I just saw this movie this morning.
Wow, a disturbingly powerful movie about how the religious right is targeting our children.
This is definately the kool aid that the Bachmann wannabes are drinking.
The Ted Haggard appearance and discussion was fitting. He was outspoken in the movie about GLBT issues, obviously before he was discovered having a same sex relationship and an addiciton to Meth.
While their Pastor Becky Fischer states that her teachings are apolitical, her claims are easily dismissed when she brings out a life sized cut out of President Bush.
The looks on these kids faces was haunting. It's a must see, that's for sure!
The movie adds some text to explain where the footage is being taken and to provide additional info on an area.
One line that caught my interest was that Ted Haggard has a one hour phone conference with President Bush every Monday.
Not that I care what the President does with his time, but after hearing the White House comments yesterday on the timing of Bush's visit to Walter Reed, I do have to quesiton the President's sincerity on this issue.
"Walter Reed is not a photo-op," Muller said. "Walter Reed is still broken. The DOD health care system is still broken. ... Our troops need their commander in chief to start working harder for them."
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino called it "an unfortunate characterization" to say Bush was using Walter Reed as merely a picture-taking opportunity. She said it took some time to clear enough room on the president's schedule to spend an afternoon with patients and staff at Walter Reed.
He has time for his weekly religious right meetings but, as the Commander in Chief, has to wait weeks on end to meet with the brave men and women he put in harms way.
Ah, real family values.
I suggest renting this movie, it is a powerful movie and shows the true nature of the religious right and their indoctrination of our nations youth.
A must see!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Minnesota Senate Vote, raising taxes
Here is how the locally elected officials voted on the tax increases.
Senator Clark-St Cloud-Yes
Senator Dille-Dassel-No
Senator Koch-Buffalo-No
Senator Fischbach-Paynesville-No
Senator Gimse-Willmar-No
The bill passed 35-29, but is not "veto proof".
Senator Clark-St Cloud-Yes
Senator Dille-Dassel-No
Senator Koch-Buffalo-No
Senator Fischbach-Paynesville-No
Senator Gimse-Willmar-No
The bill passed 35-29, but is not "veto proof".
Same Sex marriage LTE, SC Times
You know a LTE in the SC Times is good by how many Story Chat comments it gets.
200 comments by noon means that this letter writer has hit a nerve with the neo-cons out here in rural Central Minnesota.
Check out the comments, it gets pretty viscous in there!
200 comments by noon means that this letter writer has hit a nerve with the neo-cons out here in rural Central Minnesota.
Check out the comments, it gets pretty viscous in there!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Minnesota Veteran Suicides
Just ponder these numbers.
13 Minnesota Veterans (under 30) have committed suicide since 2003.
93 Iraq War Veterans have committed suicide since May 2003.
1 in 5 suicides nationwide are committed by a Veteran.
It's reported that more than 250,000 Vietnam Era Veterans have committed suicide.
Anyone ever been to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington? The monument itself is beyond powerful.
Imagine it being more than 4 times it's size, accounting for the suicides of Vietnam Veterans.
13 Minnesota Veterans (under 30) have committed suicide since 2003.
93 Iraq War Veterans have committed suicide since May 2003.
1 in 5 suicides nationwide are committed by a Veteran.
It's reported that more than 250,000 Vietnam Era Veterans have committed suicide.
Anyone ever been to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington? The monument itself is beyond powerful.
Imagine it being more than 4 times it's size, accounting for the suicides of Vietnam Veterans.
Local Soldier's opinon on Iraq: SC Times LTE
Good letter, I am sure that the neo-cons on Story Chat are ripping this guy to shreds.
Good letter, thanks for your service!
Troops and the people are not given a concrete reason as to why we are in this war, and that is for one reason — it makes no sense.
The one clear mission in Iraq was get rid of Saddam Hussein. We did that; mission accomplished, pull out. Now I know everyone will think this is just the opinion of one Marine off doing his duty.
However, the other day after a field op, our unit's sergeant major pulled us together, and an overall consensus was made that no one understood why we were still in Iraq, including our top enlisted who agrees; if Saddam is out, we're out.
Now if certain people in the White House want to make the call and not listen to their military leaders, then it is our job to speak out and make sure that something is changed, and that we quit losing the lives of the valuable men and women in the armed forces, who are fighting a battle we don't belong in anymore.
Good letter, thanks for your service!
Liar, Liar II: Starring the Republican Party and Justice Department
Listening to the radio on the way home from work, I heard some of the testimony from Kyle Sampson, former Chief of Staff to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Seems that the Attorney General has lied about his involvement in the US Attorney's firings. Most of us figured that was coming.
What I found to be interesting though was Sampson's testimony about one former Attorney.
Carol Lam was one of the eight that were fired, mostly for "performance reasons". Yesterday, Sampson testified under oath that Lam was fired because of her ineptness in prosecuting immigration cases.
Interesting. Senator Feinstein has the Mother of all Letters of Commendation waiting for Sampson.
According to the director of field operations of the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency, Lam had been a highly effective prosecutor.
100% acceptance rate by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency and she was deficient on immigration issues?
The deeper the Democrats dig on this issue, the more skeletons they will find. It truly is the tip of the iceberg here.
Seems that the Attorney General has lied about his involvement in the US Attorney's firings. Most of us figured that was coming.
What I found to be interesting though was Sampson's testimony about one former Attorney.
Carol Lam was one of the eight that were fired, mostly for "performance reasons". Yesterday, Sampson testified under oath that Lam was fired because of her ineptness in prosecuting immigration cases.
Interesting. Senator Feinstein has the Mother of all Letters of Commendation waiting for Sampson.
According to the director of field operations of the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency, Lam had been a highly effective prosecutor.
To address the alien enforcement issue, your office supported the implementation of the Alien Smuggling Fast Track Program, and has demonstrated a commitment to aggressively address the alien smuggling recidivism rate.
In support of Border Patrol referrals for prosecution, your office maintains a 100 percent acceptance rate of criminal cases while staunchly refusing to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors and maintaining a minimal dismissal rate and supporting special prosecution efforts.
100% acceptance rate by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency and she was deficient on immigration issues?
The deeper the Democrats dig on this issue, the more skeletons they will find. It truly is the tip of the iceberg here.
Honesty: The family value Republicans hate.
Conservative chide liberals on a consistent basis about being inconsistent on issues, having a weak platform and no plan for action.
In Minnesota, polarizing figures like Marty Seifert grab a microphone and spout rhetoric about how real families would never budget the way that Minnesota Democrats do, or have proposed through tax increases.
While I am skeptical of tax increases to fix our woes, especially in Greater Minnesota, I do question what the Republican plan would be then?
The biggest tax hike will be on those who earn the most in the state. Families making more than $250,000 a year will move up to a 8.7% tax bracket, the highest in the nation.
Why all the complaining? The impact out here in Greater Minnesota will be minor. Our median household income out here is just over $40,000 a year. The impact will be minimal.
I finally get it.
Senator Dille's top legislative priority is about to happen and the DFL will tax it to make Minnesota better. The plan is crystal clear now.
Dille, as he has stated publicly in numerous forums across the Senate District, wants to ensure that every Minnesotan is a happily married millionaire. In fact, its been his top legislative priority for many years now, his "3M" plan.
Presto!
Where will I send my $87,000 annual tax check too?
Years of Republican control of the Minnesota House and the Governor's mansion have gutted school programs, mental health and other social programs, and many other facets of everyday life out here in Greater Minnesota.
Recall that the Republican plans for school accountability were that they wanted 70% of all school funding to be directly related to the classroom. The state's own figures showed that this efficiency hovered at around 68-69%.
A bold initiative indeed.
Our schools are struggling out here in Greater Minnesota.
Dassel Cokato, Atwater Grove City Cosmos, Hutchinson, McLeod West, Glencoe Silver Lake have all failed levies in recent years, most multiple times.
Mental health facilities in Greater Minnesota are feeling the impact of being stretched beyond capacity. The problem has become so bad in all of Minnesota, that Metro Area hospitals send patients to Greater Minnesota facilities. When people in Greater Minnesota look for this highly needed care, they are turned away or wait.
I could go on and on here about the day to day issues that working and middle class families face in Greater Minnesota...
What would the Republican plan be? More tax cuts? At the sacrifice of public education?
As for Seifert's family budget rant and family values mantra...
What about honesty? With a plethora of neo-conservative Republican deceit in Washington now, Chiefs of Staff contradicting their bosses and a lack of transparency, isn't telling the truth a family value?
In Minnesota, polarizing figures like Marty Seifert grab a microphone and spout rhetoric about how real families would never budget the way that Minnesota Democrats do, or have proposed through tax increases.
While I am skeptical of tax increases to fix our woes, especially in Greater Minnesota, I do question what the Republican plan would be then?
The biggest tax hike will be on those who earn the most in the state. Families making more than $250,000 a year will move up to a 8.7% tax bracket, the highest in the nation.
Why all the complaining? The impact out here in Greater Minnesota will be minor. Our median household income out here is just over $40,000 a year. The impact will be minimal.
I finally get it.
Senator Dille's top legislative priority is about to happen and the DFL will tax it to make Minnesota better. The plan is crystal clear now.
Dille, as he has stated publicly in numerous forums across the Senate District, wants to ensure that every Minnesotan is a happily married millionaire. In fact, its been his top legislative priority for many years now, his "3M" plan.
Presto!
Where will I send my $87,000 annual tax check too?
Years of Republican control of the Minnesota House and the Governor's mansion have gutted school programs, mental health and other social programs, and many other facets of everyday life out here in Greater Minnesota.
Recall that the Republican plans for school accountability were that they wanted 70% of all school funding to be directly related to the classroom. The state's own figures showed that this efficiency hovered at around 68-69%.
A bold initiative indeed.
Our schools are struggling out here in Greater Minnesota.
Dassel Cokato, Atwater Grove City Cosmos, Hutchinson, McLeod West, Glencoe Silver Lake have all failed levies in recent years, most multiple times.
Mental health facilities in Greater Minnesota are feeling the impact of being stretched beyond capacity. The problem has become so bad in all of Minnesota, that Metro Area hospitals send patients to Greater Minnesota facilities. When people in Greater Minnesota look for this highly needed care, they are turned away or wait.
I could go on and on here about the day to day issues that working and middle class families face in Greater Minnesota...
What would the Republican plan be? More tax cuts? At the sacrifice of public education?
As for Seifert's family budget rant and family values mantra...
What about honesty? With a plethora of neo-conservative Republican deceit in Washington now, Chiefs of Staff contradicting their bosses and a lack of transparency, isn't telling the truth a family value?
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Mail Call
Good day at the mailbox, no bills!
I have not plugged this publication before, and apologize for not doing so earlier.
For those of us in the 6th CD, a publication called "In the Know" comes out 6 times a year and details key issues in the 6th CD as well as other good info on Democrats and our opponents.
The March 2007 edition outlines key votes by our locally elected officials.
To subscribe, shoot an email to Susan Rego at regofam@earthlink.net, the cost is only $12 for a year.
Great work on this Susan!
The second piece of mail today was a mailer by Congresswoman Bachmann. A nice 8 1/2 by 11 piece with an opinion survey on it.
I'll try and scan this thing in later...
I have not plugged this publication before, and apologize for not doing so earlier.
For those of us in the 6th CD, a publication called "In the Know" comes out 6 times a year and details key issues in the 6th CD as well as other good info on Democrats and our opponents.
The March 2007 edition outlines key votes by our locally elected officials.
To subscribe, shoot an email to Susan Rego at regofam@earthlink.net, the cost is only $12 for a year.
Great work on this Susan!
The second piece of mail today was a mailer by Congresswoman Bachmann. A nice 8 1/2 by 11 piece with an opinion survey on it.
I'll try and scan this thing in later...
MinnCan Pipeline in Enterprise Dispatch
Last weeks Dassel Cokato Enterprise Dispatch had a nice little article, written by an intern, about the MinnCan pipeline.
