Strib Vets stories

Governor Pawlenty annouced that more Veterans could recieve better access to their benefits.

The expansion of the TRICARE network should make it easier for 55,000 Minnesota
enrollees to seek care closer to home. Now, 40 percent of licensed physicians, or 4,702, in the state will take TRICARE patients, up from 3 percent last fall. Twenty-seven hospitals will be part of the network.

It's a very nice start. I know this was an issue I have fought hard for the past several years and I am glad to see some progress. I will feign excitement though until we learn which hospitals will see this increased focus on our Veterans.

In future expansion of this idea, I would like to see an alignment with Allina Clinics and other small local community clinics to offer comprehensive care for our Veterans.

Tragic is what this really is. Going door to door and advocating these issues, some would love to debate the fact that their are inherent risks to being a soldier and that the money to pay for such programs is too much for the tax base. Now, the Governor seems to have the same ideas we had...

The Letters also touch on the tragic death of a Veteran from our area.

A MARINE'S SUICIDE
VA let him down
I was appalled and deeply saddened by Jan. 27 story on the suicide of Marine Jonathan Schulze of New Prague.
To have a soldier with symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome and suicidal thoughts and be turned away from two Minnesota VA hospitals is unconscionable.
Of course, the Department of Veterans Affairs is overwhelmed with dealing with the painful casualties of this war. But once our brave soldiers reach the safety of our shores, our government has a moral obligation to treat both their physical and psychological wounds.
This event was probably preventable and is absolutely unacceptable and calls for immediate legislative investigation and resolution.
Is it not the obligation of service providers at VA facilities, when psychiatric beds are unavailable, to arrange for services in the public or private sector for patients who are potentially dangerous to themselves and others?
The government should not spend another dime on sending more troops to Iraq until we know that the VA and other medical care systems have sufficient resources and appropriate policies to deliver excellent and efficient care to our returning soldiers. They should not have to beg for help after the sacrifice they have made.
LIONEL BLATCHLEY, EDINA;
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST

Fix the problem
That a young soldier could return from Iraq, try to check himself into a hospital with suicidal thoughts and be told to take a number and sent home is simply unconscionable.
There should be a new law that says citizens who manage to get themselves to a Minnesota health care facility with suicidal (or homicidal) thoughts must be admitted -- even if they have to put a bed in the cafeteria.
I would also name that law in honor of the memory of Jonathan Schulze.
STEVE ALDRICH, ST. LOUIS PARK

And the struggles of our Veterans continues on...

DC School community forum last night

For two hours last night, at least 300 braved the bitter cold and listened to various leaders across the DC school district discuss the budget situation that faces Dassel and Cokato.

The issues facing the district are strikingly similar to those of other rural school districts.

Local taxation issues and high property taxes have pushed people to the point that they can no longer take on additional taxes.

Special Education costs are eating school budgets alive. The DC school district expends $1 million more than it takes in from Special Education, while Federal mandates are problematic the lack of state and federal appropriations cause greater pain.

Some seek to micromanage the local school boards yet do not hold them, or other locally elected officials, accountable for their actions, or a lack thereof.

Overall, the tone of the meeting was very upbeat. There was not the tension that one may have expected. Information around the various budget areas was explained and questions were taken. A deeper explanation of some areas is expected in the future.

Cuts are coming. Where though is up in the air.

It sounds like the school will try another levy in the near future, as they face Statutory Operating Debt by 2011-12.

Hats off to Rep Urdahl for making it up to the forum. Too bad Rep Shimanski and Senator Dille were too busy to see what's going on.

Gates vs. GM

Residual Forces posted this earlier. It's pretty funny!

Gates vs. GM

For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on.

At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated,

”If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.”

In response to Bill’s comments, General Motors issued a press release stating:

If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash……..Twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.
4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.
6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single “This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation” warning light.
7. The airbag system would ask “Are you sure?” before deploying.
8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
10. You’d have to press the “Start” button to turn the engine off.

Please share this with your friends who love - but sometimes hate - their computer!

Vote Vets event in the Twin Cities

I recieved an email yesterday afternoon about the event but was unable to make it. Check out what went down in the cities today.

"He has no problem saying he is against the escalation in Iraq," said Jon Soltz, national chairman of VoteVets.org, and who served as a U.S. Army captain in Iraq from May to September 2003. "But he has not voted to oppose the escalation."

The national ad features six Iraq combat veterans, arguing that the troop buildup goes against the wishes of "two-thirds of the American people, a bipartisan majority in Congress, the Iraq Study Group and veterans like us." It ends with Robert Loria,an Army veteran who lost his arm in an explosion in Baghdad in 2004. "If you support escalation, you don't support the troops," Loria says in the ad.

The group has targeted Senator Coleman and others that say they support the troops but support the surge/escalation as well.

Thanks for the link! You know who you are...

More SC VA coverage!

The University Chronicle even has covered the story.

I am a bit speechless, as I would think they would rather cover stories of censureship that did not happen and other scandals around the student association. Glad to see they are not so damn conservative anymore!

Another diary up at MCR

I have posted another diary up Minnesota Campaign Report. Enjoy Joe's great blog and new banner!

mnpACT at it again!

While it's the usual great and thought provoking post, the bloggers by-line caught my eye!

We're caught in a quagmire in Iraq. It's not the central front in the war on terrorism; it's a civil war in which we have no rightful part. At the cost of more than 3,000 American lives, we've accomplished our stated pre-war objectives – ousting Saddam, eliminating the (nonexistent) weapons of mass destruction threat and establishing democracy. The rest is up to Iraqis. It's their decision whether to choose the path of freedom or the destructive avenue of tyranny. More American bloodshed won'tmake the government in Baghdad any more likely to take responsibility for its people.

Indeed, we are caught in a quagmine in Iraq. At some point, Iraq will have to make this happen.

We cannot deploy democracy.

Question of the day

So, Senator Dille supports the use of marijuana yet wants to ban smoking? I thought I was the liberal here...

Progress at the Capitol: Rep Urdahl

The following are the bills Rep Urdahl has sponsored or co-sponsored.

HF0361 Welti Regional investment income and franchise tax credit provided.
HF0318 Jaros Commission on Minnesota Ethnic Heritage established, and money appropriated.
HF0300 Haws Military pay tax deduction expanded, and military pension subtraction including survivor benefits created.
HF0279 Haws War Orphans Act educational benefits eligibility clarified and extended for surviving military spouses and children.
HF0272 Haws Firearms safety and usage training certificates continuation provided while soldiers and essential employees are engaged in active military service.
HF0231 Moe Greater Minnesota Business Development Investment Fund established, and money appropriated.
HF0224 Kahn Poet laureate appointed, and appropriation of gift or grant money specified.
HF0221 Urdahl Meeker County day training and habilitation provider rate reimbursement increased, and proposal required to address the disparity between providers across the state.
HF0192 Urdahl Meeker County nursing facilities placed in geographic group II.
HF0191 Heidgerken Anglers allowed to use two lines and two hooks while fishing.
HF0187 Brod Estate tax federal exemption amount conformity provided.
HF0158Urdahl Livestock farming operations construction materials sales tax exemption provided.
HF0153 Urdahl School district shared superintendent aid provided, and money appropriated.
HF0142Wardlow Property tax refund household income definition modified to exempt the amount of any military disability pay received by a veteran from the federal government.
HF0076 Shimanski Crow River South Fork canoe route designated.
HF0070 Hosch Independent School District No. 463, Eden Valley-Watkins, environmental hazard remediation funding provided, and money appropriated.
HF0064 Urdahl Dairy and livestock investment income and corporate franchise credit provided for qualifying investments.
HF0052 Urdahl Dairy operations income and corporate franchise tax provided for qualifying investments in dairy operations.
HF0044 Urdahl Rural Minnesota Catch-Up Credit provided allowing a credit against the income tax of an employer for the creation and retention of certain jobs.
HF0014 Heidgerken Military pensions federal taxable income subtraction provided.
HF0009 Juhnke Dairy investment income and corporate franchise tax credit provided for qualifying investments in dairy operations.

I am glad to see some of the Veterans legislation coming through, although it mostly is around taxes. We'll see what appropriations come forthe VA soon.

Another interesting bill thus far is a piece of legislation that would provide school districts that share superintendents up to $30,000 a year to defray costs. In light of the DC School situation, I wonder if this will come into play out here?

