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Monday, August 25, 2008
The people who want engrain their right to raise your taxes to help pay for their hobbies into the state constitution were well-represented at the State Fair.
 But at this point, their bobber isn't seeing much action: The poll also found 72 percent of voters oppose a proposed constitutional amendment that will be on the November ballot to dedicate funding for water quality, wildlife habitat, trails and cultural programs, while 22 percent support the measure. The proposed funding would come from an increase in the state sales tax of 3/8 of 1 percent. This is the best news that I've heard since Saturday when the Pig Licker guy said he was bringing samples to the radio booth. Alas, I fear it's far too good to be true and support for the arts and craft tax is much higher than that. Still, it's nice to see that some people in the state haven't bought into the need to "preserve our way of life" by raising taxes hook, line, and sinker. Beware the hooks. Labels: Politics-Local Thursday, August 21, 2008
Yesterday's WSJ had a story on tax revolts that are quietly brewing across the country:
Oregon voters, for example, will decide whether to allow taxpayers to deduct an unlimited amount of their federal income taxes on their state returns. Nevada is expected to vote on a constitutional amendment that would restrict property-tax increases. North Dakota voters may vote on whether to chop the state's personal income tax in half. Most shocking of all? On Election Day, Massachusetts will vote on whether to eliminate its state income tax. Advocates hope victory in a place long thought of as a free-spending liberal bastion will pave the way for similar initiatives in other states over the next few years. Critics insist a yes vote would lead to fiscal disaster. Meanwhile, here in Minnesota we're going to make higher taxes part of our Constitution: And Minnesota will vote on a proposed amendment to its state constitution to raise the state sales tax by three-eighths of a percentage point, with the money going to protect the environment and to benefit the arts. Sigh. This new tax increase won't be permanent. It'll only be constitutionally mandated for the next TWENTY-FIVE YEARS. The supporters of reaching deeper into your and your children's wallets so they can enjoy their hobbies have a snazzy Vote YES Minnesota web site. They have a blog, an online community, and a list of friends. If you only looked at the site you'd probably have the impression that this whole campaign was about clean water for Minnesota since that's what pretty much every picture is of. The emphasis is on water, land, and nature with the arts and culture piece buried under the heading "This amendment is about PRESERVING OUR WAY OF LIFE." This is no doubt intentional as voters are probably more likely to be willing to approve a tax increase for nature than they are theater. But taking a closer look at the "friends" list shows just how invested the arts and culture community is in this effort. Here is just a small sample of some of the groups who are bellying up to the trough in the hopes of feeding off the public largesse: American Association of Woodturners Children's Book Illustrators Guild of Minnesota Embodied Arts FUEGO Flamenco Hendricks Norwegian Heritage Committee In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre Loft Literary Center Minnesota Art Therapy Association The Burning House Group Theatre Company Wicked Sister Dance Theatre All are undoubtedly fine organizations who make their own unique contribution to the state. But is supporting them and the countless other arts and culture groups who are angling for their own piece of the taxpayer's pie really about "preserving OUR way of life" or is about preserving selected cultural niches that particular members of society happen to enjoy? Thankfully, although the forces of Big Art are going to be lobbying hard and heavy, there is a band of scrappy individuals willing to stand athwart one of the biggest tax increases in Minnesota history and yell STOP!: No Constitutional Tax Increase Campaign Kickoff Press Conference ST. PAUL--Sen. Rod Grams, Chairman of the "No Constitutional Tax Increase" campaign, will be discussing the effort to defeat the $11 billion constitutional tax increase. Joining the Senator will be President of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota Phil Krinkie and others who oppose the initiative. When: Thursday, Aug 21, 1:00 PM Where: Room 181,State Office Building Now more than ever, the only group on the ground manning the thin line against the latest tax juggernaut is the Taxpayers League of Minnesota. Now more than ever, they deserve your support. Drop a dime in their jar or stop by their booth at the State Fair. Just do something to make sure they know you're standing with them the way they've stood for you. UPDATE-- A couple of e-mails on the matter. First a local business owner weighs in: The WSJ tax article you blog of was read aloud at the breakfast table yesterday morning. Should this tax go through it will be the third time in a few years I will reprogram my cash registers to gouge my customers. As I think I have explained to you it hurts us unpaid tax collectors every time it goes up because we have to pay the credit card companies a percentage fee to collect the tax. Most people think this is a small amount it is not. At the current 9.65%, I already have some big time customers paying more in sales tax than I make in gross profit. I guess I got into the wrong business. Oh well, think of all the nice art we'll get to enjoy. Meanwhile, Nathan seeks the root causes by asking the 5 Whys: Why do we need this? To fund local arts and the environment. I thought pulltabs did that? We're not selling enough tickets Why not? Nobody buys them in bars anymore Why not? Nobody goes to bars anymore. Why not? Because drinkers can't smoke there and if they can't have a butt with a beer at the local watering hole, they'll just go home and relax in peace--except there's no pulltab booth at home so pulltab sales are down so revenues are down. Why not repeal the smoking ban in bars, which will bring the smokers back and with them, the drinkers who idle away their time buying pulltabs, which will increase sales and generate more revenue for arts and the environment? [crickets] Labels: Politics-Local Monday, August 11, 2008
In yet another unprecedented early endorsement, the editorial staff here at Fraters Libertas encourages voters in Eden Prairie to pull the lever for Brad Aho for City Council. He may be an Aho, but he's our Aho.
With a Loon in the legislature and an Aho on the city council, the people of Eden Prairie will be well represented indeed. Labels: Politics-Local Sunday, August 10, 2008
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, the pursuit of Happiness and the right to purchase Hannah Montana tickets at a "fair" price*...
"Hannah Montana" Bill Passes State Senate: Legislation that bans using software that allows ticket brokers to buy large amounts of concert tickets online and then re-sell them for inflated prices was given unanimous approval in the state Senate on April 10, according to the bill's author, Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St Louis Park). "This bill has been dubbed the 'Hannah Montana' bill because the issue really came to light after thousands of young fans and their families in Minnesota couldn't purchase tickets to the young teen's concert because tickets had been bought up by professional ticket brokers and were being sold at inflated prices, sometimes 2 to 5 times the face value," Senator Latz said. "Professional ticket brokers used special computer software to cut to the front of the line and snatch up most of the tickets, beating out the average fans who simply wanted to enjoy the concert. That's not fair--that's cheating, and this bill will make that illegal." My State Senator at work. I don't know about you, but I know that I'll sleep easier tonight knowing that this urgent public concern has finally been addressed by our brave public servants. We breathlessly await Latz's next effort to make life more "fair." Maybe it's time to to put some meat behind those "Ten Items or Less" express lane rules at retail establishments and use the full force and power of the government to ensure there's no cheating. * As amended by Ron Latz Labels: Politics-Local Saturday, August 09, 2008
Veteran gets one-on-one chat with Franken:
On Friday, DFL-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken demonstrated how true that saying can be, when a roundtable on veterans issues at Brigitte's Cafe his campaign scheduled drew only one participant. Josh John, a St. Cloud resident who said he served in the Navy from 2000-04, had Franken to himself for an hour as he described difficulties he faced returning from his tour of duty and the help he received from his Veterans Services Office and the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. One vote at a time, right Al? I imagine it must have sounded something like this: Al Franken's Campaign Manager: You know what I want you to do? Will you do something for me? Al Franken: What? Al Franken's Campaign Manager: Do me a favor. Just kick my ass, okay? Kick this ass for a man, that's all. Kick my ass. Enjoy. Come on. I'm not asking, I'm telling with this. Kick my ass. Labels: Politics-Local Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Traditionally, the media doesn't do political endorsements until late in the election cycle. However, since there is very little about us that says "traditional media," we're going to break with convention and announce an endorsement for political office at this early date.