Was this a press release from Koch Industries or the Minnesota Pipeline Company?
It sure reads awful smarmy.
After they twisted the knife in our collective backs once again. Recall the Administrative Judge that scolded the Minnesota Pipeline Company, and indirectly Koch Industries, for their coercive and deceitful tactics in obtaining easements at many farms across the state.
But what I found to be of more interest in the press rel...errrr, news story was the amount in property taxes that will be generated by this pipeline.
Perhaps the County Commissioners and other locally elected leaders see merely dollar signs with the project, not the situations Eden Valley residents envision.
Campaign Finance reports show that both Rep Dean Urdahl and Senator Steve Dille have received campaign contributions from the Northwest Petroleum PAC.
Dille received $250 on August 2nd
Urdahl received $250 on February 10
Interestingly enough, they also gave Scott Newman $500 in 2006, the former State Rep running for a District Judge position in West Central Minnesota.
Follow the money trail...oftentimes it will explain a lot!
Was this a press release from Koch Industries or the Minnesota Pipeline Company?
It sure reads awful smarmy.
Over the next few months, MinnCan representatives will distribute the final easement payments, and complete various environmental projects. In some areas,
initial construction preparation and activity could begin.
After they twisted the knife in our collective backs once again. Recall the Administrative Judge that scolded the Minnesota Pipeline Company, and indirectly Koch Industries, for their coercive and deceitful tactics in obtaining easements at many farms across the state.
But what I found to be of more interest in the press rel...errrr, news story was the amount in property taxes that will be generated by this pipeline.
Depending on the number of miles of pipeline installed in each county, after
construction is completed, the county will receive $120,000 to $1.8 million in
property taxes annually, paid by the Minnesota Pipe Line Company. In addition,
once operational, the pipeline will generate approximately $9 million in annual
local property tax revenues.
Perhaps the County Commissioners and other locally elected leaders see merely dollar signs with the project, not the situations Eden Valley residents envision.
Campaign Finance reports show that both Rep Dean Urdahl and Senator Steve Dille have received campaign contributions from the Northwest Petroleum PAC.
Dille received $250 on August 2nd
Urdahl received $250 on February 10
Interestingly enough, they also gave Scott Newman $500 in 2006, the former State Rep running for a District Judge position in West Central Minnesota.
Follow the money trail...oftentimes it will explain a lot!
General McCaffrey talks about Iraq, military readiness
While McCaffrey is a staunch supporter of this war, he sheds light on the readiness issues that will hinder our military for years after this war. With more than a half trillion dollars spent on this war, the taxpayers will be fleeced even deeper once we work to refit and repair our equipment.
“Stateside U.S. Army and Marine Corps readiness ratings are starting to unravel,” he writes. “Ground combat equipment is shot in both the active and reserve components. Army active and reserve component recruiting has now encountered serious quality and number problems .... Our promotion rates for officers and NCOs have skyrocketed to replace departing leaders. There is no longer a national or a theater U.S. Army strategic reserve.”
Noting that the Army “will be forced to call up as many as nine National Guard combat brigades for an involuntary second combat tour this coming year,” he adds that [m]any believe that this second round of involuntary call-ups will topple the weakened National Guard structure – which is so central to U.S. domestic security.”
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Even Republicans are mad...
At Senator Dille.
For the record, I may have done the same thing, only after going to talk to each of the local bar owners and hearing from them, discussing the issue face to face.
For the record, I may have done the same thing, only after going to talk to each of the local bar owners and hearing from them, discussing the issue face to face.
Dobson opines on the GOP field
We know James Dobson doesn't like me, or at least his people don't. Although they do like to send me fundraising letters.
Anyway, Dobson shares his opinion of the GOP field in US News & World Report, via Raw Story.
Wright County GOP favorite Fred Thompson is not held in such high regards by Mr. Dobson.
As the mouth piece for a multi-million dollar religious front, Dobson's words strike deep.
On Gingrich:
Ah, Newt. The guy who married his high school math teacher at 19, divorced her at 26. In Newt's infinite wisdom, he discussed the terms of this divorce with his soon to be ex wife while she was in the hospital recovering from cancer surgery.
Family values...
Within a year, he married again and divorced in 1999, when he had an affair with a Congressional Staffer.
Oh yeah, when he was so outspoken about President Clinton's Whitehouse sexual escapades.
Family values...
This is the guy Dobson has the highest praise for?
Why doesn't Dobson himself run for President?
Anyway, Dobson shares his opinion of the GOP field in US News & World Report, via Raw Story.
Wright County GOP favorite Fred Thompson is not held in such high regards by Mr. Dobson.
"Everyone knows he's conservative and has come out strongly for the things that
the pro-family movement stands for," Dobson said of Thompson. "[But] I don't
think he's a Christian; at least that's my impression," Dobson added, saying
that such an impression would make it difficult for Thompson to connect with the
Republican Party's conservative Christian base and win the GOP nomination.
As the mouth piece for a multi-million dollar religious front, Dobson's words strike deep.
On Gingrich:
While making it clear he was not endorsing any Republican presidential
candidate, Dobson, who is considered the most politically powerful evangelical
figure in the country, also said that Gingrich was the "brightest guy out there"
and "the most articulate politician on the scene today."
Ah, Newt. The guy who married his high school math teacher at 19, divorced her at 26. In Newt's infinite wisdom, he discussed the terms of this divorce with his soon to be ex wife while she was in the hospital recovering from cancer surgery.
Family values...
Within a year, he married again and divorced in 1999, when he had an affair with a Congressional Staffer.
Oh yeah, when he was so outspoken about President Clinton's Whitehouse sexual escapades.
Family values...
This is the guy Dobson has the highest praise for?
Why doesn't Dobson himself run for President?
Minnesota Republican Watch and Marty Seifert
Truth be told, I have never had a beef with Rep Seifert. Everytime we came to lobby him on behalf of our college students, he was responsive and supportive.
Unfortunately, the axiom "absolute power corrupts absolutely" would appear to be in order now with regards to statements made by the new House minority leader.
Minnesota Republican Watch has a post up about Seifert's latest rant with DFL and Local Media reactions.
From the DFL email
Great work guys! I hope others get the message as well.
Unfortunately, the axiom "absolute power corrupts absolutely" would appear to be in order now with regards to statements made by the new House minority leader.
Minnesota Republican Watch has a post up about Seifert's latest rant with DFL and Local Media reactions.
From the DFL email
Both Republicans and Democrats got the message. A few days after the election,
Senator Geoff Michel, an assistant Republican leader in the Senate, announced
publicly that “I think the politics of wedge issues has proven to be a loser.”
And House Speaker-designate Margaret Anderson Kelliher took the unusual step of
naming Representative Ron Erhardt, a Republican, to her leadership team as the
Transportation Finance Division vice-chair.
Great work guys! I hope others get the message as well.
If Bush were the Commissioner of Baseball...
Yesterday on my drive into the cities, a local sports commentator questioned how screwed up baseball would be if George W Bush had been Commissioner of Baseball instead of the President.
Rumor has it, he was seriously considered for this role in 1996.
Scary.
Under W...
Pete Rose would be leading baseball's crackdown on gambling.
Jose Canseco, Rafael Palmeiro would lead baseball's crackdown on steroids.
"You're doing a good job Rafie".
Revenue sharing would be gone, as would the Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, and a slew of other smaller market teams.
Interleague play would never have come to light, as Bush is a traditional sort of guy...
Baseball's Karl Rove would be superagent Scott Boras.
Baseball would not have avoided a second strike in a decade and baseball would now be seen on OLN, after NHL Hockey.
Baseball would be destroyed after a decade of Bush leadership...
Just some random thoughts...
Rumor has it, he was seriously considered for this role in 1996.
Scary.
Under W...
Pete Rose would be leading baseball's crackdown on gambling.
Jose Canseco, Rafael Palmeiro would lead baseball's crackdown on steroids.
"You're doing a good job Rafie".
Revenue sharing would be gone, as would the Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, and a slew of other smaller market teams.
Interleague play would never have come to light, as Bush is a traditional sort of guy...
Baseball's Karl Rove would be superagent Scott Boras.
Baseball would not have avoided a second strike in a decade and baseball would now be seen on OLN, after NHL Hockey.
Baseball would be destroyed after a decade of Bush leadership...
Just some random thoughts...
Eden Valley and tne MinnCan pipeline
As you know, I have grave concerns over the proposed MinnCan pipeline, which will invade precious agricultural land and wetlands across SD 18 and West Central Minnesota.
I have reported that Rep. Dean Urdahl has met with Eden Valley officials and people in Eden Valley about the pipeline.
The SC Times has a story today about Eden Valley officials concerns.
What would 134,000 gallons of oil do to Eden Valley? The spill in Little Falls Minnesota this past summer, will continue to impact the environment for decades to come.
City officials should genuinely concerned about the damage this pipeline can do.
More to follow on what our locally elected leaders are doing about the pipeline.
I have reported that Rep. Dean Urdahl has met with Eden Valley officials and people in Eden Valley about the pipeline.
The SC Times has a story today about Eden Valley officials concerns.
Eden Valley officials worry that, if conditions are right and if there is an oil leak, oil would run into town, damaging property and wreaking havoc along the waterway and in connecting lakes and rivers.
"The potential to destroy Eden Valley is immense," City Council member Pete Korman said. "It's kinda scary when you think about it."
What would 134,000 gallons of oil do to Eden Valley? The spill in Little Falls Minnesota this past summer, will continue to impact the environment for decades to come.
City officials should genuinely concerned about the damage this pipeline can do.
More to follow on what our locally elected leaders are doing about the pipeline.
SC Times Op Ed: K-12 funding formula
We all know that the K-12 funding formula's are absolutely broken. The impact is greater in Greater Minnesota, where are schools are struggling financially. Multiple school districts have failed operating levies multiple times across Senate District 18.
Campaign promises were made. Changing the formula was a priority of mine.
It was a priority of Dean Urdahl.
It was a priority of Steve Dille (has been since 1990, as stated in the Enterprise Dispatch in a September 1990 candidate questionnaire).
Nothing has happened and the SC Times could not be any more correct in their Op Ed today.
I don't want to hear the diatribe about being in the minority party now either.
First off, when some of our locally elected leaders were in the majority, the funding model did not change at all.
Secondly, all of the candidates in SD 18 spoke of our collective abilities to move across party lines to get things like this done.
It comes down to accountability, doing what you say you are going to do. I think of this as some leadership issues we had in the army, basically "lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way."
No one is leading on this issue right now.
No one is following.
They are all just mucking it up, keeping any real progress from occurring.
Time will tell...but we won't forget.
Campaign promises were made. Changing the formula was a priority of mine.
It was a priority of Dean Urdahl.
It was a priority of Steve Dille (has been since 1990, as stated in the Enterprise Dispatch in a September 1990 candidate questionnaire).
Nothing has happened and the SC Times could not be any more correct in their Op Ed today.
Before area legislators cast their votes for whichever of these three plans they support, we ask each of them to explain why they believe it's smarter to spend so much of your money on a broken formula rather than fix it.
Remember, this was a formula that came of age in the 1970s. Isn't it time the state create a new formula based on what it actually costs to educate students to today's standards — standards many of these legislators approved just a few sessions ago?
I don't want to hear the diatribe about being in the minority party now either.
First off, when some of our locally elected leaders were in the majority, the funding model did not change at all.
Secondly, all of the candidates in SD 18 spoke of our collective abilities to move across party lines to get things like this done.
It comes down to accountability, doing what you say you are going to do. I think of this as some leadership issues we had in the army, basically "lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way."
No one is leading on this issue right now.
No one is following.
They are all just mucking it up, keeping any real progress from occurring.
Time will tell...but we won't forget.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Smoking ban passes Senate (Update)
41-24
No word on where the locals stood on the vote.
Now, lets see what the House gets done.