Progress at the Capitol: Rep Shimanski

These are the bills sponsored or co-sponsored by Rep Shimanski. So far, two authored and 17 co sponsored. Looks like he is carrying Dille's Senate Bills in the House.

HF0347 Gardner Yard waste bags required to be compostable.
HF0276 Otremba MinnesotaCare self-employed farmers income definition modified.
HF0231 Moe Greater Minnesota Business Development Investment Fund established, and money appropriated.
HF0216 Paulsen Initiative and referendum provided, procedures and penalties specified, and constitutional amendment proposed.
HF0198 Hackbarth Outdoor walk-in access program established to voluntarily make available privately held land for hunting and fishing.
HF0192 Urdahl Meeker County nursing facilities placed in geographic group II.
HF0187 Brod Estate tax federal exemption amount conformity provided.
HF0165 Peppin State funds prohibited for use in early termination of a contract of any person who reports to the University of Minnesota director of athletics.
HF0142 Wardlow Property tax refund household income definition modified to exempt the amount of any military disability pay received by a veteran from the federal government.
HF0102 Shimanski Winsted authorized to issue bonds for acquisition of a city hall, community center, and police station.
HF0101 Demmer Agricultural land excluded from the tax base for school bonded debt levies.
HF0100 Demmer Farm enhancement loan program established, and money appropriated.
HF0099 Erickson Tax conformity provided for tax year 2006 to the federal teacher expense deduction, tuition subtraction, and other provisions of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act, Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunity Ace, and Pension Protection Plan.
HF0076 Shimanski Crow River South Fork canoe route designated.
HF0064 Urdahl Dairy and livestock investment income and corporate franchise credit provided for qualifying investments.
HF0062 Brod Income tax rates reduced.
HF0060 Brod Income tax rates reduced.
HF0052 Urdahl Dairy operations income and corporate franchise tax provided for qualifying investments in dairy operations.
HF0032 HackbarthOutdoor walk-in access program established to voluntarily make available privately held land for hunting and fishing.

Beyond the support of tax cuts, the other remarkable piece of legislation Shimanski supports revolves around the situation at the University of MN and it's firing of coaches.

Progress at the Capitol: Senator Dille

Here are the bills that Senator Dille has either been the Chief Author of or Co-Sponsored.

SF0347 Rest Adoption birth records access modifications
SF0346 Dille PAVE certificate recognition; human drug veterinary use; equine teeth floating services;University of Minnesota specialty practitioner
SF0345 Murphy Medical use of marijuana
SF0320 Murphy Port development assistance program appropriation
SF0284 Kubly Rural Minnesota Catch-Up Credit
SF0264 Rummel Yard waste containers composting requirement
SF0238 Sheran Freedom to Breathe Act of 2007
SF0227 Vickerman Rural finance authority loan programs participation bond issue and appropriation
SF0216 Vickerman Soil and water conservation districts general service grants appropriation SF0148 Marty Mental health provisions modifications
SF0122 Carlson Motor vehicle operators child restraint systems use requirement expansion SF0120 Hann Veterans memorial grant program establishment and appropriation
SF0115 Dille Canoe route designation for Crow river
SF0098 Dille Winsted city hall, community center and police station construction bond issue SF0093 Dille Luce Line trail paving bond issue and appropriation
SF0090 Wergin Income and franchise tax credit for dairy operations lineinvestment
SF0087 Fischbach Farming definition expansion to spring water bottling
SF0086 Fischbach Independent school district #463, Eden Valley-Watkins; environmental hazard remediation cost recovery grant appropriation
SF0076 Vickerman Income and franchise tax credit for dairy operations investment
SF0075 Koering MinnesotaCare program gross individual or gross family income definition modification for self employed farmers
SF0055 Dille Meeker county nursing facilities medical assistance operating costs reimbursement geographic group reassignment
SF0035 Kubly Sales and use tax exemption for grain bins and fencing materials
SF0032 Kubly Veterans preference use by parent of disabled veteran
SF0015 Prettner Solon Children's Health Security Act

So far, he has authored 5 bills and co sponsored 19. Most of the bills he has sponsored thus far are pretty self explanatory.

Note that Dille is a co-sponosor on the Freedom to Breathe Act as well as the Medicinal Use of Marijuana.

Why didn't Dille offer the legislation for the EV-W school district? Why did a Senator outside of SD 18 offer it?

On a side note, doesn't the school have insurance to cover stuff like that?

More on the DC School admin situation

As you astute readers recall, last week I highlighted a piece in the Enterprise Dispatch about the amount of money spent on administrators at the school.

I am quite certain that it went over like a brick with some, hence Lynda and the ED came out with another piece on the situation, this time, comparing with more schools.

Surely some want the school district to be weighed against schools of equal size. The new story does that, although I also believe that the original story had significant merit. In reality, every school district in the state is unique. Enrollment figures, contracts, building age, and property taxes all play out differently across the state.

However, you can draw good conclusions based on the information presented. Personally, I cannot grasp the fact that $896,000 a year is spent on admins in the district, when it looks like another $300,000 will need to be cut.

Regardless of what side of the issue you sit on, people resoundingly see the greater number of admins in the district as unnecessary spending, especially in a time where the rural school budgets are tight.

As of now, I will be at the event later tonight at the DC Performing Arts Center, 7-9pm. I'd like to hear what's really on the minds of people and see if any of our fearless elected leaders show up with a solution from St Paul.

More on the VA and Veterans

I was checking out more at the SC Times about the situation that occurred at the VA hospital. In story chat, I came across the following quote.

angel carver from from among the people
Comment Posted: 1/28/2007 5:00:51 PM

If a soldier asked for help in the field, he would have gotten it no matter what the conditions. Now back here under the conditions of society he was denied! It is shameful!

That's not true. Back in my public speaking days, I used to talk about a story of a Special Forces soldier in Iraq that was denied access to mental health help and was actually threatened with a courts martial, for "cowardice before the enemy".

The soldier said he experienced a “panic attack” after seeing the mangled body
of an Iraqi man and told his superior he was heading for a “nervous breakdown.”

After that, Porgany said he didn’t request to go on missions nor did the unit ask him to go.

Porgany said he asked for help but was denied the care soldiers with “combat stress” are supposed to receive.

Instead of help, Porgany said, one of his superiors told him to “get his head out of his
ass and get with the program.”

An Army psychologist in Iraq said Porgany had a normal reaction to seeing the body and recommended rest and then a return to duty, the soldier said.

Instead, his commander ordered him back to Colorado Springs to face a court-martial for “misbehavior before the enemy.”

That is absolutely insane. Our soldiers and Veterans deserve better treatment. After reading stories like this, I am more and more troubled on how our Vets are treated and what they go through on active duty. It's tough enough for a soldier to express fear, and now if they express this fear, they have to worry about being charged with the equivalent of a felony for expressing their fears. This is why soldiers keep this stuff "bottled up".

SC Times covers the tragedy as well

From the SC Times

Schulze's father and stepmother, Marianne Schulze, who live in rural Stewart, said their son would still be alive if the VA had acted on his pleas for admittance. They said they heard him tell VA staff in St. Cloud that he felt suicidal — in person Jan. 11 at the hospital, and over the phone Jan. 12.

What will Rep Shimanski do? What will Senator Dille do? Will they spearhead efforts with the VA? It's horrible that a tragic event must occur before our elected leaders begin to address the issues at hand.

Will Congresswoman Bachmann do anything on a national level to raise this issue to promience on the floor of the House. I am sure Congressman Walz will do it!

Story Chat has no sympathy for the VA leadership, and rightfully so by all accounts.

holeymoley from huh
I am speechless. This young man served our counrty, fought for people he didn't
even know. AND the a%%holes he went to talk too at the VA would not help him.,
There was no room............... Well folks working at the VA"S if it was not for these men and women you would not have a job. You should treat these men and women as if they were related to you, part of your family.
Maybe you need more staff, maybe more room... whatever.... these men and women deserve our attention and respect.