In the race for Seat 42B in the Minnesota House of Representatives the official (and very lucrative) Fraters Libertas endorsement goes to Jenifer Loon. With a name like that and campaign signs like this...  ...we believe that Jenifer is the candidate most able to represent the people of her district. The time has come to put a real Loon (by name) in the state legislature. Lord knows, we've got enough who carry it as a descriptor already. UPDATE-- Bob from Inver Grove Heights e-mails with a suggestion: Pretty cool political strategy--have the same name as the official Minnesota state bird. I strongly urge you to run in your district, after changing your name to Chad Pink Showy Lady's Slipper. Not a bad idea. Other good possibilities: Chad Walleye Chad Danaus Plexippus (sounds more regal than "Monarch") Chad Norway Pine Some monikers that probably wouldn't fly with the voters: Chad Wild Rice Chad Blueberry Muffin Chad Honeycrisp Labels: Politics-Local Sunday, June 22, 2008
Norm Coleman a little too close to the Bush administration for your liking, but Al Franken too much of a hard left liberal for you to pull the lever for him? How about a nice Minnesota moderate instead? A man with experience in government and history of playing it right down the middle? How about Arne Carlson for US Senate? On the DFL ticket???
Sounds a bit crazy, but I just got done responding to a rather lengthy (almost nineteen minutes) phone survey on the Minnesota Senate race that raised just that possibility. Most of the questions involved Franken and Coleman, but Carlson's name was mentioned at various places and twice I was asked who I would vote for between Republican Norm Coleman and DFLer Arne Carlson. I wasn't aware that Carlson had formally switched parties, but if he does jump in on the DFL side it will make an already interesting race a pure political barn burner. Of course, there's also the rumor that Jesse Ventura might get back into the political ring by entering the Senate race as an independent. In that case, it would be a cage match of epic proportions. Labels: Politics-Local Friday, May 30, 2008
Spending the day in Rochester at the GOP state convention in my dual role as delegate and member of the media. Trust me, the media area is much more comfortable than being seated on the floor. The day got off to bit of a rocky start as trying to find a parking spot in downtown Rochester proved to be a serious challenge.
King is providing excellent blow by blow coverage of the convention happenings so far. Mostly pretty arcane stuff (surprise, surprise) with a bit of heated debate on proposed amendments to the party's constitution. A familiar voice from the world of talk radio--Quentin from Zimmerman--rose to speak no fewer than four times, dropping a Zimbabwe reference (drink!) about thirty seconds into his first appearance at the mike. The voting for delegates and alternates to the national convention is about to begin and it could get interesting. Check back early and often with King for regular updates. I'll try to post something more if and when time allows. So far we haven't even had a lunch break, so hunger may take precedence over further posting. King, Michael, and I will be taking to the air at 5pm on AM1280 The Patriot for a complete run down of today's events and interviews with a number of guests. We hope to have Senator Coleman on and--if the current snail-like pace of the convention continues--we may air his endorsement acceptance speech live. Labels: Politics-Local Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Yesterday, we attended a Memorial Day service at the Veterans Amphitheater in St. Louis Park as we have for the past few years. Each year a couple of local politicians take the stage and share their thoughts on the day, without a hint of partisanship or evidence of them seeking to gain an advantage from their appearance.
This year Congressman Keith Ellison (MN 5th CD) spoke. Now my wife isn't a hardcore political wonk like Atomizer and she doesn't take things in through any particular political lens as the most hyper-partisan among us tend to do. But she was quite put off by the way that Ellison's words appeared to cross the line between honoring veterans and self-promotion during a campaign season. Had Ellison merely said that we need to remember the sacrifices that veterans make and ensure that they and their families are taken care of on the home front, he would have been fine. Instead, he went through a laundry list of veterans programs that he supported and talked about veterans having their homes foreclosed and becoming homeless. What struck a nerve with me was his repeated use of the word "I" as in "I want you to know that I support this bill..." At a time when the focus is supposed to be on honoring the sacrifice of others, a speech sprinkled with said personal pronoun came off as unseemly. To his credit, the man who followed Ellison, state DFL Representative Ryan Winkler, offered remarks that were short and to the point. He essentially said that the last thing people wanted to hear on Memorial Day was a politician, so he simply thanked the veterans and sat down. His discretion was warmly received by those in attendance. Labels: Politics-Local Monday, May 19, 2008
Michele Bachmann has launched a blog. And it allows comments.
For a representative often criticized by her more extreme opponents as being unwilling to engage with the public (meaning she won't meet with obsessive stalkers), this is a big move into the new media. As far as I know, she is the first of Minnesota's Congressional reps to actually have a real blog. I know for a fact that my representative does not. Labels: Politics-Local Thursday, March 06, 2008
If you thought that Atomizer was upset with Minnesota Rep. Ron Erhardt (R Edina) before, I imagine the smoke will be rising from his ears when he learns about Erhardt's latest shenanigans. A very well-placed source just e-mailed this news:
Today in mailboxes in Edina, delegates to Saturday's endorsing convention for HD41A received a misleading postcard, clearly intended to suppress turnout of Keith Downey supporters. Keith is NOT running for Hennepin County Commissioner and is going full tilt at the endorsement on Saturday in spite of this desperate attempt to derail his campaign. You can check out the postcard in question here. Resorting to such underhanded measures shows just desperate Erhardt must be. Don't be fooled good people of House District 41A. This is just the latest nail that's been provided. Hammer the coffin lid shut and bury Ron Erhardt's political career this weekend. You don't want to make Atomizer Labels: Politics-Local Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Last night, I attended my BPOU (Basic Political Operating Unit) convention. The turnout was great and the crowd was enthusiastic and eager to participate. There were a lot of new faces and judging by the show of hands when Minnesota GOP Chairman Ron Carey asked how many were first time convention goers, I'd say close to half were rookies to the process.