*UPDATE*
Locals and how they voted
Tarryl Clark-St Cloud Yes
Steve Dille-Dassel Yes
Michelle Fischabach-Paynesville No
Amy Koch-Buffalo No
No word on where the locals stood on the vote.
Now, lets see what the House gets done.
*UPDATE*
Locals and how they voted
Tarryl Clark-St Cloud Yes
Steve Dille-Dassel Yes
Michelle Fischabach-Paynesville No
Amy Koch-Buffalo No
I knew this was a bad idea, 10 years ago
Glad I copied my medical records, including the record of the 6 anthrax shots I received on Active Duty.
Raw Story has a piece on the Anthrax vaccine.
4 words.
Son of a bitch.
4 more.
I frickin knew it.
Anthrax shots were the worst. The reactions for soldiers differed. Some just got the standard arm/muscle pain. Some got nice "little" golf ball sized welts on their tricep. I, like many others, simply felt a lot of pain for a few hours after the shot. Imagine someone holding a lighter to your tricep for 3 hours.
That's what each of the 6 anthrax shots felt like for me. They frickin hurt.
I knew several soldiers who faced Field Grade Article 15's for refusing to take these shots. They were also non-deployable and subsequently kicked out of the Army. One of my soldiers refused to take these shots. His wife being a nurse, advised him to not do this. I spoke to his wife numerous times, regardless, this young Sergeant refused to take a shot. I agreed with them as well, especially after a few discussions with his wife. I was one of the last in my unit to get the first round of shots. Yeah, I came up with excuse after excuse, appointment after appointment, trying to find a way where they might just forget about me.
They didn't.
Seems like doctors at Walter Reed want to study the impact of these shots.
It turns out, the FDA has never approved this vaccination for our soldiers.
Kind of like all the crap my friends had to take during the first Iraq War, PB pills and all that crap.
Why do we have to be the proverbial guinea pig? I knew this was a bad idea at the time...and now, time will tell.
I'm glad I got my copy of my shot records!
Raw Story has a piece on the Anthrax vaccine.
4 words.
Son of a bitch.
4 more.
I frickin knew it.
Anthrax shots were the worst. The reactions for soldiers differed. Some just got the standard arm/muscle pain. Some got nice "little" golf ball sized welts on their tricep. I, like many others, simply felt a lot of pain for a few hours after the shot. Imagine someone holding a lighter to your tricep for 3 hours.
That's what each of the 6 anthrax shots felt like for me. They frickin hurt.
I knew several soldiers who faced Field Grade Article 15's for refusing to take these shots. They were also non-deployable and subsequently kicked out of the Army. One of my soldiers refused to take these shots. His wife being a nurse, advised him to not do this. I spoke to his wife numerous times, regardless, this young Sergeant refused to take a shot. I agreed with them as well, especially after a few discussions with his wife. I was one of the last in my unit to get the first round of shots. Yeah, I came up with excuse after excuse, appointment after appointment, trying to find a way where they might just forget about me.
They didn't.
Seems like doctors at Walter Reed want to study the impact of these shots.
While the Defense Department maintains that the anthrax vaccine is safe and poses no long-term risks to recipients, a little-known program at Walter Reed – the National Vaccine Healthcare Center – seems to contradict the military’s assertions.
Documents obtained by RAW STORY, including a participant’s agreement, case history and government documents, show that military medical personnel have known since at least 1998 that there are genetic triggers between illnesses and some required immunizations, including the anthrax vaccine. They also reveal the military knew and did not implement routine pre-screening which could help reduce vaccine-related illnesses.
A flyer posted by the Vaccine Healthcare Center shows that Walter Reed is soliciting servicemembers who have suffered as a result of the vaccine. The flyer asserts that “adverse effects may include redness or swelling where the shot was given (larger than the bottom of a soda can) and/or more than 24 hours of headaches, muscle/joint pains, and/or fatigue (tiredness) that interfered with your daily activities.”
It turns out, the FDA has never approved this vaccination for our soldiers.
In 2004, a federal judge ruled that the military’s mandatory administration of the vaccine was illegal because the Food and Drug Administration had not approved its use for inhalation anthrax, only for anthrax contracted through the skin. After FDA
approval, the judge allowed voluntary injections. The Defense Department resumed
mandatory shots this month. The Pentagon continues to defend the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.
Kind of like all the crap my friends had to take during the first Iraq War, PB pills and all that crap.
Why do we have to be the proverbial guinea pig? I knew this was a bad idea at the time...and now, time will tell.
I'm glad I got my copy of my shot records!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Fred Thompson?
As Andy from Residual Forces and Drew over at Wright County Republican drool over the possible Presidency of Fred Thompson (Drew points out that Thompson won the Wright County GOP straw poll), Wonkette points out Republicans who use the "Hollywood values" mantra.
Months ago, on the Ed Schultz show, Senator Tom Harkin was on, talking about the run up to the 92 elections. He spoke of how a certain candidate was polling at less than 2% about a year out from the election. This guy beat out every prominent Democrat to win the nomination.
Bill Clinton.
I think that case applies today.
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Rudy Guliani, and Mitt Romney are all on top of most polls, 18 months out.
While I poke fun at the Fred Thompson situation, he appears to be someone who can mobilize the base and could give everyone in this field a run for their money!
Months ago, on the Ed Schultz show, Senator Tom Harkin was on, talking about the run up to the 92 elections. He spoke of how a certain candidate was polling at less than 2% about a year out from the election. This guy beat out every prominent Democrat to win the nomination.
Bill Clinton.
I think that case applies today.
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Rudy Guliani, and Mitt Romney are all on top of most polls, 18 months out.
While I poke fun at the Fred Thompson situation, he appears to be someone who can mobilize the base and could give everyone in this field a run for their money!
Bachmann no friend to Special Education: SC Times LTE
Long before the Strib highlighted the Special Education woes of Minnesota, we have heard case after case out here in Greater Minnesota schools. The Dassel Cokato School District operates about a million dollars in the red because of a lack of Special Education funding.
Congresswoman Bachmann likes to portray herself as the supporter of Special Education.
This SC Times LTE points out that Bachmann is a staunch supporter of completely eliminating special education programs.
Actually, to be more factual, Bachmann has been a strong supporter of fully eliminating the Federal Department of Education.
Of course through her support of a Tax Payers Bill of Rights, all these areas would be destroyed by TABOR anyway.
Perhaps Frederickson and the rest of Team Bachmann are getting the attention they desperately sought...
Congresswoman Bachmann likes to portray herself as the supporter of Special Education.
This SC Times LTE points out that Bachmann is a staunch supporter of completely eliminating special education programs.
Actually, to be more factual, Bachmann has been a strong supporter of fully eliminating the Federal Department of Education.
Of course through her support of a Tax Payers Bill of Rights, all these areas would be destroyed by TABOR anyway.
Perhaps Frederickson and the rest of Team Bachmann are getting the attention they desperately sought...
Buffalo Boys Basketball
Yeah, we watched the Buffalo Boys victory on Saturday night. I have said it once and will say it again, it was the best high school basketball game I have ever seen, TV or live, beats out some good Mayville-Portland v. Hillsboro games as well as Annandale v. Litchfield and Annandale v. Howard Lake-Waverly (before Winsted days).
With that said, go check out "Find Buffalo Blog" for an even more local portrayal of the B-ball team.
With that said, go check out "Find Buffalo Blog" for an even more local portrayal of the B-ball team.
Another way for the Army to screw you over!
Recall previous posts in which I have documented from Army Times reports how military disability ratings have decreased during a time of war, while soldiers being injured is exponentially higher.
The Nation has a story of a young soldier, wounded in Iraq, and was subsequently screwed over by the Department of Defense. Hat tip to deadissue!
It's simply taking the easy way out, the polar opposite of what military discipline teaches a soldier.
The Department of Defense or each service releases soldiers at ridiculous disability levels or with other sorts of discharges, forcing them to deal directly with an already overburdened Veterans Administration.
Will Bachmann put that on her 08 lit piece?
If you are a soldier, do what I did before I got out...copy your medical records. All the anthrax shots and other vaccinations they gave us, plus your ability to prove what happened is hampered if you rely upon military records.
Anyone recall the fire in St Louis over a decade ago that resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of Gulf War Veterans medical records?
It will happen again.
Those that fight being mis-diagnosed by the DOD hospitals face a fight at the VA for their benefits and care.
"I would have had to take myself out". Think about that statement for a minute...
Because of the strict bureaucratic structure, Veterans are contemplating and actually committing suicide.
Remember that more than 250,000 Vietnam Veterans have committed suicide after coming home from that war.
Failing to address these real issues and continuing to treat soldiers and Veterans as disposable people seems to be the standard operating procedure for this current administration.
The Nation has a story of a young soldier, wounded in Iraq, and was subsequently screwed over by the Department of Defense. Hat tip to deadissue!
But instead of sending Town to a medical board and discharging him because of his injuries, doctors at Fort Carson, Colorado, did something strange: They claimed Town's wounds were actually caused by a "personality disorder." Town was then booted from the Army and told that under a personality disorder discharge, he would never receive disability or medical benefits.
Town is not alone. A six-month investigation has uncovered multiple cases in which soldiers wounded in Iraq are suspiciously diagnosed as having a personality disorder, then prevented from collecting benefits. The conditions of their discharge have infuriated many in the military community, including the injured soldiers and their families, veterans' rights groups, even military officials required to process these dismissals.
It's simply taking the easy way out, the polar opposite of what military discipline teaches a soldier.
The Department of Defense or each service releases soldiers at ridiculous disability levels or with other sorts of discharges, forcing them to deal directly with an already overburdened Veterans Administration.
Exactly how much money is difficult to calculate. Defense Department records show that across the entire armed forces, more than 22,500 soldiers have been dismissed due to personality disorder in the last six years. How much those soldiers would have collected in disability pay would have been determined by a medical board, which evaluates just how disabled a veteran is. A completely disabled soldier receives about $44,000 a year. In a recent study on the cost of veterans' benefits for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Harvard professor Linda Bilmes estimates an average disability payout of $8,890 per year and a future life expectancy of forty years for soldiers returning from service.Don't look, don't find, don't pay...the new philosophy of military medicine.
Using those figures, by discharging soldiers under Chapter 5-13, the military could be saving upwards of $8 billion in disability pay. Add to that savings the cost of medical care over the soldiers' lifetimes. Bilmes estimates that each year the VA spends an average of $5,000 in medical care per veteran. Applying those numbers, by discharging 22,500 soldiers because of personality disorder, the military saves $4.5 billion in medical care over their lifetimes.
Will Bachmann put that on her 08 lit piece?
The Army holds soldiers' medical records and contact information strictly
confidential. But The Nation was able to locate a half-dozen soldiers from bases
across the country who were diagnosed with personality disorder. All of them
rejected that diagnosis. Most said military doctors tried to force the diagnosis
upon them and turned a blind eye to symptoms of PTSD and physical injury.
If you are a soldier, do what I did before I got out...copy your medical records. All the anthrax shots and other vaccinations they gave us, plus your ability to prove what happened is hampered if you rely upon military records.
Anyone recall the fire in St Louis over a decade ago that resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of Gulf War Veterans medical records?
It will happen again.
Those that fight being mis-diagnosed by the DOD hospitals face a fight at the VA for their benefits and care.
Then in March 2005, eighteen months after Wooldridge's dismissal, his psychiatrist at the Memphis VA filed papers rejecting Brady's diagnosis and asserting that Wooldridge suffered from PTSD so severe, it made him "totally disabled." Weeks later the Army Discharge Review Board voided Wooldridge's 5-13 dismissal, but the eighteen months he'd spent lingering without benefits had already taken its toll.
"They put me out on the street to rot, and if I had left things like they were, there would have been no way I could have survived. I would have had to take myself out or had someone do it for me," he says. The way they use personality disorder to diagnose and discharge, he says, "it's like a mental rape. That's the only way I can describe it."
"I would have had to take myself out". Think about that statement for a minute...
Because of the strict bureaucratic structure, Veterans are contemplating and actually committing suicide.
