Rosie O'Grady's

I made it. Landed at EWR about 10:30 and was driving out of the airport with my rented G6 by 11:30. Got a GREAT tip to just hop on the 1/9 north and look for the Newport Mall . It worked out slick. We dumped off the car, took a $1.50 PATH train to NYC. Now I am sitting at Rosie's waiting for my thick juicy burger while sipping on a Foster's, just a mere block away from Time's square.

After lunch I'll be hopping on a subway to the Financial District to pay my respects at the World Trade Center site, and then back on a PATH train to the Mail for the 2 hour drive to Scranton, PA.

I did a quick scan of the Blogosphere regarding the Wetterling situation. It seems everyone is in agreement that she will drop out, but broad speculation regarding what will happen next. My sources have informed me that Mike Hatch does not have anything on his schedule that would allow for his presence at the Press conference, which means I doubt that there will be a Lt. Governor announcement. But I think the positive buzz that potential ticket has received, along with the message I posted yesterday regarding their collaboration on polling, would lead one to believe that is the more logical direction her campaign will take.

Of Course, I'll miss all the excitement, I'll be at Ground Zero, and thinking about this moment.

Burger's here, time for lunch. I hope to check back in once I am in Scranton.

Flash

More on Wetterling

I received an E-Mail from a reader sharing the following information

I got a call poll call last week surveying likely DFL delegates about Hatch and Wetterling. Although it did not ask specifically about a Hatch/Wetterling ticket, I found it odd that they were doing a combined call.

. . .

The potential of a Hatch/Wetterling ticket makes sense to me and answers many of the questions I had about that call. Also, Patty has said in very certain terms that she does not want to run in the 6th.

Just some food for thought as we await the press conference.

Of course, I have a 7:00 AM flight tomorrow, which means I'll miss all the excitement. So I'll have to keep tabs on this while dining in Manhattan tomorrow afternoon.

Flash

Wetterling's Future?!?

OK, today I get an E-Mail from the Wetterling campaign touting the latest Wall Street Journal/Zogby Numbers:

I wanted to make sure you all saw this... A new Wall Street Journal poll done by the Zogby organization confirms yet again that Patty is the choice of a majority of Minnesotans.

She leads Mark Kennedy 50.8% to 39.9%, a larger lead than any other DFL candidate.

But now Checks and Balances reports this tonight:

U.S. Senate candidate Patty Wetterling (D) has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in room 125 of the State Capitol. She is prepared to announce her withdrawal from the U.S. Senate and we are hearing there is a possibility she will even support Amy Klobuchar. It bears watching who is present at the announcement and we know, but are not telling just yet.

It is not clear whether Wetterling jumps directly into the 6th Congressional District race, we understand she plans to take some time to listen to people in the area. This because she wants people of that district to express their feelings on the issue. The decision to remove herself from the contest for U.S. Senate gives Klobuchar an open runway for the DFL endorsement. The choice made by Wetterling is the best of all options for Democrats in 2006. If Wetterling runs in the 6th, which we think is likely, she makes that open seat a hotly contested race and lends strength to both Klobuchar's campaign and all other statewide DFL candidates.

Now C & B has made bold predictions before and been wrong, but this one, if proven untrue, could kill them in the blogosphere. If true, it could return them to a level of credibility they once enjoyed.

As for the Senate/6th race, I made my predictions long ago:

I would still put my money on a Klobuchar Senate, Wetterling 6th pairing.

I have a request out to the Wetterling campaign regarding the C&B post. I'll be sure to let you know if I hear anything.

Flash

UPDATE: via DFL Senate, 'CCO is reporting the same:

Late Thursday afternoon, WCCO-TV learned Patty Wetterling may be dropping out of the race for the U.S. Senate.

. . .

Her campaign spokesperson said he is "not going to confirm, but will not deny" she is leaving the race.

MNPublius has a take on her future plans:

Future plans? She's going to announce tomorrow a run for Lt. Governor. If she were dropping out of all races, the announcement would be at her home; if she were dropping to the 6th, the announcement would be in the 6th; but the announcement is at the Capitol, that means she's taking up Hatch's Lt. Gov offer.

UPDATE II:
I received the following E-Mail

There will indeed be an press conference tomorrow, at the time and place listed in the C&B story, but his speculation as to its content is premature. Patty will be making an announcement regarding the U.S. Senate race.

Thank you,

JC Quirin
Wetterling for Senate

The plot thickens!

One Step Forward, Another Step Back

Via Smartie at The Power Liberal(s)

I'm always going on and on about all of those countries that have the guts to stand up and legalize gay marriage or civil unions, you know, Canada, the Netherlands, Great Britain, etc...so I would be remiss if I didn't mention countries going the other way such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and now Nigeria. Hey, at least they don't cut off your head in Nigeria, just throw you in jail. Nice company you keep, conservatives.

Wege Would be Proud.

Must be traffic from Norwegianity.