Benway from Sauk Rapids
Yes, it is sad that a young man took his life. These are always sad and tragic occurances whether a person is a soldier or not. But this time it is different as it
is part of a growing trend and I believe accountability is neccessary in order to avoid the trend from continuing.Increasing stresses on U.S. soldiers and veterans of the conflict from prolonged and multiple tours of duty seems to be the biggest factor. In the most telling statistic, the suicide rate among soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistannearly doubled in 2004 from 2003, and has nearly doubled again this past year. This is a trend that requires examination and action to prevent the trend from escalating further

Since a majority of citizens now realize that not only was the war a mistake in the first place, but the US was ill-equipped to handle a prolonged presence in Iraq which has resulted in 2 and 3 and even 4 tours of duty, the administration is very much culpable in the suicides (as well as the homicides) occuring among our troops.
I don't mean to politicize this, but this is avery troubling situation. And it is only going to get worse if we do not do all we can to support the mental well-being of our soldiers. Billions have been "lost" by Halliburton, while billions are not going to where it should: to the aid of our troops--in Iraq and here when they return home.
And do I place blame on the Bush administration for these tragedies. Yes, I do.

my thinking from around here
Third try now to post here... Benway, how right you are. I had written similar things and they did not get posted here. We need to know how the two people who disregaraded this Marines cry for help came to this conclusion. This is #1. If it is the way the VA's are being handled now then it was them doing what they are told. If NOT then they need to be held responsible for their decisions. This is the first thing that needs to be addresses

Number two is, funding for the VA's across the country has been funded when they already were underfunded before the war and our people coming back needing medical care. BLAME the one cutting the funding for this boys death IF the people he talked to were following VA rules. Funding is of importance to keeping the VA's going and able to treat all coming home with out them being in a waiting line. The waiting line the last years has been long so I cant imagine what its like now.
How can you say support the troops if they are not getting support when they get home in what ever way they need it. Support the war does not mean you are the only one supporting the troops.
I support these people on duty and respect them. I support them when they come home and need help. Does the gov support them when they get home ?? NO, not in many ways. So becasue I dont support the war... it means nothing that I do support those over there and when they come home.
Support the troops in Iraq and other places, keep them safe , give them what they need to keep safe but support them when they get home Mr. Bush and company so they get the medical care and other things they need to get back to civilian life. Dont forget them becasue they are not active military any more. Stop the cuts to the VA's and other cuts to these people
I hope the times paper will keep us updated as to the two people that this Marine talked to. What does the VA say about how they handled this?? What are the policys of admittance or evaluation when some one shows up??? Why wasnt he transfered some place else for care now until they could get him in?? Does the St.Cloud hosptial refuse patitents for Mental health concerns from the VA?
St/Cloud hospital has an agreement, or did when my hubby was at the VA to take VA patients when necessary. The way the vets are treated or we were was terriable. I just has to state that in case they do take some yet from the VA. My hubbywas told he didnt belong there and I was to remove him. The VA here did get him moved to Mpls but they were given a time limit. In the meantime no one did cares
for him and he just lay there for a day. How cruel for a dying man. I am a retired nurse and did what i could for him physicaly. Iv never forgiven the Dr. nor the hospital for treating a vet as bad as they did. I dont care if he was old vet or not.

I am saddened by the events surrounding this story. It speaks to the enormous anxiety felt by Veterans across this nation. It just so happens that it has been witnessed first hand here in Minnesota now. Suicide rates for Vets in the Iraq War are more than twice that of the typical society. PTSD rates are significantly higher as well.

The fact that 25 veterans were ahead of him on a waiting list for care is absurd. The stories are real. I heard them first hand while I was on active duty, out speaking on Veterans issues across the state, and out on the campaign trail.

We like to put the yellow ribbon on the SUV and say we support our troops. A yellow ribbon did nothing for this young Marine. This young Marine needed help.

I was a soldier for a long time. I counseled a lot of young troops in my day. Our soldiers and Veterans do not complain. They don't bitch about the knee problems we all have, we don't bitch about the time spent away, we are trained to "suck it up and drive on".

When a solider does come forward to ask for help, they should be immediately met with outstanding service and great compassion, for those working in the VA would not be there without the Vets they take care of.

Obviously someone messed up here. One person most likely made this mistake. I know the vast majority of primary care people at the VA are amazing people. I spent some time with many of them years ago.

With more and more Veterans coming back and needing services, the access to quality care needs to be re-examined with greater emphasis on locally controlled services.

Will our elected officials finally wake up from their per diem increase induced food coma's and see the light of day with Veterans issues?

I'll be tracking what Dille, Urdahl, and Shimanski have to say about the issues.

A Veterans story that is more common than we realize

An absolutely heart wrenching story about what our Veterans face.

At first, Jonathan Schulze tried to live with the nightmares and the grief he brought home from Iraq. He was a tough kid from central Minnesota, and more than that, a U.S. Marine to the core.

Yet his moods when he returned home told another story. He sobbed on his parents' couch as he told them how fellow Marines had died, and how he, a machine gunner, had killed the enemy. In his sleep, he screamed the names of dead comrades. He had visited a psychiatrist at the VA hospital in Minneapolis.

Two weeks ago, Schulze went to the VA hospital in St. Cloud. He told a staff member he was thinking of killing himself, and asked to be admitted to the mental health unit, said his father and stepmother, who accompanied him. They said he was told he couldn't be admitted that day. The next day, as he spoke to a counselor in St. Cloud by phone, he was told he was No. 26 on the waiting list, his parents said.

Four days later, Schulze, 25, committed suicide in his New Prague home.

Citing privacy laws, Veterans Affairs officials wouldn't comment specifically on the
case, nor would they confirm or deny the Schulze family's account. However, Dr.
Sherrie Herendeen, line director for mental health services at the St. Cloud hospital, said Thursday that under VA policy, a veteran talking about suicide would immediately be escorted into the hospital's locked mental health unit for treatment.

She also said that after hearing of Schulze's death, the hospital is doing an internal review of its procedures.

Schulze's father and stepmother, Jim and Marianne Schulze of rural Stewart, Minn., say their son would be alive today if the VA had acted on his pleas for admittance. They say they heard him tell VA staff in St. Cloud that he felt suicidal -- in person on Jan. 11 at the hospital, and over the phone on Jan. 12.

On the evening of Jan. 16, Schulze called family and friends to tell them that he was preparing to kill himself. They called New Prague police, who smashed in the door and found him hanging from an electrical cord. Police attempted to resuscitate him,
but it was too late.

Schulze's family doctor in Stewart, a farming crossroads in McLeod County, said he was convinced that Schulze suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, a disabling mental condition that can result from military combat.

"Jonathan was a classic," said Dr. William Phillips, who said he first examined Schulze in October 2004 when Schulze was home on leave from Marine duty.

Phillips said Schulze was reliving combat in his sleep, had flashbacks when he was awake, couldn't eat, felt paranoid, struggled with relationships and admitted to drinking alcohol excessively. Phillips prescribed medication to calm his nerves and help him sleep.

The doctor also asked Schulze to seek counseling at Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps base in California where he was assigned. Phillips said he was unable to learn whether Schulze had done so.

"We don't have a system for this," Phillips said this week. "The VA is overwhelmed, and we're rural doctors out here trying to deal with this. Unfortunately, we're going to see a lot of Jonathans."

Seeking help

Maj. Cynthia Rasmussen, the combat stress officer for the 88th Regional Readiness Command at Fort Snelling, said veterans returning to Minnesota who have problems often don't seek help until their civilian lives begin to fall apart. "Soldiers think if they go to get help that they're going to be seen as weak, but they also think their command won't have faith in them," she said.

Rasmussen said reasons for mental illness among returning veterans are many and complex, but often relate to personality changes that service members must make while in uniform -- and especially in combat zones -- and then try to readjust to
civilian life.

After Schulze left the Marines in late 2005, he continued to have aching memories of combat.

"When he got back from Iraq he was
mentally scattered," said his older brother Travis, who also served there with
the Marines.

Much of Jonathan Schulze's anguish seemed to relate to combat in Ramadi in April 2004. Schulze, who carried a heavy machine gun, wrote his parents that 16 Marines, many of them close friends, had died in two afternoons of firefights and bombings. Twice he was wounded but didn't tell his parents, not wanting them to worry. He wrote them about dismembered bodies. About youth and combat and disillusionment. And about the bombs.