This lead to a lot of questions, motions, and delays in the proceedings, but that's a small price to pay to add new blood to the mix. I think that while most of my fellow convention veterans were more than happy to welcome the infusion of youthful energy, there were some signs of tension between the newcomers and the old guard (of which I am very much a member). It wasn't nearly as contentious as this report that Mitch relates, but a couple of arguments over ballots and voting for the state and congressional district conventions did get a bit heated. Part of this is understandable given the difficulty in balancing the needs of rewarding those who have devoted their time, money, and energy to the senate district in the past versus keeping doors open for those new to the process. If possible, you would like to be elect a combination of delegates and alternates that fills both needs, but it's not always easy to find the right mix. I didn't witness any obvious attempts by Ron Paul supporters to coordinate voting for a slate of like-minded attendees, but they had a significant presence and it wasn't difficult to tell who they were. People interested in becoming delegates/alternates to the state and congressional district conventions had been given the opportunity to submit their name and a short pitch for themselves before last night, thus securing a place on the ballots and their background on the agenda. We also took new nominations from the floor and allowed these folks to give a brief speech on why they should be elected. Even without their campaign buttons, the Paul supporters were easy to differentiate by the key words they used. After already spending three hours in an uncomfortable auditorium chair, I decided not to stick around to hear the results of the voting. Personally, I voted for a blend of old and new. You have to recognize the people who have previously done the hard work in the district as well as giving the more promising new faces a crack. This is going to be a big challenge for the Minnesota GOP this year. Lots of people (many of them young and many of them Ron Paul backers) are getting actively involved in politics for the first time. We need their energy and their enthusiasm and we need to do our best to keep them involved. That's why this reflexive urge by Republican regulars to mock and dismiss Paul supporters needs to stop. Yes, some of them are a little too enthusiastic and can veer to the extremes at times. But that's part of the package that you tend to get with youth. They're passionate and they care deeply, two qualities in short supply in today's GOP. It's true that some will become disillusioned quickly and will leave the party to chase windmills. But if we show a little patience and a little tolerance, we can (and need to) work with many of them. The fact of that matter is that Ron Paul is a Republican and that people who support him should have a place in the Republican Party. We should listen to their arguments on limited government and the Constitution. Hopefully, they will listen as we acknowledge their positions and encourage them to pursue the possible instead of the perfect. A few notes on the key speakers we had a chance to hear last night: - I'm not a big Ron Carey guy, but he did a nice job kicking things off. He delivered an upbeat yet challenging message. He acknowledged that it's going to be a difficult year, while also providing plenty of reasons for people to get motivated. - I hope that Barb Davis White just had an off night or that she's just beginning to get her campaign legs. It was a pretty awkward performance that didn't do much to inspire confidence that she's got the skills or the message to pull off what would be an upset of historic proportions in the Fifth District. Hopefully, she'll find her stride soon or else Ellison is going to beat her by forty points. When I mentioned that to Dan from Northern Alliance Wannabe last night, he quipped "Yeah and if she gets within thirty points the Strib will run a hit piece on her." Sad but true. - On the other hand, Erik Paulsen looked and sounded like he's ready for a prime time campaign. He acknowledged that even in the Third District it's going to be tough sledding for Republicans this year. He also was willing to say that Republicans have lost the mantel of fiscal responsibility and need to reclaim it if the party is to have any chance of success. It was a solid message, well-delivered. Finally, it was gratifying to speak to a couple of NARN fans who recognized me last night. This happened at the precinct caucuses as well and it's always nice to know that people appreciate the show. Heck, it's just nice to know that people actually listen to the show. It looks like we'll be broadcasting from the GOP State Convention in Rochester in late May and it'll be fun to hang with the hardcore party faithful once again. Yes, that includes the Ron Paul people too. Labels: Politics-Local Thursday, February 28, 2008
I officially take back my incendiary comment from earlier today about Minnesota Rep. Ron Erhardt (R Edina) being insane. He is, in fact, a complete and utter moron. Chris Baker interviewed Erhardt this morning on KTLK-FM (here's the link to the podcast) and he comes across not only as a babbling idiot but as an obnoxious and condescending jackass.
At first, he actually tries to defend his bill to add a sales tax to clothing as a way to, brace yourselves, reduce taxes. He trots out his "three legged stool" analogy about the need to equalize all the ways in which the government empties your pocketbook. Somehow, by adding a new tax and reducing another the taxpayers of Minnesota are supposed to be better off by paying less. Earth to incredibly dense politician guy...the easiest way to reduce taxes is BY REDUCING OUR FREAKING TAXES!!!! After trying really, really hard to decipher even more of Erhardt's incoherent babble Baker tries to have a bit of fun with him. In no time flat, Erhardt turns into an arrogant and condescending jerk who eventually hangs up on the host and, more importantly, the voting audience. People of Minnesota, I beseech you. If you only do one thing this election year please make it be helping Keith Downey gain the Republican endorsement in District 41-A and thereby rid the world of future kooky and very costly bills authored by one Ronnie P. Airhead of Edina. Keith has been deep in this race for the past 8 months and, if elected, will finally bring sanity and reason to a House seat that has been held by a stool-metaphor addled and tax crazed chucklehead for far, far, far, far, far too long. You can start off this noble quest by listening to Mitch Berg and Ed Morrissey interview the candidate himself at 2:15 pm this coming Saturday on the Northern Alliance Radio Network broadcast locally here on AM 1280 The Patriot. Now, go forth and de-Erhardt us. SP NOTES: I haven't seen Atomizer this agitated and, well, lucid in years. Did he actually give up booze for Lent? It is the season of miracles. The Elder Concurs: It's nice to see that the Labels: Politics-Local
The dust hasn't even settled from this week's disaster in the Minnesota House of Representatives and they're trying to dig their hands even deeper into my wallet. Ron Erhardt (R Edina), one of six RINOs voting to override Gov. Pawlenty's veto of a massive tax increase Monday, is now proposing a new sales tax on clothing:
"Monies from the sales tax are shrinking," State Representative Ron Erhardt, a Republican from Edina, told KARE 11.This man is simply out of control, and quite possibly insane. Here's a novel idea, Ron, if you want to keep the "three legs of the stool" equal how about proposing a bill that would CUT OUR FREAKING PROPERTY TAXES you stupid son of a bitch!!! Seriously, I think this man has lost every part of his brain that is not obsessed with raising taxes. Ron Erhardt has been doing this to Minnesota taxpayers for 18 years and it must end. Keith Downey is running for Republican endorsement in Erhardt's District 41-A. If you live there, you know what to do. If you don't, do everything else in your power to make Ronnie P. Airhead a distant memory. I know I will. The Elder Sashays Down The Catwalk: As I've mentioned before, my wife is not a hardcore political wonk like Atomizer or JB Doubtless. But I can just about guarantee that when she hears about Erhardt's plan to impose a sales tax on clothing, she's going to want to do everything in her power to stop the tax-happy madman. I think we may even see the creation of a new PAC: Minnesota Shoppers For Downey. Labels: Politics-Local Wednesday, February 27, 2008
From the New York Times via StarTribune.com (emphasis mine):