A 23 minute visit last night from an IP address that resolves to:
Norwegian University of Science and Technology

I just thought that was kind of cool! (Can you still say 'cool')

Speaking of Wege, you gotta LOVE this headline:

1st Place is a copy of Blog, 2nd Place is 2 copies of Blog

Carry on!

Flash

Remember Buffalo - April 2004

The eaves dropping/wire tapping -gate is getting some play again. I've shared my thoughts here. I respect the right of the President to do whatever is necessary to keep our borders safe. I also believe he could have done exactly what he did, within the law, rather then skirting it, but I won't getting into a pissing contest with rabid Righties about the legalities.

What has always concerned me, is the deception that emanates from this administration, which makes it difficult for this hawkish moderate to defend his actions, at time of war.

When a Democratic President lies about sex, that is an impeachable offense, but when the current President lies about denying individuals their Constitutional protections, that is acceptable in the interest of national security. So when you hear the GOP spin, and the administration defend what some are calling an illegal action, remember what President George W. Bush said in Buffalo, on the campaign trail, in April 2004. And understand the context, he is offering this information, not even responding to a specific question:

"(A)ny time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires -- a wiretap requires a court order. Nothing has changed, by the way. When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so. It's important for our fellow citizens to understand, when you think Patriot Act, constitutional guarantees are in place when it comes to doing what is necessary to protect our homeland, because we value the Constitution."

Just read that over a few times, and then review the facts. I have already been accused of emboldening the enemy by not unconditionally supporting the Administration, but doesn't a President whose own words can't be trusted embolden them even more. If not, maybe my standards are just to high for the leader of the free world.

Flash

Didn't Kennedy Get It the First Time

MNPublius is exposing the potential illegal antics of Kennedy's campaign again. I am not the one to cast judgment, so you review the facts at determine for yourself whether this behavior is appropriate regarding this event. Here are the Cliff Notes:

So, what do we have so far?

* Coleman sets up tour with the head of the VA department and invites Kennedy but not Sabo

* VA head, James Nicholson, apparently tells Minneapolis VA hospital that he is inviting the whole delegation but only informs Dayton and Sabo that he "will be in the area" through an after-hours courtesy call

* Dayton and Sabo receive no invite to the Minneapolis VA event

* VA has a no campaigning policy, and it would in fact be illegal to do so in a federal building. Yet, Mark Kennedy ventures outside of his district to go to the Minneapolis event even though there is going to be another event in St. Cloud, his district.

Is any of this starting to sound familiar? Mark Kennedy was already reprimanded by the House for venturing outside of his district for a Hmong event because it clearly consituted campaigning with federal, taxpayer, dollars. And then he did it again! Now, once again, Kennedy is clearly using tax payer dollars to hold campaign events in public, federal buildings! There is absolutely no way that Kennedy's being there can be classified as official business when the Representative for the district (Sabo) wasn't even invited, not to mention the state's other Senator, Dayton.

What should be frustrating for Kennedy supporters, is that this isn't the first time he has done this.

Any advantage Rep. Kennedy may have had in jumping out early, eliminating the competition and clearing the field for himself is slowly turning into an implosion. At some point, a serious case of buyers' remorse will set in, but they will be stuck with the guy they anointed.

Flash

Prohibition approved in St. Pauli Girl

I'm no Dementee or Learned Foot, but let's give this a shot.

- - - - -

The Saint Pauli Girl city council, with the support of the newly elected Mayor has outlawed the use of liquor in public establishments. A variety of reasons were given for this move, including public safety and health risks to those who don't use alcohol.

"Why should I have to risk my life on the road because someone else is coming home drunk from a local smoke shop. They should be forced to drink at home where they don't have to go anywhere.", stated a prohibition supporter. "I don't care about freedom of choice and the right of the market to control itself. We must take steps to protect society when enough people are making these poor decisions"

Those against the ban were furious!

"What right does the government have to control the use of a legal product that is the driving force of my business, stated Smokey Joe's Owner Cameron (Cam) L. Joe; "People come in here to have a beverage with their smoke of choice. Now they won't have any desire to go out and socialize with other patrons without being able to have the ability to sip on my wide assortment of cognacs and brandies. Several of my colleagues in Happenen County were forced to go alcohol free and tried nonalcoholic juice beverages. Some of them had to cut staffs and others had to close their doors permanently. Fortunately, Happenen County leaders rolled back the ordinance to allow for at least some smoke shops to continue serving alcohol.

A strong supporter of the ordinance, President Tamra T Toteler of MADD (Mommies Against Daily Drinkers) was clear in her support of the move.

