Memorializing 2010

From my 2004 Memorial day tribute I shared a little bit about my ancestry and their involvement protecting our freedom's:

My dad was the youngest in the family, and his father, being a widower soon after my dad was born, remarried. Gramma who was also a Widow, had several boys whom joined the clan, and it was a nice size rural farm type family. My dad enlisted in the Navy, and is a veteran of the Korean War. The other boys, including Grampa, were all vets of WWII. Gramma had 4 Star flags hanging in her window. One for Grampa Otto, who was a mail carrier in WWII (Otto drove ambulances in WWI) and one for each of her boys, Vane, LaMoyne, and Bob.

Bob didn't make it home. He was a casualty in Europe (from 2008 post). His body was eventually returned and is interred in the Dummer family plot in Henderson, MN.

And Mom's side:

My maternal background is more domestic. I only have to go back a few generations to find Civil War veterans (one even buried right here is St. Paul) and a few more generations to find Revolutionary War descendancy.
In fact, an Eaton family homestead, in Green Lake Wisconsin, was acquired through a War of 1812 Bounty Land Warrant.

While you are enjoying the beautiful day, and the amazing weather, don't lose site of what this day is really for.

Have a SAFE and HEALTHY holiday.

Flash

Trust BP

See Cartoons by Cartoon by Monte Wolverton - Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com - Email this Cartoon

See Cartoons by Cartoon by Jeff Parker - Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com - Email this Cartoon

AZ Immigration Frustration

On paper, I think the Left is blowing way out of proportion the New AZ immigration law. No where int he law do we have Gestapoesque 'Papers Please' permissions, the law is clear that race can NOT be used is 'reasonable suspicion'. It really is a law that give Local law enforcement the same authority the Federal Agencies already have, and that is why they are getting together. The locals now fear the same or similar concern the Feds have had:

Washington (CNN) -- Police chiefs from about a dozen cities are scheduled to meet with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Wednesday to talk about concerns they have with Arizona's new immigration law.

The group includes police chiefs from Phoenix and Tucson in Arizona; Los Angeles, California; and Houston, Texas.

The chiefs will tell Holder that they worry the new law will "drive a wedge" between the community and police, and damage the trust that officers have worked to build "over many years," according to a statement by the group.

Just like Politics is local, so is law enforcement. Politicians trying to create base based incendiary laws struggle with looking beyond the laws implementation, and the consequences that can take place. We are seeing similar reaction to Health Care Reform in a sense.

Others attending the meeting today:

The group attending Wednesday's meeting also comprises of chiefs of police from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Minneapolis, Minnesota; San Jose, California; Salt Lake City, Utah; Sahuarita, Arizona; Montgomery County, Maryland; and the president of Arizona's Association of Chiefs of Police.

Yeap, Minneapolis and others from agencies all across the country. IT is clear that similar laws like Arizona's are in the works, and local law enforcement is already proactively educating themselves for when the Feds hand over the keys. Is that the next step, de-federalizing immigration enforcement? I'll be reviewing the recent Immigration proposal by the Administration for clues. On the surface, it looks like more of the same that the prior administration tried.

Flash

A Woman of Distinction

The DFL Feminist Caucus had their annual Hall of Fame Banquet, this weekend, to honor their inductees. They have two categories, Woman of Distinction, and rising stars. Lets take a look at these award winners:

Women of Distinction

Jane Dietl
Linda Freemon
Martha Johnson
Jo Matson
Alana Petersen
Nancy Schumacher
Lois Wendt
Lynn Wilson

2010 DFL Rising Stars

Laura Askelin
Melissa Jamrock
Janie Paulson
Keeya Steele
Trayshana Thomas

Why there's familiar name. It is none other than my sister and frequent Centrisity commenter Linda! Here is her bio in the events program (click to enlarge)
CONGRATULATIONS, Sis, and congratulations to all of this years' honorees!!

Flash

Economic Update

So where are we at:

Job Growth Best gain in four years.

Manufacturing (ISM) 'Signs are positive for continued growth.'

GDP Growth slows to 3.2% in the first quarter.

Home Prices Value inched up 0.6% in February from a year earlier.

Consumer Confidence Confidence in April built on earlier gains.

Retail Sales 1.6% in March.

Inflation (CPI) Running at 2.3%.

The anti incumbency mood is spreading, but as the economy recovers, and improvement continues through November, the electorate will see the difference between then, and now.

Golden Boy

My youngest is 17 on the 17th, today. No, it doesn't make me feel old, but it does put a generation of fun into perspective. I have been involved in the raising of kids since April 1987, when I first met Sgt. Tom, only 11 months old and not even walking yet. The Sgt. turned 24 last Saturday.

The Birthday boy is still a work in progress, eying the Navy, but not realizing the importance of getting through academia first. He'll get it, or the natural consequences will take over.

I don't mean to wish my life away, but the next 13 months will be a count down for us *laughing*

Happy Birthday, son!! Have a GREAT day today, then get your school work done *smile*

Dad!

Gone Fishin'

I'll be heading up to Mille Lacs in the middle of the night to experience the opener. Not generally a big fisherman, but things kind of fell into place for a little get a way.

The Doctor and I plan on being on the water just before sun-up. Our other 'brother' Johny Jaws will already be up there as he is a die hard boy who wants to hit the lake right at Midnight. This way he'll have all the hots spots scouted already *laughing* A limit of bottle bass is assured, Walleyes are another story!

