in the general election.
Stepbrother Michael LaFave remembers that the Bachmanns' born-again identity started to cause divisions in the family sometime in the mid-1980s. "She kind of went all the way back to the Old Testament, and wouldn't eat pork and things like that," LaFave says. "Things got much more rigid around them. She got into it very deeply. I don't want to say she went off the deep end, but you might say something like that." With respect to Marcus Bachmann, LaFave says he has always "purposely stayed at arm's length. We just chit-chat about the family when we see each other."
On the campaign trail, Michele Bachmann has said her husband grew up on a family dairy farm in western Wisconsin. According to a brief biography that ran in the Forest Lake Times when Bachmann and Associates opened an office there in March 2005, he earned a master's degree in counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a school then affiliated with Christian Broadcasting Network pitchman Pat Robertson. Bachmann later was awarded a doctorate in clinical psychology from an institution listed as Union Graduate School on his clinic's website, an apparent reference to Union Institute in Cincinnati, though nothing on either of the Bachmanns' public résumés suggests they ever lived in Ohio.
Last November, the Bachmanns attended a "Minnesota Pastors' Summit" at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. Some 300 religious leaders participated in the event, which was organized by the conservative, antigay Minnesota Family Council. Michele Bachmann was there to lead a session on the gay marriage amendment, while Marcus offered a presentation titled "The Truth About the Homosexual Agenda."
Curt Prins, a 35-year-old marketing executive from Minneapolis, attended. Prins, who is gay, says he went because he was "curious" and wanted to "understand the language" of the antigay movement. "There was so much bile, I nearly had to leave," Prins recalls. For Marcus Bachmann's session, Prins says there were more than 100 people crammed in a room at Grace, and most of the presentation involved stereotypes of gays. "He was saying how homosexuality was a choice, that it was not genetics," Prins says. "He was claiming there was a high predominance of sexual abuse in the GLBT community. There was no research to back any of this up." (Marcus Bachmann refused to answer questions about the seminar.)
The climax of the presentation was when, according to Prins, Bachmann brought up "three ex-gays, like part of a PowerPoint presentation." The trio, two white men and a black woman, all testified that they had renounced their homosexuality. "One of them said, 'If I was born gay, then I'll have to be born again,'" Prins recalls. "The crowd went crazy."
"Listening to him," Prins surmises, "it becomes clear that he's had a huge impact on her. He might be the spearhead of this whole religious/gay issue." Shortly after Bachmann announced her candidacy for U.S. Congress, there was an announcement on a website called the Minnesota Christian Chronicle. "Michele is a compassionate, intelligent woman of integrity who has a calling in her life. I am confident in Michele's ability to serve the constituents superbly well in the Sixth District," Marcus Bachmann was quoted as saying. "As her husband, I fully endorse Michele running for U.S. Congress. I am so thankful for her Christian testimony. She is a servant who honors Christ."
But Michele Bachmann's Christian testimony has not endeared her to everyone in her family. When Bachmann held a hearing on the gay marriage ban at the Capitol last April, she got a rude surprise: Sitting just a few feet away was her stepsister, Helen LaFave, who chose the occasion to come out publicly for the first time, with her partner of 20 years in attendance. "This issue has been very hurtful to me personally, and divisive for our family," LaFave told the Star Tribune at the time. Bachmann said at the time that she had taken a family vote on the gay marriage ban, and that family members favored it by a 6-3 margin. But both Michael and Helen LaFave insist she never spoke to them about it. Helen LaFave added that Bachmann ignored letters LaFave had sent her about the matter.
(Helen LaFave, 46, declined to be interviewed for this story, saying, "My dad is in his 80s now, and it's too much to have all of this out there for him.")
"I've got to be clear that I've always been kind of proud of Michele," Michael LaFave says cautiously. That all went sour, though, as Bachmann increasingly became the face of the efforts to ban gay marriage at the Capitol. LaFave had no choice but to take things personally: "I wrote her an e-mail, and asked very nicely why she had to carry the water on this, knowing that my father has a gay daughter. How could she discriminate against Helen?
"She's out there courting a family values agenda, but she's saying things about her own family that's not true," he claims. "She could have been talking to the voters the whole time about having a gay sister," he says. "That at least would have been honest. Dick Cheney had the good sense to do that with his daughter. He had the good sense to know not to engage the base, to not get involved in the debate, because he knew how much it would hurt his daughter. If anyone spent the most time together between the LaFaves and the Ambles," LaFave concludes, "it was Michele and Helen.
"What I'd say to Michele is that you've got a situation here that you didn't have to create. You didn't have to go about it this way," he says, and pauses before announcing he'll likely vote for Patty Wetterling. "I'd say, 'Michele, for all of this, you've lost your family. You've lost my vote.'"
Bachmann is the Chosen One, Part II
Part II of the City Pages Bachmann story.
ONE of Michael LaFave's first memories of Michele Bachmann is the two of them cruising around Anoka in his 1961 Chevy as she showed him teen hangouts and points of interest around town. It was 1973, and LaFave's father had just married Michele Amble's mother. He was a senior in high school then, soon to leave the newly blended household on Washington Street, and she was a year younger. "To say we were close would be overstating it," he says of the Ambles and LaFaves, who now counted nine children among them. "But we were a family unit."
By his own admission, LaFave, 51 years old and a union representative who lives in Forest Lake, did not get to know his new stepsister all that well. "I remember that she was book-smart, and did pretty well in school," he recalls. "And she was in a couple of beauty pageants.... She was not overtly political." She was not particularly religious, either, as far as he could see; LaFave calls her born-again identity "a later event in her life," dating to the years after she had gone away to college.
After graduating from Anoka High School in 1974, Michele Amble enrolled at what is now Winona State University. There she became interested in politics, she told the Star Tribune in a January 1, 2005 story, when she wandered into an American government class.
She also met Marcus Bachmann, who was majoring in social work. According to news and blog accounts, the two connected because they were both born-again Christians. Soon after she graduated with a degree in political science and English, the couple married, in 1978. As she has told the story more than once, the two were staunch Democrats who worked on Jimmy Carter's first presidential campaign. Eventually, she became disillusioned with the Democratic Party. The couple soon moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Bachmann enrolled in the Coburn Law School, a Bible-based institution affiliated with Oral Roberts University. According to one version of her résumé, she earned a Juris Doctorate at Coburn in 1986, and post-doctorate degree from William and Mary Law School in Virginia in 1988.
According to Bachmann's CV, she landed a job with "the federal U.S. Tax Court" in St. Paul in 1988. One church bio lists her title there as a "federal litigation tax attorney"—the only job besides being state senator that Bachmann notes on the campaign trail. Some of her critics have called the designation misleading. Setting the record straight in early 2005, Bachmann admitted to City Pages that she in fact worked for the IRS going after tax cheats, a fact she never mentions when she is rallying anti-tax sentiments on the stump.
In 1992, Bachmann quit her job working for the Internal Revenue Service to become a stay-at-home mom. By that time, Marcus Bachmann had launched a career as a counselor/therapist. The couple eventually had five kids of their own (who now range in age from 11 to 23), and candidate Bachmann proudly notes that the couple has taken in 23 foster children over the years.
She didn't always stay at home, though. Increasingly, Bachmann was hitting the church and school circuit as a speaker, railing against what she deemed to be unreasonable federal and state mandates for education. She was a prized pupil in something called the Maple River Education Coalition, which later became EdWatch. (Former Governor Jesse Ventura once said of them, "The Maple River group, they think UFOs are landing next month. They think it's some big government federal conspiracy!") According to the mission statement on its website, EdWatch is concerned about the "undermining" of "constitutional freedoms" due in part to the country's "entire educational system." In the words of one editorial column reposted at the site, "Public education is not among the enumerated powers of the federal government."
Anytime there was a school issue in the east metro, Bachmann was there. "In 1993 or '94, Michele was stumping anti-standards rhetoric," longtime Stillwater School Board member Mary Cecconi recalls. "I went to a church in Lake Elmo, because I wanted to hear her. Everything she said was met with catcalls and 'hallelujah' and 'amen sister.'"
By this time, Bachmann had become one of the founders of the New Heights Charter School, one of the first charter schools in the country. By law, charter schools have to be overseen by a public school district because they are funded, at least in part, by public money as tax-exempt nonprofits. In the fall of 1993, Denise Stephens had one daughter teaching at the school, and one daughter enrolled in the ninth grade. It was the first year that school at New Heights was in session as part of the Stillwater school district.
According to Stephens, it became clear that the charter school's board of directors was populated with right-wing Christians, all of them seeming acolytes of Bachmann. "I started raising questions about whether we were using public money to fund a religious school," Stephens recalls. Among the proposals coming from Bachmann and company was to expand the curriculum to teach creationism. The directors of the charter school, she recalls, were also advocating that "something called '12 Christian principles' be taught, very much like the 10 Commandments." One of the final straws for Stephens, who notes that she's been "a Republican since 1978," was that school officials would not allow the Disney movie Aladdin to be shown because it involved magic and supposedly taught paganism.
Stephens and other parents soon had confrontational meetings with Bachmann and the rest of the charter school group. "One member of Michele's entourage talked about how he had visions, and that God spoke to him directly," Stephens says. "He told us that as Christians we had to lay our lives down for it. I remember getting in the car with my husband afterward and telling him, 'This is a cult.'"
(This closely echoes something former state Senator Laidig says about Bachmann: "She's kind of a spooky person. She's one of those people who feels that God is speaking directly to her, and that justifies her actions.")
Eventually, the Bachmann and Stephens forces met in front of the Stillwater School Board. When confronted, according to Stephens, Bachmann grew angry: Are you going to question my integrity? she demanded. According to Stephens and others, Bachmann and four others resigned on the spot that night, offering what could be described as religious trash-talk on the way out. Bachmann still cites the charter school as a major accomplishment, but makes no mention of her leaving.
BACHMANN was hardly cowed by the setback. She channeled her passions into an increasing number of pamphlets and essays on the ills of public schools. By 1996, Mary Cecconi was sitting on the school board, which made her part of an ongoing sparring match between the board and Bachmann over curriculum. "She wanted to introduce Intelligent Design," Cecconi recalls. "And when you hear her talk about Intelligent Design, it makes sense. I believe in giving children all the information out there, too, so they can make their own decisions. But Intelligent Design wasn't even a school of thought, it wasn't even a viable theory."
Bachmann decided to run for the Stillwater School Board herself in 1999. In a move that still irks many locals, the state's Republican Party lined up a slate of candidates, for what was supposed to be a nonpartisan race. There were five open seats that year, and 19 candidates. The GOP-endorsed candidates became known locally as the "Slate of Five." Cecconi, who was running for re-election, says, "There was this overwhelming sentiment that we didn't want our school system politicized."
Bill Pulkrabek, the Washington County commissioner, had put together the group of GOP-endorsed candidates, and admits now that there was "a little bit of a backlash about the endorsement. It put up some red flags." Collectively, the five endorsed candidates finished dead last in the field.
But it was hardly a losing proposition for Bachmann. The school board run is widely credited with raising her political profile for the first time, giving her campaign experience, and endearing her to party kingmakers. Pulkrabek, who was also the GOP's chair for the Stillwater district at the time, notes that the '99 school board race inspired three times the usual turnout. He also says that was the year he met Bachmann, who told him she wanted to run for Laidig's seat. He, instead, encouraged her to run for school board first: "We talked about knocking off Gary later."
Gary Laidig was running for re-election to be District 56's state senator in 2000. Laidig, then a 28-year incumbent of state House and Senate seats representing the area, recalls being surprised to encounter Bachmann (who by this point had added the title "Dr." to her name) and a number of people from her church at a Woodbury School Board meeting in the late 1990s. She stood up and started denouncing the school's academic standards, and took exception to the national and local school-to-work programs.
Still, Laidig didn't think much of it: "It dawned on me that this [education activism] was her new gig, but I never thought she was going to run for my seat."
ONE of Michael LaFave's first memories of Michele Bachmann is the two of them cruising around Anoka in his 1961 Chevy as she showed him teen hangouts and points of interest around town. It was 1973, and LaFave's father had just married Michele Amble's mother. He was a senior in high school then, soon to leave the newly blended household on Washington Street, and she was a year younger. "To say we were close would be overstating it," he says of the Ambles and LaFaves, who now counted nine children among them. "But we were a family unit."
By his own admission, LaFave, 51 years old and a union representative who lives in Forest Lake, did not get to know his new stepsister all that well. "I remember that she was book-smart, and did pretty well in school," he recalls. "And she was in a couple of beauty pageants.... She was not overtly political." She was not particularly religious, either, as far as he could see; LaFave calls her born-again identity "a later event in her life," dating to the years after she had gone away to college.
After graduating from Anoka High School in 1974, Michele Amble enrolled at what is now Winona State University. There she became interested in politics, she told the Star Tribune in a January 1, 2005 story, when she wandered into an American government class.
She also met Marcus Bachmann, who was majoring in social work. According to news and blog accounts, the two connected because they were both born-again Christians. Soon after she graduated with a degree in political science and English, the couple married, in 1978. As she has told the story more than once, the two were staunch Democrats who worked on Jimmy Carter's first presidential campaign. Eventually, she became disillusioned with the Democratic Party. The couple soon moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Bachmann enrolled in the Coburn Law School, a Bible-based institution affiliated with Oral Roberts University. According to one version of her résumé, she earned a Juris Doctorate at Coburn in 1986, and post-doctorate degree from William and Mary Law School in Virginia in 1988.
According to Bachmann's CV, she landed a job with "the federal U.S. Tax Court" in St. Paul in 1988. One church bio lists her title there as a "federal litigation tax attorney"—the only job besides being state senator that Bachmann notes on the campaign trail. Some of her critics have called the designation misleading. Setting the record straight in early 2005, Bachmann admitted to City Pages that she in fact worked for the IRS going after tax cheats, a fact she never mentions when she is rallying anti-tax sentiments on the stump.
In 1992, Bachmann quit her job working for the Internal Revenue Service to become a stay-at-home mom. By that time, Marcus Bachmann had launched a career as a counselor/therapist. The couple eventually had five kids of their own (who now range in age from 11 to 23), and candidate Bachmann proudly notes that the couple has taken in 23 foster children over the years.
She didn't always stay at home, though. Increasingly, Bachmann was hitting the church and school circuit as a speaker, railing against what she deemed to be unreasonable federal and state mandates for education. She was a prized pupil in something called the Maple River Education Coalition, which later became EdWatch. (Former Governor Jesse Ventura once said of them, "The Maple River group, they think UFOs are landing next month. They think it's some big government federal conspiracy!") According to the mission statement on its website, EdWatch is concerned about the "undermining" of "constitutional freedoms" due in part to the country's "entire educational system." In the words of one editorial column reposted at the site, "Public education is not among the enumerated powers of the federal government."
Anytime there was a school issue in the east metro, Bachmann was there. "In 1993 or '94, Michele was stumping anti-standards rhetoric," longtime Stillwater School Board member Mary Cecconi recalls. "I went to a church in Lake Elmo, because I wanted to hear her. Everything she said was met with catcalls and 'hallelujah' and 'amen sister.'"
By this time, Bachmann had become one of the founders of the New Heights Charter School, one of the first charter schools in the country. By law, charter schools have to be overseen by a public school district because they are funded, at least in part, by public money as tax-exempt nonprofits. In the fall of 1993, Denise Stephens had one daughter teaching at the school, and one daughter enrolled in the ninth grade. It was the first year that school at New Heights was in session as part of the Stillwater school district.
According to Stephens, it became clear that the charter school's board of directors was populated with right-wing Christians, all of them seeming acolytes of Bachmann. "I started raising questions about whether we were using public money to fund a religious school," Stephens recalls. Among the proposals coming from Bachmann and company was to expand the curriculum to teach creationism. The directors of the charter school, she recalls, were also advocating that "something called '12 Christian principles' be taught, very much like the 10 Commandments." One of the final straws for Stephens, who notes that she's been "a Republican since 1978," was that school officials would not allow the Disney movie Aladdin to be shown because it involved magic and supposedly taught paganism.
Stephens and other parents soon had confrontational meetings with Bachmann and the rest of the charter school group. "One member of Michele's entourage talked about how he had visions, and that God spoke to him directly," Stephens says. "He told us that as Christians we had to lay our lives down for it. I remember getting in the car with my husband afterward and telling him, 'This is a cult.'"
(This closely echoes something former state Senator Laidig says about Bachmann: "She's kind of a spooky person. She's one of those people who feels that God is speaking directly to her, and that justifies her actions.")
Eventually, the Bachmann and Stephens forces met in front of the Stillwater School Board. When confronted, according to Stephens, Bachmann grew angry: Are you going to question my integrity? she demanded. According to Stephens and others, Bachmann and four others resigned on the spot that night, offering what could be described as religious trash-talk on the way out. Bachmann still cites the charter school as a major accomplishment, but makes no mention of her leaving.
BACHMANN was hardly cowed by the setback. She channeled her passions into an increasing number of pamphlets and essays on the ills of public schools. By 1996, Mary Cecconi was sitting on the school board, which made her part of an ongoing sparring match between the board and Bachmann over curriculum. "She wanted to introduce Intelligent Design," Cecconi recalls. "And when you hear her talk about Intelligent Design, it makes sense. I believe in giving children all the information out there, too, so they can make their own decisions. But Intelligent Design wasn't even a school of thought, it wasn't even a viable theory."
Bachmann decided to run for the Stillwater School Board herself in 1999. In a move that still irks many locals, the state's Republican Party lined up a slate of candidates, for what was supposed to be a nonpartisan race. There were five open seats that year, and 19 candidates. The GOP-endorsed candidates became known locally as the "Slate of Five." Cecconi, who was running for re-election, says, "There was this overwhelming sentiment that we didn't want our school system politicized."
Bill Pulkrabek, the Washington County commissioner, had put together the group of GOP-endorsed candidates, and admits now that there was "a little bit of a backlash about the endorsement. It put up some red flags." Collectively, the five endorsed candidates finished dead last in the field.
But it was hardly a losing proposition for Bachmann. The school board run is widely credited with raising her political profile for the first time, giving her campaign experience, and endearing her to party kingmakers. Pulkrabek, who was also the GOP's chair for the Stillwater district at the time, notes that the '99 school board race inspired three times the usual turnout. He also says that was the year he met Bachmann, who told him she wanted to run for Laidig's seat. He, instead, encouraged her to run for school board first: "We talked about knocking off Gary later."
Gary Laidig was running for re-election to be District 56's state senator in 2000. Laidig, then a 28-year incumbent of state House and Senate seats representing the area, recalls being surprised to encounter Bachmann (who by this point had added the title "Dr." to her name) and a number of people from her church at a Woodbury School Board meeting in the late 1990s. She stood up and started denouncing the school's academic standards, and took exception to the national and local school-to-work programs.
Still, Laidig didn't think much of it: "It dawned on me that this [education activism] was her new gig, but I never thought she was going to run for my seat."
Bachmann is the Chosen One Part I
About a month before the November election, the City Pages ran a long and insightful piece on Michele Bachmann. I have broken it up into 4 installments...
On the August day when George W. Bush came to town to keynote her congressional fundraiser, Michele Bachmann showed up in a prim, conservative-correct, proud-to-be-a-lady pink suit with matching gloves and pearl accessories. She had her Dorian Gray thing going on, big time: The preternaturally youthful Bachmann, who is 50, could have passed for 35, maybe even 30, from more than a few yards away. She looked as radiant as a schoolgirl prepping for her confirmation—or a princess awaiting coronation.
And why not? Bachmann's joint appearance with the president represented her coming-out party on the national stage, the brightest moment yet in a whirlwind seven-year electoral career that has made her Minnesota's most famous Christian conservative, and perhaps the most polarizing figure in state politics.
"I couldn't be more thrilled," she beamed to reporters outside a hotel ballroom where Bush appeared that afternoon. "If I can take the endorsement of the leader of the Republican Party and the leader of this nation, I will welcome it gladly," she said. (Through campaign aides, Bachmann declined to be interviewed for this story.)
The Bush visit, which followed local appearances by Karl Rove and Dick Cheney on Bachmann's behalf, reportedly raised $500,000 for her Sixth District campaign. It underscored how badly the Iraq-torn, defector-ridden Bush GOP wants to put more lockstep soldiers like Bachmann in Congress. It also said something about the composition of Bachmann's district: In a campaign season when many Republican candidates are discreetly avoiding any association with Bush—or, like onetime White House marionette Mark Kennedy, running full-tilt away from him—most pundits concur that the Sixth is one of those rare blue-state districts where his blessing may still be an asset. Small wonder the Bush administration reportedly counts it among the five most important House races in the country.
So far, however, Bachmann has apparently failed to build a secure lead in her race against DFLer Patty Wetterling and little-known Independent John Binkowski. Political tip sheets are mixed in their assessments: The Rothenberg Political Report lists the district as "toss-up, tilt Republican," while the Cook Political Report has it "leaning Republican." But Congressional Quarterly has the race listed with "no clear favorite," and ElectionProjection.com declares the Sixth a "weak GOP hold." The first publicly released poll, conducted by SurveyUSA for KSTP-TV, showed Bachmann holding a 50-41 lead over Wetterling in mid-September, with Binkowski taking 5 percent. But considering the poll's 3.9 percent margin of error, that could spell a relatively comfortable lead or a perilously thin one.
In either case, the GOP is taking nothing for granted: A week later, the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call reported that the National Republican Congressional Committee had injected $500,000 into the race since mid-August, all for electronic and direct-mail ads designed to attack Wetterling. And the candidate is sure to do her part as well. "Michele is a fascinating combination of charm and sheer grit," says longtime Republican pundit Sarah Janecek. "She's one of the toughest campaigners I've seen in a long time, especially if there's a tight race. I know that right now she's hitting the phones harder than ever, and she's hauling herself to events across the district that are 45 minutes apart. What I'm hearing is that Michele is everywhere and that Patty isn't out there as much.
"Even when she was just running for state races, she was notorious for having teams of people at every parade. It was like she was running for Congress even when she was just running for a state office. Her determination is galling to anyone who opposes her."
Technically, Bachmann's political odyssey began in 1999, when she was part of a controversial slate of GOP-endorsed candidates for the traditionally nonpartisan Stillwater School Board. She and her compatriots lost that battle, collectively finishing at the bottom of the heap on Election Day. To date, it's the only election Bachmann has lost. She came back the very next year, mounting a stealthy and deadly-effective campaign to unseat incumbent GOP State Senator Gary Laidig, a Vietnam veteran and old-school Republican moderate who had represented the area in a state House or Senate seat since 1972.
But in a broader sense Bachmann had been honing her political chops and pursuing the role of uber-Christian public activist for years by that time. Back in 1993, she helped to start a Stillwater charter school that ran afoul of many parents and the local school board when it became apparent that the school—which received public money and therefore was bound to observe the legal separation of church and state—was injecting Christain elements into the curriculum. After Bachmann and company were driven out of that venture, she became a prolific speaker and writer on the evils of public education in the years leading up to her failed school board run.
By all accounts, she made herself into a formidable presence. "She's articulate, attractive, and speaks passionately," says Mary Cecconi, who spent eight years on the Stillwater School Board. "Actually, she is ferocious."
On the stump in 2006, Bachmann still calls education reform one of her "number one priority" issues, along with tax reform and homeland security. Her critics, in turn—who include a number of non-evangelical Republicans—point a wary finger at her ties to a religious conservative think tank called EdWatch, and contend that none of her five children has attended public school.
The most surprising omission from Bachmann's campaign, meanwhile, is any talk of the proposed gay marriage ban that made her a household name. Though one page on the Bachmann for Congress website does note that she was the "chief author of a constitutional amendment in the Minnesota Senate defining marriage as between one man and one woman," she has mostly stayed mum about religious themes and the pet social issues of evangelicals.
"She's not afraid to wear her social issues on her sleeve, and that's what most people in the district relate to," claims Bill Pulkrabek, a Washington County commissioner who was instrumental in Bachmann's 1999 school board run. He rationalizes her relative silence this way: "The media has branded her as a social conservative, so she doesn't need to go out there and be rah-rah on social causes."
Or maybe she and her strategists think that advertising the extent of her Christian political vision would prove divisive even in the conservative Sixth. "She is absolutely a cold, calculating person," says Gary Laidig, the Republican she unseated en route to the state Senate in 2000. "It's always the same with her on campaigns: Nobody really knows who she is, and she just comes across as this petite, attractive soccer mom. And that's it. But the fact is, she's part of a group that is absolutely determined to take over the Republican Party. It's that wing of the party that's very much in step with people like Norm Coleman and the Taxpayers League. And the fact is that they know how to run races. Good races, too. From getting delegates to hitting phone banks, they cover it, and Michele's part of that.
"At the end of the day, her politics are like this: Everyone will have a gun, nobody will have an abortion, no one will pay taxes, everyone will go to church, and there won't be any more pinko liberal teachers in school."
To be continued
On the August day when George W. Bush came to town to keynote her congressional fundraiser, Michele Bachmann showed up in a prim, conservative-correct, proud-to-be-a-lady pink suit with matching gloves and pearl accessories. She had her Dorian Gray thing going on, big time: The preternaturally youthful Bachmann, who is 50, could have passed for 35, maybe even 30, from more than a few yards away. She looked as radiant as a schoolgirl prepping for her confirmation—or a princess awaiting coronation.
And why not? Bachmann's joint appearance with the president represented her coming-out party on the national stage, the brightest moment yet in a whirlwind seven-year electoral career that has made her Minnesota's most famous Christian conservative, and perhaps the most polarizing figure in state politics.
"I couldn't be more thrilled," she beamed to reporters outside a hotel ballroom where Bush appeared that afternoon. "If I can take the endorsement of the leader of the Republican Party and the leader of this nation, I will welcome it gladly," she said. (Through campaign aides, Bachmann declined to be interviewed for this story.)
The Bush visit, which followed local appearances by Karl Rove and Dick Cheney on Bachmann's behalf, reportedly raised $500,000 for her Sixth District campaign. It underscored how badly the Iraq-torn, defector-ridden Bush GOP wants to put more lockstep soldiers like Bachmann in Congress. It also said something about the composition of Bachmann's district: In a campaign season when many Republican candidates are discreetly avoiding any association with Bush—or, like onetime White House marionette Mark Kennedy, running full-tilt away from him—most pundits concur that the Sixth is one of those rare blue-state districts where his blessing may still be an asset. Small wonder the Bush administration reportedly counts it among the five most important House races in the country.
So far, however, Bachmann has apparently failed to build a secure lead in her race against DFLer Patty Wetterling and little-known Independent John Binkowski. Political tip sheets are mixed in their assessments: The Rothenberg Political Report lists the district as "toss-up, tilt Republican," while the Cook Political Report has it "leaning Republican." But Congressional Quarterly has the race listed with "no clear favorite," and ElectionProjection.com declares the Sixth a "weak GOP hold." The first publicly released poll, conducted by SurveyUSA for KSTP-TV, showed Bachmann holding a 50-41 lead over Wetterling in mid-September, with Binkowski taking 5 percent. But considering the poll's 3.9 percent margin of error, that could spell a relatively comfortable lead or a perilously thin one.
In either case, the GOP is taking nothing for granted: A week later, the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call reported that the National Republican Congressional Committee had injected $500,000 into the race since mid-August, all for electronic and direct-mail ads designed to attack Wetterling. And the candidate is sure to do her part as well. "Michele is a fascinating combination of charm and sheer grit," says longtime Republican pundit Sarah Janecek. "She's one of the toughest campaigners I've seen in a long time, especially if there's a tight race. I know that right now she's hitting the phones harder than ever, and she's hauling herself to events across the district that are 45 minutes apart. What I'm hearing is that Michele is everywhere and that Patty isn't out there as much.
"Even when she was just running for state races, she was notorious for having teams of people at every parade. It was like she was running for Congress even when she was just running for a state office. Her determination is galling to anyone who opposes her."
Technically, Bachmann's political odyssey began in 1999, when she was part of a controversial slate of GOP-endorsed candidates for the traditionally nonpartisan Stillwater School Board. She and her compatriots lost that battle, collectively finishing at the bottom of the heap on Election Day. To date, it's the only election Bachmann has lost. She came back the very next year, mounting a stealthy and deadly-effective campaign to unseat incumbent GOP State Senator Gary Laidig, a Vietnam veteran and old-school Republican moderate who had represented the area in a state House or Senate seat since 1972.
But in a broader sense Bachmann had been honing her political chops and pursuing the role of uber-Christian public activist for years by that time. Back in 1993, she helped to start a Stillwater charter school that ran afoul of many parents and the local school board when it became apparent that the school—which received public money and therefore was bound to observe the legal separation of church and state—was injecting Christain elements into the curriculum. After Bachmann and company were driven out of that venture, she became a prolific speaker and writer on the evils of public education in the years leading up to her failed school board run.
By all accounts, she made herself into a formidable presence. "She's articulate, attractive, and speaks passionately," says Mary Cecconi, who spent eight years on the Stillwater School Board. "Actually, she is ferocious."
On the stump in 2006, Bachmann still calls education reform one of her "number one priority" issues, along with tax reform and homeland security. Her critics, in turn—who include a number of non-evangelical Republicans—point a wary finger at her ties to a religious conservative think tank called EdWatch, and contend that none of her five children has attended public school.
The most surprising omission from Bachmann's campaign, meanwhile, is any talk of the proposed gay marriage ban that made her a household name. Though one page on the Bachmann for Congress website does note that she was the "chief author of a constitutional amendment in the Minnesota Senate defining marriage as between one man and one woman," she has mostly stayed mum about religious themes and the pet social issues of evangelicals.
"She's not afraid to wear her social issues on her sleeve, and that's what most people in the district relate to," claims Bill Pulkrabek, a Washington County commissioner who was instrumental in Bachmann's 1999 school board run. He rationalizes her relative silence this way: "The media has branded her as a social conservative, so she doesn't need to go out there and be rah-rah on social causes."
Or maybe she and her strategists think that advertising the extent of her Christian political vision would prove divisive even in the conservative Sixth. "She is absolutely a cold, calculating person," says Gary Laidig, the Republican she unseated en route to the state Senate in 2000. "It's always the same with her on campaigns: Nobody really knows who she is, and she just comes across as this petite, attractive soccer mom. And that's it. But the fact is, she's part of a group that is absolutely determined to take over the Republican Party. It's that wing of the party that's very much in step with people like Norm Coleman and the Taxpayers League. And the fact is that they know how to run races. Good races, too. From getting delegates to hitting phone banks, they cover it, and Michele's part of that.
"At the end of the day, her politics are like this: Everyone will have a gun, nobody will have an abortion, no one will pay taxes, everyone will go to church, and there won't be any more pinko liberal teachers in school."
To be continued
Bachmann's Greatest Hits!
From the City Pages! The article is great and has a nice sidebar and Bachmann's greatest hits!
Enjoy...
Michele Bachmann's Greatest Hits
How did she become the most divisive pol in Minnesota? Let us count the ways
By G.R. Anderson Jr.
· March 14, 2001 Just weeks after taking office, Bachmann introduces a bill that would prohibit the use of state money for abortion services. S.F. No. 1748 is referred to committee and dies.
· April 26, 2001 Bachmann votes against a bill that would provide funding for higher education across the state—some $138 million in new funding for the U of M, and another $130 for the MnSCU system.
· February 19, 2002 A bill that would require that stillbirths be noted as official births with the state registrar is introduced in the Senate by Bachmann. It dies in committee.
· September 29, 2003 Bachmann is quoted in the Stillwater Gazette after giving an interview on religious station KKMS-AM (980) in which she weighs in on creationism. "I give more credence in the Scripture as being kind of a timeless word of God to mankind, and I take it for what it is," she's quoted as saying. "And I don't think I give as much credence to my own mind, because I see myself as being very limited and very flawed, and lacking in knowledge and wisdom and understanding. So, I just take the Bible for what it is, I guess, and recognize that I am not a scientist, not trained to be a scientist. I'm not a deep thinker on all of this. I wish I was. I wish I was more knowledgeable, but I'm not a scientist."
· October 31, 2003 Bachmann attends a "Ten Commandments Rally" on the steps of the Capitol, which has Bachmann and 200 others calling for the commandments to be displayed in schools and public buildings.
· March 9, 2004 Bachmann introduces a bill in the Senate proposing an amendment to the state constitution "recognizing as marriage only a union between a man and a woman." S.F. No. 2715 goes on to propose that "any other relationship shall not be recognized as a marriage or its legal equivalent."
· March 2004 Bachmann conducts a series of interviews with Jan Markell, founder of Olive Tree, a "Jews for Jesus" ministry. On KKMS, Bachmann calls the gay marriage issue a "ticking time bomb" that must be voted on by Minnesotans before "an activist judge could impose his morality on all Minnesotans."
"Little children will be forced to learn that homosexuality is normal and natural and perhaps they should try it," she continues, claiming that a gay agenda would infiltrate schools. "It will take away the civil rights of little children to be protected in their innocence, but also the rights of parents to control their kids' education and threaten their deeply held religious beliefs.
"This is not about hating homosexuals. I love homosexuals," Bachmann concludes. "But should we allow them to teach sinful ways [to] our children?"
· January 26, 2005 In a Senate subcommittee hearing, Bachmann is a voice of dissent on a Senate bill that would raise the minimum wage. "Literally, if we took away the minimum wage—if conceivably it was gone—we could potentially virtually wipe out unemployment completely because we would be able to offer jobs at whatever level," she offers at one point. "I had wondered, if most employers are doing this anyway, isn't minimum wage just superfluous? Why do we even have one?"
· February 3, 2005 Bachmann authors a state resolution to honor the birthday of Ronald Reagan, a president who never carried Minnesota in an election.
· February 4, 2005 Bachmann proposes legislation to designate I-494 and I-694 as the "Ronald Reagan Beltway." It doesn't get a hearing.
· March 11, 2005 Bachmann reintroduces her gay marriage ban bill in the Senate.
· March 11, 2005 Bachmann introduces a bill called "Free Speech for Faculty and Students Bill of Rights." In it, she proposes that students be graded "according to reasoned answers and appropriate knowledge" of their studies, and "shall not be discriminated against on the basis of political, ideological, or religious beliefs." In a fit of political correctness, Bachmann also proposes that "faculty shall not be hired, fired, granted tenure, or denied promotion or tenure on the basis of political, ideological, or religious beliefs."
· March 30, 2005 Bachmann, as a co-author, gets her gay marriage ban proposal to the House. H.F. No. 6 proposes an amendment to the state constitution "recognizing as marriage only a union between a man and a woman."
· April 7, 2005 Bachmann is caught on film crouching behind the bushes during a pro-gay rights rally at the Capitol. The implication is that she's spying on people who march in favor of same-sex marriage. After much publicity on the internet, Bachmann tells the Strib: "I had high heels on and I just couldn't stand anymore. I was not in the bushes."
· April 9, 2005 Two days later, at a public forum on the gay marriage ban, Bachmann leaves early after an incident in a bathroom at the Scandia City Hall. She files a police report claiming she was held against her will by two members of a "gay and lesbian activist group." "I don't think there's a crime for us to investigate," Sheriff Jim Frank tells the Star Tribune at the time, even though the police report suggests that Bachmann was briefly blocked from leaving the restroom.
An account of the episode posted on an anti-Bachmann website reports that people outside heard her "piercing screams" of "Help!!!!" and that when she emerged "in a crouching run" she cried, "I was being held against my will!" The Washington County Sheriff's Department investigates Bachmann's complaint and forwards the results to the county attorney's office. The case is dropped.
· November 12, 2005 Bachmann shares her views on cultural diversity at a GOP forum at the Mermaid entertainment center in Moundsview. She calls the 2005 riots in France the "fruits of leftism," according to the St. Paul Legal Ledger. And, according to the Stillwater Gazette and other news accounts, she adds: "There's a movement afoot that's occurring, and part of that is this whole philosophical idea of multicultural diversity. Which on the face sounds wonderful. Let's appreciate everyone's cultures. Guess what? Not all cultures are equal. Not all values are equal."
· May 3, 2006 Bachmann tells Minnesota Public Radio that the United States has to be "very aggressive" dealing with Iran, adding that "We can't remove any option off the table and we should not remove the nuclear response."
· August 30, 2006 The congressional candidate weighs in on the visit from President Bush with Jason Lewis on KTLK-FM (100.3). First she notes that Dubya is an "awesome date," before adding, "He's so buff. He's like you, Jason, he has 1 percent body fat."
Karl Bremer, Eva Young, and dumpbachmann.blogspot.com contributed source materials to this timeline.
That's one heck of a good timeline!
Enjoy...
Michele Bachmann's Greatest Hits
How did she become the most divisive pol in Minnesota? Let us count the ways
By G.R. Anderson Jr.
· March 14, 2001 Just weeks after taking office, Bachmann introduces a bill that would prohibit the use of state money for abortion services. S.F. No. 1748 is referred to committee and dies.
· April 26, 2001 Bachmann votes against a bill that would provide funding for higher education across the state—some $138 million in new funding for the U of M, and another $130 for the MnSCU system.
· February 19, 2002 A bill that would require that stillbirths be noted as official births with the state registrar is introduced in the Senate by Bachmann. It dies in committee.
· September 29, 2003 Bachmann is quoted in the Stillwater Gazette after giving an interview on religious station KKMS-AM (980) in which she weighs in on creationism. "I give more credence in the Scripture as being kind of a timeless word of God to mankind, and I take it for what it is," she's quoted as saying. "And I don't think I give as much credence to my own mind, because I see myself as being very limited and very flawed, and lacking in knowledge and wisdom and understanding. So, I just take the Bible for what it is, I guess, and recognize that I am not a scientist, not trained to be a scientist. I'm not a deep thinker on all of this. I wish I was. I wish I was more knowledgeable, but I'm not a scientist."
· October 31, 2003 Bachmann attends a "Ten Commandments Rally" on the steps of the Capitol, which has Bachmann and 200 others calling for the commandments to be displayed in schools and public buildings.