"Our streets will be safe again without these daily drinkers polluting the roadways with their obnoxious and unsafe behavior. Furthermore, the incidence of smoke shop brawls and other dangerous activities in these environments due to drunk patrons has dramatically increased. We MUST protect the employees, who are forced to work under these unsafe conditions.", she stated

Phil Meop, the leader of the recently formed DAMM (Drinkers against Mad Mommies) proclaims. "This is a travesty. We live in a free market system, and to prohibit the use of a legal substance in a private establishment is preposterous. No one is forcing anyone to work in these environments. These employees knew the risks of working in these establishments when they applied. The government shouldn't be legislating away our freedoms. What's next, smoking? Like that'll never happen. Smoking causes far more deaths then alcohol ever will, why aren't they putting the pressure on the tobacco companies if their goal is to save lives and protect the citizens. The reason is because it would never work, and on one in their right mind would try to banish smokers. If for no other reason, the loss of those tax revenues would bust the public coffers."

Recent polling of local leaders does show that smoking in the city is relatively safe, however, there is a growing concern regarding obesity and a proposed ordinance to banish fast food from the jurisdiction is quickly gaining support.

- - - - -

Bob 'The Lung' Moffitt sighting in 5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . .

Flash

A Drum Corps Fantasy Come True

Many of you have followed me in my 'other life'. Most all of us have hobbies that aids in distracting us from the monotony of every day life. Some golf, others bowl, play softball, or fish; I march in a Drum and Bugle Corps.

Drum Corps is a glorified marching band without the woodwinds. We perform several field shows and a few parades throughout the season. Last year, I fulfilled a long time dream of mine be performing with the oldest all age drum corps in the world, the St. Peter Govenaires. This year, which will be my last for several years anyway, I return to the ranks of Minnesota Brass, Incorporated(MBI). An organization I have been affiliated with since March of 1978.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the most successful Drum Corps in Minnesota, MBI will return to it's past and perform music from the late 90's and 2000, a time when the organization went from being a footnote in national competition, to consistently placing in the top five in the world. Our most successful year, was 1999, placing 4th, with a 95, a mere 8 tenths of a point from second place. I was proud to have been a performer in that year.

Selections for the 2006 version of the corps include a Bill Chase montage featuring two of his biggest hits, 'Open Up Wide' and 'Give It One'. Next we will play an Earth, Wind, and Fire Medley which will include strains of some of their most recognizable tunes like Fantasy, September, Getaway, and others. Our third piece will slow down a bit as we mesmerize the audience with what we affectionately call, the constipation song. You guessed it, Tower of Power's ballad, 'So Very Hard To Go'. The show will close with an energetic arrangement of Chicago's "Free", concluding with a fleet of screaming trumpet players howling in the stratosphere.

The first performance of the 2006 season will be the MInnesota Drum Corps Showcase on April 20 at Highland Park Senior High. Be sure to mark your calendars.

Flash

SuperTarget Redux

I reported on the pending SuperTarget deal in the Midway last June. It now looks like the plan is coming to fruition:

St. Paul's Midway neighborhood will be getting the Twin Cities' first urban SuperTarget store, and community groups there already are pushing for a more inviting design than the traditional suburban-style big box.

Officials of Minneapolis-based Target Corp. on Monday confirmed long-circulating reports that the company would build an estimated 174,000-square-foot super center adjacent to its current discount store near Hamline Avenue and Interstate 94.

The saturation of the Midway with grocery stores may hold prices in check, but at the expense of one of the current vendors. Cub all but pushed Rainbow off the table, but Roundy's assuming control of the Rainbow has helped create a better store. But a Third grocer in almost as many blocks, could spell doom for one of the three, and I don't think it would be Target or Cub.

The Midway has been through a resurgence of late. Maybe a Super Store destination will bring in more consumers to the strip malls that spot the avenue. This is an evolving process. I'll be looking forward to reading about more specifics of the plan after they are unveiled on Thursday.

What's next, a Best Buy!

Flash

Waving the White Flag

Feeling pressure from within his own party, Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) gives up.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Tom DeLay announced Saturday he will not try to reclaim the House majority leader post he had held for three years, but the Republican said he will seek re-election in his Texas district when his term expires in November.

The White House response:

White House spokeswoman Erin Healy issued a statement saying: "We respect Congressman Delay's decision to put the interests of the American people, the House of Representatives, and the Republican Party first."

Shouldn't that be how it always is. Maybe if DeLay would have put the People first all along he wouldn't have backed himself into this pickle.

The GOP is finally recognizing the damage their affiliation is with the corruption that is being uncovered within their ranks. Sure, there are less then honorable Democrats out there as well, but as is generally the case, the party in power tends to have the microscope on them a little tighter. With the all important mid terms coming up, the GOP needed to gather themselves, set a new strategy, and elect new leadership. Only a new start will allow for the electorate to evaluate their situation.

Now it is up to the Democrats to see this adjustment in strategy. One issue the Kerry campaign had a problem with was beating the unemployment dead horse, while the employment numbers slowly improved leading up to the election. I am not saying they have to abandon their desire to make sure the populace is aware of what the GOP has done while in control, but the Dems need to start formulating and promoting an alternative plan, not just another warm body because the other guy is corrupt.