"I pray so much over here and ask God to keep me out of harm's way and to make it back home alive and in one piece," he wrote Jim and Marianne in May 2004. "I bet I easily pray over a dozen times a day and I always pray while I am on patrol as I
am terrified of getting hit by an IED aka a bomb. Our vehicle elements and Marines on patrols are getting hit hard by these bombs the Iraqis plant all over and hide on the ground."

Schulze carried guilt that fellow Marines died. He wanted to return to Iraq to somehow redeem himself, said his father, who did three tours of duty in Vietnam.

Because of that, Schulze at first resisted counseling, Jim Schulze said: "Being a Marine, he was too proud to get help. They want to make you impervious of any emotion. And when you get out it's almost impossible to put it back the way it was."

When Schulze left the Marine Corps, he participated in military color guards, visited aging veterans in the state homes, helped anyone in need. He worked with his stepfather building houses. An unmarried father, Schulze bragged of adoration for his young daughter, Kaley Marie, on his MySpace website.

But the war always got in the way of a normal life.

Schulze was on an emotional roller coaster and couldn't get off, said his close Marine friend from Iraq, Eric Satersmoen, who with Schulze's stepbrothers described him as becoming uncharacteristically quiet.

"Lot of inner turmoil, lot of flashbacks, lot of nightmares," was how Jim Schulze described his son.

The Jan. 11 visit to the VA in St. Cloud came a few weeks after Jonathan Schulze waited for more than three hours at the VA hospital in Minneapolis, hoping to be admitted, Jim Schulze said. His son last saw a psychiatrist at the Minneapolis VA on Dec. 14 but someone there told him he couldn't be admitted for treatment until March, Jim Schulze said. They went to St. Cloud with the expectation that Jonathan could be admitted quicker.

Satersmoen and Travis Schulze think that Jonathan Schulze didn't intend to kill himself. They said that he was drunk and confused and speculate that he unintentionally blacked out before police arrived.

Secondary causes of death, said the Minnesota Regional Coroner's Office in Hastings, were post-traumatic stress disorder and acute and chronic alcoholism.

At the funeral in Prior Lake, Schulze lay in his Marine dress blues, two Purple Hearts and his other medals pinned to his tunic. Dozens of young men -- fellow Marines -- gathered in groups to tell stories. They called him Jonny. He was funny, they said. The life of the party.

Cold wind ripped across the cemetery in Stewart where he was buried. Veterans from the Hutchinson, Minn., VFW fired a three-volley salute. Travis Schulze, dressed in black, and Satersmoen, wearing Marine dress blues, removed the flag from the casket and folded it. Travis Schulze presented the flag to his father. And
saluted him.

"He was a delayed casualty of the Iraq war," Jim Schulze said of Jonathan.

Wow, an absolutely tragic story. Many of you may recall that issues such as this were at the forefront on our campaign this past year. I will not sit back and watch our Veterans suffer like this. I have fired off emails to my locally elected officials and will press for an investigation of how this happens.

I understand that the VA in St Cloud had 26 Veterans waiting for Mental health treatment. Wow...what has our nation become when we spend $400 a minute for this war and neglect the Veterans of it.

Smoking ban LTE

The LTE does not support the smoking ban. Beyond the ridiculous abortion and smoking reference, there is a point I have overlooked and would like to highlight this point the writer made.

One other money issue related to Kevin Johnson pointing out Rep. Tom Emmer's campaign funding. Did you know that the Indian casinos give more money to the DFL party than any other organization in Minnesota? If the DFL controlled State House and Senate passes a smoking ban, the Indian casinos would be exempt.

First off, I think the comment is a bit askew. Saying that the casinos give more money to the DFL than any other organization is misleading. They give more money to the DFL than the GOP may be a better statement, although, all the GOP candidates in SD 18 got money from the Indian casino's, including my opponent who got $1500.

The point I find interesting though, and what merit's discussion is the fact that Indian casino's will be expempt from the ban. If that is true, and imagine that it actually is, Emmer has a great point. These casino's will become even more profitable, not that I am opposed to Indian casino's and all....

Perhaps some non-smoking state owned casino's are on the horizon?

More excellent work by mnpACT!

While many of us were yucking it up over the Bachmann kiss, at least one blogger was "covering our 6" since Bachmann talks of supporting the troops, but provides little evidence of actually doing such.

Christopher Truscott from mnpACT! Progressive has a great post on a Bachmann floor speech on supporting our troops.

While she talks about "ensuring stability in the Middle East," Bachmann is really playing a game of follow the leader – or the president, in the absence of a true leader for the dwindling number of Americans who support the current course of action in Iraq.

Maybe her blind support of Bush's Iraq policy is part of her plan to give him a little encouragement – as she claims the kiss was – but Bachmann needs to accept reality and move on.

Congresswoman, even if you agree with everything the president says he will not take you to the prom.

Indeed!

In a time where almost 2/3 of all American's do not support the direction President Bush is taking this nation and the civil war in Iraq, the last thing we need is a cheerleader who kisses the President because he needs more support.

We need strong leaders who will do the right thing, despite enormous political pressure to maintain the status quo.

Thus far, status quo is the mantra of Congresswoman Bachmann.

Those damn Timberwolves

I used to go to a lot of games at Target Center. I had a season tix package with the boys for several years and good times were had.

I am stoked to see that the Randy Wittman era has started off along the same footing as the Dwayne Casey era...no stamina, losing in the 4th or overtime.

Nothing against Randy Wittman, other than he failed miserably as a coach in Cleveland...which led to the LeBron James era...hmmmm

Casey did not deserve to go out the way he did.

Kevin McHale has killed this team. He is as inept a leader or manager as anyone in the league. He may well be the Matt Millen of the NBA. Rumor has it, Millen and McHale have a mean game of internet chess going on, it's been on going for years now...since neither of them can make a move to seal the deal.

Seriously, how does this guy have a job? I will not go to a Timberwolves game until McHale is gone. I know Glen Taylor won't miss my hundred, but I'm done.

Who fires a coach midway in a season when you are the 8th seed in the playoffs? What were his expectations? He was on pace for a 8-9 win improvement over last year.

Casey did not trade Wally and a number one pick for Blount and garbage. McHale did.

Casey did not sign Mike James to lead this team into the ground as its point guard, McHale did.

I could go on and on and on...

McHale needs to be fired...bottomline.

That's our Congresswoman!

So, my third attempt at posting today...

Congresswoman Bachmann grabbed the President last night and headlines today, as well as lit the blogosphere on fire. The State of the Union address was marred by the Bachmann attack on our fearless leader, Mr. 3000.

I wonder if Michele purchased his tie for him?

Wonkette was nutz earlier today, running three stories on her.

First, they expressed disappointment in KSTP that the video got pulled.

The comments are wonderful. It truly was a grand day for liberal bloggers, and a crappy one for the 6th CD here in MN.

He signed her an autograph, she still held on. He tried to ditch her and kiss some other congresswoman, and she still held on. In fact, she held on even tighter.
She finally got her hug and kiss, after the President realized that if he didn’t acquiesce, she would probably slip him a roofie and drag him into a committee room somewhere.

"I'm your number one fan!," she shrieked before thrusting her sketchbook in front of the president, but not for him to sign. In fact, there was no room for his signature on a page where the Congresswoman had been carefully practicing "Michelle Bachman Bush" and "Mrs. George W. Bush" in a loopy, childish hand.

Awesome!

Part deux... More quality comments!

I wish she was wearing a beret.

Were GWB's Secret Service agents doing speedballs in the cloakroom when this happened? Michelle should not have been allowed to lustily paw the Prez without a subsequent throwdown and a major choke hold. Squeaky wouldn't have been permitted to get away with this crap. Or Foley.

We haven't seen embraces like that since the Foley day's in the House....so really not that long ago.


And lastly, posted after I went to the cities...

Ewwww, Bush has old-man chicken skin at the back of his neck, and I swear to God Bachmann is giving him the tounge in that photo. It's like making out with the collection-plate guy at my parent's church!

Condi is so going to bitch slap this little hussy in the parking lot one day real soon. You just wait and see.

Definately take a few minutes and check out all the comments. Wow...I have not laughed this hard for a long time, and wanted to cry as well...'casue that's my Congresswoman!

Dump Bachmann has been very good as well! Great comments around the board! Lots of coverage!

A comment posted on DB

Unfortunately for those of us in the 6th CD, we don't have a representative in Congress. We have a cheerleader who wants to give the team captain a blow job.