· March 9, 2004 Bachmann introduces a bill in the Senate proposing an amendment to the state constitution "recognizing as marriage only a union between a man and a woman." S.F. No. 2715 goes on to propose that "any other relationship shall not be recognized as a marriage or its legal equivalent."
· March 2004 Bachmann conducts a series of interviews with Jan Markell, founder of Olive Tree, a "Jews for Jesus" ministry. On KKMS, Bachmann calls the gay marriage issue a "ticking time bomb" that must be voted on by Minnesotans before "an activist judge could impose his morality on all Minnesotans."
"Little children will be forced to learn that homosexuality is normal and natural and perhaps they should try it," she continues, claiming that a gay agenda would infiltrate schools. "It will take away the civil rights of little children to be protected in their innocence, but also the rights of parents to control their kids' education and threaten their deeply held religious beliefs.
"This is not about hating homosexuals. I love homosexuals," Bachmann concludes. "But should we allow them to teach sinful ways [to] our children?"
· January 26, 2005 In a Senate subcommittee hearing, Bachmann is a voice of dissent on a Senate bill that would raise the minimum wage. "Literally, if we took away the minimum wage—if conceivably it was gone—we could potentially virtually wipe out unemployment completely because we would be able to offer jobs at whatever level," she offers at one point. "I had wondered, if most employers are doing this anyway, isn't minimum wage just superfluous? Why do we even have one?"
· February 3, 2005 Bachmann authors a state resolution to honor the birthday of Ronald Reagan, a president who never carried Minnesota in an election.
· February 4, 2005 Bachmann proposes legislation to designate I-494 and I-694 as the "Ronald Reagan Beltway." It doesn't get a hearing.
· March 11, 2005 Bachmann reintroduces her gay marriage ban bill in the Senate.
· March 11, 2005 Bachmann introduces a bill called "Free Speech for Faculty and Students Bill of Rights." In it, she proposes that students be graded "according to reasoned answers and appropriate knowledge" of their studies, and "shall not be discriminated against on the basis of political, ideological, or religious beliefs." In a fit of political correctness, Bachmann also proposes that "faculty shall not be hired, fired, granted tenure, or denied promotion or tenure on the basis of political, ideological, or religious beliefs."
· March 30, 2005 Bachmann, as a co-author, gets her gay marriage ban proposal to the House. H.F. No. 6 proposes an amendment to the state constitution "recognizing as marriage only a union between a man and a woman."
· April 7, 2005 Bachmann is caught on film crouching behind the bushes during a pro-gay rights rally at the Capitol. The implication is that she's spying on people who march in favor of same-sex marriage. After much publicity on the internet, Bachmann tells the Strib: "I had high heels on and I just couldn't stand anymore. I was not in the bushes."
· April 9, 2005 Two days later, at a public forum on the gay marriage ban, Bachmann leaves early after an incident in a bathroom at the Scandia City Hall. She files a police report claiming she was held against her will by two members of a "gay and lesbian activist group." "I don't think there's a crime for us to investigate," Sheriff Jim Frank tells the Star Tribune at the time, even though the police report suggests that Bachmann was briefly blocked from leaving the restroom.
An account of the episode posted on an anti-Bachmann website reports that people outside heard her "piercing screams" of "Help!!!!" and that when she emerged "in a crouching run" she cried, "I was being held against my will!" The Washington County Sheriff's Department investigates Bachmann's complaint and forwards the results to the county attorney's office. The case is dropped.
· November 12, 2005 Bachmann shares her views on cultural diversity at a GOP forum at the Mermaid entertainment center in Moundsview. She calls the 2005 riots in France the "fruits of leftism," according to the St. Paul Legal Ledger. And, according to the Stillwater Gazette and other news accounts, she adds: "There's a movement afoot that's occurring, and part of that is this whole philosophical idea of multicultural diversity. Which on the face sounds wonderful. Let's appreciate everyone's cultures. Guess what? Not all cultures are equal. Not all values are equal."
· May 3, 2006 Bachmann tells Minnesota Public Radio that the United States has to be "very aggressive" dealing with Iran, adding that "We can't remove any option off the table and we should not remove the nuclear response."
· August 30, 2006 The congressional candidate weighs in on the visit from President Bush with Jason Lewis on KTLK-FM (100.3). First she notes that Dubya is an "awesome date," before adding, "He's so buff. He's like you, Jason, he has 1 percent body fat."
Karl Bremer, Eva Young, and dumpbachmann.blogspot.com contributed source materials to this timeline.
That's one heck of a good timeline!
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to everyone!
Christmas has been very good this year! Spent time at multiple locations and now have a new found appreciation for "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". You know who you are...Mandy.
Thanks to everyone and Merry Christmas.
Christmas has been very good this year! Spent time at multiple locations and now have a new found appreciation for "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". You know who you are...Mandy.
Thanks to everyone and Merry Christmas.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Smoking and lung cancer
I suppose banning cheeseburgers would increase one's quality of life as well...
It's an interesting study...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061222/hl_nm/lung_cancer_dc
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Once people have been diagnosed with lung cancer they might think it pointless to stop smoking, but in fact it's not too late to benefit from quitting, a new study shows.
Researchers found that among more than 200 lung cancer patients at their center, those who quit smoking after the diagnosis became less severely impaired by the disease than those who kept up the habit.
Specifically, their "performance status" -- a measure of patients' ability to care for themselves and function in daily life -- was generally higher, according to findings published in the medical journal Chest.
Patients who gave up cigarettes did not live appreciably longer than those who continued smoking, the study found, but the difference in quality of life highlights the importance of quitting even after lung cancer develops, according to the study authors.
"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a correlation between smoking cessation after diagnosis and performance status," write Dr. Sevin Baser and his colleagues.
The researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston based their findings on 206 men and women treated at their center for non-small cell lung cancer -- which, of the two major forms of lung cancer, is the less aggressive type.
Of these patients, 93 were smokers at the time of diagnosis, and half subsequently quit.
Over the next year, there was no clear difference in survival odds between the two groups, Baser's team found. However, patients who quit smoking were far more likely to maintain their performance status, which essentially means they had greater well-being.
The difference was seen regardless of a patient's age, overall health or stage of cancer, according to the researchers.
Continued smoking, they note, may deteriorate a lung cancer patient's quality of life by starving their tissues of oxygen, which worsens outcomes from chemotherapy and radiation. It may also speed the weight loss that often comes with cancer.
"Our results," the researchers write, "highlight the importance of smoking cessation in lung cancer patients and provide oncologists with additional evidence for making this recommendation."
SOURCE: Chest, December 2006.
It's an interesting study...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061222/hl_nm/lung_cancer_dc
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Once people have been diagnosed with lung cancer they might think it pointless to stop smoking, but in fact it's not too late to benefit from quitting, a new study shows.
Researchers found that among more than 200 lung cancer patients at their center, those who quit smoking after the diagnosis became less severely impaired by the disease than those who kept up the habit.
Specifically, their "performance status" -- a measure of patients' ability to care for themselves and function in daily life -- was generally higher, according to findings published in the medical journal Chest.
Patients who gave up cigarettes did not live appreciably longer than those who continued smoking, the study found, but the difference in quality of life highlights the importance of quitting even after lung cancer develops, according to the study authors.
"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a correlation between smoking cessation after diagnosis and performance status," write Dr. Sevin Baser and his colleagues.
The researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston based their findings on 206 men and women treated at their center for non-small cell lung cancer -- which, of the two major forms of lung cancer, is the less aggressive type.
Of these patients, 93 were smokers at the time of diagnosis, and half subsequently quit.
Over the next year, there was no clear difference in survival odds between the two groups, Baser's team found. However, patients who quit smoking were far more likely to maintain their performance status, which essentially means they had greater well-being.
The difference was seen regardless of a patient's age, overall health or stage of cancer, according to the researchers.
Continued smoking, they note, may deteriorate a lung cancer patient's quality of life by starving their tissues of oxygen, which worsens outcomes from chemotherapy and radiation. It may also speed the weight loss that often comes with cancer.
"Our results," the researchers write, "highlight the importance of smoking cessation in lung cancer patients and provide oncologists with additional evidence for making this recommendation."
SOURCE: Chest, December 2006.
A headline at Yahoo that describes me...
It has nothing to do with blogging or beer...
Why do people wait until the last minute to buy gifts?
Why do people wait until the last minute to buy gifts?
Off to finish my shopping!
Kiffmeyer and the blogger
MDE had has multiple posts calling Secretary of State elect Mark Ritchie unqualified for office.
MDE was the only "media" member invited to attend a transition session with Kiffmeyer and Ritchie. No wonder the meeting lasted only 20 minutes or so. What qualificiations does MDE possess in the SoS realm? None the I am aware of.
Blog House at the Strib took her to task as well.
One of the big raps against Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer was that she had politicized the office. Not so, she responded, despite the fact that she:
• Was an advocate for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
• Recruited and trained poll watchers from groups like the Minnesota Taxpayers League and the Minnesota Family Council.
• Pushed policies that would have, in effect, made it more difficult for minority and elderly voters -- two groups predominantly Democratic -- to register to vote.
On Nov. 7, DFLer Mark Ritchie finally made the rap stick, defeating Kiffmeyer 49 percent to 44 percent.
The first transition meeting was held Thursday. In attendance were Kiffmeyer; Ritchie; Beth Fraser, a Ritchie senior staffer and soon-to-be director of intergovernmental affairs, and, of course, rabidly partisan blogger Michael Brodkorb of Minnesota Democrats Exposed.
No, Kiffmeyer's not political at all.
For something important like a transition meeting, you'd think Kiffmeyer would invite an aide to attend, as Ritchie did.
"Mark brought one of his campaign people with him -- a very adversarial, political operative campaign person [Fraser]," Kiffmeyer said in an interview. "I kind of thought that might happen. And I wanted someone. I didn't want to involve my official staff or any of my campaign people ... [I wanted] someone who would be able to be an advocate for me."
No one better than Brodkorb for that role. When you're looking for Republican water to be carried, look no further than MDE.
And he came through. The brief meeting was in the early morning; Brodkorb had an anti-Ritchie post up by noon.
Brodkorb's not the bad guy here. Any blogger would have accepted this kind of access. But it's hard to imagine any other officeholder doing what Kiffmeyer did.
She claims she was protecting herself. "If someone walks out and mischaracterizes the meeting, then I would have the ability to make sure that it was clear and understandable."
Ritchie didn't have much of a chance to mischaracterize anything. Brodkorb started posting less than four hours after the meeting broke.
Kiffmeyer said she was "shocked" that Brodkorb was posting about the meeting: "If I had known that, I would have told him not to." But she wouldn't commit to asking him to relent from future posts.
If Kiffmeyer were really interested in a record of the meeting or in protecting her office, she could have invited a representative of the media, rather than the state's leading GOP attack blogger.
Kiffmeyer recalled that, during the campaign, Ritchie had charged "that I'm incompetent, my staff is incompetent, we're all just terrible," she said. "These kinds of comments ... do make a difference."
Fine. But right now, she's still on the state's dime, and the transition between administrations is important. If Kiffmeyer is miffed about the campaign, she can make crank calls to Ritchie when she's Private Citizen Kiffmeyer. In the meantime, she's Secretary of State Kiffmeyer, and, for a change, she might want to leave her politics at home.
Enough, already
Right Kiffmeyer...you invite a GOP blogger to a transition meeting and you expect MDE to not post anything about it? Come on Kiffmeyer? Are you really that naive? From a man with hundreds of posts pre-election...you expected him to not take a shot at Ritchie?
I agree, enough already. We'll remember the partisan nature she ran a non-partisan office of advocacy when Mark Olson is removed from his House seat in 16B and Kiffmeyer runs in the special election.
MDE was the only "media" member invited to attend a transition session with Kiffmeyer and Ritchie. No wonder the meeting lasted only 20 minutes or so. What qualificiations does MDE possess in the SoS realm? None the I am aware of.
Blog House at the Strib took her to task as well.
One of the big raps against Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer was that she had politicized the office. Not so, she responded, despite the fact that she:
• Was an advocate for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
• Recruited and trained poll watchers from groups like the Minnesota Taxpayers League and the Minnesota Family Council.
• Pushed policies that would have, in effect, made it more difficult for minority and elderly voters -- two groups predominantly Democratic -- to register to vote.
On Nov. 7, DFLer Mark Ritchie finally made the rap stick, defeating Kiffmeyer 49 percent to 44 percent.
The first transition meeting was held Thursday. In attendance were Kiffmeyer; Ritchie; Beth Fraser, a Ritchie senior staffer and soon-to-be director of intergovernmental affairs, and, of course, rabidly partisan blogger Michael Brodkorb of Minnesota Democrats Exposed.
No, Kiffmeyer's not political at all.
For something important like a transition meeting, you'd think Kiffmeyer would invite an aide to attend, as Ritchie did.
"Mark brought one of his campaign people with him -- a very adversarial, political operative campaign person [Fraser]," Kiffmeyer said in an interview. "I kind of thought that might happen. And I wanted someone. I didn't want to involve my official staff or any of my campaign people ... [I wanted] someone who would be able to be an advocate for me."
No one better than Brodkorb for that role. When you're looking for Republican water to be carried, look no further than MDE.
And he came through. The brief meeting was in the early morning; Brodkorb had an anti-Ritchie post up by noon.
Brodkorb's not the bad guy here. Any blogger would have accepted this kind of access. But it's hard to imagine any other officeholder doing what Kiffmeyer did.
She claims she was protecting herself. "If someone walks out and mischaracterizes the meeting, then I would have the ability to make sure that it was clear and understandable."
Ritchie didn't have much of a chance to mischaracterize anything. Brodkorb started posting less than four hours after the meeting broke.
Kiffmeyer said she was "shocked" that Brodkorb was posting about the meeting: "If I had known that, I would have told him not to." But she wouldn't commit to asking him to relent from future posts.
If Kiffmeyer were really interested in a record of the meeting or in protecting her office, she could have invited a representative of the media, rather than the state's leading GOP attack blogger.
Kiffmeyer recalled that, during the campaign, Ritchie had charged "that I'm incompetent, my staff is incompetent, we're all just terrible," she said. "These kinds of comments ... do make a difference."
Fine. But right now, she's still on the state's dime, and the transition between administrations is important. If Kiffmeyer is miffed about the campaign, she can make crank calls to Ritchie when she's Private Citizen Kiffmeyer. In the meantime, she's Secretary of State Kiffmeyer, and, for a change, she might want to leave her politics at home.
Enough, already
Right Kiffmeyer...you invite a GOP blogger to a transition meeting and you expect MDE to not post anything about it? Come on Kiffmeyer? Are you really that naive? From a man with hundreds of posts pre-election...you expected him to not take a shot at Ritchie?
I agree, enough already. We'll remember the partisan nature she ran a non-partisan office of advocacy when Mark Olson is removed from his House seat in 16B and Kiffmeyer runs in the special election.
Bah Humbug...let the whining begin
It has been announced that the House DFL majority leader, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, appointed 4 GOPers to committee leadership positions throughout the House.
MinorityLeader Seifert, perhaps influenced by sour grapes from yet another drunken sailor, stated, "There's so many committees, maybe they ran out of DFLers,"
The burgeoning 38 committees, subcommittees and finance divisions, 11 more than in the old GOP-led House, may signal similar growth of government, said Seifert, R-Marshall.
He also noted that the Claims Committee, hardly a plum assignment, spends much of its time rejecting damage claims against the state. "Maybe that's why they put a Republican there," he said. "DFLers can't say no to anybody."
Seifert also complained about seats on the coveted Finance Committee.
One exception, Seifert said, is the makeup of the powerful Finance Committee, where the GOP will have 32.5 percent of the votes, compared with its 35.8 percent strength overall.
DFLers complained two years ago when then-House Speaker Steve Sviggum installed 58 percent Republican dominance on the Ways and Means Committee, even though GOP representatives made up less than 51 percent of the House.
Mark Olson also made the story, as he awaits a court date on domestic violence charges.
"It is an unusual development, especially with the GOP reduced to a weak minority of 48 -- just over one-third of the 134-member House -- by election losses and the expulsion from the caucus of Rep. Mark Olson of Big Lake, who is facing a domestic-abuse charge."
Former House Speaker Steve Sviggum showed played both sides of the aisle commending DFL leaders and then taking a bitter shot at the end.
"It wasn't done too often in the past," said Sviggum, a legislator since 1979. He called Kelliher's appointments "a very good gesture, considering the large majority they have."
Sviggum said the proof of the majority's bipartisan spirit will come at the end of the session, not the beginning.
"It really doesn't mean anything until you see the bills and the agenda as they come forward," said Sviggum, who will be the lead Republican on the Finance Committee. "We'll see how much they include us in the decisionmaking."
It will be fun to follow the quips of Seifert and Tom Emmer as the session begins in about 2 weeks!
MinorityLeader Seifert, perhaps influenced by sour grapes from yet another drunken sailor, stated, "There's so many committees, maybe they ran out of DFLers,"
The burgeoning 38 committees, subcommittees and finance divisions, 11 more than in the old GOP-led House, may signal similar growth of government, said Seifert, R-Marshall.
He also noted that the Claims Committee, hardly a plum assignment, spends much of its time rejecting damage claims against the state. "Maybe that's why they put a Republican there," he said. "DFLers can't say no to anybody."
Seifert also complained about seats on the coveted Finance Committee.
One exception, Seifert said, is the makeup of the powerful Finance Committee, where the GOP will have 32.5 percent of the votes, compared with its 35.8 percent strength overall.
DFLers complained two years ago when then-House Speaker Steve Sviggum installed 58 percent Republican dominance on the Ways and Means Committee, even though GOP representatives made up less than 51 percent of the House.
Mark Olson also made the story, as he awaits a court date on domestic violence charges.
"It is an unusual development, especially with the GOP reduced to a weak minority of 48 -- just over one-third of the 134-member House -- by election losses and the expulsion from the caucus of Rep. Mark Olson of Big Lake, who is facing a domestic-abuse charge."
Former House Speaker Steve Sviggum showed played both sides of the aisle commending DFL leaders and then taking a bitter shot at the end.
"It wasn't done too often in the past," said Sviggum, a legislator since 1979. He called Kelliher's appointments "a very good gesture, considering the large majority they have."
Sviggum said the proof of the majority's bipartisan spirit will come at the end of the session, not the beginning.
"It really doesn't mean anything until you see the bills and the agenda as they come forward," said Sviggum, who will be the lead Republican on the Finance Committee. "We'll see how much they include us in the decisionmaking."
It will be fun to follow the quips of Seifert and Tom Emmer as the session begins in about 2 weeks!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Minnesota Seed Company Fined
From the Strib.
Syngeta Seeds, a Minnesota Company, was fined $1.5 million for distributing genetically modifed corn seed.
It seems the seed would create corn laced with pesticide. It was stated that the pesticde is human safe and meant to repel rodents and insects.
Genetically Modified Foods may be a hidden danger. Large corporate seed companies are the biggest culprit.
More to follow on Genetically Modified Foods...
Syngeta Seeds, a Minnesota Company, was fined $1.5 million for distributing genetically modifed corn seed.
It seems the seed would create corn laced with pesticide. It was stated that the pesticde is human safe and meant to repel rodents and insects.
Genetically Modified Foods may be a hidden danger. Large corporate seed companies are the biggest culprit.
More to follow on Genetically Modified Foods...
Mr. Walz goes to Washington
I have had the pleasure of talking with Congressman Walz on multiple occassions. Many have said he is very "Wellstone" like. I'd have to agree. I met him at the 1st CD Conference in Mankato, held at MSU-M the same weekend as our final MSUSA conference of the year. We went up stairs to grab Senator Hottinger, who was our lunch speaker for the conference. I walked into the convention center and watched Walz...one of the most energetic and passionate speakers I have ever seen. He motivated me...
We found Senator Hottinger and went about our business. Since we were in Delegates Assembly, which I had no role in, myself and a few board members snuck up to the Convention. I introduced myself to the Congressman and we had some fun discussions on Army stuff.
About a month or so later, I ran into him again at the State Convention in Rochester. He called me by my name when he saw me. We had another fun chat...during the lull's of the Governor's endorsement.
Dori and I got to see him speak at the State Fair as well! His daughter Hope actually shoved him off the "stump" from which he was speaking on. It was rather comical...watching her hide behind the Congressman, only to then shove him off the "stump".
Anyway, the Strib had a great story today about his send-off! Enjoy!
Students send Mr. Walz off to Washington
With fanfare - and a folding chair - Mankato West students said goodbye to their new congressman, geography teacher Tim Walz.
By Rochelle Olson, Star Tribune
Last update: December 21, 2006 – 9:50 PM
Mankato West High School students helped elect their global geography teacher Mr. (Tim) Walz to Congress, and on Thursday they gathered in the school auditorium, told him they were proud of him and wished him luck.
Walz, a Democrat, unseated six-term U.S. Rep. Gil Gutknecht, a Republican, in one of the most surprising twists in the November election.
Walz smiled Thursday as he watched a brief movie a student made showing pictures of him campaigning, spliced with segments of the film classic "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." The choir sang "Defying Gravity" from the musical "Wicked," including the line "My future is unlimited."
About 1,200 students filled the room and cooed for Walz's 2-month-old son, "No-Fuss" Gus, and applauded the nine-year teacher, a favorite who started every hour with 20 minutes of current events discussion and who never assigned homework. He has been on leave since April as he ran for office.
Walz's 4-year-old daughter, Hope, sitting next to his wife, Gwen, helpfully accepted the gifts he was given, including a scarlet Mankato West cap and folding chair. He will soon be given a custom-made school jersey with "Walz '06" on the back.
Walz is one of four freshmen from Minnesota who will be sworn in to Congress next month. He will represent southern Minnesota's First District.
State Rep. Keith Ellison, also a Democrat, was elected to represent the Fifth District, including Minneapolis and inner-ring suburbs. State Sen. Michele Bachmann, a Republican, will represent the Sixth District, which includes northern suburbs through St. Cloud. Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat, will be the state's junior senator.
Ellison will celebrate his departure from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Operating Engineers Local 49 Union Hall, 2829 Anthony Lane S., St. Anthony. Bachmann did not have plans for a send-off.
Klobuchar plans a low-key send-off from her Marcy-Holmes neighborhood in Minneapolis, where the family will pack up the car Wednesday morning, she said. From there, they will head to Rochester for a noon lunch at Daube's before sleeping for a night in a friend's basement in Chicago.
"Hopefully, we don't encounter blizzards," Klobuchar said. "Over half the senators are multimillionaires. I'm sure I will be the only one arriving in the family Saturn."
'We did it'
From the Mankato West stage, Walz told his students that their optimism shaped his vision. "The crazy, ridiculous part of this is we did it," he said.
He echoed a line from the Mr. Smith movie: "I will do nothing to shame this institution."
When the ceremony was over, a couple of dozen students -- many wearing gold and blue campaign T-shirts -- crowded around Walz.
"Everybody, keep us in mind. We're going to have lots of places for interns," Walz said.
Kelsey Bigbee had Walz as a teacher and, like other students, gave up free time to work on his campaign. "Right off the bat, I knew I was going to like him. He's just a fun guy. He's easy to get along with," she said.
Meeting Karl Rove
Walz told stories from a recent White House luncheon, including an introduction to Karl Rove, the president's political guru. "He gets demonized, but he's very outgoing. He's short, not a big guy.
"He's very funny. He's incredibly smart. He knew exactly how many votes we got," Walz said.
Walz talked about the "surreal" realization that he will be able to cast a vote for a plan to increase the minimum wage. Said senior Kim Braun: "Oh my God, I'm going to have so much money."
Walz talked about adjusting to his newfound clout; his recent comments that the undervaluation of China's currency is the "worst-kept secret in the world" became an international news story. "We can do something about it," he said.
Adriane Otopalik, who made the Walz movie, said, "You thought that stuff before."
Walz added, "No one cared." He told students he'd give them guided tours of Capitol tunnels if they visit. "Hopefully, I'll be there more than two years," he said.
To which senior Kristina Dundas said, "We'll help with that."
We found Senator Hottinger and went about our business. Since we were in Delegates Assembly, which I had no role in, myself and a few board members snuck up to the Convention. I introduced myself to the Congressman and we had some fun discussions on Army stuff.
About a month or so later, I ran into him again at the State Convention in Rochester. He called me by my name when he saw me. We had another fun chat...during the lull's of the Governor's endorsement.
Dori and I got to see him speak at the State Fair as well! His daughter Hope actually shoved him off the "stump" from which he was speaking on. It was rather comical...watching her hide behind the Congressman, only to then shove him off the "stump".
Anyway, the Strib had a great story today about his send-off! Enjoy!
Students send Mr. Walz off to Washington
With fanfare - and a folding chair - Mankato West students said goodbye to their new congressman, geography teacher Tim Walz.
By Rochelle Olson, Star Tribune
Last update: December 21, 2006 – 9:50 PM
Mankato West High School students helped elect their global geography teacher Mr. (Tim) Walz to Congress, and on Thursday they gathered in the school auditorium, told him they were proud of him and wished him luck.
Walz, a Democrat, unseated six-term U.S. Rep. Gil Gutknecht, a Republican, in one of the most surprising twists in the November election.
Walz smiled Thursday as he watched a brief movie a student made showing pictures of him campaigning, spliced with segments of the film classic "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." The choir sang "Defying Gravity" from the musical "Wicked," including the line "My future is unlimited."
About 1,200 students filled the room and cooed for Walz's 2-month-old son, "No-Fuss" Gus, and applauded the nine-year teacher, a favorite who started every hour with 20 minutes of current events discussion and who never assigned homework. He has been on leave since April as he ran for office.
Walz's 4-year-old daughter, Hope, sitting next to his wife, Gwen, helpfully accepted the gifts he was given, including a scarlet Mankato West cap and folding chair. He will soon be given a custom-made school jersey with "Walz '06" on the back.
Walz is one of four freshmen from Minnesota who will be sworn in to Congress next month. He will represent southern Minnesota's First District.
State Rep. Keith Ellison, also a Democrat, was elected to represent the Fifth District, including Minneapolis and inner-ring suburbs. State Sen. Michele Bachmann, a Republican, will represent the Sixth District, which includes northern suburbs through St. Cloud. Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat, will be the state's junior senator.
Ellison will celebrate his departure from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Operating Engineers Local 49 Union Hall, 2829 Anthony Lane S., St. Anthony. Bachmann did not have plans for a send-off.
Klobuchar plans a low-key send-off from her Marcy-Holmes neighborhood in Minneapolis, where the family will pack up the car Wednesday morning, she said. From there, they will head to Rochester for a noon lunch at Daube's before sleeping for a night in a friend's basement in Chicago.
"Hopefully, we don't encounter blizzards," Klobuchar said. "Over half the senators are multimillionaires. I'm sure I will be the only one arriving in the family Saturn."
'We did it'
From the Mankato West stage, Walz told his students that their optimism shaped his vision. "The crazy, ridiculous part of this is we did it," he said.
He echoed a line from the Mr. Smith movie: "I will do nothing to shame this institution."
When the ceremony was over, a couple of dozen students -- many wearing gold and blue campaign T-shirts -- crowded around Walz.
"Everybody, keep us in mind. We're going to have lots of places for interns," Walz said.
Kelsey Bigbee had Walz as a teacher and, like other students, gave up free time to work on his campaign. "Right off the bat, I knew I was going to like him. He's just a fun guy. He's easy to get along with," she said.
Meeting Karl Rove
Walz told stories from a recent White House luncheon, including an introduction to Karl Rove, the president's political guru. "He gets demonized, but he's very outgoing. He's short, not a big guy.
"He's very funny. He's incredibly smart. He knew exactly how many votes we got," Walz said.
Walz talked about the "surreal" realization that he will be able to cast a vote for a plan to increase the minimum wage. Said senior Kim Braun: "Oh my God, I'm going to have so much money."
Walz talked about adjusting to his newfound clout; his recent comments that the undervaluation of China's currency is the "worst-kept secret in the world" became an international news story. "We can do something about it," he said.
Adriane Otopalik, who made the Walz movie, said, "You thought that stuff before."
Walz added, "No one cared." He told students he'd give them guided tours of Capitol tunnels if they visit. "Hopefully, I'll be there more than two years," he said.
To which senior Kristina Dundas said, "We'll help with that."
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Let it snow...let it snow!
Looking outside, we have just a coating of snow as I type! I already salted the sidewalks and stuff around here, just waiting for the 3-5 inches so I can plow.
I always love plowing fresh snow!
Looks like a White Christmas is upon us!
Enjoy!
I always love plowing fresh snow!
Looks like a White Christmas is upon us!
Enjoy!
More on Olson and his crony!
From Dump Mark Olson. Great work Avidor!
Was Rep. Mark Olson Aware of Gary Dean Zimmermann's Daily Marijuana Smoking?
From the Minneapolis Issues:
So it appears from the responses I've gotten (MANY back-channel) that Mr. Zimmerman's marijuana habit was in full force not only during his time as a Minneapolis city council person, but for the 20-25 years prior to that (I am not making an accusation, but merely summarizing the responses I have gotten). Nevertheless, if part of Mr. Zimmerman's sentence involves getting help for his addiction to bud, I think we can safely surmise that he had a problem with the smoke.
This is great. We absolutely get what we deserve. We deserve officials that accept bribes and ineffectual city government, if we're electing chronic dope smokers, which in Mr. Zimmerman's case appears to be the worst kept secret in city hall. So, in addition to taking bribes, this guy regularly utilized a substance that is illegal and contributes to crime and violence and the like. He participated in at worst, and tacitly endorsed at the very best, the very criminal element that is shooting each other all over this city. Thanks, Dean. Really great. Time to spend 2-1/2 years with some of the fellas you supported criminally for the last - years.
Mark Olson worked closely with Zimmermann promoting Zimmermann's bizarre PRT Plan for Minneapolis.
If Zimmermann's dope-smoking was "the worst kept secret at City Hall"... how could Rep. Mark Olson not be aware of it?
Was Rep. Mark Olson Aware of Gary Dean Zimmermann's Daily Marijuana Smoking?
From the Minneapolis Issues:
So it appears from the responses I've gotten (MANY back-channel) that Mr. Zimmerman's marijuana habit was in full force not only during his time as a Minneapolis city council person, but for the 20-25 years prior to that (I am not making an accusation, but merely summarizing the responses I have gotten). Nevertheless, if part of Mr. Zimmerman's sentence involves getting help for his addiction to bud, I think we can safely surmise that he had a problem with the smoke.
This is great. We absolutely get what we deserve. We deserve officials that accept bribes and ineffectual city government, if we're electing chronic dope smokers, which in Mr. Zimmerman's case appears to be the worst kept secret in city hall. So, in addition to taking bribes, this guy regularly utilized a substance that is illegal and contributes to crime and violence and the like. He participated in at worst, and tacitly endorsed at the very best, the very criminal element that is shooting each other all over this city. Thanks, Dean. Really great. Time to spend 2-1/2 years with some of the fellas you supported criminally for the last - years.
Mark Olson worked closely with Zimmermann promoting Zimmermann's bizarre PRT Plan for Minneapolis.
If Zimmermann's dope-smoking was "the worst kept secret at City Hall"... how could Rep. Mark Olson not be aware of it?
McLeod West School Bond Vote
BROWNTON, Minn. - For the second time this year, voters in the McLeod West School District have rejected a bond referendum.
The 16.5 (m) million dollar proposal would have built a new K-through-12 school building.
Voters yesterday defeated the proposal by a margin of 203 votes. Last June, the bond failed by 201 votes.
The district currently has a high school in Brownton and an elementary school in Stewart.
So, the tally for School Levies in SD 18:
Annandale: PASSED
Atwater Grove City-Cosmos: FAILED
Dassel Cokato: FAILED
Glencoe Silver Lake: FAILED
McLeod West: FAILED
On the heels of previous levies that failed in 2005 as well. More to follow in previous bond results.
It's a sad day for schools in rural Minnesota. I hope that our elected leaders are mindful of what is happening here. We spoke about it legnth on the campaign trail. Senator Dille talked about school funding issues a decade ago...yet the status quo remains.
The 16.5 (m) million dollar proposal would have built a new K-through-12 school building.
Voters yesterday defeated the proposal by a margin of 203 votes. Last June, the bond failed by 201 votes.
The district currently has a high school in Brownton and an elementary school in Stewart.
So, the tally for School Levies in SD 18:
Annandale: PASSED
Atwater Grove City-Cosmos: FAILED
Dassel Cokato: FAILED
Glencoe Silver Lake: FAILED
McLeod West: FAILED
On the heels of previous levies that failed in 2005 as well. More to follow in previous bond results.
It's a sad day for schools in rural Minnesota. I hope that our elected leaders are mindful of what is happening here. We spoke about it legnth on the campaign trail. Senator Dille talked about school funding issues a decade ago...yet the status quo remains.
Mac Hammond and City Pages
I read through the hard copy edition of the City Pages recently, especially paying attention to the Mac Hammond story.
The City Pages piece is a hard hitting indictment of what is really happening at the Living Word Christian Center led by Mac Hammond.
"God says the only way to get out from under financial pressure is to give, to tithe," he explains. "You may feel like you do not have enough to support your family, but it's just the opposite. Adversity, trials, tests, the crown of life—you must keep tithing through these tests of faith."
"Some people stop when it appears tithing hasn't paid off," he clucks. "But if you keep believing unto death, the crown will be yours. Financial adversity is a test of Satan to abandon the practice of giving and tithing. Do it anyway and you will get the crown."
Financial adversity is a test of Satan? So when a family goes into debt because of a catastrophic health event, or a job loss, its a test of Satan and one should continue to give the full tithe?
More than $24 million in contributions in 2004, earning more than $450,000 a week!
We all know Hammond is the pastor that endorsed Bachmann from the pulpit earlier this year.
The City Pages piece goes into further detail. While Hammond and the church are staunchly conservative, the church is a "gospel of prosperity, the perfect marriage of God and the almighty dollar."
"Next Pastor Lynne asks if the person present with the metal plate in their skull would step forward. A teenage girl approaches the stage. Lynne puts a hand on her forehead and shouts, "No, no more, no more surgeries. Be healed." She broadens the call to anyone with metal in their bodies. "No," she commands each, "no more."
"Some remain standing, but when she takes her hands off others, they crumple to the floor. A small squad of male ushers in blue blazers trails her, catching anyone who collapses. Some get up within a minute or two; when they don't, women ushers come around with blankets to cover them up."
Benny Hinn anyone?
"It's time to talk about obedience," she says, "and that means the offering."
According to Living Word's annual report, last year it spent $14 million on salaries for 263 full-time and 118 part-time staffers. Among them are the Hammonds and their sons, John Hammond, who is in charge of the church's multimedia programs, and Jim Hammond, who heads the family ministries. Both Hammond daughters-in-law are fixtures in Living Word's various publications and missionary activities. Unlike other nonprofits, the church does not have to disclose what it pays its top earners.
Yet, many conservatives, including Representative Seifert (House minority leader) were outraged that MPR and other non-profits did not have to disclose what they pay their employee's. As a matter of fact, they sought legislation to do so.
Hammond is pretty clear on the point in a pamphlet titled, "Winning in Your Finances: How to Walk God's Pathway of Prosperity": "Do we use our excess money to purchase a bag of groceries for someone that can't afford any food?" he asks. "Do you fill up someone's car with gas? Do we slip him a $20 bill when you shake his hand? Though these are all charitable things to do, they will not, however, meet the greatest need in a person's life. No amount of money can purchase a man's salvation. No amount of money can purchase a healing. The only thing that meets human need on every level consistently and permanently is the Word of God. So consequently, the seed that you have left over is best used to get the Word of God into the hearts of others."
In other words, disregard the poor and needy. Give your money to Mac Hammond and you will be saved!
I am a spiritual man. I was deeply distrubed by what I read in the City Pages. Surely some will call it a liberal rag, and that is fine with me. Similiar to Krakauer's account of Fundamentalist Mormon's in "Under the Banner of Heaven".
I still wonder what the IRS is going to do about Hammond's endorsement of Bachmann...
The City Pages piece is a hard hitting indictment of what is really happening at the Living Word Christian Center led by Mac Hammond.
"God says the only way to get out from under financial pressure is to give, to tithe," he explains. "You may feel like you do not have enough to support your family, but it's just the opposite. Adversity, trials, tests, the crown of life—you must keep tithing through these tests of faith."
"Some people stop when it appears tithing hasn't paid off," he clucks. "But if you keep believing unto death, the crown will be yours. Financial adversity is a test of Satan to abandon the practice of giving and tithing. Do it anyway and you will get the crown."
Financial adversity is a test of Satan? So when a family goes into debt because of a catastrophic health event, or a job loss, its a test of Satan and one should continue to give the full tithe?
More than $24 million in contributions in 2004, earning more than $450,000 a week!
We all know Hammond is the pastor that endorsed Bachmann from the pulpit earlier this year.
The City Pages piece goes into further detail. While Hammond and the church are staunchly conservative, the church is a "gospel of prosperity, the perfect marriage of God and the almighty dollar."
"Next Pastor Lynne asks if the person present with the metal plate in their skull would step forward. A teenage girl approaches the stage. Lynne puts a hand on her forehead and shouts, "No, no more, no more surgeries. Be healed." She broadens the call to anyone with metal in their bodies. "No," she commands each, "no more."
"Some remain standing, but when she takes her hands off others, they crumple to the floor. A small squad of male ushers in blue blazers trails her, catching anyone who collapses. Some get up within a minute or two; when they don't, women ushers come around with blankets to cover them up."
Benny Hinn anyone?
"It's time to talk about obedience," she says, "and that means the offering."
According to Living Word's annual report, last year it spent $14 million on salaries for 263 full-time and 118 part-time staffers. Among them are the Hammonds and their sons, John Hammond, who is in charge of the church's multimedia programs, and Jim Hammond, who heads the family ministries. Both Hammond daughters-in-law are fixtures in Living Word's various publications and missionary activities. Unlike other nonprofits, the church does not have to disclose what it pays its top earners.