Remember that more than 250,000 Vietnam Veterans have committed suicide after coming home from that war.
Failing to address these real issues and continuing to treat soldiers and Veterans as disposable people seems to be the standard operating procedure for this current administration.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
More soldier rape in Iraq
Another story out there on the increase in rape amongst soldiers in Iraq.
“It was out of control,” Karpinski told a group of students at Thomas Jefferson School of Law last October, according to the Truthout report. Although there was a toll-free number women could use to report sexual assaults, no one had a phone, and no one answered the U.S. number when it was called. Any woman who successfully connected to it would get a recording.
Even after more than 83 incidents were reported during a six-month period in Iraq and Kuwait, the 24-hour rape hot line was still answered by a machine that told callers to leave a message, Karpinski told Cohn.
Recall a few days ago that there was a 24% increase in sexual assaults across the military in 2006.
Where was General Pace on this issue? Why did he not get on his high horse and call this sharp increase immoral?
“It was out of control,” Karpinski told a group of students at Thomas Jefferson School of Law last October, according to the Truthout report. Although there was a toll-free number women could use to report sexual assaults, no one had a phone, and no one answered the U.S. number when it was called. Any woman who successfully connected to it would get a recording.
Even after more than 83 incidents were reported during a six-month period in Iraq and Kuwait, the 24-hour rape hot line was still answered by a machine that told callers to leave a message, Karpinski told Cohn.
Recall a few days ago that there was a 24% increase in sexual assaults across the military in 2006.
Where was General Pace on this issue? Why did he not get on his high horse and call this sharp increase immoral?
Another weekend of sports
My Friday night was consumed by a bad SCSU hockey game and a few NCAA games.
It was one heck of a good run, heard that Nodl will be coming back next year and I am hopeful that Gordon comes back too!
Saturday consisted of watching Winona's incredible streak end in one of the craziest ending I have ever seen in College Basketball, a few hockey games (man the Gophers came close to choking that one away), a few NCAA games, and the Minnesota High School Tourney.
That Buffalo game may have been the best high school basketball game I have ever seen. Both teams in the 4A matchup last night were relentless. There was about a 5 minute stretch where the two teams just exchanged three pointers in a fashion I have never witnessed before.
I feel pretty confident in saying that it was the best basketball played in that arena this year...the Wolves have been horrible.
Nick Guida, the Buffalo coach, kind of resembled a Sergeant Nick Guida I had at Fort Lewis, Washington many years ago. Odds are that it's not the same guy though.
Anyway, maybe some more NCAA games today along with the epic North Dakota / Minnesota battle...I guess I am a No Dak fan today!
It was one heck of a good run, heard that Nodl will be coming back next year and I am hopeful that Gordon comes back too!
Saturday consisted of watching Winona's incredible streak end in one of the craziest ending I have ever seen in College Basketball, a few hockey games (man the Gophers came close to choking that one away), a few NCAA games, and the Minnesota High School Tourney.
That Buffalo game may have been the best high school basketball game I have ever seen. Both teams in the 4A matchup last night were relentless. There was about a 5 minute stretch where the two teams just exchanged three pointers in a fashion I have never witnessed before.
I feel pretty confident in saying that it was the best basketball played in that arena this year...the Wolves have been horrible.
Nick Guida, the Buffalo coach, kind of resembled a Sergeant Nick Guida I had at Fort Lewis, Washington many years ago. Odds are that it's not the same guy though.
Anyway, maybe some more NCAA games today along with the epic North Dakota / Minnesota battle...I guess I am a No Dak fan today!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Husky Hockey time!
In a few hours, the Husky's, of my alma mater, the St Cloud State University, will lace the skates up and take on Maine. It's NCAA playoff time!
Many have written the Husky's off, saying they won't be able to win the big game, being 0-6 in NCAA playoff games previous to today.
Why am I so pumped up? Two words.
Bobby Goepfert.
In all my years of watching Husky hockey, BG is by far the best goaltender we have ever had, or the best that I have ever seen in the National Concrete Center. He did not fare very well at the Excel Energy Center last weekend.
Bobby is going home to New York now and, the champion that he is, he does not want to play his final college game in New York. It's a great homecoming for BG. He played his first two seasons with Hockey East power Providence. He has experience in these East Coast arenas, with the fans, and the programs.
BG is going to prove the skeptics wrong, put the Husky's on his back and take us to St Louis...
A WCHA final of North Dakota / St Cloud will be a thing of beauty.
Look for some quick goals from the Husky squad tonight!
Many have written the Husky's off, saying they won't be able to win the big game, being 0-6 in NCAA playoff games previous to today.
Why am I so pumped up? Two words.
Bobby Goepfert.
In all my years of watching Husky hockey, BG is by far the best goaltender we have ever had, or the best that I have ever seen in the National Concrete Center. He did not fare very well at the Excel Energy Center last weekend.
Bobby is going home to New York now and, the champion that he is, he does not want to play his final college game in New York. It's a great homecoming for BG. He played his first two seasons with Hockey East power Providence. He has experience in these East Coast arenas, with the fans, and the programs.
BG is going to prove the skeptics wrong, put the Husky's on his back and take us to St Louis...
A WCHA final of North Dakota / St Cloud will be a thing of beauty.
Look for some quick goals from the Husky squad tonight!
Bachmann comments on Wonkette
Man, I work early and late, double shifts for a week, and I miss all this fun stuff.
The comments at Wonkette are the best political entertainment one can get in a day, other than a live Presidential address.
I did not notice that the first time. Good catch!
Excellent point! Righty blogs carried Keith Ellison tabloid stories everyday!
The comments at Wonkette are the best political entertainment one can get in a day, other than a live Presidential address.
"Minnesota's 6th Congressional Member?"
"Observant viewer of the news?"
Ben, err..."St. John's political science student," tighten up on the lexicon! Shit. Reading your letter is about as intelligible as my dog is when I put him on the phone.
I did not notice that the first time. Good catch!
Looks like you only have to be semi-literate to attend St. Johns University.Does that apply to St Ben's as well?
Can't help but wonder whether any of the kid's professors has seen this gem.
Contrarily forgetful,
PeeJay
I never can recall a local politician who has been scrutinized as much as this
individual.
Uhm, how about that OTHER Minnesota Rep? The Muslim one all the Publicans are shitting their pants about and calling a terrorist? I'm sure I speak for the majority of people when I say that I'm not bothered by Bachmann's organ-harvesting baby farm.
On a semi-serious note, anybody else struck by how odd her 'family' is? She has like 2 dozen babies, and her 'husband' helps cure people of the ghey. Overcompensating? Trying to prove something?
Excellent point! Righty blogs carried Keith Ellison tabloid stories everyday!
Minneapois Veterans Home Editorial, Startribune
The Strib has an excellent editorial today, on the Minneapolis Veterans Home.
Pawlenty and his tool McClung both expressed "Shock and Awe" at what is going on at the Veterans Home.
Those "no new tax" pledges sealed the collective fates Veterans, college students, and people in vulnerable communities.
Anyone watching the Veterans Home testimony in the Minnesota House this past January heard the pleas of nurses.
Taxes are what we pay to live in a civilized society. Gimmicks like "no new taxes" and the Tax Payers Bill of Rights are simply smokescreens to kill progressive programs that look out for and provide assistance to vulnerable communities and those in need.
Ask people in Colorado what the Tax Payers Bill of Rights did there.
College students from Colorado were at a Federal Higher Education conference (DC Summit) the past 3 years talking about the impact of TABOR on higher education. 40% tuition increases have put public higher education in jeopardy.
It's a sad state of affairs...
Pawlenty and his tool McClung both expressed "Shock and Awe" at what is going on at the Veterans Home.
For years, veterans home nurses have complained to anyone who would listen about these working conditions, and the lousy staff morale and marginal patient care that resulted. In 2004, their union, the Minnesota Nurses Association, argued their case before state arbitrator Mario F. Bognanno.
On many points, Bognanno agreed with the nurses. But he sided with the state, in large measure because he accepted its plea of an "inability to pay." Many departments, including the veterans homes, Bognanno said, "have sustained severe budget cuts, increases in unfunded service obligations and downward pressures on revenues, all in the face of severe state budget deficits. ..."
But that inability to pay was artificial, created by legislators and the governor, Tim Pawlenty, who'd signed a "no new taxes" pledge. Back in the 1990s, when Pawlenty was majority leader in the House, state revenue was rolling in at a rate far in excess of state needs. Much of the bonanza was one-time money, meaning it would not recur, but that did not stop the Legislature and Gov. Jesse Ventura from enacting large, permanent tax cuts.
Those "no new tax" pledges sealed the collective fates Veterans, college students, and people in vulnerable communities.
Anyone watching the Veterans Home testimony in the Minnesota House this past January heard the pleas of nurses.
Taxes are what we pay to live in a civilized society. Gimmicks like "no new taxes" and the Tax Payers Bill of Rights are simply smokescreens to kill progressive programs that look out for and provide assistance to vulnerable communities and those in need.
Ask people in Colorado what the Tax Payers Bill of Rights did there.
College students from Colorado were at a Federal Higher Education conference (DC Summit) the past 3 years talking about the impact of TABOR on higher education. 40% tuition increases have put public higher education in jeopardy.
It's a sad state of affairs...
Strib Commentary: Why seven prosecuters and I were fired
David Iglesias, a fired Federal Prosecuter/US Attorney, has a commentary on why his and the other firings occurred.
Iglesias talks about the phone calls...
The Senator called this US Attorney at his home, in an obvious attempt to manipulate a Federal Prosecuter, asking about corruption charges.
Anyone else see the irony there?
This scandal is not going away anytime soon.
U.S. attorneys have a long history of being insulated from politics. Although we receive our appointments through the political process (I am a Republican who was recommended by Sen. Pete Domenici), we are expected to be apolitical once we are in office.
I will never forget John Ashcroft, then the attorney general, telling me during the summer of 2001 that politics should play no role during my tenure. I took that message to heart. Little did I know that I could be fired for not being political.
Iglesias talks about the phone calls...
Politics entered my life with two phone calls that I received last fall, just before the November election. One came from Rep. Heather Wilson and the other from Domenici, both Republicans from my state, New Mexico.
Wilson asked me about sealed indictments pertaining to a politically charged corruption case widely reported in the news media involving local Democrats. Her question instantly put me on guard. Prosecutors may not legally talk about indictments, so I was evasive. Shortly after speaking to Wilson, I received a call from Domenici at my home. The senator wanted to know whether I was going to file corruption charges -- the cases Wilson had been asking about -- before November. When I told him that I didn't think so, he said, "I am very sorry to hear that," and the line went dead.
A few weeks after those phone calls, my name was added to a list of U.S. attorneys who would be asked to resign -- even though I had excellent office evaluations, the biggest political corruption prosecutions in New Mexico history, a record number of overall prosecutions and a 95 percent conviction rate. (In one of the documents released this week, I was deemed a "diverse up and comer" in 2004. Two years later I was asked to resign with no reasons given.)
The Senator called this US Attorney at his home, in an obvious attempt to manipulate a Federal Prosecuter, asking about corruption charges.
Anyone else see the irony there?
This scandal is not going away anytime soon.
Wonkette loves my Congresswoman!
They cite the Minnesota Monitor story as well.
Very good work, Ben! Your mom, Bachmann’s director of constituent services, must be so proud of you. Or maybe not, considering the 99% likelihood that she wrote it.
We are going to start writing letters to the St. Cloud Times, because those idiots will apparently print anything.
Nice work indeed Wonkette! I love the comments section too.
Keep checking the comments section...I am sure it will get better!
Very good work, Ben! Your mom, Bachmann’s director of constituent services, must be so proud of you. Or maybe not, considering the 99% likelihood that she wrote it.
We are going to start writing letters to the St. Cloud Times, because those idiots will apparently print anything.
Nice work indeed Wonkette! I love the comments section too.