But that's just me!

Flash

I Met MDE!

I was able to make a brief foray into the publicly announced 'coming out' gathering for MDE. I wanted to meet the man behind the mask of MDE.

I was pretty sure I would be the one of the only admitted left learners in the group, but I wasn't the most surprising visitor to the event. Eva Young also was in attendance. I know, that sounds kind of surprising, but for the short time I was there, it was clear that she was welcome, as was I. You see, although I don't agree with them on political ideology, the common bond we all shared, was a show of solidarity to a frivolous lawsuit filed against the man behind MDE.

MDE was gracious and very generous with his kind words towards me, not only for my work here at Centrisity, but for my willingness to attend the gathering and show my support to him in regards to his legal wranglings.

I didn't take up too much of his time, and I was there only about a half hour, but I was able to share a few things with him. I mentioned how he took a huge jump in credibility with me when he relinquished the campaign domain names that he squatted on last year. He agreed it was a 'big mistake', which only further solidified his standing in my book. I also shared that even though he may have to think twice from now on, as he crafts his screeds, his words will carry much more weight in the eyes of many. I very fair trade off if you ask me.

However, the biggest bonus regarding him revealing his identity, is he know longer feels alone. For all this time he had been hidden in an electronic cabal, but now he looks forward to grippin' and grinnin' with other MOB members, and those like myself who may not share his political views. For the beauty of this great nation we live in is that regardless of how far apart we may be in our political beliefs, we are able to break bread and share drink, in a peaceful environment.

Mr. MDE, I was honored to meet you last night, and I look forward to visiting with you again soon at a future MOB event, at a Keagan's near you (there is only one, right *grin*), or maybe even a Drinking Moderately once the weather improves.

Flash

MDE outs himself

The mystery behind the identity of MDE, has been solved. Although a slip on his part awhile ago pretty much revealed his identity, MDE chose to go public today. I applaud him for this courageous decision.

I support anonymous blogging of political ideology, but always had issues with those that chose to hide behind nom de plumes when attacking individuals. Now that he has confirmed his identity, and I may regret this I am sure, I hereby proclaim:

"MDE, Fire at will!"

Flash

Emotional Rollercoaster

Last night, I was distracted from a very exciting football game. As it should be, human interest prevailed over fun and games. When the reports started coming in that 12 of the 13 West Virginia miners were found alive, I was waiting and hoping for the scene of the jubilant miners, adrenaline canceling any effects of their 40 hour entombment, emerging. I had just told my wife, that like the Pennsylvania accident, I had pretty much reserved myself that there wasn't much of a chance left. I was wrong again, thankfully!

I flipped back and forth from the game, but soon succumbed to sleep deprivation and dozed off. I awoke a few hour later to the CNN ticker. I had to shake my head and rub my eyes.

** 1 of 13 miners found alive **

"That has to be a typo" I thought. How could reports of a miracle, including word that the men were well enough to go straight to the church to reunite with their loved ones, be so wrong.

Well, they were, and the hopes of 11 families were dashed (One miner had already been found earlier, and their family was already aware of his passing)

My heart goes out to these families, who went through the most traumatic and emotional experiences of their lives. Let's all pray for the quick, quick and full recovery of the surviving miner. Experiences like this make the trivial turmoils in our own lives seem pretty meaningless!

Flash

The Feckes Brownies

The BotML tradition continues. If you haven't seen this year's honorees, it is a must read for all. His review of Last Year's prognostications was simply uncanny.

I'll skip right to this year's prediction paragraph and see how it aligns with my take:

Amy Klobuchar will defeat Mark Kennedy for Senate, 54%-45%. Tim Pawlenty will edge Mike Hatch in the governor's race, 51%-48%, marking two decades of DFL futility. The Democrats will retake the Minnesota House by a few seats, though, setting up four more years of gridlock.

This is probably the safest bet. Gov. Pawlenty is a pretty charismatic guy, and even after breaking his No New Tax pledge, conservatives and enough moderates will rally to hold the Governor's seat.

As for Kennedy, I couldn't have hand picked a better lamb to throw to the wolves. The GOP figured if they anointed their King early they would have a great chance in grabbing this seat, but watch for some Buyers remorse out there once they realize they are stuck with him. A Senate Campaign is a marathon, s watch Kennedy fade after sprinting during the first year of this two year campaign

Nationally, the Democrats will not retake either house but will gain significantly in both, further eroding the GOP's ability to function.

Hmmmm, I think the Senate is within reach. If there isn't significant progress in Iraq, and a major victory in the War on Terror, watch the electorate give someone else a try.

Tom Delay will be acquitted in Texas, but it won't matter as he'll be indicted in the ongoing Abramoff scandal.

Delay is politically dead and he needs to worry more about retaining his seat in his hand drawn district. Even if he is acquitted, the Abramoff fiasco should stifle him enough that even far Right Wingers in TX may just stay home on election day.