Yet, many conservatives, including Representative Seifert (House minority leader) were outraged that MPR and other non-profits did not have to disclose what they pay their employee's. As a matter of fact, they sought legislation to do so.
Hammond is pretty clear on the point in a pamphlet titled, "Winning in Your Finances: How to Walk God's Pathway of Prosperity": "Do we use our excess money to purchase a bag of groceries for someone that can't afford any food?" he asks. "Do you fill up someone's car with gas? Do we slip him a $20 bill when you shake his hand? Though these are all charitable things to do, they will not, however, meet the greatest need in a person's life. No amount of money can purchase a man's salvation. No amount of money can purchase a healing. The only thing that meets human need on every level consistently and permanently is the Word of God. So consequently, the seed that you have left over is best used to get the Word of God into the hearts of others."
In other words, disregard the poor and needy. Give your money to Mac Hammond and you will be saved!
I am a spiritual man. I was deeply distrubed by what I read in the City Pages. Surely some will call it a liberal rag, and that is fine with me. Similiar to Krakauer's account of Fundamentalist Mormon's in "Under the Banner of Heaven".
I still wonder what the IRS is going to do about Hammond's endorsement of Bachmann...
Political X-Mas cards
From Wonkette! I laughed rather hard at this, especially the comments!
I did not get a card from Bachmann or T-Paw.
I did not get a card from Bachmann or T-Paw.
President supports minimum wage increase
Ah, the compassionate conservatives must be in a tizzy. True conservatives thought they had leaders in Tim Pawlenty and George Bush, conservatives that would continue with their right wing, extremist agenda.
In Minnesota, we know the Governor has become very moderate...
Eschewing GOP staples such as screwing kids and the poor our of access to health care, putting it to college students with enormous tuition increases, and comparing cancer causing sticks of tobacco to cheeseburgers, T-Paw has been "out front" on higher education, health care and renewable energy...and will most likely support a smoking ban.
Now, President Bush, the staunch compassionate conservative he is, states he will support a minimum wage increase!
I can hear the grumbling across the conservative blogosphere...
In Minnesota, we know the Governor has become very moderate...
Eschewing GOP staples such as screwing kids and the poor our of access to health care, putting it to college students with enormous tuition increases, and comparing cancer causing sticks of tobacco to cheeseburgers, T-Paw has been "out front" on higher education, health care and renewable energy...and will most likely support a smoking ban.
Now, President Bush, the staunch compassionate conservative he is, states he will support a minimum wage increase!
I can hear the grumbling across the conservative blogosphere...
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Holy Fundraising Batman!
The figures are in for what was spent politically in MN. Wow!
More than $35 million was spent by Federal Candidates in MN for 2006. Damn!
About $6 was spent in SD 18, CD 6...
CD 6 set a record in Mn for spending $5.7 million! Wetterling spent about $3.1 million? Bachmann about $2.4 million.
CD 7 Congressman Peterson spent $686,000 and Michael Barrett spent almost $37,000, our operatives tell us all of it in SD 18!
I am sure Barrett is fundraising for an 08 run at Peterson. Wetterling is done in politics, IMO...
Democrats are going to have to raise a boatload of money and organize all across CD 6, in order to beat Bachmann in 08.
No Representative Seifert, we have no need to keep drunken sailors away from the ship...
More than $35 million was spent by Federal Candidates in MN for 2006. Damn!
About $6 was spent in SD 18, CD 6...
CD 6 set a record in Mn for spending $5.7 million! Wetterling spent about $3.1 million? Bachmann about $2.4 million.
CD 7 Congressman Peterson spent $686,000 and Michael Barrett spent almost $37,000, our operatives tell us all of it in SD 18!
I am sure Barrett is fundraising for an 08 run at Peterson. Wetterling is done in politics, IMO...
Democrats are going to have to raise a boatload of money and organize all across CD 6, in order to beat Bachmann in 08.
No Representative Seifert, we have no need to keep drunken sailors away from the ship...
A tale of two editorials
One I agree with...
"And, yes, there is a big BUT here. Haberle, the Minnetonka woman whose billboards were the subject of a Monday Star Tribune story, views evolution as one opinion and creationism as another. That's about 180 degrees from right. Opinions on grandma's turkey recipe may have equal validity. But evolution isn't an opinion; it's a scientific theory, backed up by decade upon decade of increasingly confirming research. It's as close to a truth as just about anything gets."
"In the lay world, we use "theory" quite loosely. In the scientific world, they do not. A hypothesis needs a lot of proof before it earns the label "theory." Evolution has earned that label in spades. Creationism, on the other hand, is a metaphysical opinion, actually a belief. Surely, it is dearly held by its proponents, and no one begrudges them that. But it doesn't belong in the same arena as evolution."
One I disagree with...
"JOBZ tax breaks spur rural job growth"
I agree that they have spurred some job growth. I would like to see the fugures for the JOBZ areas in SD 18. I know for a fact that Dassel lost jobs to Glencoe. I know that the mayor of Glencoe is not happy with JOBZ either. Perhaps its great in Northern MN, away from the gravity of the Metro area, that seems to pull most good paying jobs that way.
I am also not a big fan of a system of selecting which businesses to tax and which businesses to give a break to.
Not a big JOBZ guy...I am sure you figured that out!
"And, yes, there is a big BUT here. Haberle, the Minnetonka woman whose billboards were the subject of a Monday Star Tribune story, views evolution as one opinion and creationism as another. That's about 180 degrees from right. Opinions on grandma's turkey recipe may have equal validity. But evolution isn't an opinion; it's a scientific theory, backed up by decade upon decade of increasingly confirming research. It's as close to a truth as just about anything gets."
"In the lay world, we use "theory" quite loosely. In the scientific world, they do not. A hypothesis needs a lot of proof before it earns the label "theory." Evolution has earned that label in spades. Creationism, on the other hand, is a metaphysical opinion, actually a belief. Surely, it is dearly held by its proponents, and no one begrudges them that. But it doesn't belong in the same arena as evolution."
One I disagree with...
"JOBZ tax breaks spur rural job growth"
I agree that they have spurred some job growth. I would like to see the fugures for the JOBZ areas in SD 18. I know for a fact that Dassel lost jobs to Glencoe. I know that the mayor of Glencoe is not happy with JOBZ either. Perhaps its great in Northern MN, away from the gravity of the Metro area, that seems to pull most good paying jobs that way.
I am also not a big fan of a system of selecting which businesses to tax and which businesses to give a break to.
Not a big JOBZ guy...I am sure you figured that out!
The end of a good thing! Chainsaw Sisters to close
The BWCA trip that culminated in a stop at the Chainsaw Sisters saloon was a great trip.
We entered in at Mudro (Entry Point 22) and engaged in one heck of a journey. I paddled with Jason this year and it was our friend Eric aka Senior's first BWCA trip. He teamed with our friend Chris Mehr in what was dubbed the "Smoking Canoe".
After safeguarding a Jar-Jar Binks talking doll the entire first day...we sprung it upon its unfortunate victim when we hit camp that night.
It was one heck of a long day of paddling. Mr. Manea kept pushing us to get up into the bay section of the journey. The portages were not too bad, although I carried the biggest bag (it had Jar-Jar in it), I laughed a lot as Jar Jar would offer insight as the bag would hit the ground...it was pretty comical.
Ah, the BWCA...
We ended that trek at the Chainsaw Sisters...a bag of Old Dutch Sour Cream and Onion Chips and a half warm PBR! After a week in beautiful Northern MN, it was great!
It does not get much better than that!
Unfortunately, the end has come for a great Minnesota establishment. Thanks for the memories...and the warm PBR!
A Virginia Congressman's letter
This letter was of interest on Wonkette today. His views on immigration are extreme and his words on Congressman Ellison and any Muslim that would choose to represent their constituents in this participative democracy, are troubling. This Congressman Goode is out of line and needs to apologize!
Dear Mr. Cruickshank:
Thank you for your recent communication. When I raise my hand to take the oath on Swearing In Day, I will have the Bible in my other hand. I do not subscribe to using the Koran in any way. The Muslim Representative from Minnesota was elected by the voters of that district and if American citizens don’t wake up and adopt the Virgil Goode position on immigration there will likely be many more Muslims elected to office and demanding the use of the Koran. We need to stop illegal immigration totally and reduce legal immigration and end the diversity visas policy pushed hard by President Clinton and allowing many persons from the Middle East to come to this country. I fear that in the next century we will have many more Muslims in the United States if we do not adopt the strict immigration policies that I believe are necessary to preserve the values and beliefs traditional to the United States of America and to prevent our resources from being swamped.
The Ten Commandments and “In God We Trust” are on the wall in my office. A Muslim student came by the office and asked why I did not have anything on my wall about the Koran. My response was clear, “As long as I have the honor of representing the citizens of the 5th District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives, The Koran is not going to be on the wall of my office.” Thank you again for your email and thoughts.
Sincerely yours,
Virgil H. Goode, Jr.
Dear Mr. Cruickshank:
Thank you for your recent communication. When I raise my hand to take the oath on Swearing In Day, I will have the Bible in my other hand. I do not subscribe to using the Koran in any way. The Muslim Representative from Minnesota was elected by the voters of that district and if American citizens don’t wake up and adopt the Virgil Goode position on immigration there will likely be many more Muslims elected to office and demanding the use of the Koran. We need to stop illegal immigration totally and reduce legal immigration and end the diversity visas policy pushed hard by President Clinton and allowing many persons from the Middle East to come to this country. I fear that in the next century we will have many more Muslims in the United States if we do not adopt the strict immigration policies that I believe are necessary to preserve the values and beliefs traditional to the United States of America and to prevent our resources from being swamped.
The Ten Commandments and “In God We Trust” are on the wall in my office. A Muslim student came by the office and asked why I did not have anything on my wall about the Koran. My response was clear, “As long as I have the honor of representing the citizens of the 5th District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives, The Koran is not going to be on the wall of my office.” Thank you again for your email and thoughts.
Sincerely yours,
Virgil H. Goode, Jr.
Some thoughts
Yesterday, I posted a letter from the McLeod County Chronicle that struck at the heart of the struggles in a rural economy.
I thought about it last night at work, pondered it some more in Hutchinson this morning, and feel compelled to write more about it today.
The peril faced by the GSL school district is faced by most of the districts around the state as well. Moving to another rural area simply exposes one to the problem in a different setting, and perhaps an even worse situation.
I have heard people in the Dassel Cokato area talk about the impact of people moving to the area as the school levy has failed once again their. The school will be forced to cut another $300,000, and total cuts over the last several years come close to $1 million. The same holds true for GSL, ACGC, McLeod West, and Hutchinson.
I understand why some familes voted against levies in their respective towns. You simply could not afford it. That is the case for some. I respect that in those cases.
The job market in our small towns is tough. I know, I have been searching for something locally for well over a month now. I do work nights in the Twin Cities, but that is not my long term plan. When you make on $8 an hour locally, with high property taxes and low service, you are forced to make difficult decisions, hence the letterwriter travels 65 miles for her job.
JOBZ was the GOP and Governor's answer to kickstart jobs in the rural economies. While job growth has spurred in some areas, the low wages still do not make these businesses competitive, especially when you compete with the Metro area.
JOBZ has not had a great impact in our area. In Dasel, I know of one business that lost 20 jobs to Glencoe as a result of JOBZ, the complete contrast of what the program was meant to do.
I also find it funny that typical Republicans want small government and no subisides for many programs, except when it comes to "special businesses". Then...it's ok to violate a basic plank of the GOP.
Unfortunately, equating wages to the cost of living is something that will not happen, at least our locally elected leaders will not advocate for it. Most (except Dille actually) have openly opposed increases to the minimum wage.
I am a strong advocate for paying a living wage!
So Andrea, how do we fix this.
1. We must hold our elected leaders accountable.
Some of these "politicians" have been campaigning on these issues for more than a decade and getting no results. Campaign promises were just that.
2. Educational funding reform.
We need to reform the funding models for K-12 education in our state. When we rely upon the levy structure to fund education, kids get left out. Kids in the Metro area schools and in property tax rich areas should revieve less state funding than kids in the rural schools, to offset low property values.
3. Property tax reform.
Truth in taxation hearings need to be held at a state level as well. Hold the elected leaders accountable for the budget process.
When are small cities rely on property taxes for funding, we will eventually face shortfalls. When the housing market bursts, cities are forced to raise taxes to maintain services or cut services.
We need a better, more stable method for funding local governments.
4. Challenge the "old boys club".
Find progressive candidates and organize on a grassroots level to defeat them!
I thought the letter was very good...although I do disagree with some of the points made. It does expose the greater issue at hand, the downturn of the rural economy.
Hopefully, our elected leaders will wake up...
I thought about it last night at work, pondered it some more in Hutchinson this morning, and feel compelled to write more about it today.
The peril faced by the GSL school district is faced by most of the districts around the state as well. Moving to another rural area simply exposes one to the problem in a different setting, and perhaps an even worse situation.
I have heard people in the Dassel Cokato area talk about the impact of people moving to the area as the school levy has failed once again their. The school will be forced to cut another $300,000, and total cuts over the last several years come close to $1 million. The same holds true for GSL, ACGC, McLeod West, and Hutchinson.
I understand why some familes voted against levies in their respective towns. You simply could not afford it. That is the case for some. I respect that in those cases.
The job market in our small towns is tough. I know, I have been searching for something locally for well over a month now. I do work nights in the Twin Cities, but that is not my long term plan. When you make on $8 an hour locally, with high property taxes and low service, you are forced to make difficult decisions, hence the letterwriter travels 65 miles for her job.
JOBZ was the GOP and Governor's answer to kickstart jobs in the rural economies. While job growth has spurred in some areas, the low wages still do not make these businesses competitive, especially when you compete with the Metro area.
JOBZ has not had a great impact in our area. In Dasel, I know of one business that lost 20 jobs to Glencoe as a result of JOBZ, the complete contrast of what the program was meant to do.
I also find it funny that typical Republicans want small government and no subisides for many programs, except when it comes to "special businesses". Then...it's ok to violate a basic plank of the GOP.
Unfortunately, equating wages to the cost of living is something that will not happen, at least our locally elected leaders will not advocate for it. Most (except Dille actually) have openly opposed increases to the minimum wage.
I am a strong advocate for paying a living wage!
So Andrea, how do we fix this.
1. We must hold our elected leaders accountable.
Some of these "politicians" have been campaigning on these issues for more than a decade and getting no results. Campaign promises were just that.
2. Educational funding reform.
We need to reform the funding models for K-12 education in our state. When we rely upon the levy structure to fund education, kids get left out. Kids in the Metro area schools and in property tax rich areas should revieve less state funding than kids in the rural schools, to offset low property values.
3. Property tax reform.
Truth in taxation hearings need to be held at a state level as well. Hold the elected leaders accountable for the budget process.
When are small cities rely on property taxes for funding, we will eventually face shortfalls. When the housing market bursts, cities are forced to raise taxes to maintain services or cut services.
We need a better, more stable method for funding local governments.
4. Challenge the "old boys club".
Find progressive candidates and organize on a grassroots level to defeat them!
I thought the letter was very good...although I do disagree with some of the points made. It does expose the greater issue at hand, the downturn of the rural economy.
Hopefully, our elected leaders will wake up...
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
A hodgepodge blog
I am not happy with Allen Iverson going to Denver instead of the Wolves. I am even more upset that Joe Smith was trade fodder for Denver than helped bring the most exciting basketball player on the planet to Denver.
I do not like Joe Smith, he almost killed this franchise, along with the wizardry of Kevin McHale. Seeing Smith's name in the Iverson trade was just salt on old T-Wolve wounds.
Brad Radkte retired today. It is sad to see him go. He was one heck of a pitcher for the Twins for 12 years. My only Twins jersey I have ever owned is Radke, 22. He will be missed.
Thanks for the great run B-Rad!
Since I am talking about the Twins, I found out on Sunday that Dori's grandma, Dorothy, is an avid Twins fan.
The Enterprise Dispatch had a fun story about Dori's grandma!
By the way, I love banana bread!
I do not like Joe Smith, he almost killed this franchise, along with the wizardry of Kevin McHale. Seeing Smith's name in the Iverson trade was just salt on old T-Wolve wounds.
Brad Radkte retired today. It is sad to see him go. He was one heck of a pitcher for the Twins for 12 years. My only Twins jersey I have ever owned is Radke, 22. He will be missed.
Thanks for the great run B-Rad!
Since I am talking about the Twins, I found out on Sunday that Dori's grandma, Dorothy, is an avid Twins fan.
The Enterprise Dispatch had a fun story about Dori's grandma!
By the way, I love banana bread!
Mac Hammond troubles?
Joe Bodell over at Minnesota Campaign Report and the Minnesota Monitor has a great piece on Mac Hammond, pastor at the Living World Christian Center.
You remember Pastor Hammond right? He's the guy who endorsed Michelle Bachmann from the pulpit.
Now, he is ordering employees of the church to contribute 10% of their earnings to the church.
AAA over at Residual Forces is right about one thing (and maybe a few more), the GOP is being taken over by the religous right (which is neither). They are pushing out the fiscal conservatives and moving towards a focus on the wedge issues.
Check out Joe's piece...and continue to follow the Hammond matter.
Will the IRS do anything?
You remember Pastor Hammond right? He's the guy who endorsed Michelle Bachmann from the pulpit.
Now, he is ordering employees of the church to contribute 10% of their earnings to the church.
AAA over at Residual Forces is right about one thing (and maybe a few more), the GOP is being taken over by the religous right (which is neither). They are pushing out the fiscal conservatives and moving towards a focus on the wedge issues.
Check out Joe's piece...and continue to follow the Hammond matter.
Will the IRS do anything?
Olson crony sentenced!
Zimmerman got 2 1/2 years.
Former Minneapolis City Councilman Dean Zimmermann was sentenced today in federal court to two and a half years in prison for taking three bribes totaling $7,200.
U.S. District Judge Ann Montgomery, in handing down the sentence, said that Zimmermann, 64, can have his sentence reduced by seven months if he completes a drug treatment program. Montgomery said Zimmermann admitted to being a regular user of marijuana and drinking beer.
Former Minneapolis City Councilman Dean Zimmermann was sentenced today in federal court to two and a half years in prison for taking three bribes totaling $7,200.
U.S. District Judge Ann Montgomery, in handing down the sentence, said that Zimmermann, 64, can have his sentence reduced by seven months if he completes a drug treatment program. Montgomery said Zimmermann admitted to being a regular user of marijuana and drinking beer.
Vote today!
Those in the McLeod West School District...
Voters will go to the polls Tuesday, Dec. 19, to decide if McLeod West should issues bonds to fund a proposed new $16.455 million K-12 facility.
Voting will take place at the high school campus in Brownton, 335 Third St. S., from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Applications for absentee ballots are available at each campus. Voters will receive information how to cast absentee ballots with their applications.
Trailblazer Transit has been contracted by a local group to transport voters between the Stewart Community Center and the polling site.
Voters will go to the polls Tuesday, Dec. 19, to decide if McLeod West should issues bonds to fund a proposed new $16.455 million K-12 facility.
Voting will take place at the high school campus in Brownton, 335 Third St. S., from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Applications for absentee ballots are available at each campus. Voters will receive information how to cast absentee ballots with their applications.
Trailblazer Transit has been contracted by a local group to transport voters between the Stewart Community Center and the polling site.
Coming to a small town near you.
While I do not agree with some parts of the letter, it summarizes what is happening in rural MN.
School levies that fail the majority of the time...
Lower property values and high taxes...
Poor job market...
Lots of issues I spoke of while we were campaigning. Our locally elected officials will continue to ignore the issues at hand.
"The voters have spoken, now they must be punished."
To the Editor:
It's no surprise to me that there is declining enrollment in the Glencoe-Silver Lake School District. Who on earth would want to come to or can afford to live in this town?
Had I done my research, I certainly would never have moved to Glencoe.I have been stabbed in the back by a neighbor who feigned friendship and so called "concerned citizens." Only one person who lived on my street bothered to introduce herself and welcome me to Glencoe.
I have met new neighbors who have told me that residents on the street I live "know a lot about me." How could that be? Did any of them bother to introduce themselves or bother to find out what I was about? I had never met any of them.I
f the citizens, city, the council and the police department think that they can mind my business better than I can, I say have at it!
When I moved to Glencoe two years ago, I was looking forward to becoming a part of a nice, small-town community. Joke's on me!
As I stated previously, whoever coined the phrase "small-town nice" has never tried to belong to the community of Glencoe.
With the housing market being what it is today, selling my house and moving on would be next to impossible. When the market turns, I am out of here. (Without naming names, you know who you are. Does that make you happy?)
Glencoe has nothing to offer - high utility rates, next to zero amenities, high taxes and a high market value on new and existing housing.
Very few can afford to work in the City of Glencoe. I am in middle management; if I were to work in Glencoe it would require me to take a $5 to $8 per hour drop in pay. Instead I drive a 65 mile round trip every day.
And you speak of another referendum in 2007? I agree with public education and support it 100 percent, but when will enough be enough? Instead of raising taxes of people who are just barely eking out a living, try challenging the City Council to come up with and actually implement a plan to lure young families to the city of Glencoe. Try challenging the council to lure businesses to Glencoe to create jobs where people can actually afford to work in the town they live in.
I would challenge the residents and "boys' club" members to welcome newcomers to town instead of ostracizing, pointing fingers, speculating and talking behind their backs.
I would challenge city and county officials, as well as established business managers and owners, to do an analysis and figure out how to make wages in Glencoe match its cost of living.
Instead of raising taxes again and again, I would suggest that the Council invest in some marketing strategies to lure people and business to Glencoe. Bringing in young families, and treating them like they've been in Glencoe all their lives, would certainly increase enrollment in the GSL school district.
Try that for a change of pace instead of continuously trying referendums.
Andrea Bortness
Glencoe
School levies that fail the majority of the time...
Lower property values and high taxes...
Poor job market...
Lots of issues I spoke of while we were campaigning. Our locally elected officials will continue to ignore the issues at hand.
"The voters have spoken, now they must be punished."
To the Editor:
It's no surprise to me that there is declining enrollment in the Glencoe-Silver Lake School District. Who on earth would want to come to or can afford to live in this town?
Had I done my research, I certainly would never have moved to Glencoe.I have been stabbed in the back by a neighbor who feigned friendship and so called "concerned citizens." Only one person who lived on my street bothered to introduce herself and welcome me to Glencoe.
I have met new neighbors who have told me that residents on the street I live "know a lot about me." How could that be? Did any of them bother to introduce themselves or bother to find out what I was about? I had never met any of them.I
f the citizens, city, the council and the police department think that they can mind my business better than I can, I say have at it!
When I moved to Glencoe two years ago, I was looking forward to becoming a part of a nice, small-town community. Joke's on me!
As I stated previously, whoever coined the phrase "small-town nice" has never tried to belong to the community of Glencoe.
With the housing market being what it is today, selling my house and moving on would be next to impossible. When the market turns, I am out of here. (Without naming names, you know who you are. Does that make you happy?)
Glencoe has nothing to offer - high utility rates, next to zero amenities, high taxes and a high market value on new and existing housing.
Very few can afford to work in the City of Glencoe. I am in middle management; if I were to work in Glencoe it would require me to take a $5 to $8 per hour drop in pay. Instead I drive a 65 mile round trip every day.
And you speak of another referendum in 2007? I agree with public education and support it 100 percent, but when will enough be enough? Instead of raising taxes of people who are just barely eking out a living, try challenging the City Council to come up with and actually implement a plan to lure young families to the city of Glencoe. Try challenging the council to lure businesses to Glencoe to create jobs where people can actually afford to work in the town they live in.
I would challenge the residents and "boys' club" members to welcome newcomers to town instead of ostracizing, pointing fingers, speculating and talking behind their backs.
I would challenge city and county officials, as well as established business managers and owners, to do an analysis and figure out how to make wages in Glencoe match its cost of living.
Instead of raising taxes again and again, I would suggest that the Council invest in some marketing strategies to lure people and business to Glencoe. Bringing in young families, and treating them like they've been in Glencoe all their lives, would certainly increase enrollment in the GSL school district.
Try that for a change of pace instead of continuously trying referendums.
Andrea Bortness
Glencoe
Glencoe Silver Lake School Board
The following letter was in the McLeod County Chronicle. I know its a bit long, but it is full of quality points. Those that have been following the School Board in GSL know of the oftentimes controversial stances of member Gruenhagen.
To the Editor:
I have just finished attending the Minnesota School Board Association Delegate Assembly meeting where we addressed and voted on resolutions proposed by school boards and administrations.
I am writing to tell you the results of the resolutions that were written by Glenn Gruenhagen. They all failed. Period.
I am sure that by writing this, you general "Glenn" supporters are going to think that it was a conspiracy conjured up by the rest of the GSL Board and its administration. That we single-handedly convinced over 105 delegates from our state to vote these down in order to send a message that we do not care about the same moral values and ideas that Glenn so adamantly believes in.
In actuality, the delegates of the Minnesota State School Board, which is composed of members of school boards from around the state, spoke out very clearly - no support.
Director (Loren) Mathews and I made the first and second motions to open up Glenn's resolutions for discussions before the general assembly to at least give them the respect that you so ill-advised your readers that our entire board didn't give them or him, when they were first introduced at our meeting on Nov. 27.
Each resolution was voted down by the general assembly, all without discussion and some with laughter.
The overwhelming opposition vote (not one of Glenn's resolutions got more than 16 yes votes) was not a surprise as the MSBA sends out a book of all the resolutions to each of its delegates.
Each of Glenn's resolutions was recommended for opposition, most of them with lengthy discussions backed with evidence and research of why it would be foolish to pass them.
Glenn does have ideas. I will say that he even has some great ideas, however, how practical are they for a public school?
Our public schools follow direction from state government, who follows direction from the federal. For Glenn to continue to push his religious, moral and educational ideas on a public school district that is under the direction of a state agency of education is a waste.
I checked and found out that Glenn does not have a license to teach, so it ponders me why, throughout his reign, he has pushed down the throats of our educators (people who are supposed to be trusting what is right for the education of our children) his demands for what should be taught to our children.
I respect Glenn's views, ethics and his faith, however, I also respect the public school systems and have felt for years that he has repeatedly overstepped his boundaries as a school board member.
His ideas are better suited for the private, religious or charter school systems whose boards have more control over their educators and administrators.
Glenn didn't even choose to have his own children finish out their education in the public schools. What has his immense desire been in controlling those same schools that he had no faith in? That is a question we should all be asking ourselves.
Glenn has also placed upon himself the role of "Guardian of Your Tax Dollars." His questioning and scrutinizing of our administrators and finance directors have been under the jurisdiction of what the roles of a school board member should be. He has a sound sense of finances.
I cannot, however, agree with his demands on the district for public accountability for every dollar spent. It is almost impossible in a school district, which has ever-changing funding from the state and federal governments, to promise where the money will be spent.
It would be a change if Glenn's approach to his responsibilities would be what the National School Board and Minnesota School Board associations see as a major role of any school board member - acting as a liaison to the community to promote good relationships between the schools and the communities.
In closing, I must ask again: What are Glenn's intentions as a school board member? What is his vested interest? The taxpayer's, his grandchilden's education (who are also not in our public schools, yet their father ran in our school board election), or his own beliefs?
I am aware that Glenn won by a landslide again, but if you look at the polls, he won by a large majority in areas where the referendum failed by a large majority.
Should we be blaming the failed referendum on Glenn? Was the way that he publicly questions the district enough to create the communities' mistrust that has been repeatedly proclaimed by this paper?
No, I believe the referendum failed because the vast majority of people who voted "no" could not afford any type of tax increase, and this is the one they could say "no" to. (Unlike our county or city taxes, which are just set upon us.)
Did Glenn do a good job of causing chaos so that people were confused and were thinking that the school district is not honest, or cannot be held accountable for the money that it is given? Well, that is up to the incoming board to deal with. They will need to pass the next referendum.
I have enjoyed my time on the school board. I will miss things, especially the community members who took an interest. With either good or negative things to say, at least you took an interest.
I wish the new and continuing members the best of luck and encourage them to heed these bits of advice:
The school board is designed to create policies and work through procedures;
You are held accountable to the people, even if you have no dea what they are talking about;
Our childen's education is priceless; it is up to you to trust your administrators to do their jobs in securing that education;
Most of what you will do will be volunteer, because you are only being paid a small stipend;
And yes, though it be your job to be a watch dog, it has never, ever been your job to micromanage our school district.
Good luck teaching that to Gruenhagen. He has been there forever and still doesn't get it. In fact, I believe he has been able to micromanage our administrators, (business manager Dale) Hurni and (Superintendent John) Hornung right out the door.
Resolutions:
Stop labeling and drugging students - 2 for; 103 against.
Emphasize rote learning - 2 for; 130 against.
Implement phonics reading - 8 for; 94 against.
Teach principles of patriotism - 13 for; 88 against.
Implement abstinence - 7 for; 95 against.
Separate classes by gender - 16 for; 86 against.
Teach fallacies of macro evolution - 7 for; 100 against.
All children are gifted - 12 for; 89 against.
So how can five GSL board members be wrong voting down Glenn's resolutions when in fact the entire state on Minnesota voted them down Mr. Glennie?
Mark Rudy
Glencoe
To the Editor:
I have just finished attending the Minnesota School Board Association Delegate Assembly meeting where we addressed and voted on resolutions proposed by school boards and administrations.
I am writing to tell you the results of the resolutions that were written by Glenn Gruenhagen. They all failed. Period.
I am sure that by writing this, you general "Glenn" supporters are going to think that it was a conspiracy conjured up by the rest of the GSL Board and its administration. That we single-handedly convinced over 105 delegates from our state to vote these down in order to send a message that we do not care about the same moral values and ideas that Glenn so adamantly believes in.
In actuality, the delegates of the Minnesota State School Board, which is composed of members of school boards from around the state, spoke out very clearly - no support.
Director (Loren) Mathews and I made the first and second motions to open up Glenn's resolutions for discussions before the general assembly to at least give them the respect that you so ill-advised your readers that our entire board didn't give them or him, when they were first introduced at our meeting on Nov. 27.
Each resolution was voted down by the general assembly, all without discussion and some with laughter.
The overwhelming opposition vote (not one of Glenn's resolutions got more than 16 yes votes) was not a surprise as the MSBA sends out a book of all the resolutions to each of its delegates.
Each of Glenn's resolutions was recommended for opposition, most of them with lengthy discussions backed with evidence and research of why it would be foolish to pass them.
Glenn does have ideas. I will say that he even has some great ideas, however, how practical are they for a public school?
Our public schools follow direction from state government, who follows direction from the federal. For Glenn to continue to push his religious, moral and educational ideas on a public school district that is under the direction of a state agency of education is a waste.
I checked and found out that Glenn does not have a license to teach, so it ponders me why, throughout his reign, he has pushed down the throats of our educators (people who are supposed to be trusting what is right for the education of our children) his demands for what should be taught to our children.
I respect Glenn's views, ethics and his faith, however, I also respect the public school systems and have felt for years that he has repeatedly overstepped his boundaries as a school board member.
His ideas are better suited for the private, religious or charter school systems whose boards have more control over their educators and administrators.
Glenn didn't even choose to have his own children finish out their education in the public schools. What has his immense desire been in controlling those same schools that he had no faith in? That is a question we should all be asking ourselves.
Glenn has also placed upon himself the role of "Guardian of Your Tax Dollars." His questioning and scrutinizing of our administrators and finance directors have been under the jurisdiction of what the roles of a school board member should be. He has a sound sense of finances.
I cannot, however, agree with his demands on the district for public accountability for every dollar spent. It is almost impossible in a school district, which has ever-changing funding from the state and federal governments, to promise where the money will be spent.
It would be a change if Glenn's approach to his responsibilities would be what the National School Board and Minnesota School Board associations see as a major role of any school board member - acting as a liaison to the community to promote good relationships between the schools and the communities.
In closing, I must ask again: What are Glenn's intentions as a school board member? What is his vested interest? The taxpayer's, his grandchilden's education (who are also not in our public schools, yet their father ran in our school board election), or his own beliefs?
I am aware that Glenn won by a landslide again, but if you look at the polls, he won by a large majority in areas where the referendum failed by a large majority.
Should we be blaming the failed referendum on Glenn? Was the way that he publicly questions the district enough to create the communities' mistrust that has been repeatedly proclaimed by this paper?
No, I believe the referendum failed because the vast majority of people who voted "no" could not afford any type of tax increase, and this is the one they could say "no" to. (Unlike our county or city taxes, which are just set upon us.)
Did Glenn do a good job of causing chaos so that people were confused and were thinking that the school district is not honest, or cannot be held accountable for the money that it is given? Well, that is up to the incoming board to deal with. They will need to pass the next referendum.
I have enjoyed my time on the school board. I will miss things, especially the community members who took an interest. With either good or negative things to say, at least you took an interest.
I wish the new and continuing members the best of luck and encourage them to heed these bits of advice:
The school board is designed to create policies and work through procedures;
You are held accountable to the people, even if you have no dea what they are talking about;
Our childen's education is priceless; it is up to you to trust your administrators to do their jobs in securing that education;
Most of what you will do will be volunteer, because you are only being paid a small stipend;
And yes, though it be your job to be a watch dog, it has never, ever been your job to micromanage our school district.
Good luck teaching that to Gruenhagen. He has been there forever and still doesn't get it. In fact, I believe he has been able to micromanage our administrators, (business manager Dale) Hurni and (Superintendent John) Hornung right out the door.
Resolutions:
Stop labeling and drugging students - 2 for; 103 against.
Emphasize rote learning - 2 for; 130 against.
Implement phonics reading - 8 for; 94 against.
Teach principles of patriotism - 13 for; 88 against.
Implement abstinence - 7 for; 95 against.
Separate classes by gender - 16 for; 86 against.
Teach fallacies of macro evolution - 7 for; 100 against.
All children are gifted - 12 for; 89 against.
So how can five GSL board members be wrong voting down Glenn's resolutions when in fact the entire state on Minnesota voted them down Mr. Glennie?
Mark Rudy
Glencoe
The GOP blame game and Mark Olson
Checking out Dump Mark Olson earlier today, I came across the LTE's from a local newspaper.
A letter from Ione Puntsack points the finger at Jim Huhtala, regarding attempts to organize a movement to dislodge Olson from "his" Representative seat.
I cannot speak for others that have worked with Jim, but I can say for myself that Jim has always been a great candidate. He's a true liberal democrat from the mold of Paul Wellstone, JFK, and Dennis Kucinich. He has been a great campaigner and would be a great advocate for 16B.
That said, I feel strongly that Jim has not participated in any way shape or form, in efforts to have Olson removed.
The following letter came from his former campaign manager.
Typical GOP rhetoric is at play here. Blame anyone other than yourselves.
I have called for Olson's removal! I think he should step down immediately and would ask a Democrat, Green, Independent, or a Republican to do the same.
Domestic violence is a serious issue, anyone who would assault their partner is unfit to serve the people!
A letter from Ione Puntsack points the finger at Jim Huhtala, regarding attempts to organize a movement to dislodge Olson from "his" Representative seat.
I cannot speak for others that have worked with Jim, but I can say for myself that Jim has always been a great candidate. He's a true liberal democrat from the mold of Paul Wellstone, JFK, and Dennis Kucinich. He has been a great campaigner and would be a great advocate for 16B.
That said, I feel strongly that Jim has not participated in any way shape or form, in efforts to have Olson removed.
The following letter came from his former campaign manager.
Typical GOP rhetoric is at play here. Blame anyone other than yourselves.
I have called for Olson's removal! I think he should step down immediately and would ask a Democrat, Green, Independent, or a Republican to do the same.
Domestic violence is a serious issue, anyone who would assault their partner is unfit to serve the people!
Olson crony to be sentenced!
Dean Zimmerman, a colleague of Representative Mark Olson, is expected to be sentenced to prison for allegedly taking a bribe as an elected official.
The Strib has the story.
Dump Mark Olson is following the story as well!
The Strib has the story.
Dump Mark Olson is following the story as well!
Bachmann LTE in the SC Times
A fun letter about Congresswoman Bachmann was in the SC Times this morning.
As the 110th Congress convenes next month, I believe it is a good time to reflect on how thankful residents of the 6th Congressional District should be for electing Michele Bachmann as their representative in the U.S. House.
In all seriousness, Minnesota is better off with Bachmann in Washington and not in St. Paul.
Having Bachmann in St. Paul meant she actually was able to garner attention for herself and her off-the-cuff ideals concerning:
» Homosexual marriage. (She did run an entire campaign on a moot point.)
» Abortion. (When last did a Republican actually save an at-risk fetus?)
» Childhood education. (Was she planning to home-school all the special-needs children in Minnesota?)
As long as Bachmann was in St. Paul, people actually had to listen to her; in Washington, it will be quite the opposite.
The notion that Mrs. Bachmann will be able to bring anything back to the 6th District in the form of accomplishment makes me laugh. Bachmann finds herself a freshman lawmaker in the political wilderness that is minority status.
This means that the likelihood that her name will be on any legislation is slim to none.
Not many freshman lawmakers ever get legislation of significance passed, let alone freshman in the minority.
It will be interesting in two years when Bachmann returns to Central Minnesota in an effort to tout her legislative achievements. Hopefully her opposition will be ready this time.
Even though Bachmann will contribute almost nothing to the well-being of the 6th District, I take solace in the reality that with 434 other members of the House, Bachmann’s voice will be drowned out.
As the 110th Congress convenes next month, I believe it is a good time to reflect on how thankful residents of the 6th Congressional District should be for electing Michele Bachmann as their representative in the U.S. House.
In all seriousness, Minnesota is better off with Bachmann in Washington and not in St. Paul.
Having Bachmann in St. Paul meant she actually was able to garner attention for herself and her off-the-cuff ideals concerning:
» Homosexual marriage. (She did run an entire campaign on a moot point.)
» Abortion. (When last did a Republican actually save an at-risk fetus?)