Gasoline prices, which for months lagged the run-up in the price of oil, are suddenly rising quickly, with some experts saying they could hit $4 a gallon by spring. Diesel is hitting new records daily and oil closed at an all-time high on Tuesday of $100.88 a barrel.And how do our state Representatives react immediately after voting to pile new taxes on top of these already high prices? That's Rep. Bernie Lieder, DFL-Crookston (House sponsor of the $6.6 billion transportation bill...now law) and Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, pictured below looking positively overjoyed at what they've just done to the taxpayers of Minnesota (actually, Bernie looks a little constipated but at his age it's hard to tell the difference).  (photo by Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune)Passing economy crushing legislation can be so rewarding. Labels: Politics-Local Tuesday, February 26, 2008
This breaking story is music to my...er...eyes:
6 GOP legislators stripped of leadership positionsI guess there just might be hope for our Minnesota House Republicans after all. The Elder Discusses Business At The Dinner Table: How long before these six brave dissenters become darlings of the local media? Ten, nine, eight... Labels: Politics-Local
While the Minnesota House's override of Governor Pawlenty's veto of the transportation bill is being greeted by local conservatives with a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth, it does seem that there may be a silver lining after all:
That bill raises the gas tax, license tab fees, and other Metro area sales taxes. But in November, another sales tax increase will be on the ballot and Minnesota voters will decide whether it goes up even more. The bill will ask voters for a three-eighths of a cent rise in taxes for outdoors and art programs. Supporters of that amendment said the transportation bill would make it difficult to pass another tax increase. "If we throw the largest tax increase in state history at the voters now I think we pretty much just torpedoed the heritage amendment," said Rep. Mike Beard, R-Shakopee. If only that were really true. Unfortunately, I'm sure the "heritage amendment" or "legacy act" or whatever historically important name they've given it now is still very much afloat. But it's not going to be easy sailing to passage: According to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS' exclusive Survey USA Poll, it already faces a tough road to passage. When asked about the constitutional amendment to raise the sales tax for the outdoors and the arts, 64 percent said it's a bad idea. Only 32 percent approved, with very few declaring themselves undecided. Now, that really is some good news for a change. But now is not the time to celebrate, because November is a long ways off and those in favor of the Theater Birthright proposition are just gearing up their efforts to cram this legacy tax down our throats: DFL leaders don't think the transportation taxes will impact the vote on the outdoors and arts bill. "I don't think it puts a nail in the coffin at all. I think people have said they want to clean up our water, they want to make the investments in conservation and the cultural issues that are proposed in that ballot question," said House Speaker Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher. A public relations campaign to win support for that amendment is already getting underway. On behalf of the entire staff here at Fraters Libertas, I promise that when it comes to defeating this amendment, we shall fight on the blogs, we shall fight on the radio shows, we shall fight at the rallies and at the conventions, we shall fight at the polls; we shall never surrender. Labels: Politics-Local Wednesday, February 20, 2008
On occasion I like to plop down in front of my TV and watch game shows like Cash Cab just to reinforce my belief that there really are a lot of stupid people out there. It's actually a pretty good show (as game shows go) but it certainly doesn't hold a candle to quiz show king Jeopardy!.
For those of you unfamiliar with Cash Cab it is, simply put, a game show that takes place inside a cab on the streets of New York City. The host asks a series of increasingly harder questions to their startled fares and hilarity ensues. Along the way, if the contestants need help with an answer they can use a "Street Shout Out" whereupon they ask someone on the sidewalk for help. The following is what took place on one of yesterday's Street Shout Outs: Q: Named for the Senator who proposed it, what kind of savings plan results in tax-free income after retirement?I'm not even going to comment about the simplicity of the question asked, the stupidity of the answer given or even the incongruousness of associating something even remotely classified as "tax-free" with Paul Wellstone and/or socialists. No, what I think is hilarious is the fact that for a random pedestrian on a sidewalk in New York the name Paul Wellstone is immediately associated with socialism. If only the folks around these parts could be so honest. In fact, I think I've just discovered a way to give some freshness to all of those old green Wellstone! bumper stickers we seem to find on every other car here in Minnesota. Picture this on a bumper in front of you: Wellstone! He's dead...but he's a socialist.Personally, I'd find it very refreshing if I thought the guy ahead of me driving the rusted Volvo well below the posted speed limit with his back windshield covered with snow and his muffler dragging on the pavement fully realized that his bumper sticker honored a man who was not only five years removed from life on the oxygen rich side of our earth's surface but who also did not believe in capitalism, private property rights or individual freedom. Labels: Politics-Local Tuesday, January 08, 2008
The folks at Impeach for Peace are organizing a Close Guantanamo Orange Day:
Meet Friday, January 11, 2008@11:30am. Hennepin & Lagoon Ave in Uptown, in front of the Library. The ACLU of Minnesota and Impeach for Peace are coordinating a protest on the 6 year anniversary of the first prisoners from Afghanistan arriving at Guantanamo. Bring Signs, tell your friends, bring your friends, wear orange! Impeach for Peace will have members wearing Guantanamo Bay Orange Jumpsuits and Black Hoods. UPDATE: Tim from Colorado e-mails to ask: Wow! The ACLU and Impeach For Peace are really pulling out all the stops to bring attention to Gitmo prisoners marking their 6th year of residency. Castro is coming up on his 50th anniversary in a couple years. I can't wait to see the plans the ACLU and IFP have for that "celebration". Maybe if we stressed the literacy rates and universal medical care available at Gitmo, they'd lighten up. Labels: Politics-Local Tuesday, December 18, 2007
I think we now know why Chad the Elder's blog production has been lacking in recent weeks:
St. Louis Park is dropping the contractor that was supposed to build the nation's first solar-powered citywide wireless Internet service. It will soon look for a new partner. The City Council voted Monday to find Maryland-based Arinc in default of its contract with the city. It's the first step in dissolving the contract entirely. Although the city has pledged to continue talks with the company, a fight is likely over who gets what and who owes whom. That battle could include a lawsuit. A municipal government using expensive, untried technology in order to provide a service already offered by many private companies. Who could possibly have seen a problem with that? Not the intrepid mayor and city council of St. Louis Park But it's good to see that they are finally starting to see the light. The Mayor himself brings us this heart warming lesson: "As my father said before he ended his marriage: Never remain loyal to a bad idea," said Mayor Jeff Jacobs. OK. So much for Mother's Day around the ol' Jacobs house. But it may be good advice for voters to remember next time they get the chance to revisit the idea of having this clown in office for another term. Labels: Politics-Local Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Wall Street Journal editorial board weighs in on the Rachel Paulose "Scandalette" (sub req):