The furor over wiretapping will reappear with a vengeance, apropos of nothing, in March. This time it will not be easily dismissed. And an additional scandal will embroil the Bush administration as it follows the trajectory of the Clinton, Reagan, and Nixon administrations.

I had a debate/discussion on this issue while being tag teamed by two Conservatives, one further Right then the other. What was frustrating is their total lack of acknowledgment that this President bold faced lied to the American people about a matter of National Security. I am not ready to hop on any impeachment bandwagon, but if the Right thought it was impeachable to lie about sex, then where is their furor when a President lies about National Security matters. All comments made by the Right that refuses to acknowledge the FACT that this is a far more serious issue then anything any other president has done will simply be ignored.

Meanwhile, we will finally start withdrawing troops from Iraq, throwing Iraq into chaos.

This is what will decide the Mid Terms, a Chaotic Iraq will create enough animosity in the electorate to 'throw the bums out', progress and subtle troop re-deployments will preserve the status quo.

Osama bin Laden will still be breathing at the end of 2006, but Fidel Castro will not.

I thought they were both immortal, and maybe even the same person for all we know. Have we ever seen them in the same room together; Hmmmmmmm!

And Finally: Mike Tice will be fired, and the Vikings will go nowhere in 2006; the Twins will continue their slide into 1995esque territory; the Timberwolves will win their division but lose in the first round of the playoffs; the Wild will continue to be mediocre at best;

Welcome to Minnesota Sports. The 87/91 Twins were merely an anomaly,

Flip Saunders and the Detroit Pistons will win the NBA championship;

The North Stars had to move out of town to get a title, maybe that is all Flip needed!

the Chicago White Sox will repeat in baseball, and my beloved Chicago Cubs will finish fourth in the NL Central, 23 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jeff, you gave the Cubbies their best shot at a world title by not predicting them to win. Where's the dreamer in ya?!

If you haven't seen the post yet, go NOW! You'll find all the winner's, HERE!

Flash
Another 2006 preview, with extra Snark!

It only takes one!

The questions is, how many liberals does it take to destroy a positive news cycle. And his name is Jay Benanav!

Benanav, whose ward includes the University of St. Thomas and Hamline University, is researching whether the city should charge institutions of higher education a per-student fee of $25 to pay for police and fire services. State law exempts schools and other nonprofit organizations from paying property taxes.

Probably THE most ridiculous proposal he has ever made, and that was a challenge for even him to meet.

Let's hope this one spirals down the drain spout quickly!

Flash

Complete Denial

I've stayed out of the Special election fray up in St. Cloud. First there was the Governor choosing a date right around the Holidays that some speculated was a ploy to disenfranchise Student voters away for the Holidays. Then the one, two punch of the GOP candidates, one claiming residency that didn't exist, and the other doctoring photos to create a rally for him that didn't happen, and a family from thin air. So it was no surprise when I saw the results this AM, showing the DFL swept the races:

Senate District 15 results
Ind DAN BECKER 826 6.96
GOP DAN "OX" OCHSNER 4422 37.26
DFL TARRYL CLARK 6572 55.38
WRITE-IN** 47 0.40

House 15B Results
DFL LARRY HAWS 3579 70.86
WRITE-IN** 150 2.97
GOP KAY EK** 1322 26.17

But in the STRIB article this AM, the Right had the spin cycle in overdrive!

"I think the Ek situation caused confusion among the voters," state Republican spokesman Mark Drake said after Ochsner conceded the election to Clark. "It drowned out the message that Clark is a liberal who is out of touch with the district."

So your guys get busted, the constituency demands a little honesty and respect, and you say THEY'RE out of touch.

The attention that was focused on these races, specifically the Ek factor, created a perfect environment for voters to properly review the candidates and make decisions that they felt were in the best interest of their future. If some of the traditional conservative voters opted for a candidate based on integrity rather then ideology, then it is the GOP that must look within itself. Talk about being out of touch!

The State's Right leaning machine has a lot of soul searching to do as we enter 2006. The power of incumbency may be more of a hindrance then a help.

2006 is going to be an exciting year for Minnesota Politics. Stay tuned!

Flash

Luke 2:8-14

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Merry Christmas and have a safe and joyous Holiday Weekend!

Flash

My Marine got Married

CONGRATULATIONS, to my Son on his nuptials yesterday! I wish him and his blushing bride all the best in their future, and safe travels during their service to our country.

No little ones in the plans for now, so I will be spared the Grampa moniker for a little while yet.

Flash

A Presidential Reversal, or simple Deception?!?

God ole Fast Eddie was playing a sound bite of a campaign Grip and Grin from Buffalo, NY from April 2004. From the White House Transcript

"(A)ny time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires -- a wiretap requires a court order. Nothing has changed, by the way. When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so. It's important for our fellow citizens to understand, when you think Patriot Act, constitutional guarantees are in place when it comes to doing what is necessary to protect our homeland, because we value the Constitution."