» Childhood education. (Was she planning to home-school all the special-needs children in Minnesota?)
As long as Bachmann was in St. Paul, people actually had to listen to her; in Washington, it will be quite the opposite.
The notion that Mrs. Bachmann will be able to bring anything back to the 6th District in the form of accomplishment makes me laugh. Bachmann finds herself a freshman lawmaker in the political wilderness that is minority status.
This means that the likelihood that her name will be on any legislation is slim to none.
Not many freshman lawmakers ever get legislation of significance passed, let alone freshman in the minority.
It will be interesting in two years when Bachmann returns to Central Minnesota in an effort to tout her legislative achievements. Hopefully her opposition will be ready this time.
Even though Bachmann will contribute almost nothing to the well-being of the 6th District, I take solace in the reality that with 434 other members of the House, Bachmann’s voice will be drowned out.
Obviously some sarcasm here, but I think the ineptness that we project upon Bachmann bodes ill will towards CD 6. Will she truly represent the district? Will she pander to the conservative lobby and push an extremist agenda?
Comments from Story Chat:
count from countyline Number of Posts: 98 Comment Posted: 12/19/2006 4:45:13 AM
"Hopefully her opposition will be ready this time"
It has nothing to do about "being ready" but more to do with being out of touch with the voters of the 6th.
The Dems had a chance to endorse a candidate who was more in touch with the people of the 6th,but the ULTRA LIBERALS refused!
posters proclaiming-------"Patty is going to win" and "The 6th District has gone liberal" do not make those two a reality
Al from Sartell Number of Posts: 88 Comment Posted: 12/19/2006 6:10:17 AM
"Bachmann['s] career in the Minnesota Senate was built on the narrowest of agendas, chiefly injecting her religious values into the public sphere."
"Her recent testimony to a Brooklyn Park congregation that God called her to run for Congress ... is an embarrassment, and despite her polish, she is surprisingly shallow on national issues." (Star Tribune, October 25, 2006)
Michele Bachmann claims "there are hundreds and hundreds of scientists, many of them holding Nobel Prizes, who believe in intelligent design" (YouTube; 00:19)
Bachmann reiterated her top priorities — ... staying the course in Iraq ... (St. Cloud Times, Oct. 2, 2006)
A bloody course to stay in terms of American lives after nearly four years of a war that has destabilized the Middle East at a cost of hundreds of billions of dollars to U.S. taxpayers.
MASTER OF rePUPPETlicanS from Wherever I May Roam Number of Posts: 271 Comment Posted: 12/19/2006 8:30:22 AM
Hopefully her opposition will be ready this time.
Just like Republicans can't win in the 5th or 8th, the DFL can't win in the 6th.
The perfect storm happened a little over a month ago. The winds of change were a blowin from coast to coast and Republicans decided to run a crackpot like Bachmann.
... the DFL still couldn't pull it out here.
The best thing a good democrat can hope for in the 6th is the return of Mark Kennedy ;-)
minnesota cowboy Number of Posts: 7 Comment Posted: 12/19/2006 9:28:46 AM
Howdy,
Anyone who claims that God wants them to run for congress is a crack pot or lying. As a Christian I can not fathom how God would every support any political party that puts the interests of money ahead of the well being of others. Actually considering how Jesus avoided making political stances and how God did not even want Israel to have a king its difficult to believe that God would endorse any candidate, from any political party for office.
I will stand behind our troops but I will not stand behind our "leader" given that nearly everything he claimed about Iraq prior to the war turned out to be false.
Scott
mattaudio from Collegeville Number of Posts: 10 Comment Posted: 12/19/2006 10:15:31 AM
The letter touched on something about the pro-life Republicans...
There are a lot of liberals who disagree with abortion--who are pro-life--but see just as much chance for the pro-life agenda to happen under the Democrat's watch as under the Republican's watch: none.
Call me cynical, but the Republicans have had quite the chance to reverse Roe v Wade. They have had 4 of the 6 presidents since 1973, and they have appointed the majority of Supreme Court justices.
So why will Republicans never work hard to end abortion? Because they would no longer have an issue that drives millions of people to their party. They would effectively be running themselves out of office. So do they really have innocent babies in mind when they make abortion a campaign issue without any follow-up? Probably not--fetuses can't make campaign contributions.
barrier from reef Number of Posts: 21 Comment Posted: 12/19/2006 11:00:51 AM
As to the letterwriter's actual point, I don't see how Bachmann embarrassing us on a national scale, as opposed to a state scale, is an improvement. It would be entertaining if it was someone else's problem (see also: Harris, Katherine), but until the GOP runs Kennedy against her in the 2008 primary, rest assured, they'll be laughing at us, not with us.
The positive, of course, is that she's marginalized in the southern regional minority party, and can't do any damage to anything other than our image. Maybe Speaker Pelosi will let her name some shiny things after Ronald Reagan to distract her.
I think the point from mattaudio is spot on. The GOP has had opportunities to change or overturn Roe v. Wade, right or wrong. The GOP simply plays lip service to MCCL and other pro-"life" groups. If the GOP were to finally "fix" the abortion issue, what else would they have to run on? It would make government bigger, thus defeating the GOP plank of a small, non-intrusive government.
We have less than 2 years to really make an impact in our CD. Lets find a candidate who actually campaigns! We did not see PW out in our area (SD 18) after an August parade in Cokato (Cokato Corn Carnival).
Despite what others say, we do not need a moderate Democrat in win the CD 6 seat. We need a hard working Democrat who can connect with the voters.
Let's go find him or her!
Monday, December 18, 2006
More on Congressman Buyer...
From an article posted at a great Military site.
As far as opinions and sites go, this is a middle of the road site, neither liberal leaning nor conservative leaning. They simply want Veterans to get their rightful benefits.
Smith has been replaced by Steve Buyer (R-IN). In his first few days as Committee Chair Buyer has managed to offend every veteran's group in the country. At a time when every veteran knows the VA needs more funding, Buyer said, "I want to modernize the system. I am not a defender of bloated bureaucracies." Buyer then went on to paint a perfectly clear picture of the VA of the future: "Some of the veterans service organizations, they are having this belief that everyone should have open access to the VA system, when in fact I believe that the VA system should follow its core constituency and the intent of Congress when we laid out our priorities, and that was in fact to take care of our disabled and indigent veterans first."
This was NOT an off-the-cuff remark by Rep. Buyer. He was placed in his position by the Republican Party leadership and speaks for the Party who answers to the White House. Buyer speaks the gospel and gets his sermons right from the Top. The most important part of Buyer's remarks is his deliberate "welfarizing" of the VA healthcare system. By telling us the priority of the VA is to care for "disabled and indigent" veterans first, he minimizes and denigrates the sacrifices made by ALL veterans. The VA was set up to serve ALL veterans including the "disabled and indigent." This careful positioning of the VA healthcare system creates the impression that the VA is a welfare program and veterans are just looking for a "handout." Also, it's easy to talk about the "intent" of a previous Congress when your goal is to undo what they have done. And the remark about "core constituency" is just plain outlandish. The VA serves ALL veterans.
Buyer's remarks are clever, well-planned, well-delivered and approved at the highest levels. They also point to a dismal future for the VA. The VA healthcare system is about to be changed, and there may never be any going back. Priority Group 8 veterans have now been cut from the system. Outgoing VA Secretary Principi has indicated that Priority Group 7 is the next to go. Under-funding means veterans wait months, and sometimes over a year, for necessary surgeries and other medical procedures. Yet Buyer talks of "bloated bureaucracies." That's code for "more budget cuts." Funny that there was no mention of "bloated" bureaucrats. They always seem to survive.
Buyer is a Citadel grad and served in the US Army Reserve during the first Gulf War. This guy has the best benefits in the world as a Congressman. Yet, he wants to take benefits away from those he not only served with, but from men and women he voted to send to war.
Do I think Congress will actually do this? I would be a pissed off Democrat if a Democratic controlled Congress cut Veterans benefits.
Buyer will not be in leadership in the new Congress, other than being a ranking minority member.
Keep your eyes out on this guy, I know its Indiana, but...it impacts a lot of Minnesotans and a lot of people I talked to campaigning.
As far as opinions and sites go, this is a middle of the road site, neither liberal leaning nor conservative leaning. They simply want Veterans to get their rightful benefits.
Smith has been replaced by Steve Buyer (R-IN). In his first few days as Committee Chair Buyer has managed to offend every veteran's group in the country. At a time when every veteran knows the VA needs more funding, Buyer said, "I want to modernize the system. I am not a defender of bloated bureaucracies." Buyer then went on to paint a perfectly clear picture of the VA of the future: "Some of the veterans service organizations, they are having this belief that everyone should have open access to the VA system, when in fact I believe that the VA system should follow its core constituency and the intent of Congress when we laid out our priorities, and that was in fact to take care of our disabled and indigent veterans first."
This was NOT an off-the-cuff remark by Rep. Buyer. He was placed in his position by the Republican Party leadership and speaks for the Party who answers to the White House. Buyer speaks the gospel and gets his sermons right from the Top. The most important part of Buyer's remarks is his deliberate "welfarizing" of the VA healthcare system. By telling us the priority of the VA is to care for "disabled and indigent" veterans first, he minimizes and denigrates the sacrifices made by ALL veterans. The VA was set up to serve ALL veterans including the "disabled and indigent." This careful positioning of the VA healthcare system creates the impression that the VA is a welfare program and veterans are just looking for a "handout." Also, it's easy to talk about the "intent" of a previous Congress when your goal is to undo what they have done. And the remark about "core constituency" is just plain outlandish. The VA serves ALL veterans.
Buyer's remarks are clever, well-planned, well-delivered and approved at the highest levels. They also point to a dismal future for the VA. The VA healthcare system is about to be changed, and there may never be any going back. Priority Group 8 veterans have now been cut from the system. Outgoing VA Secretary Principi has indicated that Priority Group 7 is the next to go. Under-funding means veterans wait months, and sometimes over a year, for necessary surgeries and other medical procedures. Yet Buyer talks of "bloated bureaucracies." That's code for "more budget cuts." Funny that there was no mention of "bloated" bureaucrats. They always seem to survive.
Buyer is a Citadel grad and served in the US Army Reserve during the first Gulf War. This guy has the best benefits in the world as a Congressman. Yet, he wants to take benefits away from those he not only served with, but from men and women he voted to send to war.
Do I think Congress will actually do this? I would be a pissed off Democrat if a Democratic controlled Congress cut Veterans benefits.
Buyer will not be in leadership in the new Congress, other than being a ranking minority member.
Keep your eyes out on this guy, I know its Indiana, but...it impacts a lot of Minnesotans and a lot of people I talked to campaigning.
Why would Congress try to take away Veterans benefits when we are at "war"?
I got a phone call last night from a friend who was concerned over a story she had read in the West Central Tribune. The story talked about how Representative Steve Buyer, R-IND and chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, was looking at a complete overhaul of the VA rating system and distribution of benefits.
Congressman Buyer stated in an interview, "While some veterans' organizations like to create a theme, that 'A veteran is a veteran [and] there is no difference,' I disagree."
So Congressman Buyer wants to create a hierarchy for Veterans. Many Veterans already go wihtout. The Congressman wants to take more of these benefits away, and it is disgusting.
One of the ways they serve to do this is by changing the definition of "service connected injury" and once again, changing the percentages which a Veteran is considered diabled. They also suggest paying a lump sum payment upon completion of service, if a Veteran will excuse the VA of any future claims.
Buyer also argues that a service related injury should have to be combat related!
For many diabled Veterans, a lump sum payment is very attractive, but with the high cost of health care, it could leave them in a precarious position.
What have we come to as a nation? We ask these families to give up many freedoms and liberties. We ask them to serve for long periods of time in foregin nations, getting shot at, exposed to dangerous conditions, and cut their benefits while they deploy?
In 1789 President George Washington stated, "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars and how they were treated and appreciated by this country."
It's a travesty that Veterans benefits are even on the table for discussion. I have already sent emails to all my elected officials...
Congressman Buyer stated in an interview, "While some veterans' organizations like to create a theme, that 'A veteran is a veteran [and] there is no difference,' I disagree."
So Congressman Buyer wants to create a hierarchy for Veterans. Many Veterans already go wihtout. The Congressman wants to take more of these benefits away, and it is disgusting.
One of the ways they serve to do this is by changing the definition of "service connected injury" and once again, changing the percentages which a Veteran is considered diabled. They also suggest paying a lump sum payment upon completion of service, if a Veteran will excuse the VA of any future claims.
Buyer also argues that a service related injury should have to be combat related!
For many diabled Veterans, a lump sum payment is very attractive, but with the high cost of health care, it could leave them in a precarious position.
What have we come to as a nation? We ask these families to give up many freedoms and liberties. We ask them to serve for long periods of time in foregin nations, getting shot at, exposed to dangerous conditions, and cut their benefits while they deploy?
In 1789 President George Washington stated, "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars and how they were treated and appreciated by this country."
It's a travesty that Veterans benefits are even on the table for discussion. I have already sent emails to all my elected officials...
The weekend...
Candi (my sister) made the comment that this blog is a bit too serious. She liked the day to day exploits of the campaign blog with the mix of seriousness.
So, I will try to have some more light moments here as well, although I have a lot of fun with all of it.
The weekend was very good. Candi and I schemed for a few weeks as to what to do for my mom's 59th birthday (she drove the car for our parades). We came up with Candi, her husband Jay, and their not as crazy chocolate lab Jake, coming down to suprise our mom while working at the Kimball Post Office.
While Candi was getting all the glory, I was slaving away baking a cake! Yeah, German Chocolate with coconut frosting. What can I say...I can cook!
Needless to say, mom was not suprised, too much though.
Hint #1: Hal cleaned a bathroom
Hint #2: Candi asked if mom was still on the phone.
Mom's just know this stuff...they can sense when their kids are full of crap. She's had me figured out for 35 years!
Candi brought shrimp and chicken to bake while I made a stir fry with fresh veggies and beef. A three animal dinner! While we can debate what portion was better...we all know.
Cutting veggies, steaming and frying everything up...frying up beef...
or
Setting the oven to 425 and wating for 30 minutes...
We all know the answer to this question.
Mid way through the festivities, Dori joined the frey and outdid me on the birthday card. Anyone who knows my mom, knows her fondness for turtles. Dori found a turtle card...I think it was for a 6 year old...but I was outdone nonetheless!
Dinner was good, mixing my sister and girlfriend is a potential molatav cocktail of stories, but it was just fine once again!
The evening continued with a Trek...not Track...to Hollidazzle in the cities. Despite the sewer gas eminating from the area in front of us, it was a cool parade. Nice weather, lots of people, and a really cool bus.
Plus, Santa was there.
After a nice drive down Summit to see X-Mas lights, and not flip off the Governor's mansion, the trek was complete. Despite some restlessness in the back...it was all good!
Home for cake (which I made) and ice cream...and Candi telling me what happened on the Duel, since I was watching it intently anyway, she felt the need to tell me the ending.
I won't share the ending to the Fighting Sioux season, but I think it may be at the hands of the #6 ranked Huskies.
Sunday...another fun and active day.
I was up and out the door by 11! Shocking for a Sunday...
Had lunch at Dori's parents place, ham, corn, mashed taters and gravy...mmmmmmm
Her grandparents were there as well. It was a good time...I could see the TV from the dinner table but the Vikes were pathetic.
I kept myself under wraps for the game. Not too many outbursts...until Jackson came into the game at QB.
After the fun at Dori's parents house, we went to St Cloud so Dori could finish X-Mas shopping. For the record, I have not started yet...
A stop at the Mall and a few other places, and a bit of food at Erberts and Gerberts, the weekend ended in a success.
Back to the grind I go! I promise to write more fun stuff too...
So, I will try to have some more light moments here as well, although I have a lot of fun with all of it.
The weekend was very good. Candi and I schemed for a few weeks as to what to do for my mom's 59th birthday (she drove the car for our parades). We came up with Candi, her husband Jay, and their not as crazy chocolate lab Jake, coming down to suprise our mom while working at the Kimball Post Office.
While Candi was getting all the glory, I was slaving away baking a cake! Yeah, German Chocolate with coconut frosting. What can I say...I can cook!
Needless to say, mom was not suprised, too much though.
Hint #1: Hal cleaned a bathroom
Hint #2: Candi asked if mom was still on the phone.
Mom's just know this stuff...they can sense when their kids are full of crap. She's had me figured out for 35 years!
Candi brought shrimp and chicken to bake while I made a stir fry with fresh veggies and beef. A three animal dinner! While we can debate what portion was better...we all know.
Cutting veggies, steaming and frying everything up...frying up beef...
or
Setting the oven to 425 and wating for 30 minutes...
We all know the answer to this question.
Mid way through the festivities, Dori joined the frey and outdid me on the birthday card. Anyone who knows my mom, knows her fondness for turtles. Dori found a turtle card...I think it was for a 6 year old...but I was outdone nonetheless!
Dinner was good, mixing my sister and girlfriend is a potential molatav cocktail of stories, but it was just fine once again!
The evening continued with a Trek...not Track...to Hollidazzle in the cities. Despite the sewer gas eminating from the area in front of us, it was a cool parade. Nice weather, lots of people, and a really cool bus.
Plus, Santa was there.
After a nice drive down Summit to see X-Mas lights, and not flip off the Governor's mansion, the trek was complete. Despite some restlessness in the back...it was all good!
Home for cake (which I made) and ice cream...and Candi telling me what happened on the Duel, since I was watching it intently anyway, she felt the need to tell me the ending.
I won't share the ending to the Fighting Sioux season, but I think it may be at the hands of the #6 ranked Huskies.
Sunday...another fun and active day.
I was up and out the door by 11! Shocking for a Sunday...
Had lunch at Dori's parents place, ham, corn, mashed taters and gravy...mmmmmmm
Her grandparents were there as well. It was a good time...I could see the TV from the dinner table but the Vikes were pathetic.
I kept myself under wraps for the game. Not too many outbursts...until Jackson came into the game at QB.
After the fun at Dori's parents house, we went to St Cloud so Dori could finish X-Mas shopping. For the record, I have not started yet...
A stop at the Mall and a few other places, and a bit of food at Erberts and Gerberts, the weekend ended in a success.
Back to the grind I go! I promise to write more fun stuff too...
Think "W" supports a smoking ban?
Thank goodness none of our X-mas photos had a lit cancer stick in them. Nice one Mr. President! Think he would support a smoking ban?
Photo from Wonkette!
Smoking ban / Second Hand Smoke SC Times
The following letter was in the SC Times this morning. While the potential smoking ban keeps getting attention, the skeptics of secondhand smoke run rampant in Story Chat.
Letter: Difference: Secondhand smoke hurts other people
By Carol Jenkins St. Joseph
I recently read with interest an article in the St. Cloud Times headlined "Legislature may target smoking."
At long last it looks like there is recognition of Minnesota's overwhelming support for a comprehensive, statewide smoke-free law. A telephone survey taken this summer showed voters in Central Minnesota support such a law nearly 3-to-1.
I then read with dismay that an opponent of the ban predicts that cheeseburgers will be next on the list. I generally support a limited role for government, but I am puzzled by the ban opponent's analogy between smoking tobacco and eating a cheeseburger.
Unless the opponent is aware of some physical phenomenon I've never heard of, the act of consuming a cheeseburger does not produce a byproduct that physically hurts other people in the surrounding area. The act of smoking does.
Any level of this byproduct, secondhand smoke, is dangerous. Ventilation systems don't work well and nonsmoking sections don't provide the protection implied.
Individual consumption of a cheeseburger is fundamentally different from smoking; the costs of secondhand smoke are involuntarily imposed on others.
The safety of our children and workers is at stake here. Workers deserve a workplace free of toxins. Children deserve smoke-free environments. Nonsmokers have the right to breathe smoke-free air. So do smokers. Contact your local and state officials to voice your support for a smoke-free community.
Comments
Zippit
Number of Posts: 358
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 12:52:39 AM
Deaths from global warming: ZERO
Deaths from 2nd hand smoke: ZERO
Deaths from drowning in the U.S. every year: 3,500
Deaths from omnipotent Big Brother over the past century: Millions!!!!!!
Number of Posts: 353
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 1:19:13 AM
Casey, who do you think is responsible for the funding that keeps the smokers alive at any cost when they are too poor to afford insurance but always manage to buy that pack of cigs? Would that be the same govt that is trying to regulate smoking? Actually...it ALL borders on hypocrisy. Phillip Morris pretends to be concerned about teen smokers, when that has ALWAYS been their goal: to get teens hooked. THEN, they (Phillip Morris) further pretends to be concerned about helping pple QUIT smoking. Say...isn't Phillip Morris a 'corporation'? Who exactly has made them a billion dollar industry one wonders.
Big Red from the Badlands
Number of Posts: 353
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 1:22:31 AM
Casey...what about all the lung cancer deaths of those who HAVE smoked? Don't you ever wonder about those of us who were exposed for YEARS to exhaled smoke, casey? Do you really think that is 'safe air'. Archie does....so it must be, btw!
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 318 C
omment Posted: 12/18/2006 2:03:46 AM
To Big Red:
More people have died from climbing Mt Hood today than have died from second hand smoke in the history of hysterical anti smoking propaganda.
Don't like smoking.? don't
Dont like being "bothered" by SHS, don't go where it is legally used,
Don't like the idiosyncracies and odors and different smells of a free society? move to Cuba.
count from countyline
Number of Posts: 95
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 5:13:17 AM
Amazing that some people who are strongly against secondhand smoke burn wood in their house.
That "lovely" smell of wood burning is SMOKE that you are smelling and if you can smell it you are breathing it.
TOF from the North Woods
Number of Posts: 15
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 7:54:19 AM
It's a public health issue. The government has regulated public health for years. Should we make cleanliness in restaurants optional? Perhaps a salmonella section and a non-salmonella section? Smokers have every right to smoke wherever they want as long as they keep the smoke in their own bodies.
Ryan S from Sartell
Number of Posts: 28
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 9:18:48 AM
Smoking Kills. No question about that. But smoking is legal, and private property is private property.
This quote by Zippit, however..."Deaths from omnipotent Big Brother over the past century: Millions!!!!!!" is interesting...
...Religion has killed even more.
pro-non choice from Sartell
Number of Posts: 49
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 10:21:09 AM
Got ya Joseph, You mean like calling people nazi's because they disagree with you? Hmm. You must not be able to argue very effectively because you have to turn them into an instant enemy to aid your cause.
Who gave people the right to smoke in public areas in the first place?
Was it given or assumed?
Again, another day of interesting comments at Story Chat.
Much like anything that forces people to change a bad habit, we reject the premise of harm, we fight that premise, and then eventually, we accept it, at a greater cost. What will this cost truly be? More death and higher health care costs.
Letter: Difference: Secondhand smoke hurts other people
By Carol Jenkins St. Joseph
I recently read with interest an article in the St. Cloud Times headlined "Legislature may target smoking."
At long last it looks like there is recognition of Minnesota's overwhelming support for a comprehensive, statewide smoke-free law. A telephone survey taken this summer showed voters in Central Minnesota support such a law nearly 3-to-1.
I then read with dismay that an opponent of the ban predicts that cheeseburgers will be next on the list. I generally support a limited role for government, but I am puzzled by the ban opponent's analogy between smoking tobacco and eating a cheeseburger.
Unless the opponent is aware of some physical phenomenon I've never heard of, the act of consuming a cheeseburger does not produce a byproduct that physically hurts other people in the surrounding area. The act of smoking does.
Any level of this byproduct, secondhand smoke, is dangerous. Ventilation systems don't work well and nonsmoking sections don't provide the protection implied.
Individual consumption of a cheeseburger is fundamentally different from smoking; the costs of secondhand smoke are involuntarily imposed on others.
The safety of our children and workers is at stake here. Workers deserve a workplace free of toxins. Children deserve smoke-free environments. Nonsmokers have the right to breathe smoke-free air. So do smokers. Contact your local and state officials to voice your support for a smoke-free community.
Comments
Zippit
Number of Posts: 358
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 12:52:39 AM
Deaths from global warming: ZERO
Deaths from 2nd hand smoke: ZERO
Deaths from drowning in the U.S. every year: 3,500
Deaths from omnipotent Big Brother over the past century: Millions!!!!!!
Number of Posts: 353
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 1:19:13 AM
Casey, who do you think is responsible for the funding that keeps the smokers alive at any cost when they are too poor to afford insurance but always manage to buy that pack of cigs? Would that be the same govt that is trying to regulate smoking? Actually...it ALL borders on hypocrisy. Phillip Morris pretends to be concerned about teen smokers, when that has ALWAYS been their goal: to get teens hooked. THEN, they (Phillip Morris) further pretends to be concerned about helping pple QUIT smoking. Say...isn't Phillip Morris a 'corporation'? Who exactly has made them a billion dollar industry one wonders.
Big Red from the Badlands
Number of Posts: 353
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 1:22:31 AM
Casey...what about all the lung cancer deaths of those who HAVE smoked? Don't you ever wonder about those of us who were exposed for YEARS to exhaled smoke, casey? Do you really think that is 'safe air'. Archie does....so it must be, btw!
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 318 C
omment Posted: 12/18/2006 2:03:46 AM
To Big Red:
More people have died from climbing Mt Hood today than have died from second hand smoke in the history of hysterical anti smoking propaganda.
Don't like smoking.? don't
Dont like being "bothered" by SHS, don't go where it is legally used,
Don't like the idiosyncracies and odors and different smells of a free society? move to Cuba.
count from countyline
Number of Posts: 95
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 5:13:17 AM
Amazing that some people who are strongly against secondhand smoke burn wood in their house.
That "lovely" smell of wood burning is SMOKE that you are smelling and if you can smell it you are breathing it.
TOF from the North Woods
Number of Posts: 15
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 7:54:19 AM
It's a public health issue. The government has regulated public health for years. Should we make cleanliness in restaurants optional? Perhaps a salmonella section and a non-salmonella section? Smokers have every right to smoke wherever they want as long as they keep the smoke in their own bodies.
Ryan S from Sartell
Number of Posts: 28
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 9:18:48 AM
Smoking Kills. No question about that. But smoking is legal, and private property is private property.
This quote by Zippit, however..."Deaths from omnipotent Big Brother over the past century: Millions!!!!!!" is interesting...
...Religion has killed even more.
pro-non choice from Sartell
Number of Posts: 49
Comment Posted: 12/18/2006 10:21:09 AM
Got ya Joseph, You mean like calling people nazi's because they disagree with you? Hmm. You must not be able to argue very effectively because you have to turn them into an instant enemy to aid your cause.
Who gave people the right to smoke in public areas in the first place?
Was it given or assumed?
Again, another day of interesting comments at Story Chat.
Much like anything that forces people to change a bad habit, we reject the premise of harm, we fight that premise, and then eventually, we accept it, at a greater cost. What will this cost truly be? More death and higher health care costs.
More on minimum wage
Yesterday, I began a discussion on the impact of the minimum wage and commended Congressman Walz on his support for an increase. Reading the conservative blogs, we find that the opposition to an increase is strong, to say the least.
I question the right's stance on this issue. Conservatives lack consistency. For instance, we know that the number one reason for abortion in society today is economic. When we see the tough economic times that families struggle with today, increasing the minimum wage seems like it would have a significant positive impact on these families.
David Card and Alan Kreuger have a book that has been out for almost a decade now, titled Myth and Measurement: The New Economics of the Minimum Wage. Perhaps that will be a post X-mas read!
The book, somewhat controversial, studies the impact of wage increases in multiple states in the 1990's. It is not an anecdotal analysis, but a rather stark look at the real impact of these increases and dispels many myths behind wage increases.
Compassionate conservativism...a lack of a consistent moral ethic.
I support an increase in the minimum wage and applaud the courage of Congressman Walz to not only get to work in DC, but hold true to his campaign ideals as well!
I question the right's stance on this issue. Conservatives lack consistency. For instance, we know that the number one reason for abortion in society today is economic. When we see the tough economic times that families struggle with today, increasing the minimum wage seems like it would have a significant positive impact on these families.
David Card and Alan Kreuger have a book that has been out for almost a decade now, titled Myth and Measurement: The New Economics of the Minimum Wage. Perhaps that will be a post X-mas read!
The book, somewhat controversial, studies the impact of wage increases in multiple states in the 1990's. It is not an anecdotal analysis, but a rather stark look at the real impact of these increases and dispels many myths behind wage increases.
Compassionate conservativism...a lack of a consistent moral ethic.
I support an increase in the minimum wage and applaud the courage of Congressman Walz to not only get to work in DC, but hold true to his campaign ideals as well!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Minimum wage discussion
It's been widely reported that the first bill Congressman Walz will co-sponsor is a bill to increase the minimum wage.
Conservatives and scrooge like business leaders complain that increased wages force businesses to cut jobs and in general are bad for business.
In light of recent studies that show an apartment dweller in Central MN would have to make more than $11 per hour to pay for their home. Thus, families are forced into situations where individuals have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Ah, I love how the party of "family values" does not want to see families actually together!
I read numerous conservative blogs that have ripped Walz for this stance, saying he simply abides by his big-labor friends.
They share stories of teens being laid off and how liberals in a restaraunt complained about increased prices on pie.
Give us a name. Tell us where, what town, what place had to lay off workers because of increased wages?
Conservatives love to cite anecdotal information, stories with no fact.
BS...more to follow on this later in the day.
"We all do better when we all do better." Paul Wellstone
Conservatives and scrooge like business leaders complain that increased wages force businesses to cut jobs and in general are bad for business.
In light of recent studies that show an apartment dweller in Central MN would have to make more than $11 per hour to pay for their home. Thus, families are forced into situations where individuals have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Ah, I love how the party of "family values" does not want to see families actually together!
I read numerous conservative blogs that have ripped Walz for this stance, saying he simply abides by his big-labor friends.
They share stories of teens being laid off and how liberals in a restaraunt complained about increased prices on pie.
Give us a name. Tell us where, what town, what place had to lay off workers because of increased wages?
Conservatives love to cite anecdotal information, stories with no fact.
BS...more to follow on this later in the day.
"We all do better when we all do better." Paul Wellstone
Friday, December 15, 2006
More Olson and Bachmann
Now that Nolan has compared some of my blogging to that of a famous right wing Minnesota blogger...here goes another installment of our latest and greatest topic. You get a two-fer though, with both Bachmann and Olson!
From Avidor over at Dump Bachmann and Pam's House Blend.
This comment at PHB is the best!
Dear Ms. Bachmann
Contrary to your assumptions, My will had nothing to do with your campaign or election.
During October & November, I was seriously focused on getting the Xarp'shar people of planet Xarp to stop doing disgusting things to each other with their shar'flukx.
It's not as tough an issue as with you humans. The Xarp'shar are a bi-gendered species that reproduces by each Xarp'shar thrusting their shar'flukx into the others' shar'hol. So, there's no "gay marriage" to worry about.
The problem is that the Xarp'shar have discovered how wonderful it feels when they thrust their shar'flukx into the others' shar'maw (the orifice used for ingesting nutrients). Other Xarp'shar have taken up using their shar'maw to pleasure others' shar'hol. It's an abomination, I tell you.
And, actually, I've told them, too, many times. The first time was over 6,000 years ago when I had one particularly pious Xarp'shar write some rules down in a book for all Xarp'shar to follow. My Son, what do they think I meant when I wrote, "I created the Xarp, and all the shar that populate the Xarp, in My image."
In conclusion, Ms. Bachmann, I was far too busy to help you win an election in Minnesota. Good luck on that gay marriage thing; I've got a neutron star cluster in the Altiris sector that needs some of my attention.
Your Deity,God.
"If people let government decide which foods they eat and medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny." -- Thomas Jefferson
by: Russ @ Wed Dec 13, 2006 at 18:26:59 PM EST
From Avidor over at Dump Bachmann and Pam's House Blend.
This comment at PHB is the best!
Dear Ms. Bachmann
Contrary to your assumptions, My will had nothing to do with your campaign or election.
During October & November, I was seriously focused on getting the Xarp'shar people of planet Xarp to stop doing disgusting things to each other with their shar'flukx.
It's not as tough an issue as with you humans. The Xarp'shar are a bi-gendered species that reproduces by each Xarp'shar thrusting their shar'flukx into the others' shar'hol. So, there's no "gay marriage" to worry about.
The problem is that the Xarp'shar have discovered how wonderful it feels when they thrust their shar'flukx into the others' shar'maw (the orifice used for ingesting nutrients). Other Xarp'shar have taken up using their shar'maw to pleasure others' shar'hol. It's an abomination, I tell you.
And, actually, I've told them, too, many times. The first time was over 6,000 years ago when I had one particularly pious Xarp'shar write some rules down in a book for all Xarp'shar to follow. My Son, what do they think I meant when I wrote, "I created the Xarp, and all the shar that populate the Xarp, in My image."
In conclusion, Ms. Bachmann, I was far too busy to help you win an election in Minnesota. Good luck on that gay marriage thing; I've got a neutron star cluster in the Altiris sector that needs some of my attention.
Your Deity,God.
"If people let government decide which foods they eat and medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny." -- Thomas Jefferson
by: Russ @ Wed Dec 13, 2006 at 18:26:59 PM EST
Smoking ban story chat
It's on fire!
Jason K from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 21
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 6:22:23 AM
Tom Emmer's statement is a major reason why I no longer associate with the Republican party. When someone makes comments like that, it shows complete lack of understanding on the issue and perhaps just as bad- lack of tact.
Fortunately, he is in the minority this time around and his opinion should be drowned out by the voices supporting clean air.
Too bad Emmer is not an Assistant Minority Leader...I think more of these gems are coming!
northernlights
Number of Posts: 161
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 9:28:55 AM
no global warming and no proof that smoking kills, oh to live in the shoes of the right. Well Pawlenty just accepted global warming, so maybe the shoes of the ignorant is better.
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 522
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 10:24:17 AM
I still think there should simply be a "smoking" license, similar to that of a liquor license. I feel this way for a couple of reasons...
Smoking is NOT illegal. If it is so unsafe and is putting patrons and employees in such grave danger, why isn't this substance illegal in the first place? Since it isn't illegal, how can someone say it shouldn't be allowed?
Privately owned businesses should be able to do what they want to (within the law). It is up to the patrons to decide if they want to go to the establishment or not.
The money from the licensing could go back into smoking education, research, etc.
If shs is truly such a concern...then businesses wouldn't survive withOUT going smoke free on their own. This isn't happening, therefore, the fear or demand for it must not be as great as the perception of it.
We could also require air purifiers (of particular strength and quality) for those places that do wish to have a smoking license.
I don't enjoy being in a restaraunt where there is smoke...and I do feel that shs is a danger. Smoking is not illegal however, and I think the government intruding on a privately owned business is a slippery slope.
northernlights
Number of Posts: 161
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 10:24:48 AM
Once they are out of the womb, who cares right?
Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to young children. Secondhand smoke is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18 months of age, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year, and causes 1,900 to 2,700 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) deaths in the United States annually.
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 522
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 10:27:30 AM
But Northern...then why is it not illegal period? Why aren't people trying to make it an illegal drug. Marijuana seems less harmful than nicotine! I agree with all that you are saying....but how can we force bans on something that is not an illegal activity?
Its not illegal because the tobacco lobby is powerful. When you go after a large corporate entity, the big guns come out. Last year when we put togehter a text book bill, calling for an inquiry into price gouging, the text book industry flew lobbyists to MN to fight the bill. Tobacco is big money!
Ron from Fairhaven
Number of Posts: 4
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 10:37:11 AM
Conservatism is fine, but when it obstructs well-established principles of public health, it is time to change course. Yes, it is high time that Dems exert their clout and pass this overdue measure - statewide. And, with Michele Bachmann now out of the legislature and Steve Sviggum neutralized, maybe MN can follow New Jersey's example and give same-sex couples some degree of civil rights. Some thought is not progressive; these two measures are.
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 261
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 10:43:49 AM
Northers lights:
What a cheesy place to collect information, the American lung Associan, But if it fits your fancy, soak it up. for instance the American SIDS alliance has already told the anti's like the Lung dynasty to STOP using the sids deaths to promote anti smoking messages because NO ONE KNOWS THE CAUSE OF SIDS besides it is a cruel ploy toplay on parents that have lost a child to SIDS, But when the means justify the ends why should these concerned ctivists care about parents.
Here is another tactic used by the "critters of the ALA" uysed throughout the country
Prepare a pigs lung with cosmenics that make it look like a mass of oozing puss then carry it into schools 5th and 6th graders (Most impressionable) and tell them that they are looking at a human lung from a dead smoker, On feb 19 2004 on the capitol steps Ron latz along with ALAMN held up a sandwich bag that contained a human lung, He told me that the ALAMN told him it was human, Of course it was not.
The Minnesota Air national guard did the same tactic, flying Hueys on to school property to scare the kids into not smoking. Only this time when I confronted the ANG about the Pig Lung I was told that there were MUslims in the ANG and they had to change to a sheep lung..............Nothing but liars of the worst sort
Calling out someone for using a doctored or fake lung photo heh. Ever seen the GOP abortion photos. They are fake as well, where is your criticism of that?
boatman from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 125
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 11:18:25 AM
What brand of cigarettes did Jesus smoke ?
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 522
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 11:21:37 AM
Northern: LOL @ the Global Warming ;o) Yep...I do think we agree.
I am kind of shocked, however, that Archie is so passionate about smoking being a healthy event....when if a pregnant woman smokes, she has a higher risk of "aborting" her fetus. So much for "pro-life" I guess. Smoking abortions=ok in Archies world?
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 522
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 12:02:07 PM
Joseph: I said he has a death certificat AND medical records. Death was lung cancer......causes, IN HIS RECORDS, are due to smoking.
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 261
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 12:05:21 PM
To Joseph:
There was an old intoxicated democrat that was reaching for a cigar butt was hit and killed by a car, The anti smokers wanted it to say died from smoking on the death certificate but reasonable minds settled for a "smoking related death"
130 posts by noon. It will be entertaining to check this out later. Obviously this is a hot button issue. I stand firmly on the side of a statewide smoking ban.