Hey gang, the kid's just got limited recall. Lots of folks suffer from that. Of course most of them are over 70, but the 19 year old does live in Saint Cloud the home of political retards. I am not at all surprised that some of them have made it onto the local paper's editorial staff.
And tell his mom/editor/ghost writer that "I never can recall" should be "I can't recall". The "never" placed where he has it means there are indeed local politicians that have been scrutinized as severely as Michelle B, but whenever the kid tries to come up with their names he draws a blank.
I doubt that's what he or his mom meant to say.
Keep checking the comments section...I am sure it will get better!
Tony Snow: Flip Flopper
I heard these quotes yesterday while I was trekking across the Twin Cities, I am glad that Think Progress has picked up on this.
When Democrats control Congress
When Republican's controlled Congress
The 08 elections cannot come quick enough...
When Democrats control Congress
There’s another principle, which is Congress doesn’t have the legislative — I mean oversight authority over the White House. [CNN, 3/22/07]
First, the White House is under no compulsion to do anything. The legislative branch
doesn’t have oversight. [MSNBC, 3/22/07]
Congress doesn’t have any legitimate oversight and responsibilities to the White House. [Fox, 3/22/07]
When Republican's controlled Congress
QUESTION: What is the president’s opinion of a request by Republican leaders in the House to launch an investigation of Sandy Berger’s involvement in the removal of classified documents from the National Archives?
SNOW: There were questions last week, about investigations involving Republican members. Members of Congress have their own oversight obligations. They may proceed as they wish. They’re a separate and co-equal branch of government and I’m not going to tell them what they can and can’t do. [Briefing, 10/16/06]
The 08 elections cannot come quick enough...
More Bachmann LTE madness
Jeff Fecke has a post up at Blog of the Moderate Left. Crossposted at Minnesota Monitor as well.
Not sure what kicking a puppy feels like Jeff, but you are right, this is getting too easy.
So the son of Bachmann's director of constituent services is the LTE writer?
I never can recall a local politician who has embarrassed their constituents so much. Hmmm, perhaps if she had not groped the President or given erroneous statements about the secret Iranian plans, she would not be as scrutinized?
At least Ben Harper was able to cut and paste some info from the infamous Frederickson email.
1) Talk about Michele as a mother (5 biological, 23 foster kids) and wife. Her devotion to her family and making Minnesota a better place.
Check
Ben, do they teach you to cite your sources at St Johns? That's right, that's Mark Kennedy's alma mater...
Anyway, two LTE's have come since the Frederickson email, one from a Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus employee and now the son of one of Bachmann's employee's.
Not sure what kicking a puppy feels like Jeff, but you are right, this is getting too easy.
So the son of Bachmann's director of constituent services is the LTE writer?
I never can recall a local politician who has been scrutinized as much as
this individual.
I never can recall a local politician who has embarrassed their constituents so much. Hmmm, perhaps if she had not groped the President or given erroneous statements about the secret Iranian plans, she would not be as scrutinized?
At least Ben Harper was able to cut and paste some info from the infamous Frederickson email.
1) Talk about Michele as a mother (5 biological, 23 foster kids) and wife. Her devotion to her family and making Minnesota a better place.
From a little background information, I've learned that this congresswoman is
not only working on behalf of her constituents, but she is a mother of five
biological children and 23 foster children.
Check
Ben, do they teach you to cite your sources at St Johns? That's right, that's Mark Kennedy's alma mater...
Anyway, two LTE's have come since the Frederickson email, one from a Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus employee and now the son of one of Bachmann's employee's.
Military sexual assaults up!
Up 24% in 2006.
The Army attributes the increase to new reporting programs and not an actual increase in crimes.
I say bullshit.
I have had former soldiers tell me stories about sexual assaults in Kuwait and Iraq. We also know that these crimes are vastly under reported, regardless of the reporting mechanism. They are especially difficult to report in the cases of command rape and abuses in military authority.
It's another significant reason this war in Iraq is horrendous. Our men and women fighting this war deserve better.
More to follow on this story and the underlying issues...
The Army attributes the increase to new reporting programs and not an actual increase in crimes.
I say bullshit.
I have had former soldiers tell me stories about sexual assaults in Kuwait and Iraq. We also know that these crimes are vastly under reported, regardless of the reporting mechanism. They are especially difficult to report in the cases of command rape and abuses in military authority.
It's another significant reason this war in Iraq is horrendous. Our men and women fighting this war deserve better.
More to follow on this story and the underlying issues...
Activist Judges=Bad
Activist US Attorney's=Good
Depending on who appointed them.
Last summer, we heard Congresswoman Bachmann and Mark Kennedy talk about activist judges and their nefarious plot to ensure that abortion is widely available and that same sex marriage would be legal, thus eroding the sanctity of marriage.
It was fun calling both the campaign offices of Congresswoman Bachmann and Mark Kennedy, asking for them to give me the name of an activist judge.
The silence was deafening.
Right wing pundits like Jason Lewis and Sean Hannity hammer home the fact that Bill Clinton fired all 93 US Attorney's in his first term. Lewis went so far as to allege that Clinton fired them all to cover up the fact that he wanted to fire the Little Rock Arkansas US Attorney, who had been investigating Clinton.
As Ed Schultz says, the righties have gone to "Rule #2 in the playbook, blame Bill Clinton".
Many of us are pissed off that 8 US Attorney's were fired without cause, other than the fact that they would not persecute Democrats, held true to standard jurisprudence, and upheld the rule of law, regardless of political affiliation.
I'm more concerned about the other 85 that are "doing a good job", following the Bush and neo-con GOP plan to an end.
When US Senator's start calling US Attorney's and attempt to get their opponents investigated, we have a serious problem in the judiciary.
Subpoena all those sons of bitches, put them all under oath and figure out what is really going on here.
It's sad that when I utter the words "Justice Department" I actually use the little quote's above my head...sad and very scary!
Depending on who appointed them.
Last summer, we heard Congresswoman Bachmann and Mark Kennedy talk about activist judges and their nefarious plot to ensure that abortion is widely available and that same sex marriage would be legal, thus eroding the sanctity of marriage.
It was fun calling both the campaign offices of Congresswoman Bachmann and Mark Kennedy, asking for them to give me the name of an activist judge.
The silence was deafening.
Right wing pundits like Jason Lewis and Sean Hannity hammer home the fact that Bill Clinton fired all 93 US Attorney's in his first term. Lewis went so far as to allege that Clinton fired them all to cover up the fact that he wanted to fire the Little Rock Arkansas US Attorney, who had been investigating Clinton.
As Ed Schultz says, the righties have gone to "Rule #2 in the playbook, blame Bill Clinton".
Many of us are pissed off that 8 US Attorney's were fired without cause, other than the fact that they would not persecute Democrats, held true to standard jurisprudence, and upheld the rule of law, regardless of political affiliation.
I'm more concerned about the other 85 that are "doing a good job", following the Bush and neo-con GOP plan to an end.
When US Senator's start calling US Attorney's and attempt to get their opponents investigated, we have a serious problem in the judiciary.
Subpoena all those sons of bitches, put them all under oath and figure out what is really going on here.
It's sad that when I utter the words "Justice Department" I actually use the little quote's above my head...sad and very scary!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Bachmann...Wonkette...again!
Oh this is fun!
Wonkette cited a LTE in the St Cloud Times as evidence of the first LTE post Frederickson email debacle.
But, it gets better. In the comments section, an astute Wonkette reader points out that the letter writer, Brad Kustermann, is quite possibly the same Brad Kustermann that works as a Legislative Assistant for the Republican Caucus.
I guess he got the Frederickson email.
And one of the better comments...
Wonkette cited a LTE in the St Cloud Times as evidence of the first LTE post Frederickson email debacle.
But, it gets better. In the comments section, an astute Wonkette reader points out that the letter writer, Brad Kustermann, is quite possibly the same Brad Kustermann that works as a Legislative Assistant for the Republican Caucus.
I guess he got the Frederickson email.
And one of the better comments...
So... to review:I wonder if this employee had the free choice to write this LTE or if some of Bachmann's old cronies are trying to bail her out?
The Bachmann office sent out e-mails asking (begging) people to write positive stuff about her to offset that whole "evil" thing, and no one responds, so the job gets farmed to a Legislative Assistant in the Minnesota Senate's Republican caucus, who quotes a Democrat (then mistakenly labels it as 'Author Unknown'), completely misinterprets the bill, and even (poorly) plays the "democrats aren't democratic" card.
Michelle, sweetie, you can do better than this. You've got big pumps to
fill now that Kitty has left us (for now). Let's up the crazy a bit, 'kay?
Monday, March 19, 2007
Pioneer Press LTE, Bachmann related!
Short, simple, and to the point.
They are off trying to manufacture some good press for themselves.
She doesn't respond to the constituents that challenge her. Hell, we can't even get former Congressman Kennedy's Congressional Office sign down in Buffalo! It's still at the intersection of 55 and 25, right by the Pizza Hut. We've gone all winter with that damn sign up.
Where is Bachmann?
Who is Michelle Bachmann — or, what is she? Since she has not responded to my phone calls or letters, I think she doesn't exist. Or maybe she exists only as a puff of fluff blowing in the wind, hanging on a Bush long enough to say or do something ridiculous, and then blowing off again.
SANDY URGO
Stillwater
They are off trying to manufacture some good press for themselves.
She doesn't respond to the constituents that challenge her. Hell, we can't even get former Congressman Kennedy's Congressional Office sign down in Buffalo! It's still at the intersection of 55 and 25, right by the Pizza Hut. We've gone all winter with that damn sign up.
Walter Reed maintenance woes
As you may recall, Ann Coulter came out recently and laid blame directly at the feet of Democrats, for the horrific conditions at Walter Reed.
Seems a Republican controlled Congress and the Pentagon are actually to blame.
From Raw Story
So, either Ann Coulter:
A. Chose to not discuss the GOP antics behind the conditions at Walter Reed.
B. Is not skilled enough in her research abilities to find out about privatization at Walter Reed.
C. Right wing hack.
D. All of the above.
The answer is D ladies and gentlemen, one notch above the Bush Administrations grade after 4 years of the Iraq debacle.
Seems a Republican controlled Congress and the Pentagon are actually to blame.
From Raw Story
An Army contract to privatize maintenance at Walter Reed Medical Center was
delayed more than three years amid bureaucratic bickering and legal squabbles
that led to staff shortages and a hospital in disarray just as the number of severely wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan was rising rapidly.
Documents from the investigative and auditing arm of Congress map a trail of bid, rebid, protests and appeals between 2003, when Walter Reed was first selected for outsourcing, and 2006, when a five-year, $120 million contract was finally awarded.
The disputes involved hospital management, the Pentagon, Congress and IAP Worldwide Services Inc., a company with powerful political connections and the only private bidder to handle maintenance, security, public works and management of military personnel.
While medical care was not directly affected, needed repairs went undone as the staff shrank from almost 300 to less than 50 in the last year and hospital officials were unable to find enough skilled replacements.
So, either Ann Coulter:
A. Chose to not discuss the GOP antics behind the conditions at Walter Reed.
B. Is not skilled enough in her research abilities to find out about privatization at Walter Reed.
C. Right wing hack.
D. All of the above.
The answer is D ladies and gentlemen, one notch above the Bush Administrations grade after 4 years of the Iraq debacle.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Walter Reed testimony
CSPAN is covering some testimony from Walter Reed Army Hospital. It's absolutely gut wrenching.
A young Scout just spoke about his two tours in Iraq and being wounded. He spoke of lots of out of pocket expenses, being sent back to Iraq when he was injured and other abuses at the hospital.
More and more soldiers are speaking out about the Ward 54 at the hospial. Ward 54 is the psychatric ward at the hospital, more and more soldiers are speaking out about the care and over-medication of persons here.
The testimony just tugs at my heart...
A young Scout just spoke about his two tours in Iraq and being wounded. He spoke of lots of out of pocket expenses, being sent back to Iraq when he was injured and other abuses at the hospital.