Most of the criticism against Ms. Paulose amounted to the accusation that she can be a difficult boss. If that's a hanging offense, most of Congress would be out of a job. It's also alleged that Ms. Paulose "mishandled" classified documents, and that she called a black woman in her office "fat and lazy." Yet the employee who was supposedly insulted never filed an adverse report against her boss, and Ms. Paulose has said she self-reported the documents incident to the Justice Department. Meanwhile, the accuser who claimed to have been "demoted" in retaliation for making the charges was one of the three who had publicly resigned in protest. In sum, Ms. Paulose seems to have been an innocent political bystander who got drawn into a classic Beltway bloodletting. Congress wanted to take some public hostages, the media played up the fight, the career staff took the chance to trash a political appointee they don't like, and a scandalette was born. It would be a scandal of its own if Ms. Paulose lost her job in these circumstances, and her transfer allows her to stay at Justice if she wants to. The Office of Legal Policy advises the Attorney General on a variety of public policy matters, and Mr. Mukasey will presumably have a chance to judge Ms. Paulose's capacities for himself. As for replacing Ms. Paulose in Minnesota, the AG ought to send that office someone who'll take no grief and clean out the whiners. Labels: Politics-Local Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Minneapolis Marriot Southwest in Minnetonka is going to be host to two events of note in the near future:
#1 The Patriot Primary Watch The Debate - Discuss - Participate in the Straw Poll Wednesday November 28th, 2007 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM It's a free event where you can get together with fellow Patriot listeners, watch the GOP You Tube debate (should be a fun one) live, and then vote in a straw poll for your candidate of choice. I also understand that Rusty Humphries will be wearing the special custom beret he picked up on his recent European vacation. #2 Freedom Foundation State of Minnesota Conservatism Conference: On Saturday, December 1, the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota is hosting the first annual State of Minnesota Conservatism conference. This day-long conference (at the Minneapolis Marriot Southwest in Minnetonka) will bring together a diverse group of conservative activists and leaders from throughout Minnesota to hear from nationally renowned conservative and political leaders regarding the state of conservatism in Minnesota. Sessions will explore the past, explain what is currently happening on the ground in Minnesota (especially vis-à-vis Soros-funded leftist organizations), and examine what conservatives can do in the future. Just as importantly, conservatives from throughout Minnesota will have an opportunity to network with each other and exchange ideas. Speakers include: * Governor Tim Pawlenty [This is a conference on conservatism, right? Just checking.] * Michael Barone, FOX News contributor and author of The Almanac of American Politics * Jason Lewis, host of KTLK's The Jason Lewis Show * Tony Fabrizio, one of the nation's pre-eminent pollsters * Former Congressman Vin Weber, one of the nation's most influential conservative intellectuals in Washington, D.C. * ...and many others including a panel discussion in the afternoon including state legislative leaders The last event is something that our own Saint Paul would normally be all over. Unfortunately, he's been suffering from a crippling bout of confobia--fear of eating food on flimsy plates while trying not to stain your tie too badly--lately and until researchers discover a cure for this dreaded psychological disorder, he's limited to watching such events on C-SPAN on his couch, in his underwear, with easy access to food, drink and the ability to change the channel during the boring parts. Be thankful that you still have your health. Labels: Politics-Local Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Dave from Edina e-mails for information:
What's the line on Edina elections? I have no way of knowing which school board candidates are on "our" side. I tried to look for clues in their ads and local newspaper articles, but its hard to tell. Any advice? Our Edina connection answers the call: I personally am voting for the 3 male candidates (other 3 are women). Peyton Robb is a man and Bert Ledder is a woman so it's tricky. 1- Andrew Cialla (or something similar) is advocating more trade classes to prepare kids for the workforce. 2- Peyton Robb man mentions "fiscal responsibility". And a super-liberal friend of mine does not like him. 'Nuff said. 3- And I will vote for Cory Whalen even though he is not actively campaigning just to send a message that I don't want the others (his name remains on the ballot). The women are all about the same thing....early childhood education mandated by the state, and more money for the chilrun. With no end in sight. Unfortunately no candidate is talking about tackling the "open enrollment" issue! I think we are up to 15% of the kids being from outside the district. And my understanding is although the money follows them from their district, it does not cover the cost fully. Labels: Politics-Local Monday, November 05, 2007
Time once again for the Fraters Libertas editorial board to offer our official endorsements for Tuesday's election.
- The three school levies in Stillwater: Vote no on all three. In fact, vote no on any school levy wherever you happen to live. No additional money should be dumped into the seemingly bottomless pit until we see more accountabilty and visibility in school spending. - Hopkins School Board: Jamie Wellik - Golden Valley City Council: John Giese That is all. Labels: Politics-Local Thursday, October 25, 2007
Lest you think Atomizer exaggerates the obsession that state Democrats have with the legacy of Paul Wellstone, let me take you a on a quick stroll through some local lefty blogs on the fifth anniversary of his death:
Corner House Comments: I remember the day clearly as I was working and a coworker came up to me and asked if I had heard that the Senator's plane had crashed. I couldn't believe it and I did not want to believe it. I could think of nothing else the rest of the day and as soon as I punched out I raced to my car to turn on the radio. The news announcer confirmed what I didn't want to hear. Senator Wellstone had been killed in an airplane crash. It was a long tearful drive home. Our lives would change forever. Bluestem Prairie: We were working on a state senate campaign in the Northfield area in 2002 and that cold and deadly day hit the small college town with a punch to the heart. It looks to be a sunny autumn day today. Oh sun, where were you then? From the comments at MNpublius: All I was interested in, five years ago today, was trying to console my 16 year old daughter. Us old farts having been through this too many times weren't able to express our feelings completely. Why is it, John, Martin, Robert, now Paul? I'm not a conspiracy advocate but, damn, doesn't it seem like there's a trend here? It's much more difficult to kill the idea then the man. Paul's conscience live's on in people like my daughter who, when they stopped crying, became iron. No compromise, no giving in. What's right is right, what's evil is evil. My daughter is hell on wheels now because of Wellstone. As JB pointed out, if you charted this--1963, twice in 1968 and then 2002--it doesn't exactly look like much of a trend. Across the Great Divide provides a hymn for the day: As a recording, "Eveleth" could've used revising and polishing after the fact, and the vocal track should've been recut. But I wanted to preserve the pulsing roughness, the tension between knowing/not knowing. This was a gulp of emotion, of trying not to dwell on what couldn't be changed and looking for what could. As I wrote in a bar five years ago, the fire was still burning in TV footage from that obscure, lonely swamp. A fire's still burning. And last but not least, Eric Black--formerly a political reporter for the Star Tribune--explains how he finally decided to drop the veil of objectivity when Paul Wellstone Spoke to Me from the Grave: I don't want to overdramatize. This was just one of many moments that led to my decision to drop out of mainstream journalism. And, after all those years of writing in the disembodied voice of a reporter, it still embarrasses me to write something this personal. But by the time I got Kahn's email, I had moved into open rebellion against the model of so-called objective journalism. The memory of that lame piece, written at such a crucial time, seemed an abdication of responsibility. That, combined with my repressed admiration for Wellstone as a guy that at least stood up for his beliefs, felt like a message from Paul. The message was: Seek the truth. Share the closest approximation of it that you can assemble. Stand up as bravely as you can for your convictions. When the end comes, don't be full of regrets for things you should have said. Or biases you should have even more clearly revealed. I think the more important message is, why put off until tomorrow, what you can take care of today? Labels: Politics-Local
It was five years ago today when a plane carrying Senator Paul Wellstone crashed into a Northeastern Minnesota forest killing all aboard. Minnesota Democrats have spent every waking hour since trying to reanimate him.