Jason K from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 21
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 6:22:23 AM
Tom Emmer's statement is a major reason why I no longer associate with the Republican party. When someone makes comments like that, it shows complete lack of understanding on the issue and perhaps just as bad- lack of tact.
Fortunately, he is in the minority this time around and his opinion should be drowned out by the voices supporting clean air.
Too bad Emmer is not an Assistant Minority Leader...I think more of these gems are coming!
northernlights
Number of Posts: 161
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 9:28:55 AM
no global warming and no proof that smoking kills, oh to live in the shoes of the right. Well Pawlenty just accepted global warming, so maybe the shoes of the ignorant is better.
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 522
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 10:24:17 AM
I still think there should simply be a "smoking" license, similar to that of a liquor license. I feel this way for a couple of reasons...
Smoking is NOT illegal. If it is so unsafe and is putting patrons and employees in such grave danger, why isn't this substance illegal in the first place? Since it isn't illegal, how can someone say it shouldn't be allowed?
Privately owned businesses should be able to do what they want to (within the law). It is up to the patrons to decide if they want to go to the establishment or not.
The money from the licensing could go back into smoking education, research, etc.
If shs is truly such a concern...then businesses wouldn't survive withOUT going smoke free on their own. This isn't happening, therefore, the fear or demand for it must not be as great as the perception of it.
We could also require air purifiers (of particular strength and quality) for those places that do wish to have a smoking license.
I don't enjoy being in a restaraunt where there is smoke...and I do feel that shs is a danger. Smoking is not illegal however, and I think the government intruding on a privately owned business is a slippery slope.
northernlights
Number of Posts: 161
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 10:24:48 AM
Once they are out of the womb, who cares right?
Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to young children. Secondhand smoke is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18 months of age, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year, and causes 1,900 to 2,700 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) deaths in the United States annually.
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 522
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 10:27:30 AM
But Northern...then why is it not illegal period? Why aren't people trying to make it an illegal drug. Marijuana seems less harmful than nicotine! I agree with all that you are saying....but how can we force bans on something that is not an illegal activity?
Its not illegal because the tobacco lobby is powerful. When you go after a large corporate entity, the big guns come out. Last year when we put togehter a text book bill, calling for an inquiry into price gouging, the text book industry flew lobbyists to MN to fight the bill. Tobacco is big money!
Ron from Fairhaven
Number of Posts: 4
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 10:37:11 AM
Conservatism is fine, but when it obstructs well-established principles of public health, it is time to change course. Yes, it is high time that Dems exert their clout and pass this overdue measure - statewide. And, with Michele Bachmann now out of the legislature and Steve Sviggum neutralized, maybe MN can follow New Jersey's example and give same-sex couples some degree of civil rights. Some thought is not progressive; these two measures are.
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 261
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 10:43:49 AM
Northers lights:
What a cheesy place to collect information, the American lung Associan, But if it fits your fancy, soak it up. for instance the American SIDS alliance has already told the anti's like the Lung dynasty to STOP using the sids deaths to promote anti smoking messages because NO ONE KNOWS THE CAUSE OF SIDS besides it is a cruel ploy toplay on parents that have lost a child to SIDS, But when the means justify the ends why should these concerned ctivists care about parents.
Here is another tactic used by the "critters of the ALA" uysed throughout the country
Prepare a pigs lung with cosmenics that make it look like a mass of oozing puss then carry it into schools 5th and 6th graders (Most impressionable) and tell them that they are looking at a human lung from a dead smoker, On feb 19 2004 on the capitol steps Ron latz along with ALAMN held up a sandwich bag that contained a human lung, He told me that the ALAMN told him it was human, Of course it was not.
The Minnesota Air national guard did the same tactic, flying Hueys on to school property to scare the kids into not smoking. Only this time when I confronted the ANG about the Pig Lung I was told that there were MUslims in the ANG and they had to change to a sheep lung..............Nothing but liars of the worst sort
Calling out someone for using a doctored or fake lung photo heh. Ever seen the GOP abortion photos. They are fake as well, where is your criticism of that?
boatman from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 125
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 11:18:25 AM
What brand of cigarettes did Jesus smoke ?
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 522
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 11:21:37 AM
Northern: LOL @ the Global Warming ;o) Yep...I do think we agree.
I am kind of shocked, however, that Archie is so passionate about smoking being a healthy event....when if a pregnant woman smokes, she has a higher risk of "aborting" her fetus. So much for "pro-life" I guess. Smoking abortions=ok in Archies world?
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 522
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 12:02:07 PM
Joseph: I said he has a death certificat AND medical records. Death was lung cancer......causes, IN HIS RECORDS, are due to smoking.
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 261
Comment Posted: 12/15/2006 12:05:21 PM
To Joseph:
There was an old intoxicated democrat that was reaching for a cigar butt was hit and killed by a car, The anti smokers wanted it to say died from smoking on the death certificate but reasonable minds settled for a "smoking related death"
130 posts by noon. It will be entertaining to check this out later. Obviously this is a hot button issue. I stand firmly on the side of a statewide smoking ban.
Illegal immigration and meat packing plants
I've taken a few days to ponder what occured in Worthington, MN and in 5 other cities across the US this past week. Some 1300 illegal immigrants were arrested across the US, 400 detained here in MN with 230 arrested.
The concept of the American Dream is in fact a fallacy, at least for Americans. It's what keeps the corporate millionaires in business and raking money in hand over foot. They expolit people for their labor. Yeah, I am sounding a bit Marxist here, but it's reality.
Americans simply want more money to be expolited by big money capitalists. When companies, like Fingerhut and many auto makers, reach a certain profit margin, they look to dump labor, while not cutting costs in their rich exectuives. See Northwest Airlines as a great example. When pilots, mechanics, flight attendents and baggage handlers were getting salaries cut by 40%, how big of a hit did Steenland, Griffin and the other coprorate executives take? Not 40%, although even 40% of $5 million is staunchly different than 40% of $25,000!
Illegal immigration in MN is an issue, not of the same significance as other issues raised, or as high as the GOP would put it, but an issue nonetheless. Taking the high estimate of 85,000 illegal immigrants in MN, that's still less than 2% of the population.
The Fed's have cited identity theft as the issue at hand. Identity theft is a significant issue in our technology based society. But why would the Fed's only charge 65 of the 1300 they arrested with ID theft?
I am a moderate Democrat on this issue. I do believe in the laws of this nation. During my campaign, I spoke to many people who came from Scandanavian areas who came to this country legally. They paid thousands of dollars and went through a process to legally stay in this nation.
On the other hand, I do understand the desire to seek a better life for one's family.
GOPers will label us as weak on immigration. They will call us out on homeland security. We are the dominant party now. It's time to push real reforms, reforms that could have come forth when the GOP had a majority, but they failed.
I find it funny that AAA calls out DFLers for their use of unions in the GOTV efforts. It is true, unions play a large role in this. But AAA, your party uses MCCL and Focus on the Family and other GOP stalwarts in your GOTV efforts.
I've never seen a labor flyer in a mall or church parking lot. How many MCCL flyers adorned cars throughout the state the Sunday before election day? Thousands upon thousands.
The concept of the American Dream is in fact a fallacy, at least for Americans. It's what keeps the corporate millionaires in business and raking money in hand over foot. They expolit people for their labor. Yeah, I am sounding a bit Marxist here, but it's reality.
Americans simply want more money to be expolited by big money capitalists. When companies, like Fingerhut and many auto makers, reach a certain profit margin, they look to dump labor, while not cutting costs in their rich exectuives. See Northwest Airlines as a great example. When pilots, mechanics, flight attendents and baggage handlers were getting salaries cut by 40%, how big of a hit did Steenland, Griffin and the other coprorate executives take? Not 40%, although even 40% of $5 million is staunchly different than 40% of $25,000!
Illegal immigration in MN is an issue, not of the same significance as other issues raised, or as high as the GOP would put it, but an issue nonetheless. Taking the high estimate of 85,000 illegal immigrants in MN, that's still less than 2% of the population.
The Fed's have cited identity theft as the issue at hand. Identity theft is a significant issue in our technology based society. But why would the Fed's only charge 65 of the 1300 they arrested with ID theft?
I am a moderate Democrat on this issue. I do believe in the laws of this nation. During my campaign, I spoke to many people who came from Scandanavian areas who came to this country legally. They paid thousands of dollars and went through a process to legally stay in this nation.
On the other hand, I do understand the desire to seek a better life for one's family.
GOPers will label us as weak on immigration. They will call us out on homeland security. We are the dominant party now. It's time to push real reforms, reforms that could have come forth when the GOP had a majority, but they failed.
I find it funny that AAA calls out DFLers for their use of unions in the GOTV efforts. It is true, unions play a large role in this. But AAA, your party uses MCCL and Focus on the Family and other GOP stalwarts in your GOTV efforts.
I've never seen a labor flyer in a mall or church parking lot. How many MCCL flyers adorned cars throughout the state the Sunday before election day? Thousands upon thousands.
GOPers will attempt to destroy Democrats who see the cununbrum before our very eyes. Compassionate conservativism is an oxymoron of the greatest degree.
It starts with real immigration reforms. Frankly, businesses, specifically Agriculture, need a strong immigrant work force. A comprehensive plan needs to be created. A tough yet broad standard for visa's need to be established. The penalties for those that violate the broad visa standards need to be swift and severe, a speedy deportation.
The visa documents need to be secure. A workplace should be able to verify the authenticity of a visa. Businesses found to be hiring illegal immigrants should be dealth with again, swiftly and severely. Swift & Co. was an example. I think the Strib LTE from 12/15 was dead on here. The raid was a show. They could have continued raids on many other facilities across the United States.
Real reform is needed...the GOP could not get it done and it's time for Democrats to step up and make it happen.
SC Times supports smoking ban, rips Tom Emmer!
I came home from work, very pleased this evening. The SC Times supports a smoking ban, noting that the DFL takeover in the House was needed to see it though.
Additionally, the SC Times took a few good shots at Rep. Tom Emmer, a Delano Republican.
Specifically, they cite Emmer's comparing smoking and eating a cheeseburger.
Using Emmer's rationale, business should be able to determine what temperature to serve their food at, afterall, that's too much government regulation.
Workers ought to have the right to not wash their hands after...well, you know what they did and why they need to wash their hands. It's a personal freedom, a choice to not wash your hands.
We should be able to insulate with Asbestos.
We need leaded fuels, and lead in paint.
We need choices.
Perhaps, level headed leaders stepped forward and made difficult decisions at some point, making sure the good of mankind remained first and foremost.
So, here's what the SC Times had to say...
With the political tide of the Minnesota House now turned, it's time to adopt a statewide smoking ban.
The Freedom to Breathe Act, patterned after successful smoke-free laws in seven states, requires Minnesota workplaces — including bars and restaurants — to ban smoking.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has said he will sign legislation, and we believe most area legislators support a statewide ban. But the key is the House switching from Republican to DFL control. Now what's best for the public should finally rise above protecting businesses that see no harm in needlessly exposing workers — and customers — to the deadly threat of secondhand smoke.
Don't get sidetracked by those trying to misrepresent this as government infringing on business or the first step in banning cheeseburgers.
On the former, any and every employer must comply with a variety of laws aimed at protecting workers and customers. Yet under Minnesota's patchwork of 16 county and city smoking bans, thousands of bars and restaurants are not bound to protect employees and customers from secondhand smoke, including all of the St. Cloud metro area.
In fact, our metro area is the largest regional center without any type of ban. Do we really not care about the health of these workers? Or is it just too difficult to get so many levels of local government to cooperate and make sure workers are protected?
Then again, if bars and restaurants don't have to do this, why should some industries be required to provide protective gear for employees who handle toxic chemicals? Or, heck, why should schools have to do background checks on potential staffers?
Your neighbor, the plant worker, can always find another job elsewhere. Or you can always open-enroll your kid to a school that does check if its potential hires are registered sex offenders.
As for the mention of cheeseburgers, that's in response to a ridiculous comment made last week by Rep. Tom Emmer, a Republican representing Delano and a staunch opponent of the ban.
Emmer told the Star Tribune, "If this is what government is for, let's go to the next step — why not cheeseburgers? Big Brother has got to take care of us because we are too dumb or too lazy to care for ourselves."
Emmer clearly doesn't understand the issue. Yes, everyone has the choice to order and eat a cheeseburger at a restaurant. But unlike smoking tobacco, the fumes wafting from his burger do not contribute to cancer, heart disease and many other deadly diseases.
Yet whether it's the delicious scent of a cheeseburger or the disgusting stench of a cigarette or cigar, workers (and customers) have no choice but to inhale all of them.
Overall, a statewide ban should have been passed long ago. As we've noted for the past three years, failure to do so has not only left Minnesotans exposed to the dangers of tobacco, but it's created an uneven playing field for businesses and communities.
Level the playing field and protect all Minnesotans. Tell your legislators to pass the Freedom to Breathe Act when the Legislature convenes next month.
Our kids will ask us why it took us so long to do this! Get it done...worry about Emmer's Juicy Lucy later!
Additionally, the SC Times took a few good shots at Rep. Tom Emmer, a Delano Republican.
Specifically, they cite Emmer's comparing smoking and eating a cheeseburger.
Using Emmer's rationale, business should be able to determine what temperature to serve their food at, afterall, that's too much government regulation.
Workers ought to have the right to not wash their hands after...well, you know what they did and why they need to wash their hands. It's a personal freedom, a choice to not wash your hands.
We should be able to insulate with Asbestos.
We need leaded fuels, and lead in paint.
We need choices.
Perhaps, level headed leaders stepped forward and made difficult decisions at some point, making sure the good of mankind remained first and foremost.
So, here's what the SC Times had to say...
With the political tide of the Minnesota House now turned, it's time to adopt a statewide smoking ban.
The Freedom to Breathe Act, patterned after successful smoke-free laws in seven states, requires Minnesota workplaces — including bars and restaurants — to ban smoking.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has said he will sign legislation, and we believe most area legislators support a statewide ban. But the key is the House switching from Republican to DFL control. Now what's best for the public should finally rise above protecting businesses that see no harm in needlessly exposing workers — and customers — to the deadly threat of secondhand smoke.
Don't get sidetracked by those trying to misrepresent this as government infringing on business or the first step in banning cheeseburgers.
On the former, any and every employer must comply with a variety of laws aimed at protecting workers and customers. Yet under Minnesota's patchwork of 16 county and city smoking bans, thousands of bars and restaurants are not bound to protect employees and customers from secondhand smoke, including all of the St. Cloud metro area.
In fact, our metro area is the largest regional center without any type of ban. Do we really not care about the health of these workers? Or is it just too difficult to get so many levels of local government to cooperate and make sure workers are protected?
Then again, if bars and restaurants don't have to do this, why should some industries be required to provide protective gear for employees who handle toxic chemicals? Or, heck, why should schools have to do background checks on potential staffers?
Your neighbor, the plant worker, can always find another job elsewhere. Or you can always open-enroll your kid to a school that does check if its potential hires are registered sex offenders.
As for the mention of cheeseburgers, that's in response to a ridiculous comment made last week by Rep. Tom Emmer, a Republican representing Delano and a staunch opponent of the ban.
Emmer told the Star Tribune, "If this is what government is for, let's go to the next step — why not cheeseburgers? Big Brother has got to take care of us because we are too dumb or too lazy to care for ourselves."
Emmer clearly doesn't understand the issue. Yes, everyone has the choice to order and eat a cheeseburger at a restaurant. But unlike smoking tobacco, the fumes wafting from his burger do not contribute to cancer, heart disease and many other deadly diseases.
Yet whether it's the delicious scent of a cheeseburger or the disgusting stench of a cigarette or cigar, workers (and customers) have no choice but to inhale all of them.
Overall, a statewide ban should have been passed long ago. As we've noted for the past three years, failure to do so has not only left Minnesotans exposed to the dangers of tobacco, but it's created an uneven playing field for businesses and communities.
Level the playing field and protect all Minnesotans. Tell your legislators to pass the Freedom to Breathe Act when the Legislature convenes next month.
Our kids will ask us why it took us so long to do this! Get it done...worry about Emmer's Juicy Lucy later!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Seems some SCSU employees have it figured out. US Senate Candidate Robert Fitzgerald travelled around the state in a bus powered by fryer oil waste.
Enjoy...and yeah, John Roberson was from Annandale.
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — John Roberson doesn't stop at the gas station when his car is running low on fuel. Instead, he heads to the nearest fast food restaurant.
Roberson fills up the 55-gallon tank on his 1979 Mercedes 240D with vegetable oil that was already used to cook French fries and chicken strips. While nearly everyone else pays $2-$3 a gallon for petroleum-based fuel, Roberson pays nothing for his ``veggie'' fuel — or for the satisfaction that comes with knowing he's doing his part to reduce pollution and the nation's dependence on foreign oil.
Roberson and his fellow St. Cloud State University employees Darrin Printy and Timothy Gardner are among a small but dedicated group across the country who are looking for cheaper, cleaner fuel alternatives.
``It seemed like a good idea. I'm not a big fan of going to the gas station every week and buying 10 or 20 gallons of fuel to commute,'' said Roberson, who lives about 20 miles away in Monticello.
Much attention has been paid to biodiesel, a processed blend of vegetable oil, petroleum diesel and alcohol. Minnesota law requires that all diesel sold in the state contain at least 2 percent biodiesel.
But the cars driven by Roberson, Printy and Gardner run on straight vegetable oil salvaged from deep fat fryers. After tracking down a used car with a diesel engine, Roberson bought an $800 conversion kit that he installed himself one weekend.
It included a tank in the trunk to hold the oil, some coolant lines, a dashboard switch and a fuel gauge. Roberson bought the car last April, and said it's been running great since.
``I was a little concerned with the cold weather this week ... and it ran just fine,'' he said.
The cars use regular diesel fuel to start and stop. But once it's warmed up, the driver switches over to vegetable oil. The cars get about the same gas mileage, 25 to 30 mpg, as a traditional diesel engine, and Roberson estimates he gets almost 100 miles for every gallon of diesel he uses.
All three men said that restaurants they approached were eager to get rid of their used oil. Roberson and Printy both get theirs from the burger chain Culver's.
Restaurants typically have to pay to get used oil disposed of. ``It eliminates their waste, plus it's basically free,'' said Barb Behling, public relations director for the Wisconsin-based chain.
Behling said she was getting at least a call a week last summer from people interested in oil for veggie-fueled cars, at a time when gas prices rose to around $3 a gallon. Calls have dwindled as gas prices have dropped, she said.
The St. Cloud State colleagues admit veggie cars probably aren't for everyone. Roberson and Gardner are both car guys who were able to install the converters themselves, and those less mechanically inclined would need to pay to get it done.
You also have to be willing to forsake style. Most of the converted cars are at least 20 years old, because older diesel models have proven easier to modify. That can mean more expense when it comes to repairs or replacing parts.
The three men said it helps a lot to have friends in the same veggie-powered boat.``Between the three of us, we're able to compare notes and keep things running,'' Printy said.
Both Printy and Robertson also installed mini ``refineries'' in their garages in order to make it easier to strain the oil to remove bits of French fries and other contaminants.
``It's a lot more work to do this than to just pull up to a gas station and put your credit card in and lift the handle,'' Roberson said.
``I don't know that it's a drawback, because it actually makes you think about some of the work and the product that goes into your car to get you from point A to point B.
''Then there's the smell. But that one's not necessarily a drawback.
``I think it kind of smells like a cross between French fries ... and grilling something on the grill,'' Roberson said. ``It smells a lot better to me than the regular diesel smoke. It gives you the munchies.''
Enjoy...and yeah, John Roberson was from Annandale.
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — John Roberson doesn't stop at the gas station when his car is running low on fuel. Instead, he heads to the nearest fast food restaurant.
Roberson fills up the 55-gallon tank on his 1979 Mercedes 240D with vegetable oil that was already used to cook French fries and chicken strips. While nearly everyone else pays $2-$3 a gallon for petroleum-based fuel, Roberson pays nothing for his ``veggie'' fuel — or for the satisfaction that comes with knowing he's doing his part to reduce pollution and the nation's dependence on foreign oil.
Roberson and his fellow St. Cloud State University employees Darrin Printy and Timothy Gardner are among a small but dedicated group across the country who are looking for cheaper, cleaner fuel alternatives.
``It seemed like a good idea. I'm not a big fan of going to the gas station every week and buying 10 or 20 gallons of fuel to commute,'' said Roberson, who lives about 20 miles away in Monticello.
Much attention has been paid to biodiesel, a processed blend of vegetable oil, petroleum diesel and alcohol. Minnesota law requires that all diesel sold in the state contain at least 2 percent biodiesel.
But the cars driven by Roberson, Printy and Gardner run on straight vegetable oil salvaged from deep fat fryers. After tracking down a used car with a diesel engine, Roberson bought an $800 conversion kit that he installed himself one weekend.
It included a tank in the trunk to hold the oil, some coolant lines, a dashboard switch and a fuel gauge. Roberson bought the car last April, and said it's been running great since.
``I was a little concerned with the cold weather this week ... and it ran just fine,'' he said.
The cars use regular diesel fuel to start and stop. But once it's warmed up, the driver switches over to vegetable oil. The cars get about the same gas mileage, 25 to 30 mpg, as a traditional diesel engine, and Roberson estimates he gets almost 100 miles for every gallon of diesel he uses.
All three men said that restaurants they approached were eager to get rid of their used oil. Roberson and Printy both get theirs from the burger chain Culver's.
Restaurants typically have to pay to get used oil disposed of. ``It eliminates their waste, plus it's basically free,'' said Barb Behling, public relations director for the Wisconsin-based chain.
Behling said she was getting at least a call a week last summer from people interested in oil for veggie-fueled cars, at a time when gas prices rose to around $3 a gallon. Calls have dwindled as gas prices have dropped, she said.
The St. Cloud State colleagues admit veggie cars probably aren't for everyone. Roberson and Gardner are both car guys who were able to install the converters themselves, and those less mechanically inclined would need to pay to get it done.
You also have to be willing to forsake style. Most of the converted cars are at least 20 years old, because older diesel models have proven easier to modify. That can mean more expense when it comes to repairs or replacing parts.
The three men said it helps a lot to have friends in the same veggie-powered boat.``Between the three of us, we're able to compare notes and keep things running,'' Printy said.
Both Printy and Robertson also installed mini ``refineries'' in their garages in order to make it easier to strain the oil to remove bits of French fries and other contaminants.
``It's a lot more work to do this than to just pull up to a gas station and put your credit card in and lift the handle,'' Roberson said.
``I don't know that it's a drawback, because it actually makes you think about some of the work and the product that goes into your car to get you from point A to point B.
''Then there's the smell. But that one's not necessarily a drawback.
``I think it kind of smells like a cross between French fries ... and grilling something on the grill,'' Roberson said. ``It smells a lot better to me than the regular diesel smoke. It gives you the munchies.''
Expulsion for Mark Olson?
Here's a story from a Coon Rapids publication. I would expect that if Olson is found guilty, he would resign before facing expulsion by the House.
Expulsion from Legislature possible in Mark Olson matter
Tuesday, 12 December 2006
by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter
Whether Rep. Mark Olson, R-Big Lake, could face expulsion from the House if found guilty of misdemeanor domestic abuse charges against him seems a possibility.
On Thursday (Dec. 7) the House Republican caucus suspended Olson from the caucus.
According to House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, to vote to suspend Olson was unanimous. It means Olson cannot use House Republican resources, nor vote with the caucus.
If found innocent, his standing within the caucus could be re-evaluated, Seifert explained.
Seifert said he would not discuss the hypotheticals of the Olson case — it could play out for weeks and have a dozen possible conclusions, he explained.
Crossing the line
But Seifert also indicated that should Olson be found guilty of domestic abuse charges, that’s crossing a line. “I don’t think the Legislature is a place for domestic abusers,” he said.
Olson doesn’t believe his problem reflects on the Republican House caucus.
People make distinctions between individuals and parties — lumping them together is something the media does, Olson recently argued. “It’s not their (the House caucus’) mistake,” Olson said.
Indeed, Olson dismisses the idea that Republican Congressman Mark Foley — a focus in the recent U.S House page scandal — negatively impacted Minnesota Republican candidates last election. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” he said of the scandal’s influence.
Although it’s likely no member has ever been expelled from the House, the process for lawmakers removing one of their own exists.
The state constitution requires a two-thirds majority vote for expulsion, but is silent in setting thresholds.
A definition of what constitutes an action meriting expulsion is left unaddressed.
Expulsion attempts
Attempts at expulsion have been made.
In 1929 the Minnesota Senate took a vote to expel Sen. Ambrose Lennon, convicted of illegally handling liquor in the days of Prohibition.
The House in 1986 took a vote to expel Rep. Randy Staten, of Minneapolis, embroiled in a bad check writing scandal.
The action failed, but Staten was subsequently censured.
It was believed the censure was the first meted by the Minnesota House.
Controversies stemming from elections have resulted in sworn House members being ousted by their colleagues.
One such instance occurred in 1969 when Rep. Barney Bischoff, of St. Louis County, was voted out of the House.
It was deemed that Bischoff’s newspaper and radio ads were “deliberately made with the intentions of deceiving the electorate.”
Other such actions have been taken.I
n some cases, lawmakers facing ethics problems have resigned or chosen not to run for office again, ending the political drama at the Capitol.
House Speaker-elect Margaret Anderson Kelliher issued a statement last week on the House Republican caucus’ decision to suspend Olson.
“We respect any decision from the House Republicans pertaining to their own internal affairs,” she said.
Expulsion from Legislature possible in Mark Olson matter
Tuesday, 12 December 2006
by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter
Whether Rep. Mark Olson, R-Big Lake, could face expulsion from the House if found guilty of misdemeanor domestic abuse charges against him seems a possibility.
On Thursday (Dec. 7) the House Republican caucus suspended Olson from the caucus.
According to House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, to vote to suspend Olson was unanimous. It means Olson cannot use House Republican resources, nor vote with the caucus.
If found innocent, his standing within the caucus could be re-evaluated, Seifert explained.
Seifert said he would not discuss the hypotheticals of the Olson case — it could play out for weeks and have a dozen possible conclusions, he explained.
Crossing the line
But Seifert also indicated that should Olson be found guilty of domestic abuse charges, that’s crossing a line. “I don’t think the Legislature is a place for domestic abusers,” he said.
Olson doesn’t believe his problem reflects on the Republican House caucus.
People make distinctions between individuals and parties — lumping them together is something the media does, Olson recently argued. “It’s not their (the House caucus’) mistake,” Olson said.
Indeed, Olson dismisses the idea that Republican Congressman Mark Foley — a focus in the recent U.S House page scandal — negatively impacted Minnesota Republican candidates last election. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” he said of the scandal’s influence.
Although it’s likely no member has ever been expelled from the House, the process for lawmakers removing one of their own exists.
The state constitution requires a two-thirds majority vote for expulsion, but is silent in setting thresholds.
A definition of what constitutes an action meriting expulsion is left unaddressed.
Expulsion attempts
Attempts at expulsion have been made.
In 1929 the Minnesota Senate took a vote to expel Sen. Ambrose Lennon, convicted of illegally handling liquor in the days of Prohibition.
The House in 1986 took a vote to expel Rep. Randy Staten, of Minneapolis, embroiled in a bad check writing scandal.
The action failed, but Staten was subsequently censured.
It was believed the censure was the first meted by the Minnesota House.
Controversies stemming from elections have resulted in sworn House members being ousted by their colleagues.
One such instance occurred in 1969 when Rep. Barney Bischoff, of St. Louis County, was voted out of the House.
It was deemed that Bischoff’s newspaper and radio ads were “deliberately made with the intentions of deceiving the electorate.”
Other such actions have been taken.I
n some cases, lawmakers facing ethics problems have resigned or chosen not to run for office again, ending the political drama at the Capitol.
House Speaker-elect Margaret Anderson Kelliher issued a statement last week on the House Republican caucus’ decision to suspend Olson.
“We respect any decision from the House Republicans pertaining to their own internal affairs,” she said.
More Bachmann history
Here is some more history from Dump Bachmann
Let’s see; I was telling you about how I discovered the truth about Michele Bachmann’s political roots and agenda—where was I, when we left off?
Oh, yes. It was about six years ago--I’d moved to Minnesota, bought a house in the charming small town of Stillwater, and discovered that the governor of the state was a former professional wrestler. I’d heard Bachmann on evangelical radio, which also struck me as odd—since at the time she was a GOP candidate for the local school board and this radio station, ostensibly dedicated to spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ, seemed to be promoting her candidacy.
Bachmann was one of slate of GOP candidates running in the school board race. It was unusual if not unprecedented for Stillwater school board candidates to accept or receive partisan endorsement; the Stillwater race was normally—and still is—non-partisan. So this partisan development was deemed “newsworthy”; it was reported in the metro dailies that these candidates had broken with tradition and accepted party endorsement.
What was not reported in the papers was that at least one of these GOP candidates, Michele Bachmann, was appearing on evangelical radio to promote her candidacy. That to me was at least as newsworthy as the news about the partisan endorsement. And it seemed to me to tie both Bachmann and the Minnesota GOP and the radio station I was listening to, to a phenomenon that’s played a key part in national voting trends since the 1980s: America’s evangelical political movement.
I don’t know of any general study that’s ever been done of this very important political force. There’s a been a lot written about evangelical attempts to influence American politics in general and the Republican party in particular, but to my present knowledge, no one’s ever produced a general analysis of the evangelical political movement (EPM)—one that traces its history, names the key players, and shows how they operate together to influence the outcomes of national, state and local elections. It’s as if there was a third major party in the United States (as powerful as either the Dems or the GOP), but this third party was operating under the radar of the national and local news media.
True, the biggest names in the movement are well known to people who follow politics. The influence on elections of Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Ralph Reed and Dr. James Dobson is well-known and has been regularly reported. What went unreported was the cohesive nature of the EPM. Its leaders were not acting independently of each other; they seemed to be coordinating their individual efforts and powerbases to achieve a maximum effect in American political life. In other words—instead of behaving like clergymen, they were behaving like the leaders of a political party.
No one in the most influential “secular” media seemed to be picking up on that—that coordination of political effort between televangelists, broadcast ministry networks, and influential pastors of the largest religious organizations and mega-churches. Journalists were, as always, assigned to cover the developments and agenda of the two major political parties; they even gave regular press coverage to the independent “third parties” like the Greens and Ross Perot—but the major media simply ignored the EPM. This is still astonishing to me. How could the American press fail to see or choose to ignore the organization of an overtly political movement that was bigger than any third party, bigger and richer than all the third parties put together? But ignore it, they did. Despite the fact that the EPM commanded the loyalty of millions of Americans at the polls, despite the fact that it broadcast its political agenda daily, and despite the fact that it was working across state lines to elect candidates and back initiatives.
And despite the fact that it was introducing candidates to represent itself in national, state and local offices. After watching Bachmann for a while, I concluded that she was one of these EPM candidates—and that this, too, had escaped the attention of the local professional news media.
So most of the people in Stillwater who voted for Michele Bachmann when she ran as a Republican for State Senate—simply didn’t know who she really intended to represent.
Let’s see; I was telling you about how I discovered the truth about Michele Bachmann’s political roots and agenda—where was I, when we left off?
Oh, yes. It was about six years ago--I’d moved to Minnesota, bought a house in the charming small town of Stillwater, and discovered that the governor of the state was a former professional wrestler. I’d heard Bachmann on evangelical radio, which also struck me as odd—since at the time she was a GOP candidate for the local school board and this radio station, ostensibly dedicated to spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ, seemed to be promoting her candidacy.
Bachmann was one of slate of GOP candidates running in the school board race. It was unusual if not unprecedented for Stillwater school board candidates to accept or receive partisan endorsement; the Stillwater race was normally—and still is—non-partisan. So this partisan development was deemed “newsworthy”; it was reported in the metro dailies that these candidates had broken with tradition and accepted party endorsement.
What was not reported in the papers was that at least one of these GOP candidates, Michele Bachmann, was appearing on evangelical radio to promote her candidacy. That to me was at least as newsworthy as the news about the partisan endorsement. And it seemed to me to tie both Bachmann and the Minnesota GOP and the radio station I was listening to, to a phenomenon that’s played a key part in national voting trends since the 1980s: America’s evangelical political movement.
I don’t know of any general study that’s ever been done of this very important political force. There’s a been a lot written about evangelical attempts to influence American politics in general and the Republican party in particular, but to my present knowledge, no one’s ever produced a general analysis of the evangelical political movement (EPM)—one that traces its history, names the key players, and shows how they operate together to influence the outcomes of national, state and local elections. It’s as if there was a third major party in the United States (as powerful as either the Dems or the GOP), but this third party was operating under the radar of the national and local news media.
True, the biggest names in the movement are well known to people who follow politics. The influence on elections of Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Ralph Reed and Dr. James Dobson is well-known and has been regularly reported. What went unreported was the cohesive nature of the EPM. Its leaders were not acting independently of each other; they seemed to be coordinating their individual efforts and powerbases to achieve a maximum effect in American political life. In other words—instead of behaving like clergymen, they were behaving like the leaders of a political party.
No one in the most influential “secular” media seemed to be picking up on that—that coordination of political effort between televangelists, broadcast ministry networks, and influential pastors of the largest religious organizations and mega-churches. Journalists were, as always, assigned to cover the developments and agenda of the two major political parties; they even gave regular press coverage to the independent “third parties” like the Greens and Ross Perot—but the major media simply ignored the EPM. This is still astonishing to me. How could the American press fail to see or choose to ignore the organization of an overtly political movement that was bigger than any third party, bigger and richer than all the third parties put together? But ignore it, they did. Despite the fact that the EPM commanded the loyalty of millions of Americans at the polls, despite the fact that it broadcast its political agenda daily, and despite the fact that it was working across state lines to elect candidates and back initiatives.
And despite the fact that it was introducing candidates to represent itself in national, state and local offices. After watching Bachmann for a while, I concluded that she was one of these EPM candidates—and that this, too, had escaped the attention of the local professional news media.
So most of the people in Stillwater who voted for Michele Bachmann when she ran as a Republican for State Senate—simply didn’t know who she really intended to represent.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Global warming, a local spin
It seems as though we have naysayers amongst us out here as well. Hell, if Michelle Bachmann says global warming is a fallacy, then it must be.
Before Bachmann ran out here for Congress, here is a story from a local paper.
"I’m not convinced that global warming is real. It might be, but it seems to me we don’t have enough data. If half of Minnesota was covered by glaciers only 10,000 years ago, we might be in the middle of a 20,000-year cycle and this weather might be perfectly normal."
and
"I remember in May 2005 it snowed in the Twin Cities, convincing me that Minnesota has horribly long winters. Instead of a catastrophe, maybe global warming will be an improvement."
It's December 13th today...and its 43 out right now. Snow? Non-existent. The lake even has standing water and holes through the ice today. No, I am not walking on it.
I suggest a viewing of "The Inconvienient Truth". I challenge naysayers to research the data used, it seems to have withstood peer reviewed research already.
The denial is troubling to me. We only have a short amount of time here on Earth. A short amount of time to make a difference, make this place better for those coming after us.
This is why we need a holistic energy policy. We need a "Manhattan Project" for renewable energy. A project of this magnitude will create global change and provide our nation with energy independence.
Before Bachmann ran out here for Congress, here is a story from a local paper.
"I’m not convinced that global warming is real. It might be, but it seems to me we don’t have enough data. If half of Minnesota was covered by glaciers only 10,000 years ago, we might be in the middle of a 20,000-year cycle and this weather might be perfectly normal."
and
"I remember in May 2005 it snowed in the Twin Cities, convincing me that Minnesota has horribly long winters. Instead of a catastrophe, maybe global warming will be an improvement."
It's December 13th today...and its 43 out right now. Snow? Non-existent. The lake even has standing water and holes through the ice today. No, I am not walking on it.
I suggest a viewing of "The Inconvienient Truth". I challenge naysayers to research the data used, it seems to have withstood peer reviewed research already.
The denial is troubling to me. We only have a short amount of time here on Earth. A short amount of time to make a difference, make this place better for those coming after us.
This is why we need a holistic energy policy. We need a "Manhattan Project" for renewable energy. A project of this magnitude will create global change and provide our nation with energy independence.
So, soybeans make you gay?
Ah, I get it now! Ironically, the rural northwest area of CD 6 is where Congresswoman elect Michelle Bachmann did very well.
Lot's of soybeans being grown in this area, although we do not have a soybean carnival. After this, we may never see one!
From World Net Daily
"The dangerous food I'm speaking of is soy. Soybean products are feminizing, and they're all over the place. You can hardly escape them anymore."
Gasp, soy! Statewide soy ban?
"Soy is feminizing, and commonly leads to a decrease in the size of the penis, sexual confusion and homosexuality. That's why most of the medical (not socio-spiritual) blame for today's rise in homosexuality must fall upon the rise in soy formula and other soy products. (Most babies are bottle-fed during some part of their infancy, and one-fourth of them are getting soy milk!) Homosexuals often argue that their homosexuality is inborn because "I can't remember a time when I wasn't homosexual." No, homosexuality is always deviant. But now many of them can truthfully say that they can't remember a time when excess estrogen wasn't influencing them. "
Soy leads to homosexuality! Of course the righties, and in this case, the extreme religious fundamentalist righties, have to find a way to explain everything. This is truly unbelieveable!
Wonkette picked up on this, as well as Dump Bachmann.
I wonder what our locally elected officials will think? Will they give back their campaign monies from the soy industry? Will they call for subsidies for soybeans to be cut?
Don't we feed soybeans to our cattle? Do we now have gay cattle? Does eating gay cattle meat make us gay too? If soybean yields were down 16% this past year, because of arrid conditions, can we expect a decrease in those that identify as GLBT?
Wow, just when you think you have read some crazy stuff in this place we call the world wide web, you reach rock bottom.
Soybeans make you gay?
These are the same cats that buy Meth from their gay masseuse to only chuck it in the trash on the way home.