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Flash

Drill, Baby, Spill ! - In Pictures

Via Cagle:

See Cartoons by Cartoon by Nate Beeler - Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com - Email this Cartoon

See Cartoons by Cartoon by Nate Beeler - Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com - Email this Cartoon

See Cartoons by Cartoon by Bob Englehart - Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com - Email this Cartoon

See Cartoons by Cartoon by Jeff Parker - Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com - Email this Cartoon

Things That Make Mitch's Head Explode

A Carter is elected:

State election results show Atlanta attorney Jason Carter will follow in his grandfather President Jimmy Carter’s political footsteps.

Mitch, the strongest man I know for his ability to move goal posts with his little finger, was never a big Carter fan LOL Oh, it gets better:

“I’m excited the Carters are coming back in the system,” Trish Bricker said. “It’s a family tradition for us to vote so we can show the kids what it’s all about.”

. . .

Carter, 34, is the founder of Democrats Work, a national organization that does community service projects.

And we know what happens to Community Service Workers in politics.

So now you know what that large BANG was that you heard this morning

That is all!

Flash

Pawlenty to Raise Taxes!

With a pending veto in the wings, and the Governor's use of unallotment ruled illegal, yes illegal, where does that leave us . . . the constitution:

If money on hand in any fund is not sufficient to pay all non-refunding certificates of indebtedness issued on a fund during any biennium and all certificates refunding the same, plus interest thereon, which are outstanding on December 1 immediately following the close of the biennium, the state auditor shall levy upon all taxable property in the state a tax collectible in the ensuing year sufficient to pay the same on or before December 1 of the ensuing year with interest to the date or dates of payment.

Scattered throughout the Constitution is revenue fail safes in case of indebtedness. The property tax, as we know, is very regressive, effecting lower income earners at a much higher percentage, but the Governor has had no problem having the less fortunate amongst us continue to carry the water so he can protect his wealthy donors.

The current revenue option sitting on the Governor's desk, equals out the income tax disparity in the state, while still having the richest amongst us paying less of a burden than those in the lower income deciles.


Why is it that this "no new tax" Governor, who by his actions, will now be raising taxes, chooses to put the burden on those who are already paying a higher percentage with less to give? Is his race to the White House really more important than the citizens of Minnesota?

Flash

Kagan to the Court

Looks like Solicitor General Kagan:

Kagan, 50, a New York native, has been widely reported to be the front-runner for the nomination. She was a finalist for the high court vacancy last year when Justice Sonia Sotomayor was selected to replace the retiring David Souter.

If confirmed, Kagan would be the third woman on the nine-justice bench and the fourth in the history of the court.

Kagan received her law degree from Harvard University, where she later served as dean of the law school. She previously served in the Clinton administration as associate White House counsel.

Although the confirmation won;t necessary be smooth, look fir the new Extreme wing on the GOP to hammer her, there is little doubt she will be confirmed. Even GOP Sen Orin Hatch understands the dilemma as he spoke last year:

"You have to admit, Elena Kagan is a brilliant woman," Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Republican on the Judiciary Committee, said during a radio interview a year ago when Kagan was being vetted for a high court seat. "She is a brilliant lawyer. If [Obama] picks her, it is a real dilemma for people," especially conservatives.

"And she will undoubtedly say that she will abide by the rule of law."

I suspect, that unless something incredible controversial comes up over the next few weeks, the hearings won't be considered a spectator sport.

Flash

Testing Week, A Potpourri

It has been a typical testing week at work, with early starts and busy mornings cutting into my blogging time. It is the price you pay for driving this Centrisity buss solo.

So here are some things I am still following.

-- TPaw still thinks we can cut ourselves out of this mess. I guess he is really prepared to hand the state over to the Left who will at least make the painful, yet common sense decisions to do it right.

-- I support the idea of a new Viking's stadium, but it should be contingent on the permanent retirement of 'The Mole' that is Favré. I still think the better funding mechanism would be to take all the tax revenues that we would lose if the Vikes left, spread it over 20 years, and I think you';; find that is a nice chunk of change. Argument is that is general fund money, my retort is it is money we won;t have anyway if they leave.

-- The stellar detective work in the Times Square Bombing attempt showed how inter-agency cooperation, persistence, and the goal of protecting Americans, works. I couldn't help but think of a scene in '24' as the agents stormed the place at the last minute, while still sitting on the Tarmac.

-- Speaking of '24', this season, claimed to be the final on TV, is shaping up to be quite a season. I am also watching the first 5 days as I didn't get into the series until day 6. I was not really impressed with Day 6, and after watching the first 4 1/2 days and I can see why diehard fans were just as discouraged. Each of the first 5 days has gotten better and better, so a Day 6 let down was inevitable.

I have heard mixed reviews on what happens next for '24'. A movie is almost assured, but 'Keifer explained that it was a way to do 24 hours in a 2 hour movie allowing for travel and flexibility that just doesn't exists doing real time.

Sutherland also confirmed what we’ve been hearing for awhile now: the movie version will get rid of the trademark real-time aspect, instead condensing events into one two-hour movie. The movie will likely take place over one 24-hour period, but nothing has been made official yet as far as the time-framing.

In another story I read most recently, the Movie will be 2 hours of real time to set up a 22 episode 9th day in 2011/12 I have more confidence in the former, than the latter.

OK, what's on your mind?

Flash