Definately go to Dump Bachmann for the latest on this. They have many bloggers covering the Bachmann grope.

The SC Times has a story up with Bachmann explaining what was going on. Epic!

Freshman Rep. Michele Bachmann said she was hoping to boost President Bush’s morale when she kissed him after he delivered his State of the Union address Tuesday evening.

“With the president’s poll numbers, he could use a little encouragement,” the Republican from Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District said Wednesday. “It was absolutely spontaneous.”

Wow, off to bed I go. Wolves just lost...

Rudy Boschwitz called Paul Wellstone "embarassingly liberal". I have labeled Michele Bachmann as "embarassingly conservative". Today, she is just embarassing. Two more years...

Would Patty Wetterling gone this bat shit crazy over say, John Edwards, or Barrack Obama if they are President?

Note that this is the first Bachmann, Bush and fun post!

A great Walz v Bachmann post

It compares Tim Walz and Michele Bachmann.

Some great lines?

The Democratic leadership recognizes a Natural Born Leader. Walz may be the
exception that will work for the betterment of the District even if his votes do not please everyone. His assignments reflect someone who is truly working without considering re-electablity. Funny, but the main characterization that I heard during the campaign was that Walz was just another teacher who would go to Washington to spend money on schools … looks like he is truly interested in caring for the country as a whole.

Nice work.

Now on Bachmann.

The first few weeks of the session has found Michelle Bachmann Out Of Step with Majority.

For illustration, the House voted on HR 5 to cut the interest rate on many student loans in half. The legislation would lower the rate from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent in stages over five years for need-based loans. The proposal would cost nearly $6 billion and affect nearly 5.5 million students who get the subsidized loans each year. Although all Democrats voted to approve this legislation, the Republican vote was 124 to 71 – a clear Majority of Republicans thought this was good legislation. Bachmann voted against this legislation stating "Unfortunately, this bill does nothing to help lower-income students pay for the skyrocketing cost of college tuition.” A nice Spin answer … ignore over five million students and blame it on the bill not being more expansive.

Very nice work!

We can expect more spin by Congresswoman Bachmann as time goes on. We can expect results from Congressman Walz.

Those damn liberal tax.....errrr....fee and spenders

A LTE in the SC Times takes the DFL to task on its tax raising principles.

Mr. Gross takes 6 taxes proposed in legislation and comments about the unjust increases in taxes by the DFL. Furthermore, he extends his comments by adding proposals by Rep Brod on tax cuts for Minnesotans and the DFL's halting of her proposal.

Raising the state gas tax by a dime a gallon.
Raising license tab fees on newly purchased vehicles.
Allowing counties to charge up to $20 annually for every car.
Raising the sales tax by three-eighths of a cent.
Raising the cigarette tax $1 to $1.20 per pack.
Increasing property taxes by allowing school districts to levy local property owners
for the full cost of running ice arenas, instead of the current limit of 90 percent of the cost.

Was the cigarette tax called a fee by Governor Pawlenty? It is not a user fee? Regardless, you do not pay the tax unless you use it.

Gas tax, user based.
Tab fees, user based.
Car charge for the county, the more cars you own, the more you are charged.
Sales tax, user based.

Seems like 5 of the 6 taxes or fees Mr. Gross discussed are in fact user based. The user decides by purchasing said product, whether to pay taxes or not.

When it comes to his support of Rep Brod's plan:

Cut income taxes by a half percent on the lowest tier.
Provide tax deductions to ethanol producers.
Adjust the deduction for classroom expenses for inflation.
Extend the overall deductions for another year to match the bill
passed by Congress.
Provide tax deductions to small businesses statewide.

I think we will see those areas addressed later in the session. Gross lays blame to DFL'ers for faliing to pass this plan because...

Democrats blocked debate of her tax bill because voting against tax cuts would threaten the political careers of the large freshman class of House Democrats.

BS. Straight up BS Mr. Gross. Perhaps you got this from Mr. Gottwalt? Who knows. I watched the debate on the floor on this one, it failed because it was not germane to a bill putting Minnesota in compliance with Federal Tax law.

The proposals by Rep Brod, while probably beneficial to most Minnesotans, were not vetted through the committee process. The people and other experts were not allowed to testify as to their impact. There are fiscal notes attached to her legislation and "tails" that will be felt in future years.

Since the Governor had not even set his budget priorities before the Brod tax plan, it would have been irresponsible to pass said legislation. Furthermore, it was not germane to the Federal compliance bill.

DC School funding. Too top heavy with Admins?

The Herald Journal has a story on the number of administrators in the DC school system versus that of other local schools.

Salary figures for the positions are available here.

To be perfectly honest, at first glance, I thought it was yet another baseless attack on the school district by community members. Upon further review, and seeing the salary figures used to contextualize the argument, the story has significant validity.

I'm a democrat and believe that a strong public education is the great equalizer in our society today. Call me fiscally conservative, but I would say the school district is significantly top heavy with administrators.

$897,466

That's what the school district spends annually on salaries and benefits for its top administrators. Ranging from $140,000 for the superintendent to $97,000 for the curriculum director to nearly $60,000 for two deans of students, one each at the Middle and High schools.

The average income for the 8 district admin positions is over $112,000 a year.

Median income in Dassel for a household is $37,500 and for a family is $48,854.

In Cokato, the median income for a household is $39,613 and for a family, $51,645.

The cost of living in the DC area is typical of most rural Central Minnesota communities, except for higher water bills.

The importance of the admin work is significant. I do not call to question the motives or the quality of work of any of the admins, even though they seem to have enough time on their hands to chase my campaign off school property...

While Lynda does not ask the question, she infers it in her story. Is there something the school district can do to consolidate positions, gain more "bang for the buck" per se?

Comparing other school districts around the area, the answer is clearly yes.

Blog for Choice Day

This will be my only post of the day.

34 years ago today, Roe v. Wade was decided, thus ending a period of time where women had to resort to desperate and dangerous measures when they were faced with the prospects of an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy.

As many of you know, this was a lessor hot button issue on the campaign trail this year. Although, until you have been called a baby killer, which happened in Winsted and Howard Lake, you truly have not campaigned. I remember when Nolan was called this in Winsted one afternoon.

"Now I know what it felt like to be my dad, we have more in common now!" uttered Nolan, whose dad is a Vietnam Veteran.

For several years, during my full time college days, I did a lot of speaking on Veterans issues at colleges and schools throughout the state. I spoke of the de-humanization tactics used during training, the racism and sexism used to exacerbate the process. I spoke of the vast history behind our government mistreating our veterans. I spoke of stories shared with me of rape and sexual assault.

One powerful story weighs heavily on me, and reaffirms my pro-choice stance.

I was speaking to a Sociology class at St Cloud State. Having done this a couple of hundred times, I can get a feel for the audience. I can feel what they get and what they reject. I hit a point in my presentation where I began to talk about the increased rape figures for soldiers having served in the first Gulf War as compared to society (fully understanding that actual rape figures are vastly under-reported). I noted the look in the eyes of a young woman in the back and tempered the comments. Something I just said had hit her like a ton of bricks.

After class, I hung out and talked to many students. The young woman hovered in the back for little while and bailed out before I could talk to her.

A few days later I got an email from her. She wanted to sit down and talk to someone about her experiences in Iraq, during the most recent Gulf War.

We had coffee in Atwood and she told me of a situation that occurred in Kuwait, while her unit was getting ready to come back to the US.

A young military policewoman, she was assigned to convoy operations and had seen her share of IED's and other insurgent weapons, and survived. Her unit was in Kuwait, spending some time winding down before heading back the the US. A new unit for the US had arrived to move into Iraq to begin it's year long excursion into the civil war.

Her friend had left their home away from home in Kuwait to take a shower, it was pretty late as she recalled. Some time had passed before she realized that her friend had been gone for quite some time, which was odd. So, she grabbed her stuff and headed towards the showers.

She found her friend on the floor of the shower, crying and bleeding, having been raped in the shower by soldier(s).

Being a military policewoman, she got her superiors involved.

Military justice was slow and flawed. It appeared to her as though the chain of command did little or nothing on this matter. In fact, she told me that the commanders thought the young woman was lying about the matter. To the best of her knowledge, no one was ever charged with this crime.

Why am I pro-choice? Crimes against women are rampant in society today. In the military, it's even worse.