Case in point...this piece from today's Minneapolis Star Tribune (registration required, but strongly discouraged) attempts to illustrate how "Wellstone's legacy remains vibrant five years after his death": The names of Paul and Sheila Wellstone have been attached to buildings, awards and legislation.That's all very nice and well and good. People love to put Paul's name on lots and lots of buildings and awards and gardens and things ...but where, exactly, is evidence of Senator Wellstone's actual legacy? The very next paragraph locates it for us: And years after Wellstone introduced a bill in Congress that would grant parity for mental health in health insurance, legislation toward that end and bearing his name remains pending in Congress.Paul Wellstone has been dead for five years and a piece of legislation bearing his name still holds the high honor of being considered "pending in Congress". Kind of reminds me of every piece of legislation he put his name on when he was alive. Now that's a legacy to be proud of. Labels: Politics-Local Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Late comment on the pending departure of Rep. Jim Ramstad from a life of "public service," after a lucrative 18 years. I mentioned a few months back his incongruous vote against a fat raise for himself and his colleagues. He was the only multi-term incumbent from Minnesota to do so.
At the time I thought it was a profile in humility that he would reject profiteering during a time when he and his colleagues are collectively at record low approval rates for their performance. But now I'm not so sure. Might his leaving have already been on his mind during this vote and he was simply denying his successor an extra $4,400 of undeserved gravy? As I said in my original post in June: I'm willing to accept this as another piece of powerful evidence in favor of term limits. How many of these people would have voted for the increase if they knew they'd never personally benefit from it? And with the further knowledge that they'd be back home in their districts scratching out an existence, having to pay more for some other, less qualified stooge to do the job? Not Jim Ramstad. It appears he's back to thinking like a taxpayer, instead of a tax consumer. Welcome back to the real world Jim. Labels: Politics-Local Monday, September 17, 2007
Ramstad announces retirement:
Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.) will announce Monday that he will not run for a 10th term in Congress, according to a GOP source familiar with the situation. The lawmaker becomes the sixth Republican House member to retire this cycle and creates an open seat in a bona fide swing district. Ramstad?s retirement ranks as one of the bigger surprises of the six. Despite his 17 years in Congress, Ramstad is just 61. He was forced to cede the chairmanship of the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee when the Democrats took power after the 2006 election. Ramstad, who has built a centrist voting record during his tenure, has spent much of the new Congress voting with Democrats on key issues. He was one of only 17 Republicans to vote against the troop increase in Iraq and one of 24 to vote to allow the government to negotiate prices with prescription drug companies. I wish I could say that I would miss Jim Ramstad in the House. But I can't, so I won't. His announcement does open up the field on both sides in the Third District. I imagine a number of prominent Republicans will consider jumping in and I would expect the Dems to be able to field a much better candidate than Wendy Wilde. I know, I know. Low bar and all that. Labels: Politics-Local Friday, July 27, 2007
Last week on NARN we mentioned Sen. Amy Klobuchar's participation in stripping the so-called "John Doe" protections from legislation moving through the Senate. A public servant fresh off a landslide victory taking a stance in opposition to the common sense wisdom of the vast majority of her constituency? I ain't no managing editor, but it seems like a newsworthy item.
Crazy talk, I know. Those currently presiding over the sinking ships of both newspapers know best and little was made of Klobuchar's actions in the local press. The Star Tribune and Pioneer Press have trained us long-time residents of the Twin Cities not to expect this kind of coverage. (Not coincidentally, they've also trained us not to subscribe to them.) That kind of story just wouldn't be helpful and doesn't go far enough in afflicting the comfortable., I suppose. Once again, Katherine Kersten does her best to fill the news breach from her opinion column. Her report is on Ms. Klobuchar's apparent flip-flop on the issue: Klobuchar's vote was one of the three that seemed to sink John Doe. But on Monday, she told me that she had decided to support the measure. "It came up in the middle of the night, attached to an unrelated bill," she said. "I was thinking about a case I had in Bloomington as [Hennepin] county attorney. A security guard reported a series of fires set by a 'Middle Eastern man,' but police discovered he had set the fires himself. Someone needs to check the facts on the xenophobic arsonist story. It might be true, or parts of it might be, but it sounds a little too PC-perfect for my ears. True or not, Klobuchar's reliance on this example is illustrative of her mindset. The theoretical possibility that a false accusation could be leveled against a member of a protected class is enough to junk the notion that all citizens should be protected from getting sued for reporting suspicious behavior. So until we realize the utopian vision where racism doesn't exist in society, you people better think twice before objecting to the guy re-enacting a scene from United 93. Of course, this utopian vision will never be realized. There is the potential for abuse in any law. The question is, on which side do you want to err? If you enact this measure, people in protected classes might get falsely accused and not be able to sue for damages (gasp!). But if you kill the bill, those reporting their concerns, in good faith, may be frivolously sued and be financially devastated in defending themselves. And, more to the point, the mere threat of this would create a chilling effect on citizen's willingness to bother reporting suspicious behavior, with potentially fatal consequences. Which do you chose? Who's interests are you looking out for? In this era of terrorism, and frivolous lawsuits, this seems to be an easy call. But not for the conflicted junior Senator from Minnesota. I guess there is a happy ending. She has begrudgingly come around to supporting it: "I wanted to make sure that the [immunity provision] had exceptions that would preserve the right to sue under such circumstances." After the late-night vote, Klobuchar talked to Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., a cochairman of the committee and a supporter of the John Doe provision. He alleviated her concerns, she said. It would be nice if she actually understood the bill before she voted on it the first time. She's still new, maybe they didn't cover that in freshman orientation classes. But in the absence of perfect information, it's interesting to note what her instincts tell her to do. Labels: Politics-Local Tuesday, July 24, 2007
On a couple of critical issues, Norm Coleman has not exactly been a profile in courage of late and local conservatives have had good reason to wonder when he will next go wobbly when the rubber meets the road. But one area where Norm has never wavered and in fact has been a rock of strength is his leading role in investigating the UN's Oil For Food scandal. In today's Wall Street Journal he pens an opinion piece on a new report by the British Parliament on George Galloway's role in said wrongdoing called Scurrilous George (sub req):