Seems like the President and I were on the same page back then, but for some reason he has changed his mind. Anything short of that would simply mean he was saying one thing, but doing the complete opposite.

So which is it Mr. President; "When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so. (April 2004)" or "I keep saying that . . . it requires quick action. And without revealing the operating details of our program, I just want to assure the American people that, one, I've got the authority to do this (December 2005).

I'd just like to know. Anyone, anyone, Bueller, anyone!

Flash

I Can See You!

The President continued his propaganda campaign to gather support for his flawed efforts in Iraq. Yes, I was for the invasion of Iraq; Yes, I feel I may have been duped by the sales job of the administration and it's cherry picking of intelligence to support their desire to invade Iraq; Yes, I feel that everyone is better off without a SoDamn Who's Insane running a country in a vulnerable area of the world, and yes, I feel we must stay until Iraq is secure and Iraqi's are in control of their own destiny. But none of that means anything if the President can make up his own rules as he goes along.

But after a week of barnstorming ending in a prime time Sunday evening speech to the American People (viewed all over the world) and a press conference addressing specifics of his covert operations, the popularity polls have blipped up, for the time being. Rasmussen polls were hovering in the low 40's for quite sometime, but have been in the mid 40's as of late.

Forty-six percent (46%) of American adults approve of the way George W. Bush is performing his role as President. Fifty-two percent (52%) disapprove.

For the month of December, The President's high water mark was 47% on December 4th, with his low point of 43% registering just a few days later on December 9. This clearly shows a volatility of the opinions of Americans, and suggests that any brief bump after the latest inundation of face time, will be brief.

A stickler for the President could be his authorization of surveillance without court order. I thought the most important question in the press conference was this tidbit:

Mr. President. Getting back to the domestic spying issue for a moment. According to FISA's own records, it's received nearly 19,000 requests for wiretaps or search warrants since 1979, rejected just five of them. It also operates in secret, so security shouldn't be a concern, and it can be applied retroactively. Given such a powerful tool of law enforcement is at your disposal, sir, why did you see fit to sidetrack that process?

19,000 requests with only FIVE rejections. And there actually an opportunity for retroactive authorization built into the law. So what is the difference between this practice and the desire of the President to work outside the letter of the law? The President;s response:

We used the process to monitor. But also, this is a different -- a different era, a different war, Stretch. So what we're -- people are changing phone numbers and phone calls, and they're moving quick. And we've got to be able to detect and prevent. I keep saying that, but this is a -- it requires quick action.

Which, I assume, is the primary reason the current law allows for retroactive authorization.

And without revealing the operating details of our program,

FISA operates in secret, so the operation is still protected.

I just want to assure the American people that, one, I've got the authority to do this;

but there is no need to use this authority since the law provides you with all the tools you need to do the same.

two, it is a necessary part of my job to protect you;

sure, but know need to make up your own rules to do it when the current set of procedures allows for the same protections.

and, three, we're guarding your civil liberties.

Not if you are circumventing the law to spy on citizens without proper legal clearance.

And we're guarding the civil liberties by monitoring the program on a regular basis, by having the folks at NSA, the legal team, as well as the inspector general, monitor the program, and we're briefing Congress. This is a part of our effort to protect the American people. The American people expect us to protect them and protect their civil liberties. I'm going to do that. That's my job, and I'm going to continue doing my job.

But your oath, Mr. President is to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States", and frankly, peeking into people's worlds with out legal authorization is just plain creepy. There are policies, processes and procedures built into the current system that will allow the administration to do exactly what they are doing right now, without skipping a beat. What they are doing instead is pure power mongering arrogance, and I believe the American people will see right through it.

But that's just me!

Flash

Blogger Bash

Good times were had by all. Several (w/Pics) of the MOB members have already posted write-ups, so I won't bore you. Of course, since it is Tuesday, it is all old news anyway. You would think that having two weeks off would give me some extra blog time, but the plate is pretty full this week. Don't worry, though, I'll be checking in often,

Flash

'West Wing' Star Dies

CNN reports:

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- John Spencer, who played a dedicated politico on "The West Wing" who survived a serious illness to run for vice president, died of a heart attack Friday, his publicist said.

Spencer, 58, died at a Los Angeles hospital, said publicist Ron Hofmann. He would have been 59 next week.

Spencer played Leo McGarry, the chief of staff to President Jeb Bartlet (Martin Sheen) through the first few seasons of the NBC series. In a sad parallel to life, his character suffered a heart attack that forced him to give up his White House job.

Holy moly! I loved the Leo McGarry character! He provided sanity to a busy and hectic oval office. With his status as the Democratic nominee for Veep, this could make for some interesting plot twists. Of course, if the GOP candidate (played by Alan Alda) takes the prize, it will be uneventful.

Anyone who ever wanted a peek inside the inner workings of the oval office really needs to watch this show. Especially now, since Leo is gone, and there isn't much time to experience it.