More and more soldiers are speaking out about the Ward 54 at the hospial. Ward 54 is the psychatric ward at the hospital, more and more soldiers are speaking out about the care and over-medication of persons here.
The testimony just tugs at my heart...
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Ann Coulter really pissed me off today...
I usually don't let the wench get under my skin, but today...she hit a nerve...big time.
She has an incoherent rant about how Democrats are responsible for the horrific care at Walter Reed.
It seems Ann has missed the point, imagine that.
It was never about mice and mold. It was, and still is, about soldiers and Veterans who served proudly, having to fight a bureaucracy at every turn, with no help in sight. The mold and mice simply helped break the story.
She says that, because Democrats staunchly defend the rights of workers, that the Generals in charge could not fire workers who were, well, inept. She blames the maintenance problems on these under appreciated workers.
For the sake of argument, lets follow Coulter's premise that the workers, protected by Democrats, are the reason for Walter Reed's horrific conditions.
I would argue that the horrific conditions came after Halliburton spin-off IAP Worldwide Services, took control of facilities management.
Since I am sure Ms. Coulter does not understand what I just wrote, so to be clear, facilities management includes those that clean and fix stuff.
Of course Coulter would not blame a Cheney wannabe spin off company.
The Army Times has an interesting report on the issue.
Blame the Democrats!
Coulter has attempted to unleash the Mother Of All Smoke Screens (MOASS). Unfortunately for her, the facts dissipate her feeble attempts.
Military hospitals are evaluating soldiers and providing disability benefits to fewer and fewer soldiers, placing the burden on VA institutions.
This decrease during a time in which more than 20,000 have been wounded in combat.
Since the burden is falling upon the VA to handle more and more soldiers, lack of funding from the Bush administration has put Veterans and the excellent workers at the VA, in a precarious position.
Yet, Coulter wants to blame Democrats and their passion for protecting the worker.
It's clear to most Americans. The woes of the Iraq war and the problems surrounding the care of our soldiers and Veterans is not the fault of Democrats. These woes can be shared by both parties over decades and decades of neglect and finger pointing.
In the case of the Iraq war, significant blame can be assigned to the Republican administration that has botched every turn in this war.
Coulter was dead wrong...and I feel a lot better now!
She has an incoherent rant about how Democrats are responsible for the horrific care at Walter Reed.
Noticeably, the problems at Walter Reed are not with the doctors or medical care. The problems are with basic maintenance at the facility.
It seems Ann has missed the point, imagine that.
It was never about mice and mold. It was, and still is, about soldiers and Veterans who served proudly, having to fight a bureaucracy at every turn, with no help in sight. The mold and mice simply helped break the story.
She says that, because Democrats staunchly defend the rights of workers, that the Generals in charge could not fire workers who were, well, inept. She blames the maintenance problems on these under appreciated workers.
For the sake of argument, lets follow Coulter's premise that the workers, protected by Democrats, are the reason for Walter Reed's horrific conditions.
I would argue that the horrific conditions came after Halliburton spin-off IAP Worldwide Services, took control of facilities management.
Since I am sure Ms. Coulter does not understand what I just wrote, so to be clear, facilities management includes those that clean and fix stuff.
Of course Coulter would not blame a Cheney wannabe spin off company.
The Army Times has an interesting report on the issue.
The letter said the Defense Department “systemically” tried to replace federal workers at Walter Reed with private companies for facilities management, patient care and guard duty – a process that began in 2000.
“But the push to privatize support services there accelerated under President Bush’s ‘competitive sourcing’ initiative, which was launched in 2002,” the letter states.
During the year between awarding the contract to IAP and when the company started, “skilled government workers apparently began leaving Walter Reed in droves,” the letter states. “The memorandum also indicates that officials at the highest levels of Walter Reed and the U.S. Army Medical Command were informed about the dangers of privatization, but appeared to do little to prevent them.”
Blame the Democrats!
Coulter has attempted to unleash the Mother Of All Smoke Screens (MOASS). Unfortunately for her, the facts dissipate her feeble attempts.
Military hospitals are evaluating soldiers and providing disability benefits to fewer and fewer soldiers, placing the burden on VA institutions.
In 2001, 10 percent of soldiers going through the medical retirement process received permanent disability benefits. In 2005, with two wars raging, that percentage dropped to 3 percent, according to the Government Accountability Office. Reservists dropped from 16 percent to 5 percent.
This decrease during a time in which more than 20,000 have been wounded in combat.
Since the burden is falling upon the VA to handle more and more soldiers, lack of funding from the Bush administration has put Veterans and the excellent workers at the VA, in a precarious position.
The following numbers are estimates of the consequences of enacting President Bush's Fiscal Year 2006 budget proposal. [Sources: VFW Press Release, Department of Veterans Affairs, President's Fiscal Year 2006 Budget]
Veterans who would stop receiving hospital treatment for their disabilities: 220,000
Veterans losing out on long-term nursing home care: 28,000
VA health care workers eliminated: over 3,000
Veterans benefits staff positions cut: over 700
Priority 8 Veterans denied VA enrollment between Jan. 14, 2003 and the end of Fiscal Year 2006: 522,000
Medical research projects terminated: 173
Increase in out-of-pocket payments by veterans: $424 million
Yet, Coulter wants to blame Democrats and their passion for protecting the worker.
It's clear to most Americans. The woes of the Iraq war and the problems surrounding the care of our soldiers and Veterans is not the fault of Democrats. These woes can be shared by both parties over decades and decades of neglect and finger pointing.
In the case of the Iraq war, significant blame can be assigned to the Republican administration that has botched every turn in this war.
Coulter was dead wrong...and I feel a lot better now!
Soldiers speak out on the Walter Reed Scandal
From the Army Times
Col. Cloyd B. Gatrell (ret.), Carlisle, Pa. says:
He is a staunch defender of General Kiley.
Lt. Col. Charles W. Treese (ret.), Colorado Springs, Colo. says:
Sgt. Maj. Don Purvis (ret.), Everett, Wash. says:
Indeed SGM, no word on Senior enlisted soldiers being relieved.
There were more letters as well, some shifted the blame to House Democrats in the 1970's 80's and 90's for what is happening at Walter Reed in 2007. Nice...
Col. Cloyd B. Gatrell (ret.), Carlisle, Pa. says:
What is disappointing is the knee-jerk reaction of the secretary of defense and the Army leadership to the media frenzy before ascertaining the facts and events that led to the current situation.
He is a staunch defender of General Kiley.
Lt. Col. Charles W. Treese (ret.), Colorado Springs, Colo. says:
I was not surprised by the defensive “It is all the media’s fault” attitude.
Further, the actions taken against those responsible parties were much too little, much too late and much too shallow. All of those who were even remotely connected with this fiasco must be relieved of their duties.
Sgt. Maj. Don Purvis (ret.), Everett, Wash. says:
Why didn’t these leaders see the problems long before reporters? Why weren’t
these leaders aware of all the problems the patients were having?Commanders are being held responsible for the problems, and well they should be. However, the command sergeants major in the Medical Hold Unit at Walter Reed Army Medical Center must take a share of that responsibility.
Indeed SGM, no word on Senior enlisted soldiers being relieved.
There were more letters as well, some shifted the blame to House Democrats in the 1970's 80's and 90's for what is happening at Walter Reed in 2007. Nice...
Army Times Editiorial: Disability system cheats soldiers
An excellent editorial by the Army Times, confirming issues we have discussed for quite some time now.
Soldiers have been cheated by the system for decades. The Department of Defense "low balls" soldiers in dire need of disability help, pawning them off on an over burdened Veterans Administration.
I had not heard the issue of Officers getting better benefits than Enlisted soldiers. With Officers performing the evals, it should not surprise us though.
The disparity is shocking.
It's more than a story of the "have's and have nots".
Soldiers have been cheated by the system for decades. The Department of Defense "low balls" soldiers in dire need of disability help, pawning them off on an over burdened Veterans Administration.
I had not heard the issue of Officers getting better benefits than Enlisted soldiers. With Officers performing the evals, it should not surprise us though.
Wounded enlisted troops are less likely to get a 50 percent or greater disability rating than are officers. One-third of injured Army officers get disability ratings of 50 percent or greater, compared to only 21 percent of enlisted soldiers. These facts play into the worst stereotypes of military culture — that officers are a privileged elite and that the Army and Marine Corps, whose troops bear the greatest burden in battle, care the least for their people.
The disparity is shocking.
It's more than a story of the "have's and have nots".
Bachmann in the Big Question again
Eric Black has another Bachmann piece at the Big Question.
While I am not outraged at this, I think it merits discussion. Weeks ago, the blogoshpere was shaken over reports of Al Franken supporters at the University of Minnesota using their .edu email in sending out messages of support and campaign updates. Fact of the matter is that faculty blog using university resources, they send out emails. To the best of my knowledge, it was not a concerted effort by the Franken campaign.
We had the "Shock and Awe" from MDE, Residual Forces and other righty bloggers.
The email by Press Secretary Frederickson is more disturbing than the U of M situation. The Bachmann camp sought out individuals to sway public opinion of our Congresswoman, with their .gov account.
Perhaps, if the Congresswoman would focus on the issues that matter most to her constituents, her Press Secretary would not have to fabricate support, or at least pander for it.
Just a thought.
Anyway, check out the discussion at the Big Question, the comments are interesting, in a non-Wonkette sort of way.
While I am not outraged at this, I think it merits discussion. Weeks ago, the blogoshpere was shaken over reports of Al Franken supporters at the University of Minnesota using their .edu email in sending out messages of support and campaign updates. Fact of the matter is that faculty blog using university resources, they send out emails. To the best of my knowledge, it was not a concerted effort by the Franken campaign.
We had the "Shock and Awe" from MDE, Residual Forces and other righty bloggers.
The email by Press Secretary Frederickson is more disturbing than the U of M situation. The Bachmann camp sought out individuals to sway public opinion of our Congresswoman, with their .gov account.
Perhaps, if the Congresswoman would focus on the issues that matter most to her constituents, her Press Secretary would not have to fabricate support, or at least pander for it.
Just a thought.
Anyway, check out the discussion at the Big Question, the comments are interesting, in a non-Wonkette sort of way.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Michele Bachmann makes Wonkette...again
Oh my! I laughed pretty hard here. Looks like Heidi Frederickson, Press Secretary for Congresswoman Bachmann, is attempting to spin how Bachmann looks in the local media.
Go and read what Wonkette uncovered, but here is Wonkette's response to Frederickson's email.
Out-frickin-standing work.
The comments on the Bachmann LTE are of the high Wonkette snarkiness standards too!
Go and read what Wonkette uncovered, but here is Wonkette's response to Frederickson's email.
Dear Minneapolis “Red” Star and Tribune et al,
We are writing today because we love congresswoman Michele Bachmann. And because she has been getting a raw deal from libtard jerks like you in the biased “main stream media.”
Here is the other side of the story:
Michele Bachmann is committed to men and women in uniform — she has offered to buy and raise all their children while they’re serving overseas.
She’s a strong fiscal conservative — her foster children are allowed to eat only what they can take or scavenge from her real kids.
Her first piece of legislation: the federal adopt-one-get-one-free rule.
In a stunning neo-feminist critique of the regressive sexual politics of the Clinton presidency, the current President was sexually assaulted by her.
She has 600 kids.
Seriously, a lot of fucking kids.
Any other topic that will share the real Michele Bachmann with other Minnesotans who don’t know her personally.
Thank you for your consideration of this important topic. Please write an article about this ASAP, as she’s got an appointment with the House ethics committee and will need all the good press she can get.
Yours,
Wonkette
Out-frickin-standing work.
The comments on the Bachmann LTE are of the high Wonkette snarkiness standards too!
More on Jim Nicholson, head of the VA
Senator Claire McCaskill stated that Nicholson's appointment by Bush was a "Brownie situation", in full reference to another Bush scandal, the mis-handling of the Hurricane Katrina matters.