It is estimated that two-thirds of female service members experience
unwanted, uninvited sexual behavior in the military.

Think about that, 66%. The use of military facilities for an abortion is strictly prohibited, nor can a military doctor perform the procedure.

I am told that the young woman got an abortion shortly after she returned to Minnesota.

I will never forget the look in the eyes of this young woman as she shared this story. Until we can rid our society of it's rampant abuse of women, abortions will be a necessary evil.

My only choice is to support women in situations similar to this, or dis-similar for that matter.

More SC Times criticism of Bachmann

I know, some of you astute and loyal readers note that this may be headed towards being Dump Bachmann-lite, but the Congresswoman's follies need recognition across SD 18 and CD 6.

The SC Times had another LTE expressing disappointment in the Congresswoman's work in DC thus far.

Rep. Michele Bachmann has already voted against the proposed increase in the minimum wage and against allowing the government to negotiate with the drug
companies for lower prices.

She had two opportunities but failed to show support of her middle-class and low-income constituents.

The LTE writer hails from Buffalo! Perhaps the Congresswoman will remind Mark Kennedy to take down his sign at his former Congressional office at the corner of HWY 55 and HWY 25 in Buffalo, because it's still up. Photo to be posted later.

As per usual, Story Chat is abuzz with Bachmann defenders today.

count from countyline
Where were you people in October? Shouldn't you have been pointing out where Bachmann was wrong in her views? What? you did point that out over and over and over---day after day after day after day?

And still Patty Wetterling only got 42%? (too bad there wasn't a scandal right before the election" What? there was? (and it was pointed out day after day after day after day after day)

Find a candidate who can capitalize on the opponents picking the weakest candidate, Bush's low approval record, a scandal right before the election.
Patty Wetterling ,by getting only 42% with every situation in her favor,PROVED she is not the one.
Did anybody consider that maybe the voters who voted for Michelle Bachmann -----did read your posts day after day after day--------but voted for Bachmann because they did not like the alternative====Patty Wetterling.

Had to post that one.

It also provoked some good discussion on the minimum wage debate.

Benway from Sauk Rapids
Anyone who cannot afford to pay their employees the
new minimum wage in this year 2007 probably doesn't deserve to be in business in
the first place. The current wage is nothing less than exploitation of
low-skilled workers; another fatwa-crazy scheme against the lower class hatched
by capitalists in order to serve only THEIR OWN interests at the expense of the
employee and society as a whole. Much the same arguement can be made of those
who employ only illegal immigrant labor to do their bidding.
Those who
scream and moan about the increase in the minimum wage should try and exist on
the current minimum wage for 3 months---and see how they like it. Work a full
day, mate, and after taxes walk away with 35 bucks. Good luck with that.

Cloudresident4life from St. Cloud State Campus

The wage floor needed the increase. The simplistic supply and demand models of humans labor being used as a comodity does not take into account turnovers costs,
unemployment insurance, etc.

Many people and their families will see feel the increased wage of the low income as it is obviously not just people making the minimum wage that will see this increase. Everyone from the 5.15 - 7.25 an hour range will receive the benefits from the increased wage.
From: The Economic Policy Institute
If the minimum wage were increased nationally to $7.25:

• 14.9 million workers would receive a raise,o 80% of those affected are adults age 20 or over, and 7.3 million children would see their parents income rise.
  
• Families with affected workers rely on those workers for over half of their earnings.
  
• 46% of all families with affected workers rely solely on the earnings from those
  workers.
  
• Some minimum wage workers remain in low-wage jobs for substantial
  periods.
  
• The best recent research on the economic impact of the minimum wage
  shows positive effects without job loss.
  
• Even the research that suggests a negative labor market effect shows only a minimal impact that is more than offset by the higher wage levels.
  
• The states that have adopted higher-than-federal minimum wages have seen low-wage workers’ incomes rise with no negative side-effects.
  
• Over 650 economists, including five Nobel Prize winners and six past presidents of the American Economics Association, recently signed a statement stating that federal and state minimum wage increases “can significantly improve the lives of low-income workers and their families, without the adverse effects that critics have claimed” (EPI 2006).

Clearly Congresswoman Bachmann is out of touch with your average CD 6 voter and has drifted to the extremes, post election.

Anti Choice LTE in SC Times

Wanna bet she voted for Bachmann?

More women harmed by abortion are speaking out against it. Evidence of the
harmful effects is increasing.

Where's the data supporting your argument? Please show us...

Stem-cell research that cannibalizes human embryos — little persons by
nature, though not yet by function — has ethical and much more successful
alternatives, such as the use of adult stem cells and those from the fluid that
surrounds the embryo.

How many hundreds of thousands of embryo's would be destroyed without being used in research on diabetes and other illnesses and diseases?

The LTE also makes references to slavery and freeing of the slaves and attempts to connect it with reporductive rights. Wow, it's nice that every time the religious right decides to make a point, it now includes references to slavery at every junction.

Story chat has some gems though...

Al from Sartell
We support a human life amendment to the Constitution and we endorse
legislation that the 14th Amendment’s protections apply to unborn children.
Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention Aug 12, 2000

With a majority in the House and the Senate, and control of the White House, why
didn't anything happen? Why the empty promise?

Dr. Bad from MN!
what were the results of that vote in south dakota
Forget about SD. How did that republican majority in congress with a republican president for the past 6 years work out for the pro-life crowd ?

GBGirl from St. Cloud
I, personally, would not have an abortion. This letter is very good at the use of selective words to demonize those that are in support of pro-choice as opposed to TRULY addressing the issues. It is a simplistic mindset to say "no abortion...abortion kills". For some, they aren't aware of how to prevent unwanted pregnancies or of other options. Instead of just stomping moralistic feet, maybe try to encourage and support education on sexual education and responsibility....be an advocate and speak out for alternatives to abortion....support systems that support women who may be alone and scared in going through this very personal experience.

It is my experience that those that stomp their feet and yell "Murder"....are also those to cast the first moralistic judgements towards those who get pregnant young and/or out of wedlock. Those that yell "murder"...are also those that are against education on responsible sex. Those that yell "murder"....are those that frown and ridicule government support ("hand outs"....etc). So for those that fit into these descriptions...let me ask you this....How are you an advocate for life, truly? You judge those that become pregnant unwantingly....you demeen those that would maybe need government assistance, as lazy, irresponsible, etc.....you are against prevention through education....why would someone come to you for help, or have any faith in what you have to say?

beebee from SCSU
AMCK: since constitutional rights are reserved for all persons born,
fetuses do not have individual liberties.

And there is more. I do think it brings forth the great question. If these specific repoductive rights are so important to the GOP platform, then why did they not act for all the years they were in power?

It's a wedge issue. An issue meant to get their voters to the polls and create divide amongst the electorate.

SC Times LTE. Bachmann fails to represent 6th CD

Karen Cyson wrote a LTE today about Congresswoman Bachmann's failure to represent the majority of 6th CD voters.

A couple of lines from the LTE

She decided to run for office after praying and fasting (i.e. not eating) for three days and hearing a voice telling her to run for office in Congress from our district.

What I do need is a country where free speech is a right, where constituents' viewpoints are important to elected officials (it's that whole "representative democracy" idea, remember?), and where the will of the people is carried out by elected officials.

The righties have come out swinging in Story Chat. Fortunately though, Avidor has left a gift for all us us there.

Great job Avidor!

Bachmann draws the ire of SC Times readers...again!

Here is what SC Times readers have to say about Congresswoman Bachmann and her support for higher education.

beebee from SCSU
Comment Posted: 1/18/2007 9:35:04 AM
This article is rife with contradictions.
First of all, it is obvious Bachmann has comprehension issues already (this early in the game??? *sigh) The bill would not affect me at all (a graduate who already has a job) as she asserts, but only those just beginning to take out loans. And being that most low-income students are forced to take out more loans that are unsubsidized than the more well-to-do individuals, I see this as a great step toward helping to make college more affordable, contrary to what Loncorich claims. And just what does the White House consider "future education expenses?" Um...I would think payingoff a stack of loans would be among them.