Flash

Married to the MOB!

Tomorrow (Saturday) is the Winter meeting of the Minnesota Organization of Bloggers. OK, not really a meeting, more of a formal, yet informal, gathering of like minded, ok not all like minded, individuals. Bloggers, mostly of the Red variety (A very DARK Red), will converge on Keagan's in merriment to celebrate whatever they choose to celebrate. But everyone and anyone is invited.

Festivities begin at 5:ish and end, well, Mitch said it best:

The party starts at 5PM, and lasts until J.B. Doubtless climbs up on the bar and sings "Hungry Heart".

I hear from reliable sources I may not be the only admitted Left leaner at the gathering, so that should spare me from being cornered and then tag teamed into submission. But in reality, these events turn out to be more apolitical, and the conversations take on a more personal flavor, rather then political ones.

I have a debt to pay, so I'll be there in my black Minnesota Brass, Inc. Jacket. And whether you're a blog writer, reader, or both, stop on down and put faces to names. We really are a pretty nice bunch of folks, even though it doesn't always look that way.

Hopefully I'll see you there. Mitch has the skinny.

Flash

PS: GiGi, I dare ya!! *laughing*

The 'Das Booty' Four

After dodging more serious offenses, charges have been filed:

Four Minnesota Vikings, including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, were charged today with misdemeanors alleging lewd or indecent conduct in connection with a party on Lake Minnetonka in October.

The other players charged were tackle Bryant McKinnie, running back Moe Williams and cornerback Fred Smoot, who was one of the organizers of the annual party put on by a first-year player from the team.

This couldn't come at a worse time for the team. The Vikings biggest test of their come from no where season is against a resurgent Pittsburgh team which is as desperate for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive as the Vikings are. But being held accountable for criminal behaviors knows no time line.

Hit the STRIB link above for more details. I try to run a clean blog here.

Flash

"I am responsible" - Pres. Bush

WOW! The President's handlers finally realized what it will take to turn his pathetic approval numbers into something to campaign on for the mid-terms:

It is true that much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong," Bush said during his fourth and final speech before Thursday's vote for Iraq's parliament. "As president I am responsible for the decision to go into Iraq. And I'm also responsible for fixing what went wrong by reforming our intelligence capabilities. And we're doing just that."

"My decision to remove Saddam Hussein was the right decision," the president said. "Saddam was a threat and the American people, and the world is better off because he is no longer in power."

It's like he almost admitted making a mistake . . . almost!

Flash

After Several Baby Steps, a Leap!

Tomorrow, the balloting for the Iraq Parliament begins. It shouldn't matter what your political color (Red, Blue, or Purple) is, I hope you are all with me in full support of a successful election and the installation of the new Iraqi Parliament. CNN has more:

Iraqis started the year with a transitional assembly election. They voted for a constitution in October. And on Thursday they will cap their tumultuous year when many are expected to vote for a full four-year parliament.

On a main road in Sunni Aadhamiya, teenagers broke away from a soccer game to voice support for former interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a Shi'ite, Reuters reported.

"Ayad Allawi. Ayad Allawi. Ayad Allawi. We want Allawi," Reuters quoted Ahmed Khaled as saying. "He is a hero, and I am a wrestling champion."

Iraq is evolving into a much better neighbor and global citizen. We can argue whether or not the President lied us into this conflict (I like to think of it as a self fulfilled prophecy). He has much to answer to regarding the intelligence that did not support his claims of WMD's, his primary argument for militaristic intervention. But I don't think any objective mind can ignore the fact that the Arab peninsula is better off with a Democratic Iraq, rather then a dictatorial regime that brutalized it's on people into conformity.

Cheers to the Iraqi people for their transition in taking a lead roll in their own future. Cheers to the administration for staying the course and doing what is necessary to ensure successful elections, and cheers to the political opposition for keeping the administration in check.

Flash

Justice?

A co-founder of the Crips, Tookie Williams was executed this morning, his appeals exhausted, and his pleas of being a different man ignored:

Stanley Tookie Williams -- the co-founder of the violent Crips street gang who became an anti-gang crusader while on death row -- died by lethal injection early Tuesday for the 1979 killings of four people in two Los Angles robberies.

Terry Thornton, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, said the unofficial time of death was 12:35 a.m. (3:35 a.m. ET).

Williams, 51, while acknowledging he had a violent past, had maintained he was innocent in the slayings.

I shed no tear for Tookie, as he refused to take responsibility for his actions, and the violent past that brought him into San Quentin's death chamber. His storied involving that evening have changed, and his claim of innocence evolved. I share with Mitch the discomfort of carrying out the ultimate punishment when considering the possibility of executing an innocent man, but that was not the case here.

However, there is another case that is beginning to gains some attention, and this man is also sitting on death row. (via BotML)

The Cory Maye case is just about the ugliest nexus of race, civil rights violations, southern juries and our criminal justice system that I can think of.