From Think Progress
If you support our troops, how can you support our President?
From Think Progress
Nicholson is the Michael Brown of veterans affairs. His primary qualification for the job was serving as chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1997 to 2000, “raising close to $380 million for the 2000 cycle.” During Bush’s first term, Nicholson was rewarded with the plush ambassadorship to the Vatican; after being selected to run the VA, he promptly ranked #4 in The New Republic’s list of “the
15 biggest Bush administration hacks.”
In the wake of the Walter Reed revelations, President Bush appointed Nicholson to lead a special panel to “cut through red tape” affecting veterans. But veterans advocates say it was Nicholson’s “inept management of the VA [that] has lead to the red tape.” ABC News revealed last week that Nicholson shelved a program that could have avoided many of the bureaucratic delays plaguing injured vets because of its cost — less than $1 million.
If you support our troops, how can you support our President?
Think Progress work on the Walter Reed Scandal
MN Publius had a post up about the high quality work Think Progress is doing on the Department of Justice/Attorney General Scandal.
Think Progress is also kicking a lot of ass on Veterans issues and the Walter Reed Scandal.
Case in point.
General Kiley's replacement opines on the Walter Reed Scandal.
Maj. Gen. Gale S. Pollock retains the same swagger of denial that Kiley possessed.
I can't wait til Bush comes out with his, "You're doin a heckuva job Pollockie". Sometimes, I just wish people could do their jobs and shut the hell up.
Had the Washington Post not written a negative story about Walter Reed, would we know anything about it now?
Think Progress is also kicking a lot of ass on Veterans issues and the Walter Reed Scandal.
Case in point.
General Kiley's replacement opines on the Walter Reed Scandal.
Maj. Gen. Gale S. Pollock retains the same swagger of denial that Kiley possessed.
Pollock, in an e-mail sent to colleagues and staff in the Army Medical Command on Friday, had also sought to minimize reports about conditions at Walter Reed and attacked the media’s handling of the issue.
“I know everyone is extremely pained and angry about the media assaults on Walter Reed and our senior leaders,” Pollock wrote in an e-mail obtained by The Washington Post. She added that she “articulated our displeasure at the misinformation about the quality of care” to a Post reporter after a congressional hearing last week but also acknowledged that she believes the stories could create momentum for changes that would better serve the Army.
She also wrote: “I know that your families and loved ones are affected by this event as well — please reassure them that the media makes money on negative stories not by articulating the positive in life — though that is something I will never understand.”
I can't wait til Bush comes out with his, "You're doin a heckuva job Pollockie". Sometimes, I just wish people could do their jobs and shut the hell up.
Had the Washington Post not written a negative story about Walter Reed, would we know anything about it now?
Urdahl opinon in the Annandale Advocate
His LTE kind of looks like what Drew Emmer over at Wright County Republican wrote as well.
I recall many moment while out campaigning that "working across party lines" all the bi-partisan talk was an issue for voters. It was asked of candidates at several forums.
I am saddened to see more of the campaign promises fall by the wayside.
Hmmm, the LTE is hauntingly similar to stuff on the GOP blogs.
Anyway...
Why couldn't former Speaker Swiggum get this important legislation passed through his Republican controlled House during his term as Speaker? Seriously! As the highest ranking Republican in the House, how can he not get an amendment, he has been advocating for 20 years for, passed in the House?
I'd really like to know the answer to that one.
I recall many moment while out campaigning that "working across party lines" all the bi-partisan talk was an issue for voters. It was asked of candidates at several forums.
I am saddened to see more of the campaign promises fall by the wayside.
Hmmm, the LTE is hauntingly similar to stuff on the GOP blogs.
Anyway...
An amendment offered by former House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, was
adopted and will bar legislators from registering as paid lobbyists for the
first year after they leave the House. If a former legislator registered as a
lobbyist, charges could be filed with the House Ethics Committee and the
Campaign Finance Board. The reform will ensure that former legislators cannot
use their connections in the government to benefit an interest group immediately
after leaving office. Sviggum has been advocating for this amendment for 20
years.
Why couldn't former Speaker Swiggum get this important legislation passed through his Republican controlled House during his term as Speaker? Seriously! As the highest ranking Republican in the House, how can he not get an amendment, he has been advocating for 20 years for, passed in the House?
I'd really like to know the answer to that one.
Glencoe Silver Lake School District open forum op-ed.
From the McLeod County Chronicle.
For those that do not know, the GSL school district has been unable to pass an operating levy for the past several years. It has failed twice previously, including this past November. The politics behind the levy not passing are starting to divide the community. People want to talk about this issues at the school and through LTE's around the area, have began to express their opinion. They wanted more time at the forum, but simply did not get it.
So, with April 23rd as the set date for the next forum, I would suggest that we all make plans to attend this important event. We have quite a bit of time to wait for it...time to plan.
The Glencoe-Silver Lake School and its public were on the verge of
conversing last week at the first of several school public forums, but the plug
was pulled on the meeting before that necessary dialog could take hold.
For those that do not know, the GSL school district has been unable to pass an operating levy for the past several years. It has failed twice previously, including this past November. The politics behind the levy not passing are starting to divide the community. People want to talk about this issues at the school and through LTE's around the area, have began to express their opinion. They wanted more time at the forum, but simply did not get it.
The forum was just getting to the meat-and-potatoes issues facing this district when it was adjourned abruptly. That created ill-will among those waiting to ask questions. If the board did not sense the public's frustration last week, then it was not paying attention.
The next forum needs to change formats, too. Instead of cards with written questions, go to the open microphone approach where the questions can be asked
directly rather than be filtered.
So, with April 23rd as the set date for the next forum, I would suggest that we all make plans to attend this important event. We have quite a bit of time to wait for it...time to plan.
MinnCan Pipeline LTE in the McLeod County Chronicle@
The McLeod County Chronicle, a Glencoe based paper, has a LTE on the pipeline now too! Thus far, the MCC is the only local weekly to cover the pipeline.
Check out these facts.
See my previous posts for a history of the environmental injustice that Koch Industries has spread across the United States.
The best part of this, it's not just a rant with no end in sight. The authors actually have an action the readers can take.
It ought to be supported by the Minnesota Farm Bureau and other farmer and environmentally friendly organizations across the state.
I have contacted my legislators on this...time to call yours! Get them to support the "Buy the Farm-Pipeline Act".
Make Representative Shimanski's phone ring and ring until he offers this bill.
Check out these facts.
MinnCan's crude oil pipeline severely impacts the lives of over 1,000 property owners in Minnesota, by taking their land and offering to pay pennies on the dollar for their property loss.
The MinnCan pipeline will bring more than 165,000 barrels of oil per day
across these properties, and create a risk of oil spills in our rich agricultural lands. Such a spill happened recently in Little Falls, where a different Koch pipeline ruptured spilling more than 134,000 gallons and permanently contaminated the land.
See my previous posts for a history of the environmental injustice that Koch Industries has spread across the United States.
The best part of this, it's not just a rant with no end in sight. The authors actually have an action the readers can take.
"Buy the Farm" gives property owners the option to require proposers of high-voltage transmission lines to purchase their entire property rather than just an easement. The new law would simply extend this option to land owners that are affected by large crude oil pipelines.
We believe that this is a fair and reasonable option that enhances the rights of property owners who will be negatively impacted on a permanent basis because they were chosen to "host" the pipeline's route. It also will become a viable tool in every property owner's toolbox for constructing a fair settlement with the proposer.
This statute is directly in line with the overwhelmingly public support of eminent domain limits. While the recent eminent domain legislation unfortunately did not affect these types of utility takings, the above bill will bring some power back to Minnesota landowners who are impacted by utility development.
It ought to be supported by the Minnesota Farm Bureau and other farmer and environmentally friendly organizations across the state.
I have contacted my legislators on this...time to call yours! Get them to support the "Buy the Farm-Pipeline Act".
Make Representative Shimanski's phone ring and ring until he offers this bill.
Strib support the troops LTE
Exposing yet another issue...body armor, health care, longer deployments, now their pay?
Who am I kidding, pay has been an issue for quite some time as well!
pay cuts for the guard
Where's the support?
As a soldier in one of the Minnesota National Guard units assigned to return to Kosovo, it is disappointing to hear about the loss of our combat pay, imminent danger pay and tax-free pay status once in country (Star Tribune, March 8).
I'm not complaining about being deployed. My last trip there filled me with a great sense of accomplishment and pride. The pay I received last time was enough to ease the pain in pocketbook from being deployed. I'll be losing quite a bit of money this time around. As a member of the volunteer, professional army, the pay is one of the reasons I enlisted in the first place.
Thanks again, Washington, for "supporting the troops."
ROBB LUTZ, ST. PAUL
Who am I kidding, pay has been an issue for quite some time as well!
pay cuts for the guard
Where's the support?
As a soldier in one of the Minnesota National Guard units assigned to return to Kosovo, it is disappointing to hear about the loss of our combat pay, imminent danger pay and tax-free pay status once in country (Star Tribune, March 8).
I'm not complaining about being deployed. My last trip there filled me with a great sense of accomplishment and pride. The pay I received last time was enough to ease the pain in pocketbook from being deployed. I'll be losing quite a bit of money this time around. As a member of the volunteer, professional army, the pay is one of the reasons I enlisted in the first place.
Thanks again, Washington, for "supporting the troops."
ROBB LUTZ, ST. PAUL
Kline needs to go too! Great post at mnpACT!
With Bachmann stealing so much attention for her antics in Washington, Congressman Kline has fallen off the radar for some. Once again, Christopher Truscott has "our 6 covered" and writes about the Kline follies as well.
Remember the time when the GOPers would rail Democrats with the whole, "You can't support the troops if you don't support the war".
Well...its clear now that you cannot support the troops if you support this President.
Remember the time when the GOPers would rail Democrats with the whole, "You can't support the troops if you don't support the war".
Well...its clear now that you cannot support the troops if you support this President.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Mail Call! (Focus on the Family related)
So, I got a fundraising letter today. It happens. I am on a lot of lists.
But why did I get one from Focus on the Family?
Dear Harold,
A warm greeting to you and your loved ones from all of us here at Focus on the Family. "Warm" might not be an entirely appropriate term, however, as this has been one of the coldest and snowiest winters in recent memory. We assure you, we've seen no evidence of "global warming" in our neck of the woods. Happily, spring is just around the corner, and we in Colorado look forward to its arrival with anticipation.
Oh so witty with the "global warming" comments.
Although we're tremendously grateful for the many friends who have supported us faithfully and sacrificially in recent months, and especially during the Christmas season, we regret to report that Focus' income is several million dollars below anticipated projections, which creates understandable tension in the support of on going programs.
So, attacking a State Senate campaign, ours, was not the financial boom they expected heh.
Are they fundraising for more hate mongering programing like this?
No wonder they need more money. It takes a lot of small fingers to make and hold great signage like this.
It goes without saying that if trends continue, we will have no choice but to scale back on some of our family strengthening projects and initiatives.
Sorry Dr. James Dobson, I don't think you'll be getting any money from me, especially after the nice mailing FoF sent in the district attacking me and other progressives.
But why did I get one from Focus on the Family?
Dear Harold,
A warm greeting to you and your loved ones from all of us here at Focus on the Family. "Warm" might not be an entirely appropriate term, however, as this has been one of the coldest and snowiest winters in recent memory. We assure you, we've seen no evidence of "global warming" in our neck of the woods. Happily, spring is just around the corner, and we in Colorado look forward to its arrival with anticipation.
Oh so witty with the "global warming" comments.
Although we're tremendously grateful for the many friends who have supported us faithfully and sacrificially in recent months, and especially during the Christmas season, we regret to report that Focus' income is several million dollars below anticipated projections, which creates understandable tension in the support of on going programs.
So, attacking a State Senate campaign, ours, was not the financial boom they expected heh.
Are they fundraising for more hate mongering programing like this?
No wonder they need more money. It takes a lot of small fingers to make and hold great signage like this.