Two years ago George Galloway, a member of the British Parliament, came to the U.S. and attempted to make a mockery of an investigation into allegations of corruption within the United Nation's Oil for Food program. Readers will remember that Oil for Food started as a way to feed Iraqi children, but became a vehicle that Saddam Hussein used for bribery and extortion. Mr. Galloway dismissed accusations that he benefited substantially through a charity he was involved with (the Mariam Appeal), from Saddam. Evidence that he and the Appeal had received lucrative oil benefits had been released by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, of which I was chairman. In testimony to the subcommittee, Mr. Galloway denied the accusations and later attacked the integrity of his accusers, including me. His bombastic denials won him international attention. But now, thanks to an investigation conducted by the British Parliament, the truth is out. Last week the House of Commons's Committee on Standards and Privileges issued a damning report presenting "undeniable evidence" that Mr. Galloway and his political operation at the Mariam Appeal benefited from Saddam's regime through Oil for Food. This report is the fourth official investigation -- from the U.N. to the U.S. to the U.K. -- to condemn Mr. Galloway for his misconduct. The committee report, which is remarkably thorough and objective, is highly critical of Mr. Galloway, ruling that he violated the House of Commons Code of Conduct on numerous different counts. In fact, the committee ruled against Mr. Galloway on every count brought against him. It concluded that Mr. Galloway, through his extensive misconduct, brought the House into "disrepute." It also chastised him for his inappropriate conduct throughout their investigation, including making inconsistent statements, acting belligerently and verbally attacking key witnesses. "Mr. Galloway has consistently denied, prevaricated and fudged in relation to the now undeniable evidence" that his political operation (and he indirectly) received money from Saddam Hussein's regime via Oil for Food. The committee recommends suspension from the House of Commons for a month -- a rare and severe punishment -- and that Mr. Galloway apologize to Parliament for his improper behavior. Galloway is a smooth-talking silver-tongued devil who won great acclaim from many on the Left when he came to the US and supposedly made Coleman and the US Senate Committee look foolish. It's encouraging to see that in the end, facts and not bombastic rhetoric have won the day. Well done Norm. Labels: Politics-Local Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Before we put our house on the market this week (no horror stories please), I was forced to thoroughly depoliticize all aspects of it prior to being ready for showing. Down came the framed pictures of Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and Captain Ed. Back issues of National Review were carefully tucked away out of site. Any potentially partisan books were boxed up. Campaign signs and bumper stickers that hung in the garage were unceremoniously stripped from the walls.
After some debate, we decided that we could continue to fly our flag despite the fascistic message that it sends to some. After all, what are the odds that Susan Lenfestey would buy our house anyway? Labels: Politics-Local Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The distinguished mayor of Minneapolis, spotted at a recent cultural event:
It was far too hot to don a raspberry beret, but downtown Minneapolis dripped purple Saturday for the "Ultimate Prince Xperience" - from the purple curtains draped along the center aisle at Macy's to Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak's purple and pink Saks Fifth Avenue shirt circa 1987, the last time he saw Prince perform at First Avenue. I'm no expert in urban studies, but is there a chance there's a correlation between the success of a major urban metropolis and the incidence of having a mayor who's actually an adult? The implication that he hasn't worn the pink and purple shirt since 1987 needs some fact-checking. Knowing Rybak's style, he has to have worn it more recently than that. But so far I can find no photo evidence to prove it. There are pictures available from some of his most important public appearances during his tenure as Mayor. For example, at this community meeting at the Ukrainian Event Center a few years back he was wearing a shiny tie, but a conservative blue shirt. And this, while out encouraging young people to become better citizens, it looks like he had a simple dark green t-shirt on. And in this photo with one of his policy advisors, it looks like standard Minneapolis office casual. Anybody see what he was wearing while he was jumping off floats in the Pride Parade a couple years ago? Don't tell me he's got something else in his wardrobe even more suited for the occasion than his pink and purple Saks Fifth Avenue shirt. If we can find just one example of Rybak wearing the pink and purple shirt between 1987 and this past Saturday, we can finally expose his web of lies and end his iron-fisted, dictatorial rule once and for all. Labels: Politics-Local Friday, July 06, 2007
It's not everyday that you read a Wall Street Journal editorial about your state. Then again, it's not every state that bans non-American made flags:
t's the week to wave the flag, as millions did on the Fourth. However, in the case of Minnesota, perhaps we should say "waive" the flag -- at least if it happens to have been made overseas. In St. Paul this week, the legislature passed a law making it a misdemeanor to sell a non-made-in-the-USA flag anywhere in the state. "Nothing is more embarrassing to me than a plastic flag made in China," declared Tom Rukavina, who sponsored the bill. Actually, we can think of several things more embarrassing, starting with Mr. Rukavina. Under the Minnesota flag law, violators could be subject to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail. So under Mr. Rukavina's patriot gaming and thanks to the Supreme Court's 1989 decision in Texas v. Johnson, Minnesotans will be able to legally burn an American flag made in America, but could go to jail for selling one made in Shanghai. Splendid. Proponents say this protectionism is about national symbolism, so let's not tell them that Major League baseballs have been made in Costa Rica for years. We also won't tell Mr. Rukavina where his favorite hot dogs are made, much less what they're made of. The Commerce Department says about $5.3 million worth of flags were imported last year, so the ban will not make much of a dent in our trade deficit. According to the Associated Press, the biggest recent surge in flag imports came after September 11. Luckily for Minnesotans, Mr. Rukavina wasn't around to criminalize that patriotic sentiment. Old Glory stands for freedom, including the right to trade with people of other nationalities. We suspect that when most Americans wave the flag, they care more about the ideas it represents than where it was made. Feel the pride? Labels: Politics-Local Monday, July 02, 2007
As a follow-up to my investigation into Al Franken's star-studded first quarter FEC report, Sisyphus delves into the report from Franken's assumed opponent, Norm Coleman. It turns out paging through this document didn't quite provide the same thrills of discovery that Franken's did:
Not only is Norm's report about five times longer than Franken's, finding a celebrity among Norm's contributors is about as easy as finding a parking spot at the Star Tribune. Nevertheless, Jim manages to uncover some fascinating nuggets. It's celebrity Minnesota style, with Glen Mason, Rachel Paulose, and the Rookie from KSTP all making cameo appearances. Read the whole thing. Influential Minnesota celebrities still not accounted for: Fancy Ray McCloney, Kent Hrbek, Tyrel Ventura, Francisco Javier Serrano. Their endorsments could swing this entire election. With the second quarter FEC reports soon to be released, rest assured we'll be first with any breaking news on this front. Labels: Politics-Local Thursday, June 28, 2007
The US House of Representatives approved a salary increase for themselves yesterday, a healthy $4,400 per person. This raises their salary to an appalling 170K per year . Not bad for a group of people getting a 24% job approval rating from their alleged bosses. Stink at your job, make huge dough, and get regular raises. Good work if you can get it. Which is probably why it's so difficult to get any of these people to ever leave Washington and return to living the life of an ordinary citizen. In the real world, the compensation to performance ratio isn't nearly as good.