I can see the fields of burning soy beans next summer.
Screw a smoking ban...ban soybeans!
Lot's of soybeans being grown in this area, although we do not have a soybean carnival. After this, we may never see one!
From World Net Daily
"The dangerous food I'm speaking of is soy. Soybean products are feminizing, and they're all over the place. You can hardly escape them anymore."
Gasp, soy! Statewide soy ban?
"Soy is feminizing, and commonly leads to a decrease in the size of the penis, sexual confusion and homosexuality. That's why most of the medical (not socio-spiritual) blame for today's rise in homosexuality must fall upon the rise in soy formula and other soy products. (Most babies are bottle-fed during some part of their infancy, and one-fourth of them are getting soy milk!) Homosexuals often argue that their homosexuality is inborn because "I can't remember a time when I wasn't homosexual." No, homosexuality is always deviant. But now many of them can truthfully say that they can't remember a time when excess estrogen wasn't influencing them. "
Soy leads to homosexuality! Of course the righties, and in this case, the extreme religious fundamentalist righties, have to find a way to explain everything. This is truly unbelieveable!
Wonkette picked up on this, as well as Dump Bachmann.
I wonder what our locally elected officials will think? Will they give back their campaign monies from the soy industry? Will they call for subsidies for soybeans to be cut?
Don't we feed soybeans to our cattle? Do we now have gay cattle? Does eating gay cattle meat make us gay too? If soybean yields were down 16% this past year, because of arrid conditions, can we expect a decrease in those that identify as GLBT?
Wow, just when you think you have read some crazy stuff in this place we call the world wide web, you reach rock bottom.
Soybeans make you gay?
These are the same cats that buy Meth from their gay masseuse to only chuck it in the trash on the way home.
I can see the fields of burning soy beans next summer.
Screw a smoking ban...ban soybeans!
Pioneer Press Energy Opinion
Looking forward with new energy
There were times during Gov. Tim Pawlenty's first term when it appeared that Democratic-Farmer-Labor leaders in the Legislature didn't mind if the session crashed and burned and the Republican governor took the blame (some of which he earned.
But on Tuesday, as he looked forward to the first session with DFLers in firm control of both the House and the Senate, Pawlenty saw reason for hope.
"They don't want to come in here and take control and have everything stink,'' the governor said. "It's not in their interest to throw sand in the gearbox.''
The governor and four new legislative leaders spoke to a gathering of journalists Tuesday about the budget-setting session that will begin Jan. 3. Energy was on the governor's mind, and he and the new legislative leaders were on their best behavior for a session preview at the Capitol.
During his first term, Pawlenty and the Legislature had a 50 percent breakdown ratio — two out of four sessions ended badly. Pawlenty was narrowly re-elected to a second term in November. DFLers, who controlled the Senate during Pawlenty's first term, won control of the House in November and increased their margin in the Senate.
INFLUENCE IN RENEWABLE FUELS MARKET
Pawlenty took the opportunity Tuesday to talk energy, which he called "a national economy imperative and a national security imperative.'' His focus, which involves a significant government influence in the renewable-fuel market, may put off ideologues on both sides.
But government is part of the energy market, and every other market. Anybody who thinks otherwise is out of touch with reality. The question is where that role should start and end.
Pawlenty sees a future that relies on cleaner fuels that don't require us to give succor to our enemies. He would position Minnesota to profit from that future. His "Next Generation Energy Initiative" would stimulate the effort by requiring more use of renewable fuels, more conservation and less pollution.
He'll find considerable common ground with Democrats there. He's also likely to catch criticism from both the right and left. The right imagines the market in oil to be more virtuous and free-standing than it actually is, and the left imagines government to be more virtuous and effective than it actually is.
Good for the governor. He's talking sense.
And maybe the new faces around the negotiating table will help move the people's business along.
In the House, Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, is in line to become House Speaker. House Republicans will be led by their new Minority Leader, Marty Seifert, R-Marshall.
In the Senate, Sen. Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, is the new Senate Majority Leader, and Sen. Dave Senjem, R-Rochester, the new Senate Minority Leader.
GAS TAX INCREASE VS. BORROWING
From them, we heard echoes of old debates about transportation — whether a gas tax increase (which Democrats tend to favor) is needed to pump money into roads and transit, or whether borrowing for highway construction (which Pawlenty and Republicans tend to support) is a better option.
Seifert is a plain-spoken fellow who sees a need for a longer school day — something parents will cheer for. Pogemiller, the most experienced of the lot (he was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1980), spoke of decentralizing the process so committee chairs have more power to reach agreements over contentious issues.
He said the focus will be on "bread and butter, meat and potatoes.'' Kelliher said it will be important for the Legislature to be "fiscally moderate.''
Translation: Gay marriage, abortion and other hot buttons may not get such a pounding this session.
We applaud the new energy, the new faces and the governor's plans to have Big Corn (or Big Switchgrass) go after Big Oil. There's a lot to do. We wish them well.
There were times during Gov. Tim Pawlenty's first term when it appeared that Democratic-Farmer-Labor leaders in the Legislature didn't mind if the session crashed and burned and the Republican governor took the blame (some of which he earned.
But on Tuesday, as he looked forward to the first session with DFLers in firm control of both the House and the Senate, Pawlenty saw reason for hope.
"They don't want to come in here and take control and have everything stink,'' the governor said. "It's not in their interest to throw sand in the gearbox.''
The governor and four new legislative leaders spoke to a gathering of journalists Tuesday about the budget-setting session that will begin Jan. 3. Energy was on the governor's mind, and he and the new legislative leaders were on their best behavior for a session preview at the Capitol.
During his first term, Pawlenty and the Legislature had a 50 percent breakdown ratio — two out of four sessions ended badly. Pawlenty was narrowly re-elected to a second term in November. DFLers, who controlled the Senate during Pawlenty's first term, won control of the House in November and increased their margin in the Senate.
INFLUENCE IN RENEWABLE FUELS MARKET
Pawlenty took the opportunity Tuesday to talk energy, which he called "a national economy imperative and a national security imperative.'' His focus, which involves a significant government influence in the renewable-fuel market, may put off ideologues on both sides.
But government is part of the energy market, and every other market. Anybody who thinks otherwise is out of touch with reality. The question is where that role should start and end.
Pawlenty sees a future that relies on cleaner fuels that don't require us to give succor to our enemies. He would position Minnesota to profit from that future. His "Next Generation Energy Initiative" would stimulate the effort by requiring more use of renewable fuels, more conservation and less pollution.
He'll find considerable common ground with Democrats there. He's also likely to catch criticism from both the right and left. The right imagines the market in oil to be more virtuous and free-standing than it actually is, and the left imagines government to be more virtuous and effective than it actually is.
Good for the governor. He's talking sense.
And maybe the new faces around the negotiating table will help move the people's business along.
In the House, Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, is in line to become House Speaker. House Republicans will be led by their new Minority Leader, Marty Seifert, R-Marshall.
In the Senate, Sen. Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, is the new Senate Majority Leader, and Sen. Dave Senjem, R-Rochester, the new Senate Minority Leader.
GAS TAX INCREASE VS. BORROWING
From them, we heard echoes of old debates about transportation — whether a gas tax increase (which Democrats tend to favor) is needed to pump money into roads and transit, or whether borrowing for highway construction (which Pawlenty and Republicans tend to support) is a better option.
Seifert is a plain-spoken fellow who sees a need for a longer school day — something parents will cheer for. Pogemiller, the most experienced of the lot (he was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1980), spoke of decentralizing the process so committee chairs have more power to reach agreements over contentious issues.
He said the focus will be on "bread and butter, meat and potatoes.'' Kelliher said it will be important for the Legislature to be "fiscally moderate.''
Translation: Gay marriage, abortion and other hot buttons may not get such a pounding this session.
We applaud the new energy, the new faces and the governor's plans to have Big Corn (or Big Switchgrass) go after Big Oil. There's a lot to do. We wish them well.
Bio-diversity
Strib editorial from today!
Editorial: Making biofuels from biodiversity
Minnesota researchers look well beyond corn ethanol.
Published: December 13, 2006
Imagine what the world might be like if petroleum had never become our motor fuel of choice -- if, instead, we powered our cars and trucks with plant-derived alcohols, as Henry Ford imagined, or vegetable oils, like those Rudolf Diesel used in his prototypes.
Poof! Gone are global alliances built upon, and distorted by, the flow of oil. Gone is the infrastructure, and expense, required to gather fuels from concentrated reserves and disperse them around the globe. Gone are the choking clouds of urban smog, as well as the globe-warming blanket of gases unleashed from millennia of fossilized carbon.
This kind of world is the ultimate promise of renewable energy, but the early stages have been confounded by their own problems. For example, corn-derived ethanol's potential is undermined by objections to production subsidies, the morality of burning grain in a hungry world, and the environmental impacts of extending today's agricultural practices across vast new acreage.
All of which makes new findings from the University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek research station so encouraging:
• Land planted with a mix of grasses and prairie plants that many an urbanite might mistake for random weeds, can yield as much as 238 percent more bioenergy per acre than land planted with a single species.
• Such plant mixes are well-suited to acreage whose poor soil quality or topography makes it useless for other agriculture -- and they require far less fertilizer, pesticides, irrigation water and labor than typical crops. Indeed, test plots at Cedar Creek required virtually none of these "inputs" after plant cover was established.
• Compared to today's main biofuel crops (corn, soybeans, sugar cane) or even the new "cellulosic ethanol" contenders (switchgrass) -- these "low-input, high-diversity" plantings also provide excellent wildlife habitat.
• Because of their deep root systems, these mixed plantings captured up to 14 times as much carbon below ground as would be released in burning fuels made from their aboveground biomass.
Cedar Creek is focused on ecological research, so this study's emphasis on the benefits of biodiversity is not surprising. But economic analysis also played a big role in the new study, and in some eye-popping projections.
For example, the researchers calculated that the world's degraded and abandoned farmlands, if managed along the lines of the Cedar Creek experiments, could stoke enough synthethic-fuel plants to provide about 13 percent of the world's motor fuels and 19 percent of its electricity.
By displacing fossil fuels, they calculated, those plants would eliminate about 15 percent of greenhouse-gas emissions -- in addition to carbon they capture.
Thinking beyond the current debates over renewable energy, which tend to a short-term focus on price and practicality, the researchers invite consideration of a future in which world demand for both food and fuel will double in the next 50 years.
Which makes you wonder: When those times arrive, will relying on corn seem much wiser than the long-ago decision to fill our tanks with petroleum products?
The Governor came out with a bold statement yesterday about MN leading the nation to energy independence. In many respects, it was the Governor getting ahead of the DFL swarm on the issues and plant himself at the doorstep of the issue, by going their first, positioning himself for greater future gains.
Embracing a holistic energy plan is needed. We simply cannot rely upon corn, coal, hyrdo, wind, nuclear, etc. We need the infrastructure in place to build upon. While the petroleum industry maintains a stranglehold on the energy industry and lobby, grassroots organizing on these issues will be vital to our future successes.
Editorial: Making biofuels from biodiversity
Minnesota researchers look well beyond corn ethanol.
Published: December 13, 2006
Imagine what the world might be like if petroleum had never become our motor fuel of choice -- if, instead, we powered our cars and trucks with plant-derived alcohols, as Henry Ford imagined, or vegetable oils, like those Rudolf Diesel used in his prototypes.
Poof! Gone are global alliances built upon, and distorted by, the flow of oil. Gone is the infrastructure, and expense, required to gather fuels from concentrated reserves and disperse them around the globe. Gone are the choking clouds of urban smog, as well as the globe-warming blanket of gases unleashed from millennia of fossilized carbon.
This kind of world is the ultimate promise of renewable energy, but the early stages have been confounded by their own problems. For example, corn-derived ethanol's potential is undermined by objections to production subsidies, the morality of burning grain in a hungry world, and the environmental impacts of extending today's agricultural practices across vast new acreage.
All of which makes new findings from the University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek research station so encouraging:
• Land planted with a mix of grasses and prairie plants that many an urbanite might mistake for random weeds, can yield as much as 238 percent more bioenergy per acre than land planted with a single species.
• Such plant mixes are well-suited to acreage whose poor soil quality or topography makes it useless for other agriculture -- and they require far less fertilizer, pesticides, irrigation water and labor than typical crops. Indeed, test plots at Cedar Creek required virtually none of these "inputs" after plant cover was established.
• Compared to today's main biofuel crops (corn, soybeans, sugar cane) or even the new "cellulosic ethanol" contenders (switchgrass) -- these "low-input, high-diversity" plantings also provide excellent wildlife habitat.
• Because of their deep root systems, these mixed plantings captured up to 14 times as much carbon below ground as would be released in burning fuels made from their aboveground biomass.
Cedar Creek is focused on ecological research, so this study's emphasis on the benefits of biodiversity is not surprising. But economic analysis also played a big role in the new study, and in some eye-popping projections.
For example, the researchers calculated that the world's degraded and abandoned farmlands, if managed along the lines of the Cedar Creek experiments, could stoke enough synthethic-fuel plants to provide about 13 percent of the world's motor fuels and 19 percent of its electricity.
By displacing fossil fuels, they calculated, those plants would eliminate about 15 percent of greenhouse-gas emissions -- in addition to carbon they capture.
Thinking beyond the current debates over renewable energy, which tend to a short-term focus on price and practicality, the researchers invite consideration of a future in which world demand for both food and fuel will double in the next 50 years.
Which makes you wonder: When those times arrive, will relying on corn seem much wiser than the long-ago decision to fill our tanks with petroleum products?
The Governor came out with a bold statement yesterday about MN leading the nation to energy independence. In many respects, it was the Governor getting ahead of the DFL swarm on the issues and plant himself at the doorstep of the issue, by going their first, positioning himself for greater future gains.
Embracing a holistic energy plan is needed. We simply cannot rely upon corn, coal, hyrdo, wind, nuclear, etc. We need the infrastructure in place to build upon. While the petroleum industry maintains a stranglehold on the energy industry and lobby, grassroots organizing on these issues will be vital to our future successes.
More Bachmann and global warming
From mnpACT!
Note to Bachmann & Co.: Global Warming is Real
Posted: Tuesday, 12 December 2006 15:15
By Christopher Truscott
National political figures like Minnesota's Michele Bachmann are still cool to the idea of global warming (pun intended), but the "market forces" the hard-right generally worship continue to tell us global warming is real.
Allstate Corp., a major provider of home and automobile insurance, announced last week it won't issue new homeowner policies in Delaware, New Jersey and Connecticut because of the increased hurricane risk due to global warming raising the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean.
We're not talking about typical warm-weather southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, which have always made insurance carriers justifiably fearful of monster storms. It snows in the Mid-Atlantic and New England, yet they're now on the global warming watch list.
Global warming is caused in large part by the burning of fossil fuels like oil. The United States has just 5 percent of the globe's population, but is the leading emitter of greenhouse gases.
Even though we disproportionately contribute to global warming, the U.S. is one of the only developed countries in the world that hasn't ratified the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (exciting name!). The anti-global warming fringe believes it gives unfair advantages to countries that don't contribute as much pollution to the air we breathe. Duh! Isn't that the point?
While the crazies, like Bachmann, tout the market as the savior for 47 million Americans without health insurance, they still have their heads lodged in a quickly melting glacier when it comes to the catastrophic threat climate change poses.
"I don't think that it has been established yet as a fact that global warming is the issue of the day and one thing we need to do is look at the science," Bachmann said in a debate with DFLer Patty Wetterling and Independence Party candidate John Binkowski this fall.
She wasn't kidding. Sounds like a quote from Comedy Central's "Colbert Report," but it's real. Straight from the mouth of a major political figure in the 21 st century.
There's more. While the insurance industry and other large segments of the business community have come to believe global warming is real and dangerous, the outgoing chairman of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works has called it a "hoax."
"The evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of those who don't see global warming posing grave harm to the planet and who don't think human beings have significant influence on the climate system," Sen. James Inhofe, an Oklahoma Republican, said in 2003.
Inhofe is still at it. Just last month he told Fox News climate change could be the result of divine intervention. "God's still up there," he said.
Allstate's decision to leave the market in three more coastal states should renew the debate on the effects of global warming and expose as fraudulent the rhetoric espoused by legislators like Bachmann and Inhofe.
While climate change has already caused damage (New Orleans, for instance), it's not too late to make serious changes. Ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, or at least broadly accepting its principles, is a good place to start.
While it would require U.S. government and industry to dramatically overhaul the way they do business, a simple cost-benefit analysis dictates that it's better to accept the Kyoto Protocol now rather than waiting for New York to join Atlantis as part of the ocean floor.
Christopher Truscott can be reached at chris.truscott@gmail.com. Like Sen. Inhofe, he believes Jesus would shun mass transit whenever possible and drive a Hummer.
Note to Bachmann & Co.: Global Warming is Real
Posted: Tuesday, 12 December 2006 15:15
By Christopher Truscott
National political figures like Minnesota's Michele Bachmann are still cool to the idea of global warming (pun intended), but the "market forces" the hard-right generally worship continue to tell us global warming is real.
Allstate Corp., a major provider of home and automobile insurance, announced last week it won't issue new homeowner policies in Delaware, New Jersey and Connecticut because of the increased hurricane risk due to global warming raising the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean.
We're not talking about typical warm-weather southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, which have always made insurance carriers justifiably fearful of monster storms. It snows in the Mid-Atlantic and New England, yet they're now on the global warming watch list.
Global warming is caused in large part by the burning of fossil fuels like oil. The United States has just 5 percent of the globe's population, but is the leading emitter of greenhouse gases.
Even though we disproportionately contribute to global warming, the U.S. is one of the only developed countries in the world that hasn't ratified the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (exciting name!). The anti-global warming fringe believes it gives unfair advantages to countries that don't contribute as much pollution to the air we breathe. Duh! Isn't that the point?
While the crazies, like Bachmann, tout the market as the savior for 47 million Americans without health insurance, they still have their heads lodged in a quickly melting glacier when it comes to the catastrophic threat climate change poses.
"I don't think that it has been established yet as a fact that global warming is the issue of the day and one thing we need to do is look at the science," Bachmann said in a debate with DFLer Patty Wetterling and Independence Party candidate John Binkowski this fall.
She wasn't kidding. Sounds like a quote from Comedy Central's "Colbert Report," but it's real. Straight from the mouth of a major political figure in the 21 st century.
There's more. While the insurance industry and other large segments of the business community have come to believe global warming is real and dangerous, the outgoing chairman of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works has called it a "hoax."
"The evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of those who don't see global warming posing grave harm to the planet and who don't think human beings have significant influence on the climate system," Sen. James Inhofe, an Oklahoma Republican, said in 2003.
Inhofe is still at it. Just last month he told Fox News climate change could be the result of divine intervention. "God's still up there," he said.
Allstate's decision to leave the market in three more coastal states should renew the debate on the effects of global warming and expose as fraudulent the rhetoric espoused by legislators like Bachmann and Inhofe.
While climate change has already caused damage (New Orleans, for instance), it's not too late to make serious changes. Ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, or at least broadly accepting its principles, is a good place to start.
While it would require U.S. government and industry to dramatically overhaul the way they do business, a simple cost-benefit analysis dictates that it's better to accept the Kyoto Protocol now rather than waiting for New York to join Atlantis as part of the ocean floor.
Christopher Truscott can be reached at chris.truscott@gmail.com. Like Sen. Inhofe, he believes Jesus would shun mass transit whenever possible and drive a Hummer.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
One last Olson tidbit for the night.
It's good to see Avidor over at the SC Times Story Chat. Archie and other Olson fanatics are running rampant in the chat room.
Here's a sample of the chaos...
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 221
Comment Posted: 12/12/2006 2:45:46 PM
To GB Girl:
Then don't worry about the Olson case and let the law take care of it. Go out and drain the garden hoses before it freezes, or something positive, have you tried a job or volunteer work?. or how about judging a bake off contest or something like that where you can use your best trait, judging........................ Ha HA gotchya
Is Archie 10?
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 391
Comment Posted: 12/12/2006 2:53:17 PM
Arch: So you are saying that you feel it is ok to "place a woman on the ground" leaving bruises? That is what he admitted. That is fact. You are in support of actions such as those? I don't care if you feel I am judging him...I will never ever condone nor support behavior such as that. It saddens me that you would......
And I will worry about the Olson case...on behalf of all women that suffer at the hands of abuse. Sorry that my speaking out angers you, Arch, but I will always speak out against violence against women.
Hoses have been taken care of...yes I've worked...yes I've volunteered (something that "my kind" does a lot of)....I am not into eating baked goods, so doubt i'd be a good judge. Thanks for the suggestions, though Think that I will continue my day with speaking out against violence against women though. Sorry if that bothers you or your support of it.
BTW...I eagerly await an answer to my bolded question....but am anticipating more redirection in the form of insults towards me. Maybe you'll surprise me though.....ha ha gotcha
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 391
Comment Posted: 12/12/2006 3:25:33 PM
Arch: I didn't realize that Olsons wife put a child in the microwave? Oh my!!!!!!!!! That is awful! I also didn't see her featured on COPS...what episode was that? Are you insinuating that his wife beat him first? I hadn't heard that he was put to the ground (3x) or had any bruising...where did you formulate that opinion?
Abuse of women is a reality, Arch.
Your question, If anyone is trying to kick me or beat on my face I will place them on the roof or in a tree if necessary, WWGBD ?
Well, Arch...if it was a man that outweighs me, is taller than me, that is stronger than me...WWGBD? Probably end up very injured and in the hospital. That's tragic. Don't you think?
boatman from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 118 C
omment Posted: 12/12/2006 4:12:44 PM
If a wife beater pleads not quilty to beating his wife, and then is found guilty, does that make that individual a lying wife beater ?
nerdgirl1968 from SE Minnesota
Number of Posts: 69 C
omment Posted: 12/12/2006 6:34:52 PM
When asked if he feels that it is OK to place someone on the ground and leave bruises, Archie had this to say, "If anyone is trying to kick me or beat on my face I will place them on the roof or in a tree if necessary,"
Archie, have you heard that she was physically attacking Mr. Olson at the time? Perhaps you have some insight or information that the rest of us don't have.
I certainly hope you do because otherwise you are actually giving Mr. Olson an excuse for his behavior that he isn't even claiming for himself. You are defending a probable abuser more vehemently than he is defending himself.
Archie, he admitted placing her on the floor, if there were extenuating circumstances, don't you think that he would have mentioned them?
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 391
Comment Posted: 12/12/2006 8:51:15 PM
Clemke: She was the one with bruises...she was the one HE admitted to placing on the ground. I agree, men are abused too....but him stating he admired his wife's strength in speaking out...that he feels he's failed terribly with his family...etc.....I just dunno. Those aren't characteristic of a "Victim"...more of a man with a guilty conscience. JMHO. If facts or evidence come out, ie: he is bruised...he alleges in a pd report...etc...that he was victimized, then I will consider that as an option.
The pressure on Olson will continue to mount. The question of the day is why would the Representative push his wife to the ground repeatedly, and while leaving jail, praise his wife for the courage to report him and ask for her forgiveness and for God's as well.
If there were extenuating circumstances, I think the reaction would have been different.
I think Olson is concocting a story to get him out of trouble.
Let's keep the heat on! He asked for the media to continue to cover the case, let's hold them accountable to do that.
Here's a sample of the chaos...
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 221
Comment Posted: 12/12/2006 2:45:46 PM
To GB Girl:
Then don't worry about the Olson case and let the law take care of it. Go out and drain the garden hoses before it freezes, or something positive, have you tried a job or volunteer work?. or how about judging a bake off contest or something like that where you can use your best trait, judging........................ Ha HA gotchya
Is Archie 10?
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 391
Comment Posted: 12/12/2006 2:53:17 PM
Arch: So you are saying that you feel it is ok to "place a woman on the ground" leaving bruises? That is what he admitted. That is fact. You are in support of actions such as those? I don't care if you feel I am judging him...I will never ever condone nor support behavior such as that. It saddens me that you would......
And I will worry about the Olson case...on behalf of all women that suffer at the hands of abuse. Sorry that my speaking out angers you, Arch, but I will always speak out against violence against women.
Hoses have been taken care of...yes I've worked...yes I've volunteered (something that "my kind" does a lot of)....I am not into eating baked goods, so doubt i'd be a good judge. Thanks for the suggestions, though Think that I will continue my day with speaking out against violence against women though. Sorry if that bothers you or your support of it.
BTW...I eagerly await an answer to my bolded question....but am anticipating more redirection in the form of insults towards me. Maybe you'll surprise me though.....ha ha gotcha
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 391
Comment Posted: 12/12/2006 3:25:33 PM
Arch: I didn't realize that Olsons wife put a child in the microwave? Oh my!!!!!!!!! That is awful! I also didn't see her featured on COPS...what episode was that? Are you insinuating that his wife beat him first? I hadn't heard that he was put to the ground (3x) or had any bruising...where did you formulate that opinion?
Abuse of women is a reality, Arch.
Your question, If anyone is trying to kick me or beat on my face I will place them on the roof or in a tree if necessary, WWGBD ?
Well, Arch...if it was a man that outweighs me, is taller than me, that is stronger than me...WWGBD? Probably end up very injured and in the hospital. That's tragic. Don't you think?
boatman from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 118 C
omment Posted: 12/12/2006 4:12:44 PM
If a wife beater pleads not quilty to beating his wife, and then is found guilty, does that make that individual a lying wife beater ?
nerdgirl1968 from SE Minnesota
Number of Posts: 69 C
omment Posted: 12/12/2006 6:34:52 PM
When asked if he feels that it is OK to place someone on the ground and leave bruises, Archie had this to say, "If anyone is trying to kick me or beat on my face I will place them on the roof or in a tree if necessary,"
Archie, have you heard that she was physically attacking Mr. Olson at the time? Perhaps you have some insight or information that the rest of us don't have.
I certainly hope you do because otherwise you are actually giving Mr. Olson an excuse for his behavior that he isn't even claiming for himself. You are defending a probable abuser more vehemently than he is defending himself.
Archie, he admitted placing her on the floor, if there were extenuating circumstances, don't you think that he would have mentioned them?
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 391
Comment Posted: 12/12/2006 8:51:15 PM
Clemke: She was the one with bruises...she was the one HE admitted to placing on the ground. I agree, men are abused too....but him stating he admired his wife's strength in speaking out...that he feels he's failed terribly with his family...etc.....I just dunno. Those aren't characteristic of a "Victim"...more of a man with a guilty conscience. JMHO. If facts or evidence come out, ie: he is bruised...he alleges in a pd report...etc...that he was victimized, then I will consider that as an option.
The pressure on Olson will continue to mount. The question of the day is why would the Representative push his wife to the ground repeatedly, and while leaving jail, praise his wife for the courage to report him and ask for her forgiveness and for God's as well.
If there were extenuating circumstances, I think the reaction would have been different.
I think Olson is concocting a story to get him out of trouble.
Let's keep the heat on! He asked for the media to continue to cover the case, let's hold them accountable to do that.
Ethanol and next farm bill
From the Strib.
First off, Congressman Walz will serve on the Ag Committee, to be chaired by Congressman Peterson! Great news for Minnesota farmers.
WASHINGTON — Demand for ethanol for cars will attract enough support to lead to passage of a major farm bill next year, despite disagreement on subsidy payments for farmers, a key Democrat and the Republican agriculture secretary agreed Tuesday.
Popularity of corn-based ethanol has soared because of high oil and gas prices. But corn prices have risen so high, and surpluses have dropped so low, that lawmakers want to find other crops to make ethanol and keep the industry growing.
"Energy actually may be the engine that pulls this farm bill, or pushes it," Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin said Tuesday after meeting with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.
Harkin will chair the Senate Agriculture Committee after Democrats take control of Congress next year, when the nation's farm programs are due for an overhaul.
Johanns argues for distributing dollars more equitably, pointing out that fruit and vegetable growers get no subsidy checks even though their crops are worth as much as subsidized crops — corn, soybeans, wheat, rice and cotton.
Plenty of lawmakers disagree with that proposed change.
But both sides agree on the desire to spur production of ethanol, a grain alcohol that is blended with gasoline to make cleaner-burning fuel.
Harkin and other lawmakers have been talking about using new ethanol crops as a conservation tool. For example, switchgrass has promise as an ethanol source, and it could provide habitat for wild birds during nesting season.
A small amount of sorghum, another feed grain, already is used to make ethanol in the United States. Ethanol is made from sugar cane in Brazil, a country that meets roughly half its fuel demand with ethanol.
Tens of millions of acres of farmland have been taken out of production under conservation programs in the farm bill. It's up in the air whether any of those lands might be used for crops to make ethanol.
That decision hasn't been made, Johanns said.
"Not every conservation acre is going to grow corn; in fact, it's going to be a very small number of acres," Johanns said at a news conference with Harkin following their meeting. "Are there some out there? Certainly. But today, I think the gain would be quite small."
Johanns said he and Harkin have similar goals for conservation programs. Harkin's counterpart in the House, Minnesota Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson, is pushing the idea of a conservation program that would pay farmers to grow around 5 million acres of switchgrass and other non-corn crops for ethanol.
The big question is whether Congress will provide money to pay for new energy or conservation programs.
Democrats are instituting a rule that says if lawmakers want to raise spending for subsidies or conservation payments, they have to pay for it with budget cuts elsewhere.
Harkin said the need for domestic sources of energy justifies enough money for farm programs.
"There is a groundswell of support in this country that we need energy independence, that we have to produce more biofuels," Harkin said. "Well, then, how do we promote that? How do we start moving in that direction?"
More ethanol and other renewable fuels are the answer, Harkin said.
A former Nebraska governor, Johanns grew up on a dairy farm in neighboring Iowa, Harkin's home state.
"You can have Republicans and Democrats absolutely in lockstep agreement on certain issues in the farm bill, and it has nothing to do with parties," Johanns said. "These issues tend to be commodity-driven."
First off, Congressman Walz will serve on the Ag Committee, to be chaired by Congressman Peterson! Great news for Minnesota farmers.
WASHINGTON — Demand for ethanol for cars will attract enough support to lead to passage of a major farm bill next year, despite disagreement on subsidy payments for farmers, a key Democrat and the Republican agriculture secretary agreed Tuesday.
Popularity of corn-based ethanol has soared because of high oil and gas prices. But corn prices have risen so high, and surpluses have dropped so low, that lawmakers want to find other crops to make ethanol and keep the industry growing.
"Energy actually may be the engine that pulls this farm bill, or pushes it," Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin said Tuesday after meeting with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.
Harkin will chair the Senate Agriculture Committee after Democrats take control of Congress next year, when the nation's farm programs are due for an overhaul.
Johanns argues for distributing dollars more equitably, pointing out that fruit and vegetable growers get no subsidy checks even though their crops are worth as much as subsidized crops — corn, soybeans, wheat, rice and cotton.
Plenty of lawmakers disagree with that proposed change.
But both sides agree on the desire to spur production of ethanol, a grain alcohol that is blended with gasoline to make cleaner-burning fuel.
Harkin and other lawmakers have been talking about using new ethanol crops as a conservation tool. For example, switchgrass has promise as an ethanol source, and it could provide habitat for wild birds during nesting season.
A small amount of sorghum, another feed grain, already is used to make ethanol in the United States. Ethanol is made from sugar cane in Brazil, a country that meets roughly half its fuel demand with ethanol.
Tens of millions of acres of farmland have been taken out of production under conservation programs in the farm bill. It's up in the air whether any of those lands might be used for crops to make ethanol.
That decision hasn't been made, Johanns said.
"Not every conservation acre is going to grow corn; in fact, it's going to be a very small number of acres," Johanns said at a news conference with Harkin following their meeting. "Are there some out there? Certainly. But today, I think the gain would be quite small."
Johanns said he and Harkin have similar goals for conservation programs. Harkin's counterpart in the House, Minnesota Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson, is pushing the idea of a conservation program that would pay farmers to grow around 5 million acres of switchgrass and other non-corn crops for ethanol.
The big question is whether Congress will provide money to pay for new energy or conservation programs.
Democrats are instituting a rule that says if lawmakers want to raise spending for subsidies or conservation payments, they have to pay for it with budget cuts elsewhere.
Harkin said the need for domestic sources of energy justifies enough money for farm programs.
"There is a groundswell of support in this country that we need energy independence, that we have to produce more biofuels," Harkin said. "Well, then, how do we promote that? How do we start moving in that direction?"
More ethanol and other renewable fuels are the answer, Harkin said.
A former Nebraska governor, Johanns grew up on a dairy farm in neighboring Iowa, Harkin's home state.
"You can have Republicans and Democrats absolutely in lockstep agreement on certain issues in the farm bill, and it has nothing to do with parties," Johanns said. "These issues tend to be commodity-driven."
Minnesota's GOP leaders on Global warming
From the Strib.
On global warming, Pawlenty noted that "Minnesotans did not create this problem, nor can we solve it by ourselves." But he said the state can take "reasonable and fair steps" to cut greenhouse gases, including a requirement that electric utilities offset carbon emissions from new fossil-fuel generation plants.
Bachmann? I think most of us already know what the Congresswoman elect thinks of global warming, but here goes!
“Global warming is something that’s talked a lot about and has been for the last probably twenty years and I remember the covers of some of our news magazines …our weekly news magazines that said that we were coming into an ice age that was in the 1970s and scientists felt that we were coming into global cooling not global warming, then scientists said that we were going into global warming, they backed off of that and said we were going into global cooling, now we’re back into some scientists talking for global warming. I don’t think that it has been established yet as a fact that global warming is the issue of the day and one thing we need to do is look at the science.” Courtesy of MN Publius
Hey Michelle! How much snow do you remember when you were a little girl? I am 15 years your junior and I recall significant amounts of snow, some by now, some later...but I recall cold and snowy winters.
It's mid December in MN. We have no snow on the ground as we speak and the temp will probably hit 40 tomorrow.
Global warming? A serious energy plan that embraces renewable energy sources in a holistic approach to energy and global warming is the correct answer.
On global warming, Pawlenty noted that "Minnesotans did not create this problem, nor can we solve it by ourselves." But he said the state can take "reasonable and fair steps" to cut greenhouse gases, including a requirement that electric utilities offset carbon emissions from new fossil-fuel generation plants.
Bachmann? I think most of us already know what the Congresswoman elect thinks of global warming, but here goes!
“Global warming is something that’s talked a lot about and has been for the last probably twenty years and I remember the covers of some of our news magazines …our weekly news magazines that said that we were coming into an ice age that was in the 1970s and scientists felt that we were coming into global cooling not global warming, then scientists said that we were going into global warming, they backed off of that and said we were going into global cooling, now we’re back into some scientists talking for global warming. I don’t think that it has been established yet as a fact that global warming is the issue of the day and one thing we need to do is look at the science.” Courtesy of MN Publius
Hey Michelle! How much snow do you remember when you were a little girl? I am 15 years your junior and I recall significant amounts of snow, some by now, some later...but I recall cold and snowy winters.
It's mid December in MN. We have no snow on the ground as we speak and the temp will probably hit 40 tomorrow.
Global warming? A serious energy plan that embraces renewable energy sources in a holistic approach to energy and global warming is the correct answer.
Pawlenty the moderate
My how an election year tsunami changes the tone of the once very conservative, Governor Pawlenty.
Years ago, no new tax pledges forced deep cuts in education, social programs, and public safety, and increases in property taxes.
Now, we see after the DFL seized control of both the House and the Senate, that he is now become a centrist.
He promoted steps towards health care coverage for all Minnesotan's, and conservative bloggers and columnists blasted him for it.
Talk of a smoking ban has arisen and no response from the quick tongued Governor. If a smoking ban passed both the House and Senate, I highly doubt the Governor would veto it.
Now, he has indirectly slapped the neo-con energy plan, stating MN will be a nationwide leader in reforming an "outdated US energy policy".
According to the Startribune, Pawlenty will utilize a series of "regulations, incentives and penalties to make the state more energy-independent through big increases in ethanol-rich fuel stations and highly energy-efficient buildings, big advances in renewable energy technologies and big decreases in electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions."
I smell the conservative base eating at him as I type this. They will call a play from page 3 of the GOP handbook, citing undue regualtion of business.
Pawlenty wasn't lying months ago when he said that the idea of small government is dead.
I like the idea of selling emissions credits. It can create greater profit margins and incentives for businesses below the emission standard level. Businesses can sell these emissions credits to businesses that exceed standard levels. Additionally, maintaing hard standards environmentally will have a positive impact on global warming.
I am interested to see the details behind this proposal, just as I am on Pawlenty's higher education plan and health care plan as well.
Years ago, no new tax pledges forced deep cuts in education, social programs, and public safety, and increases in property taxes.
Now, we see after the DFL seized control of both the House and the Senate, that he is now become a centrist.
He promoted steps towards health care coverage for all Minnesotan's, and conservative bloggers and columnists blasted him for it.
Talk of a smoking ban has arisen and no response from the quick tongued Governor. If a smoking ban passed both the House and Senate, I highly doubt the Governor would veto it.
Now, he has indirectly slapped the neo-con energy plan, stating MN will be a nationwide leader in reforming an "outdated US energy policy".
According to the Startribune, Pawlenty will utilize a series of "regulations, incentives and penalties to make the state more energy-independent through big increases in ethanol-rich fuel stations and highly energy-efficient buildings, big advances in renewable energy technologies and big decreases in electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions."
I smell the conservative base eating at him as I type this. They will call a play from page 3 of the GOP handbook, citing undue regualtion of business.
Pawlenty wasn't lying months ago when he said that the idea of small government is dead.
I like the idea of selling emissions credits. It can create greater profit margins and incentives for businesses below the emission standard level. Businesses can sell these emissions credits to businesses that exceed standard levels. Additionally, maintaing hard standards environmentally will have a positive impact on global warming.
I am interested to see the details behind this proposal, just as I am on Pawlenty's higher education plan and health care plan as well.
Mark Olson's crazy defenders are coming out...
Or, at least one of them!