Proud Progressive from Your NeighborhoodComment Posted: 1/18/2007 11:38:18
AMBachman is not only a fool, but one who clearly does not represent the
students, aspiring students, or working class families in our district. This vote alone shows that she's in a tiny minority already, even among the remaining Republicans in the house. Her clock is ticking and I'll be glad to see her sent home in 23 months.

jotunheim from St. Cloud Comment Posted: 1/18/2007 12:02:28 PMBachmann,
get a clue! It would be, at the least, a step in the right direction even if it benefits priarily those already out of school. The rate hike should have never happened in the first place, so think of it as making up for past sins. I'm sure they taught you about that at Oral Roberts U., though maybe plain old logical reasoning works best in most cases.

UncommonSense82 from St. Cloud Comment Posted: 1/18/2007 12:46:52 PMI
don't see how cutting rates DOES NOT help lower-income students. I think saving a few thousand over the life of a loan is something that could be considered HELPING out those with lower incomes. As a recent graduate with a low income, I welcome the rate cuts and side with the 356 thinking representatives. Bachmann, you disgust me.

Mudduck from the Burb Comment Posted: 1/18/2007 12:47:53 PM
There seems to be some poor reporting here as this is what the sponsor of the bill HR7 said(unless we all got suckered where by the campaign promise does not fit
the final result) -

Sponsored by Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, the proposal would cut the subsidized federal Stafford loan interest rate from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent over the next five years and help an estimated 5.5 million students. The loans are dubbed “subsidized” because the meter on interest payments doesn’t start until the student leaves school. But half of all Stafford loans are unsubsidized — meaning interest accrues while a student is in college — and those students wouldn’t see any relief under the plan, continuing to pay the current 6.8 percent interest rate. And it also wouldn’t change other problems experts say contribute to heavy debt — from sky-high repayment schedules for newly minted graduates making little money to stagnant Pell Grants, need-based federal aid that has a maximum annual limit of $4,050.

Let's hope people do not forget about the follies of Congresswoman Bachmann over the next 2 years...I'll do my part to make sure that does not happen.

Bachmann wrong on higher education...again

On the heels of voting "nay" again, Congresswoman Bachmann attempted to deflect criticism on her vote against college students.

The SC Times reports:

“Unfortunately, this bill does nothing to help lower-income students pay for the skyrocketing cost of college tuition,” Bachmann said in a statement.

“Instead, the Democrats put forth a bill that would cost taxpayers billions of dollars for a one-time, six-month window for those who have already graduated and presumably (are) employed,” said the Republican from the 6th Congressional District.

“As a mother of five, I’m in favor of solving the problem of out-of-control tuition increases, not simply continuing to throw more money at a broken system without any accountability,” Bachmann said.

Seems like Bachmann is trying to paint herself as a champion for low income students, on the side of working and middle class Minnesotan's.

Her voting record in the Minnesota Senate reflects something different.

In 2003, then Senator Bachmann voted against SF 1511, the Higher Education Finance Omnibus Bill. This bill did gut higher education in Minnesota, however it was significantly better than the Governor's proposal. The Senate File cut 8% from the base, whereas the Governor and GOP's response was a 15% cut. The GOP plan would have hurt more low income students.

In 2004, then Senator Bachmann voted against the Bonding Bill. The impact on our college students, while significantly less than in other areas, is still felt. For a tried and true conservative like Bachmann to espouse "fiscal responsiblity and accountability" failing to fund HEAPR (Higher Educaiton Asset Protection and Rehabilitation) puts the burden for funding on the backs of students.

While a bill did not pass in 2004, they finally got it done in 2005, costing Minnesotans nearly $20 million in inflation costs.

In 2006, then Senator Bachmann voted against SF 3058, a bill making policy revisions in higher education. What was in SF 3058?

A provision for funding adjustments for the MnSCU and U of M systems, based on enrollment. In other words, if you have more students, we will give you more money. If you have less students, we will give you less money. Simple concept.

The Minnesota Dream Act.

A provision for Minnesota Seniors to attend a college class for free if space is available.

A study on the practices of the textbook industry and the impact of predatory pricing measures in the textbook industry.

A task force to determine the impact of U of M ag products on MN farmers.

Bachmann voted against all of this.

In addition to that, she voted against the bonding bill again.

While Congresswoman Bachmann likes to posit herself as a friend of higher education, a watchdog per se, her voting record has consistently shown she is not an advocate for affordable, accessible and quality public higher education.

I bet her alma mater, Winona State, is proud.

College Student Relief Act, yet another Bachmann failure

Congress passed the College Student Relief Act today, 356-71. Much of this was in the Budget Reconcilation bill last year that passed Congress and stripped more than $12 billion from Student Loan programs.

MN Publius had a great commentary at the time.

This bill was popular amongst conservative's and liberal's alike. The cuts barely passed last years Congress, and overwhelmingly passed a year later.

Bachmann and Kline made the Minnesota delegation proud by being two of the 71 that voted against our college students. Nice...

Bachmann has obviously become the President's lap dog, similar to Congressman Kennedy's former role, and has done nothing but vote the party line.

Hell, I can't even argue that this vote was by party line. The GOP supported this bill 124-71. Incredible.

While Democrats have had a very successful first 100 hours in Congress, Bachmann has been asleep at the wheel the entire time.

Voted against college students.

Voted against seniors and those suffering from debilitating illness and disease.

Voted against seniors access to affordable prescription drugs.

Voted against homeland security.

Voted against working and middle class Minnesotan's being paid a better wage.

Does not support the families of our deployed MN National Guard men and women.

Lied on her Congressional Bio, failed to have the 6th CD as her District (had a 7th CD map up on her website) and failed to support any pay as you go legislation and pork reform.

Dump Bachmann is done a great job of following this.

To steal a line from Rody Boschwitz,

Michele Bachmann is "Embarassingly Conservative" and has failed her constituents.

Minnesota leaders seek support for soldiers and their families

I heard this on my way home tonight and noticed that both Congresswoman Bachmann and Congressman Kline were absent from this letter.

Bluestem Prairie, being the on the ball blog they are, has a post about the letter.

Gov. Pawlenty and members of the state's congressional delegation are
asking for hardship pay for Minnesota National Guard members who will have their
tours of duty extended.

About 26-hundred Minnesota Guard members have been deployed to Iraq
since March and were scheduled to begin returning home in two months. But last
week, they learned their deployments would be extended by 125 days.

In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Pawlenty and
others ask for hardship pay, as well as funding and resources to help affected
families.

In addition, the letter asks the Department of Defense to eliminate a
hands off policy for returning reservists and instead implement a reintegration
program to help soldiers transition from warrior back to civilian life.

The letter was signed by Pawlenty, Senators Norm Coleman and Amy
Klobuchar, and U.S. Representatives Tim Walz, Jim Ramstad, Betty McCollum,
Keith Ellison, Collin Peterson and James Oberstar.

Notice who is not on this letter. Seems like Congresswoman Bachmann has fully embraced the Mark Kennedy position of Presidential lap dog. Congressman Kline is noticeably absent as well.

Congressman Kline runs some of the harshest campaigns in the nation. If Congresswoman Bachmann thinks she can attempt to follow in Kline's footsteps, she has another thing coming. There is absolutely no reason for Bachmann to not support our soldiers families here in MN and obtain support for them.

This is just another failure of the Congressional reign for Bachmann.

Anyone notice how Senator Tarryl Clark, despite being elected December 2005 in the SC Special Election, and once again this past November, has taken a large role as the spokeswoman for the Senate DFL? Senator Pogemiller is notably absent.

Someones getting prepped for a run against Bachmann in the 6th, me thinks...

The Clinton Obama question

With Barack Obama begining an inquiry into the 2008 Presidential race, and Hillary Clinton working towards the decision, many ask the questions:

Is America ready for an African American to be President?

Is America ready for a woman to be President?

I say, who cares?

No one asked me if I was ready for another white male President to screw up the nation again.

McLeod County Chronicle Letter Day!

Our local papers are simply excellent. I love reading the LTE's, seeing what's on the minds of our people. Here is a small sample.

Heidi vanderHagen has an excellent letter on K-12 education and teachers!

GSL teachers have done very well for their students. Somehow, they've managed to graduate 2 percent more students per year than the state average while spending quite a bit less than average.

The average district property tax per household in Glencoe averages $280 per year as compared to the state's average of $521. I would say that Glencoe residents are getting much more than what they're willing to pay for.