It goes without saying that if trends continue, we will have no choice but to scale back on some of our family strengthening projects and initiatives.
Sorry Dr. James Dobson, I don't think you'll be getting any money from me, especially after the nice mailing FoF sent in the district attacking me and other progressives.
Pace's commentary on homosexuality
As we all know, General Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that homosexuality is "immoral".
While I do not subscribe to that sort of thought, he can think what he wants on a personal level.
However, as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he is to uphold the rules and regulations of the military and answers to the President.
Exactly. Soldiers in the GLBT community have died in Iraq. They get wounded just the same. Do you think a soldier considers another soldiers sexual preference when an IED needs to be safely exploded, or a life saving tourniquet is placed on a missing limb? Of course not.
I see Pace's comments as shifting the discussion from Walter Reed and the care of our Veterans and soldiers, to another issue to obfuscate the public.
Regardless of the comments made by General Pace, I wish he had came out in such a strong and vulgar manner when dealing with the Walter Reed Scandal.
The treatment of our Veterans and soldiers has been immoral on many fronts.
While I do not subscribe to that sort of thought, he can think what he wants on a personal level.
However, as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he is to uphold the rules and regulations of the military and answers to the President.
Gen. John Shalikashvili (Ret.), recently called for the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, writing, "We must welcome the service of any American who is willing and able to do the job."
Exactly. Soldiers in the GLBT community have died in Iraq. They get wounded just the same. Do you think a soldier considers another soldiers sexual preference when an IED needs to be safely exploded, or a life saving tourniquet is placed on a missing limb? Of course not.
I see Pace's comments as shifting the discussion from Walter Reed and the care of our Veterans and soldiers, to another issue to obfuscate the public.
Regardless of the comments made by General Pace, I wish he had came out in such a strong and vulgar manner when dealing with the Walter Reed Scandal.
The treatment of our Veterans and soldiers has been immoral on many fronts.
More on Minnesota's textbook bill
DJ Danielson, from I Don't Hate America, had a great post recently about textbook issues in Minnesota.
Local media outlets have picked up the coverage, and the textbook industry has hit back.
I remember last year when I lobbied Dean Urdahl on the textbook bill and got him to author the bill in the House. The day after he dropped the bill "in the hopper" he had textbook lobbyists at his door.
It was rather comical actually. At that time, Rory was his Legislative Assistant. We used to talk to him quite a bit to get an idea of what was going on. He told us how swamped he had gotten after that bill got dropped.
I testified before both the House and the Senate on these bills and talked about the importance of what these bills signified.
The textbook company lobbyists scurried about the capitol like rats.
We completely respect our faculty's rights to academic freedom. We, students and higher education advocates, believe the textbook industry is price gouging our students.
Exactly a point I made last year. How many times has basic math changed in the past decade to necessitate a 5th edition to a Math book?
How many times has Shakespeare changed it the past 50 years to necessitate 14 editions?
I used these textbooks in my testimony.
We understand that areas like computer science and other technological areas change quickly, and thus need new textbooks.
But the textbook industry also uses bait and switch tactics on both students and faculty alike. One educator I spoke to at Southwest Minnesota State, last year, told me a story of how he ordered a book by a specific ISBN, ensuring that his students recieved a textbook without a workbook and CD-Rom.
Unknown to him, the industry switched his order and his students paid nearly twice as much for their textbooks. The company sales rep denied any sort of switch, but the professor was adamant about his conscious effort to ensure students were paying fair prices for books they would use. He did not use the workbook or CD-Rom for his class.
Of course he did, his company is gouging students and he has to defend the industry.
What ever happened to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education task force on this issue? Last year when we offered our bill on this issue, I expressed a deep concern that the textbook industry would be able to dominate the discussion. Furthermore, Governor Pawlenty wanted to name the students to this task force, something the student associations fiercely fought.
Keep the pressure on guys! We have the textbook industry coming out swinging, which means were doing something right.
Local media outlets have picked up the coverage, and the textbook industry has hit back.
I remember last year when I lobbied Dean Urdahl on the textbook bill and got him to author the bill in the House. The day after he dropped the bill "in the hopper" he had textbook lobbyists at his door.
It was rather comical actually. At that time, Rory was his Legislative Assistant. We used to talk to him quite a bit to get an idea of what was going on. He told us how swamped he had gotten after that bill got dropped.
I testified before both the House and the Senate on these bills and talked about the importance of what these bills signified.
The textbook company lobbyists scurried about the capitol like rats.
Moreover, Tennessen argued the bill treads on the First Amendment and the notion
of academic freedom.
We completely respect our faculty's rights to academic freedom. We, students and higher education advocates, believe the textbook industry is price gouging our students.
Student leaders charged that textbooks are expensive with new additions rolling
off the presses at a pace set by a lust for profit rather than knowledge.“How
much has basic calculus changed in the past three, five or ten years,” asked
Rick Howden, vice-chair of the Minnesota State University Student Association.
Exactly a point I made last year. How many times has basic math changed in the past decade to necessitate a 5th edition to a Math book?
How many times has Shakespeare changed it the past 50 years to necessitate 14 editions?
I used these textbooks in my testimony.
We understand that areas like computer science and other technological areas change quickly, and thus need new textbooks.
Students, besides perceived high prices and needless new editions, also
complained of bundling — packaging of academic materials together.Scott Formo,
Minnesota State College Student Association president, held aloft a bundled
chemistry textbook at the press conference costing about $133.
But the textbook industry also uses bait and switch tactics on both students and faculty alike. One educator I spoke to at Southwest Minnesota State, last year, told me a story of how he ordered a book by a specific ISBN, ensuring that his students recieved a textbook without a workbook and CD-Rom.
Unknown to him, the industry switched his order and his students paid nearly twice as much for their textbooks. The company sales rep denied any sort of switch, but the professor was adamant about his conscious effort to ensure students were paying fair prices for books they would use. He did not use the workbook or CD-Rom for his class.
Bob Tennessen, a textbook publishing industry lobbyist, criticized the legislation on a number of levels.
Of course he did, his company is gouging students and he has to defend the industry.
What ever happened to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education task force on this issue? Last year when we offered our bill on this issue, I expressed a deep concern that the textbook industry would be able to dominate the discussion. Furthermore, Governor Pawlenty wanted to name the students to this task force, something the student associations fiercely fought.
Keep the pressure on guys! We have the textbook industry coming out swinging, which means were doing something right.
Drug and alcohol use in Iraq?
From Raw Story
We know that in Vietnam, drug and alcohol abuse was rampant. Listening to Vietnam Vets this weekend, it was still on their minds and their memories, as a way to escape the harsh realities of war.
It's not an indictment on our soldiers. I know I'd want a cold beer if I were in Iraq. It's when they self medicate, that it becomes a problem.
I see it as yet another issue that these soldiers and their families will have to deal with upon their safe returns home.
When more and more of our soldiers and Veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental ailments, it becomes a growing concern.
The suicide of a young Minnesota Marine was the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Almost 1/3 of our returning Vets suffer from some sort of psychosocial disorder.
Making sure the VA and our military hospitals should be first and foremost in the minds of our elected leaders.
Too bad it's getting the attention 4 years after we started a war. A lot of men and women have fallen through the cracks during this time.
We know that in Vietnam, drug and alcohol abuse was rampant. Listening to Vietnam Vets this weekend, it was still on their minds and their memories, as a way to escape the harsh realities of war.
Despite the military's ban on all alcoholic beverages -- and strict Islamic prohibitions against drinking and drug use -- liquor is cheap and ever easier to find for soldiers looking to self-medicate the effects of combat stress, depression, or the frustrations of extended deployments, said military defense lawyers, commanders, and doctors who treat soldiers' emotional problems.
Alcohol- and drug-related charges were involved in more than a third of all Army criminal prosecutions of soldiers in the two war zones -- 240 of the 665 cases resulting in convictions," according to records obtained by The New York Times.
"Seventy-three of those 240 cases involve some of the most serious crimes committed there, including murder, rape, armed robbery and assault, records of
military convictions show."
It's not an indictment on our soldiers. I know I'd want a cold beer if I were in Iraq. It's when they self medicate, that it becomes a problem.
I see it as yet another issue that these soldiers and their families will have to deal with upon their safe returns home.
When more and more of our soldiers and Veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental ailments, it becomes a growing concern.
And when psychosocial disorders such as domestic violence were included, the
number of war veterans suffering from mental illnesses rose to 31 percent.
The suicide of a young Minnesota Marine was the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Almost 1/3 of our returning Vets suffer from some sort of psychosocial disorder.
Making sure the VA and our military hospitals should be first and foremost in the minds of our elected leaders.
Too bad it's getting the attention 4 years after we started a war. A lot of men and women have fallen through the cracks during this time.
SC Times per diem LTE
Joan, from Joan on Government, has a LTE in the SC Times today, discussing the backdoor pay increase for our legislators.
This is the first I have heard of the telecommunications reimbursement. While I do believe that our legislators are under-compensated, I would rather see actual compensation increase versus an un-taxed per diem.
This issue will continue to haunt Democrats as time goes on, the GOP will use this for campaign lit fodder in 2008 and 2010.
It's frustrating for a progressive living in a conservative district. Issues like this will make it tough in swing and traditionally "red" districts in the coming elections.
Beyond the political ramifications of the per diem increases, it wasn't the right thing to do and it was botched.
I think it's easy for Twin Cities Democrats to propose such measures with no structure for accountability, their seats are safe. I could possibly support these increases IF receipts had to be produced, much like the situations in my non-profit higher education work.
I got compensated $35 a day for Washington DC meals!
What can you eat for $96 a day in St Paul? I know I'll be asking Senator Dille that question, who failed to show up to vote on the measure.
Sadly, the procedure, the way it came about was botched.
This is the sentiment out here from a lot of Democrats. It is my sincere hope that this will be a non-issue as time goes on. However, when I get weekly email updates from some of my local legislators and they take Democrats to task over tax increases and feed the "tax and spend" label to more and more constituents, it creates more work for progressives.
It caps the per diem at $96 (up from $66 per day). For those living more than 50
miles from the Capitol, the resolution gives them up to $1,200 per month for
housing, up from $900. They also can receive a telecommunications reimbursement
at up to $125 per month.
This is the first I have heard of the telecommunications reimbursement. While I do believe that our legislators are under-compensated, I would rather see actual compensation increase versus an un-taxed per diem.
This issue will continue to haunt Democrats as time goes on, the GOP will use this for campaign lit fodder in 2008 and 2010.
It's frustrating for a progressive living in a conservative district. Issues like this will make it tough in swing and traditionally "red" districts in the coming elections.
Beyond the political ramifications of the per diem increases, it wasn't the right thing to do and it was botched.
I think it's easy for Twin Cities Democrats to propose such measures with no structure for accountability, their seats are safe. I could possibly support these increases IF receipts had to be produced, much like the situations in my non-profit higher education work.
I got compensated $35 a day for Washington DC meals!
What can you eat for $96 a day in St Paul? I know I'll be asking Senator Dille that question, who failed to show up to vote on the measure.
Sadly, the procedure, the way it came about was botched.
If not for Sen. Ray Vandeveer, R-Forest Lake, stirring things up a bit by holding a news conference and attacking the process, this may not have been brought to a floor vote.
For me, there was a big problem with the way Pogemiller used what I would consider arm twisting at best to get the maximum number of “yes” votes.
Those voting “yes” on the increase would be paid the allowance without further action, but those voting against it would not be paid the daily allowance without a written request.
New party, old methods
You see, this kind of tactic was something I was used to seeing in the House under the leadership of Rep. Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon. Pogemiller proved to me that Democrats aren’t any better.
This is the kind of thing that turns me off from politics.
This is the sentiment out here from a lot of Democrats. It is my sincere hope that this will be a non-issue as time goes on. However, when I get weekly email updates from some of my local legislators and they take Democrats to task over tax increases and feed the "tax and spend" label to more and more constituents, it creates more work for progressives.
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