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 191
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 6:50:45 PM
To Cloud res:
The fourth largest income are is Murderapolis, The large income is re-distributed at even a higher rate. Or are we to assume that the gay society enjoys the highest income group with the lowest income, that being $50,000 per year, There is nothing worse than a Marxist with money.
The Marxist's that now run Murderapolis has the dream to turn the once beautiful , and economically responsible City of Minneapolis into a second Gay bay , now there is no argument with that is there Cloudy? The gays run the city, especially the Fire department. a recent picture showed over 20 of those little boys with lipstick all cuddled together. I will bet the straight firemen hate going to work.
Wow...thanks for exposing the gay agenda! I'd be the first to tell you to get off my team, but since...nevermind.
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 191
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 6:50:45 PM
To Cloud res:
The fourth largest income are is Murderapolis, The large income is re-distributed at even a higher rate. Or are we to assume that the gay society enjoys the highest income group with the lowest income, that being $50,000 per year, There is nothing worse than a Marxist with money.
The Marxist's that now run Murderapolis has the dream to turn the once beautiful , and economically responsible City of Minneapolis into a second Gay bay , now there is no argument with that is there Cloudy? The gays run the city, especially the Fire department. a recent picture showed over 20 of those little boys with lipstick all cuddled together. I will bet the straight firemen hate going to work.
Wow...thanks for exposing the gay agenda! I'd be the first to tell you to get off my team, but since...nevermind.
The lazy side of Bachmann
From Dump Bachmann
Michele Bachmann spoke at the Republican State Central Committee meeting today. She wasn't happy about the new house work schedule of 5 rather than 3 day work week. She said that this 5 day work week would mean members would have to fly home on Saturdays to be with family and visit the district, and fly back on Sunday. As I understand it, the Monday sessions don't start until the evening, allowing the congress member to fly in during the day on Monday. I'd doubt that there would be working meetings Friday afternoons, so congress members could easily fly back Friday afternoons.
Michele Bachmann spoke at the Republican State Central Committee meeting today. She wasn't happy about the new house work schedule of 5 rather than 3 day work week. She said that this 5 day work week would mean members would have to fly home on Saturdays to be with family and visit the district, and fly back on Sunday. As I understand it, the Monday sessions don't start until the evening, allowing the congress member to fly in during the day on Monday. I'd doubt that there would be working meetings Friday afternoons, so congress members could easily fly back Friday afternoons.
Startribune LTE's on Smoking ban
Seems like I was not the only one who enjoyed Tom Emmers ridiculous cheeseburger reference.
STATEWIDE SMOKING BAN
Protecting ourselves
A statewide smoking ban is not about being a "nanny state." It is about making sure those who smoke harm only themselves, and not others.
Some opponents claim that we should ban tobacco or, missing the point completely, ban cheeseburgers. But we're not trying to force smokers to quit -- we're trying to save ourselves. You have the freedom to smoke, but not to force others to inhale secondhand smoke. You can eat a cheeseburger, but you can't shove one down my throat.
JEFF ROSENBERG, MINNEAPOLIS
Pretty simple, actually
It is amazing that people, including Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, still make the inane comparison of smoking and cheeseburgers (Star Tribune, Dec. 10).
One more time for those who still don't get it: Unlike smoking, my eating a cheeseburger doesn't kill the person sitting next to me.
JOHN G. MORGAN, BURNSVILLE
Exactly, Emmer is once again, out of touch with reality.
Someday our kids will ask us "what took you so long" when it comes to the smoking ban.
STATEWIDE SMOKING BAN
Protecting ourselves
A statewide smoking ban is not about being a "nanny state." It is about making sure those who smoke harm only themselves, and not others.
Some opponents claim that we should ban tobacco or, missing the point completely, ban cheeseburgers. But we're not trying to force smokers to quit -- we're trying to save ourselves. You have the freedom to smoke, but not to force others to inhale secondhand smoke. You can eat a cheeseburger, but you can't shove one down my throat.
JEFF ROSENBERG, MINNEAPOLIS
Pretty simple, actually
It is amazing that people, including Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, still make the inane comparison of smoking and cheeseburgers (Star Tribune, Dec. 10).
One more time for those who still don't get it: Unlike smoking, my eating a cheeseburger doesn't kill the person sitting next to me.
JOHN G. MORGAN, BURNSVILLE
Exactly, Emmer is once again, out of touch with reality.
Someday our kids will ask us "what took you so long" when it comes to the smoking ban.
More smoking ban thoughts
The SC Times today had a LTE that posed the question, "why would a newspaper report the killing of kittens but not the daily killing of thousands by choice?"
Two can play this game...
One of the headlines on the Strib today "3 E-Coli cases in state raise wider worries."
It's a public health and safety issue indeed.
With the smoking ban issue being the hot topic, what about deaths caused by those 3 inch tobacco sticks?
Some data from the Center for Disease Control
22,720 cancers cases to be diagnosed annually in MN
9360 cancer deaths in MN
2380 deaths from lung cancer in MN
If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Two can play this game...
One of the headlines on the Strib today "3 E-Coli cases in state raise wider worries."
It's a public health and safety issue indeed.
With the smoking ban issue being the hot topic, what about deaths caused by those 3 inch tobacco sticks?
Some data from the Center for Disease Control
22,720 cancers cases to be diagnosed annually in MN
9360 cancer deaths in MN
2380 deaths from lung cancer in MN
If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Olson pleads not guilty
Briefly this morning, Mark Olson plead not guilty to the charge that he assaulted his wife.
Pre-trial hearing is set for January 19.
Rep Mark Olson pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges that he assaulted his wife during a domestic dispute Nov. 12. In a court appearance that lasted less than one minute, a pre-trial hearing was set for Jan. 19, and Olson left the courtoroom quickly refusing to comment.
Olson, 51, who was elected to his eigthth term in the House in November, was charged Nov. 14 with two misdemeanor counts of domestic assault. The incident arose following a verbal argument between Olson and his wife, Heidi, at their Big Lake home, according to the criminal charges against him.
Olson is accused of pushing his wife to the ground several times. He was arrested a short time after the incident at a Blaine private school. At his initial court appearance, Olson declined to enter a plea but acknowledged after he was released from jail that he needed to apologize to his wife, to his constituents and to God for his behavior.
Olson’s arrest sparked discussion about whether he should resign. Olson said at the time he was not considering the move but fellow Republicans in the House have since voted to remove him from their caucus and House Republican leadership has suggested he should resign if he is convicted.
Pre-trial hearing is set for January 19.
Rep Mark Olson pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges that he assaulted his wife during a domestic dispute Nov. 12. In a court appearance that lasted less than one minute, a pre-trial hearing was set for Jan. 19, and Olson left the courtoroom quickly refusing to comment.
Olson, 51, who was elected to his eigthth term in the House in November, was charged Nov. 14 with two misdemeanor counts of domestic assault. The incident arose following a verbal argument between Olson and his wife, Heidi, at their Big Lake home, according to the criminal charges against him.
Olson is accused of pushing his wife to the ground several times. He was arrested a short time after the incident at a Blaine private school. At his initial court appearance, Olson declined to enter a plea but acknowledged after he was released from jail that he needed to apologize to his wife, to his constituents and to God for his behavior.
Olson’s arrest sparked discussion about whether he should resign. Olson said at the time he was not considering the move but fellow Republicans in the House have since voted to remove him from their caucus and House Republican leadership has suggested he should resign if he is convicted.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Smoking ban?
The Startribune had a story yesterday about a statewide smoking ban.
Many will argue the civil liberties rant and make nicotine induced rants about how smoking is a right.
Government will be taken to task for being too involved in business because, afterall, we do not want "big brother" interfering in business matters.
Nevermind that government already plays a significant role in what does and does not happen in business.
OSHA keeps our workplaces safe...perhaps that's too much government regualtion. People should be free to choose their workplace and take the risks of working in assembly areas with high rates of death and dismemberment. That's freedom.
The IRS taxes business proportionately to what they profit. Taxes too high? Sure. But forcing businesses to pay because of their utilization of state tax benefits (education costs, transportation, high stanards of living in MN, health care costs) is impeding my ability to live a free life.
Bars and restaraunts do not need sneeze guards, its government regualtion.
The temperature of food should not be regulated. If some resatarunts like to serve cold food, it should not be a crime. If it carries E-Coli and other dangerous bacteria (liberal fallacy), then it's your right to choose to utilize their services.
Why should an employee have to wash his/her hands before coming back to work, in direct contact with your food?
Government regulations are killing our freedoms.
You'll note that my tongue was firmly planted in my cheek during this rant.
These government regulations are here to protect us. It's the same argument the Bushies used with the Partiot Act. It was meant to protect us. Now, the Fed has tracked every key stroke used on this post and every key stroke you used to find this post.
Ah, Freedom...
From the Strib story...
"If this is what government is for, let's go to the next step -- why not cheeseburgers?" said Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano. "Big Brother has got to take care of us because we are too dumb or too lazy to care for ourselves."
A small government conservative, that wants to invade the bedrooms of Minnesota with an anti same sex marraige diatribe and an anti choice mantra, but when it comes to business...hey! Watch it boy!
Personal responsibility anyone? Absolutely! But when Americans are dying as a result of a 3 inch stick of tobacco, while the powerful tobacco lobby contaminates the democratic process, we have a serious problem that needs to be addressed!
Second hand smoke anyone?
Secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 22,700-69,600 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States each year. While its a wide disparity, relate that to 16,000 alcohol related traffic deaths every year. Who wants weaker DUI guidelines?
163,510 people died as a result of lung cancer in 2005. More than 87% of lung cancers are smoking related.
Smoking ban? I support it, but would also work to assist those businesses on the borders of MN and assist them as they would most likely lose business to ND, SD, IA, and WI.
The balls in the Legislative court now...
Many will argue the civil liberties rant and make nicotine induced rants about how smoking is a right.
Government will be taken to task for being too involved in business because, afterall, we do not want "big brother" interfering in business matters.
Nevermind that government already plays a significant role in what does and does not happen in business.
OSHA keeps our workplaces safe...perhaps that's too much government regualtion. People should be free to choose their workplace and take the risks of working in assembly areas with high rates of death and dismemberment. That's freedom.
The IRS taxes business proportionately to what they profit. Taxes too high? Sure. But forcing businesses to pay because of their utilization of state tax benefits (education costs, transportation, high stanards of living in MN, health care costs) is impeding my ability to live a free life.
Bars and restaraunts do not need sneeze guards, its government regualtion.
The temperature of food should not be regulated. If some resatarunts like to serve cold food, it should not be a crime. If it carries E-Coli and other dangerous bacteria (liberal fallacy), then it's your right to choose to utilize their services.
Why should an employee have to wash his/her hands before coming back to work, in direct contact with your food?
Government regulations are killing our freedoms.
You'll note that my tongue was firmly planted in my cheek during this rant.
These government regulations are here to protect us. It's the same argument the Bushies used with the Partiot Act. It was meant to protect us. Now, the Fed has tracked every key stroke used on this post and every key stroke you used to find this post.
Ah, Freedom...
From the Strib story...
"If this is what government is for, let's go to the next step -- why not cheeseburgers?" said Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano. "Big Brother has got to take care of us because we are too dumb or too lazy to care for ourselves."
A small government conservative, that wants to invade the bedrooms of Minnesota with an anti same sex marraige diatribe and an anti choice mantra, but when it comes to business...hey! Watch it boy!
Personal responsibility anyone? Absolutely! But when Americans are dying as a result of a 3 inch stick of tobacco, while the powerful tobacco lobby contaminates the democratic process, we have a serious problem that needs to be addressed!
Second hand smoke anyone?
Secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 22,700-69,600 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States each year. While its a wide disparity, relate that to 16,000 alcohol related traffic deaths every year. Who wants weaker DUI guidelines?
163,510 people died as a result of lung cancer in 2005. More than 87% of lung cancers are smoking related.
Smoking ban? I support it, but would also work to assist those businesses on the borders of MN and assist them as they would most likely lose business to ND, SD, IA, and WI.
The balls in the Legislative court now...
More Mark Olson?
From a post at the SC Times. Story Chat is a fun place...
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 177
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 12:29:33 PM
Enough Olson gossip already:
This topic is bordering on sadistic and inhuman assault against an innocent Minnesotan, If the peg of the assault is political, then state it instead of prempting statements with words like , horrendous, agony, and other pretend that I care rhetorical love notes. There is a whole complete family of seven included here.
Real caring and "concerned citizens" would go to the Olson home as a neighbor and offer your support in any humble way you can. There is much more reward in supporting a family than "poking sticks " at them.
I love the compassion Mark Olson has shown the GLBT community. He has been a strong supporter of legislation that would keep loving couples from having the same benefits as any other married partner.
Eggy from the Farm
Number of Posts: 248
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 1:15:01 PM
And one more thing. Why do you think this is a party affiliation issue? Non-wife/husband beating people know what he did was wrong, no matter what party he belongs to.
Do you think what he did was wrong, Arch?
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 177
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 12:29:33 PM
Enough Olson gossip already:
This topic is bordering on sadistic and inhuman assault against an innocent Minnesotan, If the peg of the assault is political, then state it instead of prempting statements with words like , horrendous, agony, and other pretend that I care rhetorical love notes. There is a whole complete family of seven included here.
Real caring and "concerned citizens" would go to the Olson home as a neighbor and offer your support in any humble way you can. There is much more reward in supporting a family than "poking sticks " at them.
I love the compassion Mark Olson has shown the GLBT community. He has been a strong supporter of legislation that would keep loving couples from having the same benefits as any other married partner.
Eggy from the Farm
Number of Posts: 248
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 1:15:01 PM
And one more thing. Why do you think this is a party affiliation issue? Non-wife/husband beating people know what he did was wrong, no matter what party he belongs to.
Do you think what he did was wrong, Arch?
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 177
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 1:42:51 PM
To Eggy:
What he alegedly done wrong is NONE of or your business or mine, why is that such a challenge for folks? Are they above the law?
Did you go to the Olson home and check to see if there was anything you could to help them in a positive way?or is personal attack more exciting and don"t cost a dime, there is nothing that can stop the sharp tongue of Gossip once it has been set in place. is there Eggy? Gosssssssssssssssssssip hear the hiss?
Actually, our elected officals are always held to a higher standard. They create the laws for us to follow, in order maintain a civil society. If they cannot follow the laws that they advocated for...
When one is on the freyed edges of any political party, you can expect serious crticism when said official makes, if true, a horrendous error in judgement and assaults his wife.
I'll show Mark the same compassion as he has shown friends of mine who simply do not have the same rights I do...
Resign Mark, save some face and get some help.
A sports thread
Its been a while...
Vikes. Yikes! Despite a big win yesterday, it's going to be a tough end to the season. Brad Johnson is done.
Gohpher B-Ball. Ouch. Outrebounded by Arkansas Little Rock 43-16? Monson should have to endure this season, he created this mess!
Gopher football. We have heard the crap about being in 7 straight bowl games...and that by going to a bowl game, we get 6 more weeks of practice to develop talent, build the future. When will we see the fruits of this? Mason drives me nuts!
Twins. Please, for the love of humanity, sign someone who can help us! I hate bandaid solutions.
T-Wolves. Please trade for AI. When I get a new job, I may buy tickets to see this. Now, I am bored with this team...
UND. I must admit, the Ralph Englestad arena is a beautiful place. Does it have a lot of Indian heads, oh yeah. But you know, you really don't notice them unless you are looking for them. Its a top notch state of the art arena, in the middle of no where!
SCSU. The hockey team is on a roll! #2 in the WCHA, 8-0-3 in the past 11 games, last lost to UND in the Ralph (before the election). Go Huskies!
Vikes. Yikes! Despite a big win yesterday, it's going to be a tough end to the season. Brad Johnson is done.
Gohpher B-Ball. Ouch. Outrebounded by Arkansas Little Rock 43-16? Monson should have to endure this season, he created this mess!
Gopher football. We have heard the crap about being in 7 straight bowl games...and that by going to a bowl game, we get 6 more weeks of practice to develop talent, build the future. When will we see the fruits of this? Mason drives me nuts!
Twins. Please, for the love of humanity, sign someone who can help us! I hate bandaid solutions.
T-Wolves. Please trade for AI. When I get a new job, I may buy tickets to see this. Now, I am bored with this team...
UND. I must admit, the Ralph Englestad arena is a beautiful place. Does it have a lot of Indian heads, oh yeah. But you know, you really don't notice them unless you are looking for them. Its a top notch state of the art arena, in the middle of no where!
SCSU. The hockey team is on a roll! #2 in the WCHA, 8-0-3 in the past 11 games, last lost to UND in the Ralph (before the election). Go Huskies!
Dissention in the ranks
Following significant DFL gains in both the House and Senate and on a national level, Conservative bloggers have called out GOP leadership and attempted to hold them accountable for their actions, or a lack of action. The following comes from Residual Forces, a conservative blog I read...
They also went on to say that fiscal conservatism and limited government should take a back seat in our party. They made the argument that christian conservatism is/should be our main focus. They truly believed that “with out morales how can one make the right decisions in life?” Honestly, I was pretty scared, since they basically screamed media stereotype of legislating morality. When we got into that discussion, bible verses got spoke to make their points. That’s fine, but can you tell me why you think that way? Or is it just that you think that is what you “are supposed to do?”
I am one that thinks Government shouldn’t be in the bedroom. Yes, I am a conservative. Yes I would support a MN marriage amendment (not federal though, state’s rights baby) and consider myself pretty darn pro-life, but I don’t necessarily believe that those are the main goals or sole purpose for the Government let alone the GOP.
A small government with limited power can’t advocate for abortion, nor does it have the right nor power to. etc etc.
We need to fully understand what is occurring before our eyes today. Andy is right, the GOP has abandoned its party tenets, abandoned its true message and is embracing the moral religious message.
Similar to the fragmentation of the DFL. Contrary to popular belief, we have DFLErs who are anti-choice and anti same sex marriage. It seems the GOP is fragmenting along the social conservative and fiscal conservative fault line.
Andy would love it out here in the conservative heartland of MN.
What do we do? As DFLers, continue with our message. We cannot expect help from the state party. We have to do this on our own, take back Central MN.
We can do this.
Morality is neither a conservative nor a liberal trait. Morality on the axis of abortion and same sex marriage distorts the full range of morality, true morality.
Kids without access to healthcare, its a morality issue.
Seniors having to choose between prescription drugs and rent or food, its a morality issue.
Families forced from their homes because of exorbitant property tax increases, its a morality issue.
We can choose to embrace morality as a whole, or select hot button issues to pin the morality flag upon...the choice is ours.
I choose to embrace a holistic approach to morality...
They also went on to say that fiscal conservatism and limited government should take a back seat in our party. They made the argument that christian conservatism is/should be our main focus. They truly believed that “with out morales how can one make the right decisions in life?” Honestly, I was pretty scared, since they basically screamed media stereotype of legislating morality. When we got into that discussion, bible verses got spoke to make their points. That’s fine, but can you tell me why you think that way? Or is it just that you think that is what you “are supposed to do?”
I am one that thinks Government shouldn’t be in the bedroom. Yes, I am a conservative. Yes I would support a MN marriage amendment (not federal though, state’s rights baby) and consider myself pretty darn pro-life, but I don’t necessarily believe that those are the main goals or sole purpose for the Government let alone the GOP.
A small government with limited power can’t advocate for abortion, nor does it have the right nor power to. etc etc.
We need to fully understand what is occurring before our eyes today. Andy is right, the GOP has abandoned its party tenets, abandoned its true message and is embracing the moral religious message.
Similar to the fragmentation of the DFL. Contrary to popular belief, we have DFLErs who are anti-choice and anti same sex marriage. It seems the GOP is fragmenting along the social conservative and fiscal conservative fault line.
Andy would love it out here in the conservative heartland of MN.
What do we do? As DFLers, continue with our message. We cannot expect help from the state party. We have to do this on our own, take back Central MN.
We can do this.
Morality is neither a conservative nor a liberal trait. Morality on the axis of abortion and same sex marriage distorts the full range of morality, true morality.
Kids without access to healthcare, its a morality issue.
Seniors having to choose between prescription drugs and rent or food, its a morality issue.
Families forced from their homes because of exorbitant property tax increases, its a morality issue.
We can choose to embrace morality as a whole, or select hot button issues to pin the morality flag upon...the choice is ours.
I choose to embrace a holistic approach to morality...
Need more Mark Olson news?
Head over to Dump Mark Olson. They have lots of great content on the matters of Mark Olson there, I will continue to cross post, comment and dig in our efforts to see Mr Olson's speedy departure as an elected official in Central MN.
SC Story Chat comments on Olson
More commentary from the people at SC Story Chat
next door from the area
Number of Posts: 7
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 7:49:39 AM
President Clinton abused his wife with his extra marital affairs and he didn't resign his office. The United States senators refused to fire fire him even though he did not set a good example for our youth to follow.
I love how the GOP always brings up Clinton 10 or more years later but any Foley reference is staunchly defended.
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 295
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 8:16:56 AM
What Clinton did was disappointing, but not illegal. Olson claims to have this huge Christian philosophy and is an advocate for "families"...and now he has allegations that he beats his wife. How can you condone that by comparing it to something, that wasn't illegal, that Clinton did?
MASTER OF rePUPPETlicanS from Wherever I May Roam
Number of Posts: 141
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 8:41:41 AM
The bottom line is Olson, just like Bachmann, won himself a position of powerlessness. Do you think anyone will take his moral agenda seriously anymore?
By abusing his wife, Olson also gave a black eye to his Minnesota Republican party.
I say let him stay :-)
Cloudresident4life from St. Cloud State Campus
Number of Posts: 49
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 8:49:52 AM
They have to bring back Clinton because the right has nothing else to go on so they will bring back Clinton when talking about a 40-50 year old man you sending sexually explicit messages to underage boys, or when a homosexual meth head evangelic preacher cheats on his wife, or when a man abuses his wife.
But come on, its not like Olson was cheating on his wife and abusing his mistress, no republican would never do th---oh, never mind
MASTER OF rePUPPETlicanS from Wherever I May Roam
Number of Posts: 141
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 8:53:51 AM
... or better yet, put him on that Sunday morning Mac Hammond show and let him cry and beg Jesus...
not to let his wife pi$s him off again...
Yeah, that'd work :-)
avis from vegas
Number of Posts: 19
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 10:15:48 AM
Just for the record -- adultery is, in fact, a crime in some states.
An "extramarital affair" is illegal in the District of Columbia, where adultery is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $500 or 180 days in jail.
It's a misdemeanor as well in Virginia, Maryland and more than 20 other states, and a felony in Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.
Felony in 5 states? I wonder how often this crime is prosecuted...
It seems like the GOPers out here have written Mark Olson off as the defenders of MO are few and far between now. Less posting on defending the alleged actions of MO.
Even T-Paw and his party have written off Mr Olson.
From Dump Mark Olson
Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty joined in the call Friday."If it turns out that he is found guilty or pleads guilty to the conduct alleged, it's just not appropriate for him to be serving in the Legislature," Pawlenty said.
Minnesota House Republicans are breaking off ties with a fellow GOP legislator facing domestic abuse charges.Republicans voted Thursday to oust seven-term Representative Mark Olson of Big Lake from the caucus. In short, they won't supply him with staff support or other services. Caucus spokeswoman Jodi Boyne says the move means -- quote -- "Basically, he's on his own."
next door from the area
Number of Posts: 7
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 7:49:39 AM
President Clinton abused his wife with his extra marital affairs and he didn't resign his office. The United States senators refused to fire fire him even though he did not set a good example for our youth to follow.
I love how the GOP always brings up Clinton 10 or more years later but any Foley reference is staunchly defended.
GBGirl from St. Cloud
Number of Posts: 295
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 8:16:56 AM
What Clinton did was disappointing, but not illegal. Olson claims to have this huge Christian philosophy and is an advocate for "families"...and now he has allegations that he beats his wife. How can you condone that by comparing it to something, that wasn't illegal, that Clinton did?
MASTER OF rePUPPETlicanS from Wherever I May Roam
Number of Posts: 141
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 8:41:41 AM
The bottom line is Olson, just like Bachmann, won himself a position of powerlessness. Do you think anyone will take his moral agenda seriously anymore?
By abusing his wife, Olson also gave a black eye to his Minnesota Republican party.
I say let him stay :-)
Cloudresident4life from St. Cloud State Campus
Number of Posts: 49
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 8:49:52 AM
They have to bring back Clinton because the right has nothing else to go on so they will bring back Clinton when talking about a 40-50 year old man you sending sexually explicit messages to underage boys, or when a homosexual meth head evangelic preacher cheats on his wife, or when a man abuses his wife.
But come on, its not like Olson was cheating on his wife and abusing his mistress, no republican would never do th---oh, never mind
MASTER OF rePUPPETlicanS from Wherever I May Roam
Number of Posts: 141
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 8:53:51 AM
... or better yet, put him on that Sunday morning Mac Hammond show and let him cry and beg Jesus...
not to let his wife pi$s him off again...
Yeah, that'd work :-)
avis from vegas
Number of Posts: 19
Comment Posted: 12/11/2006 10:15:48 AM
Just for the record -- adultery is, in fact, a crime in some states.
An "extramarital affair" is illegal in the District of Columbia, where adultery is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $500 or 180 days in jail.
It's a misdemeanor as well in Virginia, Maryland and more than 20 other states, and a felony in Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.
Felony in 5 states? I wonder how often this crime is prosecuted...
It seems like the GOPers out here have written Mark Olson off as the defenders of MO are few and far between now. Less posting on defending the alleged actions of MO.
Even T-Paw and his party have written off Mr Olson.
From Dump Mark Olson
Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty joined in the call Friday."If it turns out that he is found guilty or pleads guilty to the conduct alleged, it's just not appropriate for him to be serving in the Legislature," Pawlenty said.
Minnesota House Republicans are breaking off ties with a fellow GOP legislator facing domestic abuse charges.Republicans voted Thursday to oust seven-term Representative Mark Olson of Big Lake from the caucus. In short, they won't supply him with staff support or other services. Caucus spokeswoman Jodi Boyne says the move means -- quote -- "Basically, he's on his own."
And the hits just keep on coming for Mark Olson
Another letter in the SC Times calling for his resignation.
Letter: Olson must do right thing — resign from Legislature
By Amy Howard, Princeton
I have been agonizing over a recent issue in the news and I wish to express my support to Heidi Olson, wife of Rep. Mark Olson from District 16B.
I grew up in a family where my mother was abused. I know how many times the phone call for help was never made. I also know life is brief. It's too brief to stay in a situation where life is not safe and fear is the norm.
My mother did finally leave, was diagnosed with cancer shortly after and died within the year.
Children like myself still are so deeply affected after witnessing or feeling the strain that abuse, even if hidden, causes in a home.
I commend Heidi Olson for putting herself and her children's needs first. I am sure it was a very difficult decision for her knowing that her husband's career may be at stake.
However, as for anyone who abuses, including elected officials, Mark Olson is responsible for his own horrendous actions. He needs to do what is right — step down. Show others that he is willing to accept and be an example to all of those living in abusive relationships.
He needs to use his time to improve himself and heal his family. The first step in recovering is admitting there is a problem.
Heidi deserves thanks for her courage and should know that she not only made a difference in her life and her children's lives, but to all of us who unfortunately need to be reminded that life is brief.
Perhaps you have figured out by now...I agree, he should resign and get help.
Letter: Olson must do right thing — resign from Legislature
By Amy Howard, Princeton
I have been agonizing over a recent issue in the news and I wish to express my support to Heidi Olson, wife of Rep. Mark Olson from District 16B.
I grew up in a family where my mother was abused. I know how many times the phone call for help was never made. I also know life is brief. It's too brief to stay in a situation where life is not safe and fear is the norm.
My mother did finally leave, was diagnosed with cancer shortly after and died within the year.
Children like myself still are so deeply affected after witnessing or feeling the strain that abuse, even if hidden, causes in a home.
I commend Heidi Olson for putting herself and her children's needs first. I am sure it was a very difficult decision for her knowing that her husband's career may be at stake.
However, as for anyone who abuses, including elected officials, Mark Olson is responsible for his own horrendous actions. He needs to do what is right — step down. Show others that he is willing to accept and be an example to all of those living in abusive relationships.
He needs to use his time to improve himself and heal his family. The first step in recovering is admitting there is a problem.
Heidi deserves thanks for her courage and should know that she not only made a difference in her life and her children's lives, but to all of us who unfortunately need to be reminded that life is brief.
Perhaps you have figured out by now...I agree, he should resign and get help.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Comments on Mark Olson from SC Story Chat
Representative Olson is under mounting pressure post his alleged wife beating incident in Sherburne County recently...
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 172 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 1:45:17 AM
Representative Mark Olson:
One of the most qualified representatives in the state will be just fine regardless of constituents and fellow Republicans that turn their backs on friends in need.
Marty seifert and his minority will become even more distant from conservative voters and more in line with the donkeys .
JDUB from CLEARWATER
Number of Posts: 30 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 9:11:32 AM
The Olson family has roots going back to the mid 1800's. Their familys have been the back-bone of the Big Lake/ Becker area serving on school boards, township supervisors etc. What Olson did was terrible however do we need to bash him in this forum? Iam sure in the long run he will do the right thing.
Raspberry Bellini from raised in st. cloud
Number of Posts: 54 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 9:21:31 AM
I wish we would judge people on their own merit instead of their family merit.
This is domestic abuse. Pawlenty has asked for his resignation, if he is convicted. That is the right time to get a response from Olson. I say leave him alone until then. There is no doubt in my mind, he wished he hadn't done this, but he may have a problem. Kicking a person at their lowest point is also unsavory, insensitive. Let's see what happens with his day in Court, then expect for his resignation if convicted, and hope he gets the help he needs if convicted.
Avidor from minneapolis
Number of Posts: 9 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 9:42:28 AM
"Maybe it means I'm an independent now," he said. "I don't know. I've always been sort of independent."
Looks like Mark Olson will follow the example set by his old PRT-promoting partner Gary Dean Zimmermann... he will go down kicking and screaming, dragging his party down with him like Zimmermann did. Zimmermann e-mailed his supporters to say he is scheduled to be sentenced on the 19th of December.
What a sad and sordid end for these two PRT-promoting politicians... remember those heady, optimistic days when the future of PRT in MInnesota never looked brighter? Remember the breathless reporting of Taxi 2000's open house when Rep. Mark Olson and PRT guru J. Edward Anderson unveiled the shiny red pod to the media?
From the moribund Taxi 2000 website:
Over 50 people attended and everyone got at least one ride in the Skyweb Express car. Mark Olson gave a great speech, some of which was quoted in a Minneapolis - St. Paul Star Tribune article by Laurie Blake. Minneapolis/St. Paul channels 5 (KSTP) and 11 (KARE) featured the story on morning, noon, evening and nighttime news shows. At least a dozen newspaper reporters from as many publications attended and asked good questions. ProMedia video-taped the event, and after editing, plan to broadcast it to about 850 television stations nationwide.
I wonder if reporters will interview Fridley's J. Edward Anderson about what happened to Mark Olson and Gary Dean Zimmermann?
vidor from minneapolis
Number of Posts: 9 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 11:30:37 AM
From the "Minnnesota Politics: Blog:
Mark Olson is a very special legislator. Extremely far right, he is like a pit bull who will grab onto issues and not let them go. Some of his issues are weird, like Personal Rapid Transit. Some of his issues get him into trouble with Republican leadership, like hammering away on doing things "properly" in the House (Olson has been around for a long time, and has yet to get a committee chair due to his general wackiness). The constitutional challenge is an example of the latter. He has been complaining about how the legislature ignore the single subject clause in the constitution for a long time, so the ruling that overturned the gun law is essentially "Mark Olson's revenge." It will be interesting to see where this ends up. I doubt, however, that he will release his bite.
Sassy from Who Cares?
Number of Posts: 42 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 7:17:52 PM
Raspberry- While I respect your opinion, I do not agree that because you have no strong feelings about this case that you are more objective. There are many facts that strike me as enough evidence that Olson should step down from his position.
1. Olson's own party seems to know enough about the case that they are abandoning him.
2. Governor Pawlenty has stated that Olson should step down if he is found guilty.
3. Representative Olson was seen as enough of a threat to his family that he was kept in jail for a couple of days.
4. Olson has not been allowed back to his home.
Overall, a great set of postings here at the SC Times. More commentary to follow!
Archie from Coon Rapids
Number of Posts: 172 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 1:45:17 AM
Representative Mark Olson:
One of the most qualified representatives in the state will be just fine regardless of constituents and fellow Republicans that turn their backs on friends in need.
Marty seifert and his minority will become even more distant from conservative voters and more in line with the donkeys .
JDUB from CLEARWATER
Number of Posts: 30 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 9:11:32 AM
The Olson family has roots going back to the mid 1800's. Their familys have been the back-bone of the Big Lake/ Becker area serving on school boards, township supervisors etc. What Olson did was terrible however do we need to bash him in this forum? Iam sure in the long run he will do the right thing.
Raspberry Bellini from raised in st. cloud
Number of Posts: 54 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 9:21:31 AM
I wish we would judge people on their own merit instead of their family merit.
This is domestic abuse. Pawlenty has asked for his resignation, if he is convicted. That is the right time to get a response from Olson. I say leave him alone until then. There is no doubt in my mind, he wished he hadn't done this, but he may have a problem. Kicking a person at their lowest point is also unsavory, insensitive. Let's see what happens with his day in Court, then expect for his resignation if convicted, and hope he gets the help he needs if convicted.
Avidor from minneapolis
Number of Posts: 9 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 9:42:28 AM
"Maybe it means I'm an independent now," he said. "I don't know. I've always been sort of independent."
Looks like Mark Olson will follow the example set by his old PRT-promoting partner Gary Dean Zimmermann... he will go down kicking and screaming, dragging his party down with him like Zimmermann did. Zimmermann e-mailed his supporters to say he is scheduled to be sentenced on the 19th of December.
What a sad and sordid end for these two PRT-promoting politicians... remember those heady, optimistic days when the future of PRT in MInnesota never looked brighter? Remember the breathless reporting of Taxi 2000's open house when Rep. Mark Olson and PRT guru J. Edward Anderson unveiled the shiny red pod to the media?
From the moribund Taxi 2000 website:
Over 50 people attended and everyone got at least one ride in the Skyweb Express car. Mark Olson gave a great speech, some of which was quoted in a Minneapolis - St. Paul Star Tribune article by Laurie Blake. Minneapolis/St. Paul channels 5 (KSTP) and 11 (KARE) featured the story on morning, noon, evening and nighttime news shows. At least a dozen newspaper reporters from as many publications attended and asked good questions. ProMedia video-taped the event, and after editing, plan to broadcast it to about 850 television stations nationwide.
I wonder if reporters will interview Fridley's J. Edward Anderson about what happened to Mark Olson and Gary Dean Zimmermann?
vidor from minneapolis
Number of Posts: 9 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 11:30:37 AM
From the "Minnnesota Politics: Blog:
Mark Olson is a very special legislator. Extremely far right, he is like a pit bull who will grab onto issues and not let them go. Some of his issues are weird, like Personal Rapid Transit. Some of his issues get him into trouble with Republican leadership, like hammering away on doing things "properly" in the House (Olson has been around for a long time, and has yet to get a committee chair due to his general wackiness). The constitutional challenge is an example of the latter. He has been complaining about how the legislature ignore the single subject clause in the constitution for a long time, so the ruling that overturned the gun law is essentially "Mark Olson's revenge." It will be interesting to see where this ends up. I doubt, however, that he will release his bite.
Sassy from Who Cares?
Number of Posts: 42 Comment Posted: 12/9/2006 7:17:52 PM
Raspberry- While I respect your opinion, I do not agree that because you have no strong feelings about this case that you are more objective. There are many facts that strike me as enough evidence that Olson should step down from his position.
1. Olson's own party seems to know enough about the case that they are abandoning him.
2. Governor Pawlenty has stated that Olson should step down if he is found guilty.
3. Representative Olson was seen as enough of a threat to his family that he was kept in jail for a couple of days.
4. Olson has not been allowed back to his home.
Overall, a great set of postings here at the SC Times. More commentary to follow!
More troubles for Mark Olson
Blogging from the great white North, and it actually is white up here!
SC Times has a story of how the GOP has severed ties to Representative Mark Olson.
ST. PAUL — Rep. Mark Olson is heading back to the Minnesota Legislature next month, despite being suspended from the House Republican caucus.
The Big Lake Republican said he hasn't heard from House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, and doesn't understand a decision he announced Friday that fellow House Republicans had decided to cut ties to Olson, who faces domestic abuse charges.
But the suspension of his caucus membership won't affect his plans to continue representing House District 16B, which includes Becker, Big Lake, Clear Lake and Zimmerman, he said.
"I have a lot of support and I don't see any reason why this would keep me from being able to represent people," he said. "It just won't look good for a while."
Olson is due in court Tuesday in connection to his November arrest. According to a criminal complaint, Olson is accused of shoving his wife and leaving her with bruises.
The decision means Republicans won't supply Olson with staff, support or allow him to caucus with them. The office of House Speaker-elect Margaret Anderson Kelliher, a Democrat, will decide Olson's committee assignments, office and staffing.
Olson said he was waiting for instruction from Kelliher's office but would press on.
"Maybe it means I'm an independent now," he said. "I don't know. I've always been sort of independent."
Local reaction
St. Cloud-area Republican lawmakers on Friday stood behind Seifert's announcement.
Olson's public statements after his arrest on two counts of assault have compromised his ability to serve, said Rep. Dan Severson, R-Sauk Rapids.
"He's in the judicial process and we won't speak to that," Severson said.
"But given what he's already said publicly, we don't want to have this hanging over our caucus."
Olson should carefully consider resigning his seat, regardless of the outcome of his case, said Rep.-elect Steve Gottwalt, R-St. Cloud.
"Given what's happened, based on police reports, he has some issues he and his family have to deal with, and he has to think about whether he can make that a priority while he's still trying to serve in the Legislature," he said.