As for the Mr. Baldwins, Glenn Gruenhagens and the Tom Russells, I challenge you to name the programs and expenditures that are "waste" and to describe the alternatives that are good for kids.

Excellent points!

Mr. Glennie delivers some points on representatives from GSL and McLeod West, meeting to discuss ways to work together, combine resources and save money.

The pairing of the two districts in curriculum, administration and other programs will lessen the impacts of the proposed budget cuts, and may even eliminate the need for some of the cuts.

In return, McLeod West students can take advantage of the more extensive curriculum and opportunities offered at GSL.

Mr. Glennie also points out that these meetings may have skirted Minnesota's Open Meeting Laws. He correctly asserts that if the people are to trust decisions to be made that benefit our kids and communities, we must allow for public forums and their voice in the process. Open meetings are essential.

Lastly, Brad Englemann writes about Iraq.

Not only has President Bush and his team failed to recognize the mandate
that was given by the voters in the election only two months ago, he has decided
to escalate the war, let alone continue its long failing policy.

Exactly!

I love reading local newspapers!

Foreclosure rates up in rural Minnesota

From the SC Times.

Foreclosures are up 83% in Benton and Stearns Counties!

Stearns and Benton counties handled 317 foreclosure auctions last year
combined, an 83.2 percent increase over the 173 recorded in 2005, according to
the sheriff's departments.

Benton County foreclosures soared 172 percent to 98 last year, while
Stearns County auctions climbed 59 percent to 219.

And industry experts say the St. Cloud area has not reached its peak.
Instead, they are bracing for what some call a "foreclosure tsunami" as a
projected $1.2 trillion to $1.7 trillion in mortgage adjustments nationwide come
due this year.

Some of this is due to predatory lending and risky lending practices.

Personal accountability is at play here as well, and you cannot legislate your way to more accountability. People do need to live within their means. But, when the housing markets are crashing, wages are stagnant, and people live paycheck to paycheck, something needs to happen.

Sounds like a depression to me...

Guess which of the candidates out here was talking about this issue? I'll give you a hint...

It was not Senator Dille, Representative Shimanski, or Representative Urdahl.

Soldiers and Veterans bring petition to the Capitol

Came across this today.

Grumbling in the Ranks

Vocal opposition to President’s Bush’s strategy of sending more than
20,000 additional troops to help secure Iraq has grown to include some of the
troops themselves.

A group of more than 50 active-duty military officers will deliver a petition to Congress on Tuesday signed by about 1,000 troops calling for an end to the U.S. occupation of Iraq. “Any troop increase over here will just produce more sitting ducks, more targets,” said Sergeant Ronn Cantu, who is serving in Iraq.

Under the 1988 Military Whistleblower Protection Act, active duty military, National Guard, and Reservists may communicate with any member of Congress without fear of reprisal, even if copies of the communication are sent to others.

Skeptics will say a petition to stay would generate more signatures by the military, however, it takes significant courage for a military member to put their names on something like this. Bravo!

Update

Startribune has this story today.

When the campaign began three months ago, White House spokesman Tony Snow
dismissed the first signatories as "65 people who are going to be able to get more press than the hundreds of thousands who have come back and said they're proud of their service."

Typical of the Bush White House, dismiss the views of soldiers that serve and retain property of the term "patriotism".

Snow fails to recognize that a soldier can protest the war AND still be proud of their service. I served proudly for more than a decade, but continue to protest the aggression in Iraq.

Dissent is one of the greatest forms of patriotism.

Bachmann and Iraq

I can't believe I missed this. Check out Dump Bachmann for the latest.

Reasons for the Surge

Many of us heard the President, Mr. 3000, talk about how unacceptable the surge in violence in Iraq was. Therefore, in order to allow their government to well, govern, we were going to send additional forces in the area.

Critics and supporters alike talk about the amount of sectarian violence that engulfs the majority of Iraq.

Afghanistan, is also experiencing a surge in violence.

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said Tuesday he wants to extend the combat tours of 1,200 soldiers amid rising violence, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he was "strongly inclined" to recommend a troop increase to President Bush if commanders believe it is needed.

The number of insurgent attacks is up by 300 percent since September.

Eikenberry told reporters he has recommended to the Pentagon that 1,200 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division — which is about halfway through a scheduled four-month tour in eastern Afghanistan — be ordered to stay through the end of the year.

That battalion is already scheduled to deploy to Iraq later this year, an illustration of how stretched U.S. forces are by the two wars.

Afghanistan is our forgotten war, yet the reasons for wanting to send more troops in harms way are strikingly similar to the quagmire that is our own Iraqi War.

Surely this will result in more US Forces going to Afghanistan. To not send more troops, flies in the face of the President's rationale for sending more troops to Iraq.

Rock

Hard place

Re-read that last comment on the 10th Mountain Division unit. Their tour in Afghanistan will be extended by more than four months AND they will deploy to Iraq later this year.

This is going to get a lot worse before it starts to get any better...

Story Chat hits Ellison LTE writer hard (Updated)

Wow, the comments in here are ripping the letter wrtier to shreds, and justifiably so.

GBGirl from St. Cloud
Comment Posted: 1/16/2007 8:25:00 AM
Half the Nation wants the troops pulled out...does that make us all terrorist suspects? Or Muslims?
Get real.
As for racial profiling...there is overt discrimination now against Muslims. I would imagine, based on your ignorant letter, that if you even see a person that looks as though he/she could be Muslim, that you probably glare...freak out...etc. Imagine how uncomfortable you are right now with the climate and war....well your fellow Americans that happen to be Muslim...feel those same anxieties....and they have to feel those while also being looked at as "the enemy". If someone is suspicious...of any race.ethnicity.etc.....then sure, they should be searched, etc.

mattaudio from Collegeville
Comment Posted: 1/16/2007 8:36:19 AM
Yet another reason for me to be ashamed that I live (albeit temporarily) in
Stearns County.

Proud Progressive from Your Neighborhood
Comment Posted: 1/16/2007 8:44:16 AM
Great! A whole family of bigots, and they're proud of it to boot! Let's make them the Stearns County Poster Family, put them on a bill board, and proclaim to the rest of the state just how backward and intolerant we are. That's a sure way to attract a bioscience investment and better professional jobs.I'd trust Ellison far more than any of the Singer family, based on these two letters alone.

Shelly from Cloudy Town
Comment Posted: 1/16/2007 8:57:13 AM
It was Muslim extremists who brought America the tragedy of Sept. 11 using our airlines.
As Mr. Singer states they were Muslim extremists. Not every Muslim is an extremist. Same goes for sayint that not every Christian is an extremest right-wing ultra conservative. At one time (not so very long ago) people thought
we were going to have trouble because there was a Catholic man running the
country.

We'll check more of these out as the day goes on and update. I'm glad that some (and most of the SC Times posters) get what's going on.

*Update*

The comments pouring in supporting Ellison show the changing dynamic of the 6th CD. Years ago it was rather conservative, still is in some spots. St Cloud was notorious as a GOP, right wing hate monger hotbed.

My oberservations are that people are sick of the extremes, and people like the Singers and their astute racist letter writing skills, keep dividing the conservative base.

Check out the story chat. It has morhped into an Ellison parking tickets scramble...

Anti-Ellison LTE in the SC Times

Wow, the racism in the letter hits hard. Congressman Ellison cannot be trusted because he is a Muslim?

My wife asked in a Jan. 7 Your Turn if Minnesota voters could really trust U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison because he is a Muslim.
I say "no" after reading the Jan. 10 news report that says Ellison wants immediate troop pullout from Iraq. Ellison also wants to see a ban on racial profiling.

Yet, Mr. Singer fails to question his own member of Congress, Michele Bachmann.

Thus far, Michele Bachmann has...

Voted against pay as you go rules.

Voted against "pork" reforms.

Voted against implementing 9-11 commission report recomendations.

Voted against a minimum wage increase.

Voted against funding of stem cell research.

Lied on her Congressional Bio, fixed it after the blogosphere pointed it out.

Listed the 7th CD as her home district, not the 6th CD.

Devout pro-lifer who supports the President sending more young men and women to their death in Iraq.

I think the question at hand ought to be whether or not you can trust Michele Bachmann?

Based on her prolific first weeks in Congress, and her disdain for advocating for her constituents vis a vis being the President's lap dog (taking Mark Kennedy's spot), I say no.