It is interesting to note this was a reasonably bi-partisan vote. 64% of voting Democrats supported it, as well as 50% of voting Republicans. Although the GOP is slightly less culpable, neither party can legitimately claim their hands are clean on this one. Minnesota's gang of eight representatives show a similar tendency of bi-partisan support for giving themselves a raise. 60% of our Democrats and 33% of our Republicans jumped on the automatic cost of living increase expressway. Individually, there were some surprises. Voting hell yes, I'm here to bleed taxpayers for every nickel I can get: John Kline (R) Betty McCollum (D) James Oberstar (D) Collin Peterson (D) Voting, no, we're not worthy: Michele Bachmann (R) Keith Ellison (D) Jim Ramstad (R) Tim Walz (D) It's too bad Kline went wobbly on this one. A united front for fiscal accountability among our GOP contingent might have been a powerful symbol come election time. As for the DFL'ers, I would have guessed they'd all be up for a little more government cheese, at any time. That two of them rejected it seems like a sell out of their principles. There is another variable at work that appears to be more powerful than party affiliation in predicting willingness to give yourself a raise. The same list, presented with the number of terms they have served in Congress. Voting hell yes, I'm here to bleed taxpayers for every nickel I can get: John Klein (R) - 3rd term Betty McCollum (D) - 4th term James Oberstar (D) - 17th term Collin Peterson (D) - 9th term Voting, no, we're not worthy: Michele Bachmann (R) 1st term Keith Ellison (D) - 1st term Jim Ramstad (R) - 9th term Tim Walz (D) - 1st term Only the Rammer throws a hammer into this perfect correlation of incumbency and the mindset that at 165K, you're underpaid. But, as our Congressmen would I'm sure agree, that's close enough for government work. I'm willing to accept this as another piece of powerful evidence in favor of term limits. How many of these people would have voted for the increase if they knew they'd never personally benefit from it? And with the further knowledge that they'd be back home in their districts scratching out an existence, having to pay more for some other, less qualified stooge to do the job? Under these conditions, I predict a vote somewhere in the range of 0 yea to 435 nay. Solution, all Congressmen are limited to a maximum of ONE term. If they must have multiple terms, no Congressman can ever personally benefit from a salary increase passed while they are in office. That is, your pay is FROZEN at the amount you received in your first year. For 34 year incumbent Jim Oberstar, I think that was about $2,587. Any chance he's still be doing his "public service" for us at that rate of pay? Highly unlikely. But if he was, at least we'd be paying him about what he was worth. Labels: Politics-Local Wednesday, June 27, 2007
I see Minnesota is soon to be graced with the intellectual byproducts of a new think tank, Minnesota 2020. It's run by by one of the most liberal politicians in the state, former DFL State Congressman Matt Enteza. But fear not, fellow citizens, when they start advocating for higher taxes and more regulation, politics will have nothing to do with it.
From their mission statement: Minnesota 2020 is a progressive, non-partisan think tank. We are focused on what really matters for the future of our state. We are tired of a state that focuses on divisive side issues while our schools, healthcare, transportation, and economic development suffer. This is the equivalent of Fred Smoot renting a party boat on Lake Minnetonka and assuring us it will be a non-hooker affair. It remains to be seen whether or not the media outlets in this town will start finding ways to work Minnesota 2020's findings and talking points into their non-partisan news accounts. But MN2020 certainly has their foot in the door already. I see one of their "Fellows" is Conrad deFiebre, a member of the brotherhood, a Star tribune reporter/editor for 30+ years. Yes, believe it or not, a Star Tribune political reporter leaves his job and steps right into a position with the former DFL House majority leader. How does that happen? Here's one possibility. From the Fraters Libertas archives, check out this post for an example of deFiebre's prior experience at keeping partisanship out of a reporting of the facts. Now that's the perfect candidate for a job working for Matt Entenza at a non-partisan think tank. Labels: Politics-Local Tuesday, June 26, 2007
According to reports, Norm Coleman was among the Senate Republicans voting to allow the Senate Comprehensive Immigration Reform to continue to an almost certain passage. National Review had earlier identified Coleman as one of the key players who could have stopped this bill before its future fell under the control of a simple majority vote, in a body controlled by Democrats, 51 - 49. They are Sens. Kit Bond, Sam Brownback, Richard Burr, Thad Cochran, Norm Coleman, John Ensign, and Jim Webb. If any of these senators votes to revive the bill, his professions of opposition to amnesty should no longer be taken seriously. He will have done his crucial bit, when the amnesty bill was most vulnerable, to help shepherd it to passage. The vote just occurred and Coleman hasn't been asked to comment yet. Let's just see how much his explanation for this vote matches the NR prediction: We know how senators who claim to oppose amnesty will try to explain away a vote to revive the bill. They will rely on procedural obfuscation: They didn't want to obstruct the process, they wanted to get a vote on an amendment, etc. But amnesty is staying in the bill -- no amendment to strike the bill's central features has any chance of passage -- and it deserves to be obstructed. Knowing Coleman's history of getting on both sides of an issue, a vote allowing the bill to progress, then voting against the specific bill's passage would be in character. Come election season next year, depending on his audience, he can then point to his various votes to prove he's on your side. But ultimately, today's vote was the big one and he's acted contrary to the preferences of most conservatives. This vote is going to be a bitter pill to swallow for many who fought so hard for the man in 2002. He's turning out to be no Rod Grams or Mark Kennedy, something most already knew. But he's also no Walter Mondale or Al Franken. Elections are choices not referenda. It should be noted that Coleman will have to face an election before a Democrat can officially challenge him in 2008. And there is a potential candidate out there who seems a little more reliable than Norm. Whether Joe Repya can capitalize on this issue will be an indicator of how much Minnesota Republicans really care about illegal immigration. I think Coleman is banking that the answer is 'not that much'. It's also interesting to note the timing of the Minnesota GOP releasing one of its SCREAM email press releases today, entitled: |
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