Mounting pressure
State law says people convicted of felonies cannot serve in the Legislature, but lesser charges would not compel Olson's resignation.
The House has the power to expel members, but that step is usually reserved for extraordinary cases.
Olson wasn't at the closed-door caucus meeting nor did he have anyone there to represent him, Seifert said.
"Legislators are role models for the public and need to be held to high ethical standards," Seifert said. "It is getting close to the point of where he needs to acknowledge if this has happened or not, and not rationalize bad behavior if it has happened."
Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty called Friday for Olson to resign from the Legislature if he is convicted.
"If it turns out that he is found guilty or pleads guilty to the conduct alleged, it's just not appropriate for him to be serving in the Legislature," Pawlenty said.
The troubles for Mark Olson continue to grow...
SC Times has a story of how the GOP has severed ties to Representative Mark Olson.
ST. PAUL — Rep. Mark Olson is heading back to the Minnesota Legislature next month, despite being suspended from the House Republican caucus.
The Big Lake Republican said he hasn't heard from House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, and doesn't understand a decision he announced Friday that fellow House Republicans had decided to cut ties to Olson, who faces domestic abuse charges.
But the suspension of his caucus membership won't affect his plans to continue representing House District 16B, which includes Becker, Big Lake, Clear Lake and Zimmerman, he said.
"I have a lot of support and I don't see any reason why this would keep me from being able to represent people," he said. "It just won't look good for a while."
Olson is due in court Tuesday in connection to his November arrest. According to a criminal complaint, Olson is accused of shoving his wife and leaving her with bruises.
The decision means Republicans won't supply Olson with staff, support or allow him to caucus with them. The office of House Speaker-elect Margaret Anderson Kelliher, a Democrat, will decide Olson's committee assignments, office and staffing.
Olson said he was waiting for instruction from Kelliher's office but would press on.
"Maybe it means I'm an independent now," he said. "I don't know. I've always been sort of independent."
Local reaction
St. Cloud-area Republican lawmakers on Friday stood behind Seifert's announcement.
Olson's public statements after his arrest on two counts of assault have compromised his ability to serve, said Rep. Dan Severson, R-Sauk Rapids.
"He's in the judicial process and we won't speak to that," Severson said.
"But given what he's already said publicly, we don't want to have this hanging over our caucus."
Olson should carefully consider resigning his seat, regardless of the outcome of his case, said Rep.-elect Steve Gottwalt, R-St. Cloud.
"Given what's happened, based on police reports, he has some issues he and his family have to deal with, and he has to think about whether he can make that a priority while he's still trying to serve in the Legislature," he said.
Mounting pressure
State law says people convicted of felonies cannot serve in the Legislature, but lesser charges would not compel Olson's resignation.
The House has the power to expel members, but that step is usually reserved for extraordinary cases.
Olson wasn't at the closed-door caucus meeting nor did he have anyone there to represent him, Seifert said.
"Legislators are role models for the public and need to be held to high ethical standards," Seifert said. "It is getting close to the point of where he needs to acknowledge if this has happened or not, and not rationalize bad behavior if it has happened."
Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty called Friday for Olson to resign from the Legislature if he is convicted.
"If it turns out that he is found guilty or pleads guilty to the conduct alleged, it's just not appropriate for him to be serving in the Legislature," Pawlenty said.
The troubles for Mark Olson continue to grow...
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Bachmann's thoughts on the Cheney's
I wonder what Michelle Bachmann thinks of the Cheney situation.
As you know, Mary Cheney, the proud lesbian daughter of Dick, is now pregnant. She will give birth to this child and continue in her committed same sex relationship, one that is 15 years strong!
Cheney, Dick that is, came out to stump for the 6th Congressional District homophobe, Michelle Bachmann.
I wonder what the Bachmann's think about this news.
Focus on the Family has an opinion, as they did in my Senate race here as well after they attacked my family values.
"Just because you can conceive a child outside a one-woman, one-man marriage doesn't mean it's a good idea," said. "Love can't replace a mother and a father."
Thank you FoF!
I am sure that Bachmann's gay sister is happy for the Cheney couple, as are most American's with a heart and half a brain.
As you know, Mary Cheney, the proud lesbian daughter of Dick, is now pregnant. She will give birth to this child and continue in her committed same sex relationship, one that is 15 years strong!
Cheney, Dick that is, came out to stump for the 6th Congressional District homophobe, Michelle Bachmann.
I wonder what the Bachmann's think about this news.
Focus on the Family has an opinion, as they did in my Senate race here as well after they attacked my family values.
"Just because you can conceive a child outside a one-woman, one-man marriage doesn't mean it's a good idea," said. "Love can't replace a mother and a father."
Thank you FoF!
I am sure that Bachmann's gay sister is happy for the Cheney couple, as are most American's with a heart and half a brain.
Mark Dayton's final floor speech
Today, US Senator Mark Dayton delivered his final speech on the floor of the US Senate.
It has been almost six years since I was sworn in as Minnesota's 33rd United States Senator, with my friend and colleague, Senator Paul Wellstone, at my side. I began my term hopeful and optimistic. The Senate was evenly divided with 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans, and President-elect George W. Bush was promising to "change the tone" in Washington with a new era of bipartisan cooperation.
Our country enjoyed peace and relative prosperity. Outgoing President Bill Clinton, a Republican-controlled Congress, and over six years of economic expansion had combined to create the first annual surpluses in the federal government's "On Budget" account in 39 years, and they were projected by OMB to continue for at least the next decade. The Social Security Trust Fund's annual surpluses were going to be saved in a "lockbox" for the upcoming retirements of the large Baby Boom generation. There was even discussion of paying down the national debt to further strengthen our financial position.
Yet, we would still be able to increase funding for such essential needs as public education, affordable health care, seniors' drug coverage, and infrastructure improvements.
Just six years later, our country's condition has changed drastically, and mostly for the worse. We are mired in a disastrous war in Iraq, despite the heroic efforts and sacrifices by our armed forces. The fiscal integrity of the federal budget has been destroyed, with record-high annual deficits continuing despite budget gimmickry and a modest economic recovery. The federal tax base has been decimated by huge tax giveaways to the rich and super-rich that will burden our children and grandchildren. The Social Security Trust Fund's surpluses have been spent every year, in what the nonpartisan Concord Coalition has called "the most reckless fiscal policy" in our nation's history.
The Bible says that if the leaders don't lead, the people perish. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration and the Republican Majority in Congress have not led this country well, and our people are suffering the consequences: lost jobs, businesses, and farms; lost incomes, standards of living, and security; and lost loved ones killed or maimed in Iraq.
We have lost the national unity which followed the terrible atrocities of September 11, 2001, and the Bush Administration has lost the world's support, which they had after that awful attack. The President's decision to invade Iraq unilaterally, the absence of weapons of mass destruction that had been the initial justification for that invasion, and his Administration's disastrous mismanagement of Iraq following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein have squandered most of that national unity and international good will.
The Congressional Record will show that I opposed those failed policies and supported other, better alternatives. I was one of 23 Senators to vote against the Iraq War Resolution. I opposed the large tax giveaways to the rich and super-rich. In fact, during my six years in the Senate, I have voted 29 times to raise my own taxes. Why? Because our country needs those tax revenues, and I can darn well afford to pay my fair share of them, as can all other Americans with my good fortune.
I tried seven times, unsuccessfully, to get the Senate to honor its 30-year promise to school districts and schoolchildren and fully fund special education. The Senate did pass my "Taste of Our Own Medicine" amendment, limiting Members' of Congress prescription drug coverage to what they provided senior citizens through Medicare; however, my amendment was discarded by the House-Senate Conference Committee.
It has pained me deeply to see the Senate's Majority lead our country in what I consider the wrong direction. Our nation's founding principle was: "We the People," and it remains so today. If we are not always united by a common cause, we are bound together by a shared destiny. If the laws that this Senate passes are successful, "We the People" benefit together. If those laws fail, we suffer together. Some Americans will suffer more than others, as unfair victims of social and economic injustices; but, ultimately, all Americans cannot escape our common national fate. United we stand and succeed; divided we fall and fail. I regretfully believe that, during my Senate term, this Administration and its Congressional followers have caused too many divisions, declines, and failures.
Thus, I leave the Senate with strong feelings of frustration and disappointment. I have been unable to pass most of what I believed was most important to Minnesota, to our country, and to the world. I remain convinced that those policies would improve the lives of most Americans far better than what the Majority here enacted.
A cornerstone of democracy, which I honor, is that the majority prevails. Winning, however, does not make them right; and, unfortunately, it does not make them wise. In those decisions with which I have disagreed, time will tell us and the American people, who was right and who was wise.
I do want to thank my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, for the privilege to serve these last six years with them. I am grateful for the friendships I have made, which I hope will continue after my departure.
I especially want to thank the people of Minnesota who gave me this extraordinary opportunity to serve them in the United States Senate. Our democracy is, through all of human history, throughout the entire world, the most advanced and successful form of self-governance that human beings have ever devised. It is far from perfect, but it is far better than anything else. We, who are elected as its leaders and stewards, have sacred duties to uphold its principles, to elevate its policies, and to improve its practices, before we bequeath them to our successors. I have done my very best to fulfill those duties before I pass them to my outstanding successor, Senator-elect Amy Klobuchar.
We in this Senate and in the House of Representatives also have the duty to serve the best interests of all Americans. To be successful and sustainable, our government must improve the lives of all our citizens. Unfortunately, here in Washington, the people who already have the most, keep getting more than anyone else.
The excessive influences of their money and political power on the federal government are serious threats to our democracy. They skew decisions and laws in favor of the rich and powerful, often at the expense of other Americans, the hardworking people, who pay their taxes, and hope that their elected representatives will look out for them in Washington. It isn't too much for them to expect. However, it is, too often, more than they are getting.
They are told repeatedly that new laws and policies will improve their lives; yet, their real lives become worse, not better. They experience a deep disconnect between what they are told will happen and what is happening to them.
In attempts to hide those disparities, the words used in Washington are often carefully selected by very clever people in order to disguise reality, rather than describe it. For example, legislation that stripped many Americans of their bankruptcy protections for major medical expenses was named the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. Another bill, that would have increased industrial pollution, was entitled the Clear Skies Act of 2005. No Child Left Behind has knowingly underfunded Head Start, Title I, and Special Education, which has left millions of schoolchildren behind.
These deviancies and the disparities they create will be even more destructive to the American people's trust in their government in the years ahead. That's because the choices facing Congress will become even more difficult, as the needs of any aging population grow, but revenues do not. In about a decade, the Social Security Trust Fund's large annual surpluses will be replaced by deficits, and its IOU's from the general fund will add to that fund's own chronic deficits. If combined with today's enormous and unsustainable balance of trade deficits and a continuing erosion of our manufacturing job base, the consequences could be catastrophic.
That somber forecast has replaced my hope and optimism of six years ago, to my deep regret. Following the wisdom of "speak truth to power," I present my truth to the world's most powerful legislative body, the United States Senate, and one of the two institutions who must act to keep our nation strong. I hope that you will. I will pray for your wisdom to discern what is right, for your courage to act accordingly, and for your success on behalf of our great nation and the world.
Pundits will call the Senator too liberal, that he did not accomplish much for the State of MN, and, by evacuating his Capitol suite post Anthrax attack, a coward.
Mark Dayton is none of that. He's not too liberal, he has been a tremendous steward for MN, and he is not a coward. You cannot be a coward and serve in the US Senate.
I have had the pleasure of lobbying the Senator 4 times over the past several years. I've lobbied him on higher education and veterans issues. He has always been a strong advocate for not only those issues, but for working and middle class Minnesotans alike. Amy Klobuchar will carry this torch and the late Senator Paul Wellstone would be proud of Mark's work in Washington.
It reminds me of the story the Senator told (everytime the Minnesota college students came to lobby him).
Mark Dayton is a Yale grad, as is President Bush. Bush was a year senior to the Senator and they both served in the same fraternity.
Senator Dayton, always known for mixing things up a bit, pushing the enevlope and working for the heart and soul of America, would push for legislation and ask for support on the GOP side of the aisle.
Debating a bill on higher education, Pell Grants I recall (maybe Farm Bill for farmers, etc), one of the GOP colleagues states in debate that if he were to support this bill, "it would put the President in a compromising position."
Senator Dayton retorted, "I was the President's fraternity brother, I have seen George W. Bush in a compromising position, this is not that position."
Laughter burst throughout the room.
Senator Dayton served Minnesota honorably. We always had a friend we could lean on in Washington, one who would advocate for us.
Thank you for your service Senator Dayton!
It has been almost six years since I was sworn in as Minnesota's 33rd United States Senator, with my friend and colleague, Senator Paul Wellstone, at my side. I began my term hopeful and optimistic. The Senate was evenly divided with 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans, and President-elect George W. Bush was promising to "change the tone" in Washington with a new era of bipartisan cooperation.
Our country enjoyed peace and relative prosperity. Outgoing President Bill Clinton, a Republican-controlled Congress, and over six years of economic expansion had combined to create the first annual surpluses in the federal government's "On Budget" account in 39 years, and they were projected by OMB to continue for at least the next decade. The Social Security Trust Fund's annual surpluses were going to be saved in a "lockbox" for the upcoming retirements of the large Baby Boom generation. There was even discussion of paying down the national debt to further strengthen our financial position.
Yet, we would still be able to increase funding for such essential needs as public education, affordable health care, seniors' drug coverage, and infrastructure improvements.
Just six years later, our country's condition has changed drastically, and mostly for the worse. We are mired in a disastrous war in Iraq, despite the heroic efforts and sacrifices by our armed forces. The fiscal integrity of the federal budget has been destroyed, with record-high annual deficits continuing despite budget gimmickry and a modest economic recovery. The federal tax base has been decimated by huge tax giveaways to the rich and super-rich that will burden our children and grandchildren. The Social Security Trust Fund's surpluses have been spent every year, in what the nonpartisan Concord Coalition has called "the most reckless fiscal policy" in our nation's history.
The Bible says that if the leaders don't lead, the people perish. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration and the Republican Majority in Congress have not led this country well, and our people are suffering the consequences: lost jobs, businesses, and farms; lost incomes, standards of living, and security; and lost loved ones killed or maimed in Iraq.
We have lost the national unity which followed the terrible atrocities of September 11, 2001, and the Bush Administration has lost the world's support, which they had after that awful attack. The President's decision to invade Iraq unilaterally, the absence of weapons of mass destruction that had been the initial justification for that invasion, and his Administration's disastrous mismanagement of Iraq following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein have squandered most of that national unity and international good will.
The Congressional Record will show that I opposed those failed policies and supported other, better alternatives. I was one of 23 Senators to vote against the Iraq War Resolution. I opposed the large tax giveaways to the rich and super-rich. In fact, during my six years in the Senate, I have voted 29 times to raise my own taxes. Why? Because our country needs those tax revenues, and I can darn well afford to pay my fair share of them, as can all other Americans with my good fortune.
I tried seven times, unsuccessfully, to get the Senate to honor its 30-year promise to school districts and schoolchildren and fully fund special education. The Senate did pass my "Taste of Our Own Medicine" amendment, limiting Members' of Congress prescription drug coverage to what they provided senior citizens through Medicare; however, my amendment was discarded by the House-Senate Conference Committee.
It has pained me deeply to see the Senate's Majority lead our country in what I consider the wrong direction. Our nation's founding principle was: "We the People," and it remains so today. If we are not always united by a common cause, we are bound together by a shared destiny. If the laws that this Senate passes are successful, "We the People" benefit together. If those laws fail, we suffer together. Some Americans will suffer more than others, as unfair victims of social and economic injustices; but, ultimately, all Americans cannot escape our common national fate. United we stand and succeed; divided we fall and fail. I regretfully believe that, during my Senate term, this Administration and its Congressional followers have caused too many divisions, declines, and failures.
Thus, I leave the Senate with strong feelings of frustration and disappointment. I have been unable to pass most of what I believed was most important to Minnesota, to our country, and to the world. I remain convinced that those policies would improve the lives of most Americans far better than what the Majority here enacted.
A cornerstone of democracy, which I honor, is that the majority prevails. Winning, however, does not make them right; and, unfortunately, it does not make them wise. In those decisions with which I have disagreed, time will tell us and the American people, who was right and who was wise.
I do want to thank my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, for the privilege to serve these last six years with them. I am grateful for the friendships I have made, which I hope will continue after my departure.
I especially want to thank the people of Minnesota who gave me this extraordinary opportunity to serve them in the United States Senate. Our democracy is, through all of human history, throughout the entire world, the most advanced and successful form of self-governance that human beings have ever devised. It is far from perfect, but it is far better than anything else. We, who are elected as its leaders and stewards, have sacred duties to uphold its principles, to elevate its policies, and to improve its practices, before we bequeath them to our successors. I have done my very best to fulfill those duties before I pass them to my outstanding successor, Senator-elect Amy Klobuchar.
We in this Senate and in the House of Representatives also have the duty to serve the best interests of all Americans. To be successful and sustainable, our government must improve the lives of all our citizens. Unfortunately, here in Washington, the people who already have the most, keep getting more than anyone else.
The excessive influences of their money and political power on the federal government are serious threats to our democracy. They skew decisions and laws in favor of the rich and powerful, often at the expense of other Americans, the hardworking people, who pay their taxes, and hope that their elected representatives will look out for them in Washington. It isn't too much for them to expect. However, it is, too often, more than they are getting.
They are told repeatedly that new laws and policies will improve their lives; yet, their real lives become worse, not better. They experience a deep disconnect between what they are told will happen and what is happening to them.
In attempts to hide those disparities, the words used in Washington are often carefully selected by very clever people in order to disguise reality, rather than describe it. For example, legislation that stripped many Americans of their bankruptcy protections for major medical expenses was named the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. Another bill, that would have increased industrial pollution, was entitled the Clear Skies Act of 2005. No Child Left Behind has knowingly underfunded Head Start, Title I, and Special Education, which has left millions of schoolchildren behind.
These deviancies and the disparities they create will be even more destructive to the American people's trust in their government in the years ahead. That's because the choices facing Congress will become even more difficult, as the needs of any aging population grow, but revenues do not. In about a decade, the Social Security Trust Fund's large annual surpluses will be replaced by deficits, and its IOU's from the general fund will add to that fund's own chronic deficits. If combined with today's enormous and unsustainable balance of trade deficits and a continuing erosion of our manufacturing job base, the consequences could be catastrophic.
That somber forecast has replaced my hope and optimism of six years ago, to my deep regret. Following the wisdom of "speak truth to power," I present my truth to the world's most powerful legislative body, the United States Senate, and one of the two institutions who must act to keep our nation strong. I hope that you will. I will pray for your wisdom to discern what is right, for your courage to act accordingly, and for your success on behalf of our great nation and the world.
Pundits will call the Senator too liberal, that he did not accomplish much for the State of MN, and, by evacuating his Capitol suite post Anthrax attack, a coward.
Mark Dayton is none of that. He's not too liberal, he has been a tremendous steward for MN, and he is not a coward. You cannot be a coward and serve in the US Senate.
I have had the pleasure of lobbying the Senator 4 times over the past several years. I've lobbied him on higher education and veterans issues. He has always been a strong advocate for not only those issues, but for working and middle class Minnesotans alike. Amy Klobuchar will carry this torch and the late Senator Paul Wellstone would be proud of Mark's work in Washington.
It reminds me of the story the Senator told (everytime the Minnesota college students came to lobby him).
Mark Dayton is a Yale grad, as is President Bush. Bush was a year senior to the Senator and they both served in the same fraternity.
Senator Dayton, always known for mixing things up a bit, pushing the enevlope and working for the heart and soul of America, would push for legislation and ask for support on the GOP side of the aisle.
Debating a bill on higher education, Pell Grants I recall (maybe Farm Bill for farmers, etc), one of the GOP colleagues states in debate that if he were to support this bill, "it would put the President in a compromising position."
Senator Dayton retorted, "I was the President's fraternity brother, I have seen George W. Bush in a compromising position, this is not that position."
Laughter burst throughout the room.
Senator Dayton served Minnesota honorably. We always had a friend we could lean on in Washington, one who would advocate for us.
Thank you for your service Senator Dayton!
Question
If the fetus you save is gay, would you still fight for its rights?
Found here http://wehavefailed.blogspot.com/
Good question!
Found here http://wehavefailed.blogspot.com/
Good question!
The mess in Iraq
I read the Iraq Study Group Report this morning. Gotta love the job search hurry up and wait process!
The report was a scalding indictment of the failings of the Bush Adminsitration. While the President and GOPers alike, continue to stress the importance of fighting Al-Quaida, the report clearly states the vast majority of violence in Iraq is sectarian in nature, not insurgent related. It estimated Al-Quaida's stregnth in Iraq at 1,300. Unfortunately, 1,300 more than pre-invasion.
Diplomacy is a key aspect of the report. Diplomacy is the key area of failure for the Bush Adminstration, and it has nothing to do with the abilities of Secretary of State Rice. Almost 3 years after the "Mission Accomplished" skit, the stability of Iraq is in an even worse state. Sectarian violence has risen.
More important though, is the stability of the Middle East. It's important for more than its natual resources though.
This morning, President Bush gave a passionate speech about Iran, and the possibility that Iran could have a nuclear weapon soon. Sound familiar?
Stability is key. Engaging Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Iran in these discussions is vital. Shunning some of these nations from time to time and threatening possible military action in these areas does nothing.
"The Iraqi Government cannot succeed in governing, defending, and sustaining itself by relying on the US military and economic support alone. Broader international support is needed."
They call for the use of a support group. Perhaps they will use the disdain for American imperialist foreign policy as their crutch.
"Hi everyone, I'm Iran and I am sick of the neo-colonial exploits of the United States."
Hi Iran, so am I.
"Internal Approach" measures include:
The President stating that the United States does not seek permanent bases in Iraq but would do so at the request of the Iraqi government, just as it would for any other nation state.
The President states that we (he) do not seek control of Iraq's oil.
Recommendation 26 bugs the hell out of me. "Constitutional review". What? It was approved on October 15, 2005. Furthermore, the Iraqi government created a committee to review it in September of 2006. I know the need to constantly review processes and attempt to make thngs better, but the Constitution is a governing document. It defines a nation, provides identity.
"The Army is considering breaking its compact with National Guard and Reserve that limits the number of years these citizen soliders can be deployed." Of course they are. They are running out of Active Duty units to send over there again...and again...and again. The long term implications on our National Guard and reserves will be significant.
Keep in mind that just yesterday, we learned that 600 Minnesota National Guard members will go to Afghanistan. A sense of urgency is even greater.
These recommendations are just that. Troubling for me is the audacity that we, our government and these so called experts, seem to know more about how to help the Iraqi people than the Iraqi people. Our President created the majority of this mess in Iraq. It's clear on a global level. The denial is also clear, as the Iran rhetoric used by the President this morning shows.
Solution? Gradual re-deployment, no US Troops in Iraq after 2007, create a sense of urgency in the Iraqi government to prepare for the future in collaboration with other Arab nations assisting in regional stability. Complex? Oh yeah.
Some pundits ask "Do you want your son or daughter to be the last one killed in Iraq?"
They discount Vietnam references and utilize them when they can make their argument more personal, not stronger.
I just want my friends to come back from Iraq safe...
The report was a scalding indictment of the failings of the Bush Adminsitration. While the President and GOPers alike, continue to stress the importance of fighting Al-Quaida, the report clearly states the vast majority of violence in Iraq is sectarian in nature, not insurgent related. It estimated Al-Quaida's stregnth in Iraq at 1,300. Unfortunately, 1,300 more than pre-invasion.
Diplomacy is a key aspect of the report. Diplomacy is the key area of failure for the Bush Adminstration, and it has nothing to do with the abilities of Secretary of State Rice. Almost 3 years after the "Mission Accomplished" skit, the stability of Iraq is in an even worse state. Sectarian violence has risen.
More important though, is the stability of the Middle East. It's important for more than its natual resources though.
This morning, President Bush gave a passionate speech about Iran, and the possibility that Iran could have a nuclear weapon soon. Sound familiar?
Stability is key. Engaging Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Iran in these discussions is vital. Shunning some of these nations from time to time and threatening possible military action in these areas does nothing.
"The Iraqi Government cannot succeed in governing, defending, and sustaining itself by relying on the US military and economic support alone. Broader international support is needed."
They call for the use of a support group. Perhaps they will use the disdain for American imperialist foreign policy as their crutch.
"Hi everyone, I'm Iran and I am sick of the neo-colonial exploits of the United States."
Hi Iran, so am I.
"Internal Approach" measures include:
The President stating that the United States does not seek permanent bases in Iraq but would do so at the request of the Iraqi government, just as it would for any other nation state.
The President states that we (he) do not seek control of Iraq's oil.
Recommendation 26 bugs the hell out of me. "Constitutional review". What? It was approved on October 15, 2005. Furthermore, the Iraqi government created a committee to review it in September of 2006. I know the need to constantly review processes and attempt to make thngs better, but the Constitution is a governing document. It defines a nation, provides identity.
"The Army is considering breaking its compact with National Guard and Reserve that limits the number of years these citizen soliders can be deployed." Of course they are. They are running out of Active Duty units to send over there again...and again...and again. The long term implications on our National Guard and reserves will be significant.
Keep in mind that just yesterday, we learned that 600 Minnesota National Guard members will go to Afghanistan. A sense of urgency is even greater.
These recommendations are just that. Troubling for me is the audacity that we, our government and these so called experts, seem to know more about how to help the Iraqi people than the Iraqi people. Our President created the majority of this mess in Iraq. It's clear on a global level. The denial is also clear, as the Iran rhetoric used by the President this morning shows.
Solution? Gradual re-deployment, no US Troops in Iraq after 2007, create a sense of urgency in the Iraqi government to prepare for the future in collaboration with other Arab nations assisting in regional stability. Complex? Oh yeah.
Some pundits ask "Do you want your son or daughter to be the last one killed in Iraq?"
They discount Vietnam references and utilize them when they can make their argument more personal, not stronger.
I just want my friends to come back from Iraq safe...
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Mark Olson, Wonkette, and Max Weber
My sociology professors would be thrilled I can put Mark Olson and Max Weber in the same posting. Weber probably rolled over in his grave!
I know this has been posted at other places before, but since I love Wonkette so much...
Here goes!
Today’s violent Republican is Mark Olson of the Minnesota State House. And yes, there are fifty other guys named “Mark Olson” in the Minnesota State House, but this is the crazy-eyed one.
Showing typical midwestern politeness, he waited until after the elections to beat up on his wife, bruising her on Sunday and appearing in court this morning to not answer the charges. Olson refused to enter a plea, because he did it, but it would inappropriate to say as much.
Olson’s wife says he “pushed her to the ground three times,” while Olson admits only to “placing her to the ground.” As we said, they’re very polite up there.
Yes, we as posting this mostly for the crazy eyes.
And now for Olson and Bachmann together...
I've been on the sidelines for quite some time, watching the Mark Olson debacle and simply cannot hold back any longer. The movement to have Mark Olson removed from his legislative seat or for his resignation is growing. While I do not live in his district, I am rather close. I despise any politcal leader who hides behind excuses for their actions.
I recall the KARE 11 story when Olson was released from jail. He came out clutching his Bible and begged for forgiveness. The public can forgive him for this heinous act. But we cannot continue to be served by someone of this moral caliber.
Max Weber, in his work "Politics as a Vocation", described the rise of the nation state, its use of violence to achieve its goals and the leadership traits and values of poltical leaders. It was delivered in a speech in 1919!
"The honor of the political leader, of the leading statesman, however, lies precisely in an exclusive personal responsibility for what he does, a responsibility he cannot and must not reject or transfer. It is in the nature of officials of high moral standing to be poor politicians, and above all, in the political sense of the word, to be irresponsible politicians. In this sense, they are politicians of low moral standing, such as we unfortunately have had again and again in leading positions."
Buck up Olson, take responsibility for your actions. You failed once to do the honorable thing, not abuse your wife, allegedly...
Do not fail again. The next honorable thing to do is apologize for your actions and resign.
I know this has been posted at other places before, but since I love Wonkette so much...
Here goes!
Today’s violent Republican is Mark Olson of the Minnesota State House. And yes, there are fifty other guys named “Mark Olson” in the Minnesota State House, but this is the crazy-eyed one.
Showing typical midwestern politeness, he waited until after the elections to beat up on his wife, bruising her on Sunday and appearing in court this morning to not answer the charges. Olson refused to enter a plea, because he did it, but it would inappropriate to say as much.
Olson’s wife says he “pushed her to the ground three times,” while Olson admits only to “placing her to the ground.” As we said, they’re very polite up there.
Yes, we as posting this mostly for the crazy eyes.
And now for Olson and Bachmann together...
I've been on the sidelines for quite some time, watching the Mark Olson debacle and simply cannot hold back any longer. The movement to have Mark Olson removed from his legislative seat or for his resignation is growing. While I do not live in his district, I am rather close. I despise any politcal leader who hides behind excuses for their actions.
I recall the KARE 11 story when Olson was released from jail. He came out clutching his Bible and begged for forgiveness. The public can forgive him for this heinous act. But we cannot continue to be served by someone of this moral caliber.
Max Weber, in his work "Politics as a Vocation", described the rise of the nation state, its use of violence to achieve its goals and the leadership traits and values of poltical leaders. It was delivered in a speech in 1919!
"The honor of the political leader, of the leading statesman, however, lies precisely in an exclusive personal responsibility for what he does, a responsibility he cannot and must not reject or transfer. It is in the nature of officials of high moral standing to be poor politicians, and above all, in the political sense of the word, to be irresponsible politicians. In this sense, they are politicians of low moral standing, such as we unfortunately have had again and again in leading positions."
Buck up Olson, take responsibility for your actions. You failed once to do the honorable thing, not abuse your wife, allegedly...
Do not fail again. The next honorable thing to do is apologize for your actions and resign.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
More Bachmann stuff...Part II
Here is the second portion of the Bachmann post! I've always been a big fan of the stuff at Dump Bachmann, now we have to work harder to ensure the people of the 6th really know who we elected!
So now it’s 1999—I’m living in Minnesota and I’ve got two new hobbies: listening to the evangelical radio and trying to get up to speed on the local politics.
I’d married a Minnesota girl, but all I knew about Minnesota politics was just the stuff that I’d picked up from watching the national scene. I knew that the state had trended liberal for a long time, for a least a generation. I knew and admired the career of Hubert Humphrey, a liberal Minnesotan who made a big difference in American civil rights.
But it turned out that I’d picked a very bizarre time to arrive. A professional wrestler, one of the funniest trash-mouths I’d ever seen on East Coast TV broadcasts of professional wrestling—had just been elected governor of the state. I found out that about ten years after Ronald Reagan had left office, the state was starting to trend Republican—conservative Republican. One of the two senators was a conservative; a former local TV news anchor who’d run as a sort of Gingrich Republican. The mayor of St. Paul was a former yippie from Brooklyn who somehow had morphed into a Republican conservative after the Gingrich revolution.
Clearly, the liberals here were on the run and the conservatives on the rise. The AM radio was populated with Rush Limbaugh clones who delivered these wall-to-wall conservative diatribes, seven days a week. That was not new to me; that situation is basically the same in every large radio market I’ve lived in for the past fifteen years. Conservative talk radio is everywhere because it sells, because there’s a huge market for people who spew the propaganda that conservative audiences need to hear.
But this local Christian radio they had was something else again. For me, it was new twist: the conservative line—but married to Jesus, God, and blatant commercialism.
Clearly these people, the broadcasters and their audience, had constructed a world of their own, a reality all their own. In that reality, the Bible was indisputably “inerrant” when it spoke to matters of history and even science. For example, evolution—biological change over time--was a “farce”; a misguided “theory” foisted on the public by dangerous enemies of God that the broadcasters called “secular humanists.” And there was a ‘conspiracy’ among scientific publications to suppress scientific truths that leant support to the Biblical account of creation. The world and the universe weren’t billions of years old—no more than ten thousand years old, perhaps even as young as six thousand years old.
The broadcasters invited guest speakers on the air to explain that we found dinosaur fossils because there were dinosaurs aboard Noah’s Ark; one of them even theorized that those of us who got to heaven could have pet dinosaurs there if we liked. The most respected and popular radio speakers told the audience that one of the reasons that scientists clung to evolution was that they had an “anti-supernatural bias.”
I also learned about the regular audience for this kind of broadcasting. They were afraid. Sometimes the people who called in were afraid of demons; all of them were afraid of Satan. They believed that he was a very real being and a very real force in the world, actively tempting them in their daily lives. When it was revealed that the divorce rate for “believing Christians” was higher than for non-Christians, it was suggested that this was because Satan himself had singled out the Christians for special persecution, sent more troubles to their marriages than other peoples’. Worse than that, Satan was also actively misleading people who didn’t believe in their particular kind of Christianity: the liberals, the scientists who accepted evolution as a fact, the governments who were enemies of the United States. Anyone who questioned the inerrant truths of the Bible, as this audience understood those truths—was at best a dupe of Satan, and at worst his unwitting ally against Christ and Christians.They were afraid of other Christians, too.
They were afraid of Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses; their beliefs were dangerous heresies that would consign the unwary to eternal flames. They were afraid of “false prophets”: some of these had broadcast ministries that were leading millions of self-styled Christians to perdition. They even had doubts about their own salvation—many of them were concerned that they or their fellow churchgoers weren’t “really” saved, that they didn’t have the “real” faith or the “right” faith. Some said that they thought they had been “saved” but that they might have been deceived or deceived themselves into thinking that they were—when they weren’t.
They feared for Christians who practiced yoga. They were afraid of homosexuals and “the homosexual agenda for America.” They were afraid of feminists. Many of them were convinced that we were living in the “end times”—the last, apocalyptic days before the end of this world. All of them believed in the Antichrist; there was much speculation about who he was and where he was living right now (he was almost certainly alive right now, even if he hadn’t revealed himself.) Most of the fans who called in, and many of the broadcasters believed in the “rapture”: the 19th century Christian doctrine that in these last days, Christian believers would literally b
So now it’s 1999—I’m living in Minnesota and I’ve got two new hobbies: listening to the evangelical radio and trying to get up to speed on the local politics.
I’d married a Minnesota girl, but all I knew about Minnesota politics was just the stuff that I’d picked up from watching the national scene. I knew that the state had trended liberal for a long time, for a least a generation. I knew and admired the career of Hubert Humphrey, a liberal Minnesotan who made a big difference in American civil rights.
But it turned out that I’d picked a very bizarre time to arrive. A professional wrestler, one of the funniest trash-mouths I’d ever seen on East Coast TV broadcasts of professional wrestling—had just been elected governor of the state. I found out that about ten years after Ronald Reagan had left office, the state was starting to trend Republican—conservative Republican. One of the two senators was a conservative; a former local TV news anchor who’d run as a sort of Gingrich Republican. The mayor of St. Paul was a former yippie from Brooklyn who somehow had morphed into a Republican conservative after the Gingrich revolution.
Clearly, the liberals here were on the run and the conservatives on the rise. The AM radio was populated with Rush Limbaugh clones who delivered these wall-to-wall conservative diatribes, seven days a week. That was not new to me; that situation is basically the same in every large radio market I’ve lived in for the past fifteen years. Conservative talk radio is everywhere because it sells, because there’s a huge market for people who spew the propaganda that conservative audiences need to hear.
But this local Christian radio they had was something else again. For me, it was new twist: the conservative line—but married to Jesus, God, and blatant commercialism.
Clearly these people, the broadcasters and their audience, had constructed a world of their own, a reality all their own. In that reality, the Bible was indisputably “inerrant” when it spoke to matters of history and even science. For example, evolution—biological change over time--was a “farce”; a misguided “theory” foisted on the public by dangerous enemies of God that the broadcasters called “secular humanists.” And there was a ‘conspiracy’ among scientific publications to suppress scientific truths that leant support to the Biblical account of creation. The world and the universe weren’t billions of years old—no more than ten thousand years old, perhaps even as young as six thousand years old.
The broadcasters invited guest speakers on the air to explain that we found dinosaur fossils because there were dinosaurs aboard Noah’s Ark; one of them even theorized that those of us who got to heaven could have pet dinosaurs there if we liked. The most respected and popular radio speakers told the audience that one of the reasons that scientists clung to evolution was that they had an “anti-supernatural bias.”
I also learned about the regular audience for this kind of broadcasting. They were afraid. Sometimes the people who called in were afraid of demons; all of them were afraid of Satan. They believed that he was a very real being and a very real force in the world, actively tempting them in their daily lives. When it was revealed that the divorce rate for “believing Christians” was higher than for non-Christians, it was suggested that this was because Satan himself had singled out the Christians for special persecution, sent more troubles to their marriages than other peoples’. Worse than that, Satan was also actively misleading people who didn’t believe in their particular kind of Christianity: the liberals, the scientists who accepted evolution as a fact, the governments who were enemies of the United States. Anyone who questioned the inerrant truths of the Bible, as this audience understood those truths—was at best a dupe of Satan, and at worst his unwitting ally against Christ and Christians.They were afraid of other Christians, too.
They were afraid of Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses; their beliefs were dangerous heresies that would consign the unwary to eternal flames. They were afraid of “false prophets”: some of these had broadcast ministries that were leading millions of self-styled Christians to perdition. They even had doubts about their own salvation—many of them were concerned that they or their fellow churchgoers weren’t “really” saved, that they didn’t have the “real” faith or the “right” faith. Some said that they thought they had been “saved” but that they might have been deceived or deceived themselves into thinking that they were—when they weren’t.
They feared for Christians who practiced yoga. They were afraid of homosexuals and “the homosexual agenda for America.” They were afraid of feminists. Many of them were convinced that we were living in the “end times”—the last, apocalyptic days before the end of this world. All of them believed in the Antichrist; there was much speculation about who he was and where he was living right now (he was almost certainly alive right now, even if he hadn’t revealed himself.) Most of the fans who called in, and many of the broadcasters believed in the “rapture”: the 19th century Christian doctrine that in these last days, Christian believers would literally b