Let's summarize: Cops mistakenly break down the door of a sleeping man, late at night, as part of drug raid. Turns out, the man wasn't named in the warrant, and wasn't a suspect. The man, frightened for himself and his 18-month old daughter, fires at an intruder who jumps into his bedroom after the door's been kicked in. Turns out that the man, who is black, has killed the white son of the town's police chief. He's later convicted and sentenced to death by a white jury. The man has no criminal record, and police rather tellingly changed their story about drugs (rather, traces of drugs) in his possession at the time of the raid.

The Maye case sees no political boundaries. Bloggers of all stripes and colors are presenting what appears on the service to be a travesty. It's not very often the Left, Right, and Libertarians can join hands and fight a common cause. When that happens you almost have to take notice. This is definitely a case that everyone should notice. Let's push this one out there so at least those in a position to right and potential wrongs here can have the time to do their work.

Flash

MORE: Probably the best information on this case can be found at The Agitator. There are mutiple posts there, so be sure to scroll around, but this one has PDF links to key legal documents and other crucial information.

Saturday Obits

The country has lost two individuals who will forever be carved in our culture.

A GREAT Statesman in Eugene McCarthy, and a GREAT comedian in Richard Pryor.

May they rest in peace.

Flash

DINO Dines with Rummy

I have been following the Raw Story's push of the meme that Rumsfield may resign with a Drudge Report kind of reservation. They have been 'reporting' that the leading candidate to succeed him is non other then 2000 VP Candidate Sen. Joe Lieberman. Sen. JoeMentum was my early choice for the Dem nod in 2004, but his continued movement to the Right has been taking Zell Miller strides.

But now the story is bleeding into the main stream press with this tidbit:

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld hosted Senator Joe Lieberman for a breakfast meeting today amid speculation that the Connecticut Democrat could be in line to succeed him.

Could it be, Secretary JoMentum. Hmmmmmm!

Flash

Too Close To Home

Be sure to read Mitch's 'Hostage' post, today.

One of the latest hostages in Iraq is from my hometown, Jamestown, ND:

and later:

As a point in passing, I know every single person referenced in this article, including mayor Charlie Kourajian (brother of a friend of King Banaian's; small towns are the smallest world of all)

I know several people directly involved in the war on terror. And, of course, my son the Marine who is scheduled to deploy next Spring.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Ron Schulz family in hopes of a speedy release and a safe trip home!

Flash

Just Plain Wrong!

Dissent is OK. I would even argue that it is patriotic. But Howard Dean's comments the other day crossed the line of dissent and into danger:

Dean, the Democratic National Chairman, on Monday told a San Antonio, Texas, radio station that the United States appears to be making the same mistakes it made during the Vietnam War, and the idea that the war in Iraq can be won is "just plain wrong."

You can criticize the President, you can challenge him on how we got into this mess, and you can propose solutions that may bring the troops home sooner. But to imply that the effort is hopeless is wrong, implies you are totally out of touch with what is necessary to defeat this evil overseas, and jeopardizes the safety of our troops.

Not only is the war winable, it must be won, for the alternative is simply not acceptable.

Flash

For the Sports Junkie In Me

The ViKings make it 5 in a row, but it wasn't pretty!

The Gopher FB team will make another trip to the Hillbilly Bowl.

The Lumber Puppies are ripping it up on the road.

The Gopher hockey team can't get by the Cheeseheads.

The Wild wallow in mediocrity.

Now get back to work!

Flash

A True Story (and a DvK analogy)

When I moved into my current home, I was unable to arrange transportation to move all my belongings. I made arrangements with the owner of the house I was renting, to store some items in the basement until I could arrange to move them.

When I returned several weeks later, some of the more valuable items were taken. I was livid. I had thought I had done everything correct. Granted, the storage arrangement was gratis, but I was convinced I had some recourse in the matter. I even called the police to file a stolen property report.

The most likely suspects were the people that moved into the property after me. Of course they claimed they knew nothing about my property and refused to allow me access into their living area to search for my belonging. They were still mine, I thought. I even called the police to file a stolen property report. They weren't very sympathetic. Unless I had a written agreement showing I still had rights and access to the home, there was nothing they could, or would, do. Anything left in the home, technically, belonged to the home owner.

The current renters allowed me access to the basement to collect what remained. Had they been honorable people, they would have assisted me in recovering the missing items. But they didn't. They wanted me gone as soon as possible and they most certainly wanted the police gone as well.

I learned an important lesson that day. Don't abandon your property with the assumption that it will still be there should you return to claim it. And if you do return, and it is missing, hope that the person who took it is honorable enough to return it as best they can. I wasn't that fortunate, DvK was.

Flash

A Class Act

For the most part, bloggers get along pretty well in real life, both Right and Left sides of the aisle. The majority of the jousting that happens online is a far cry from their behaviors when they meet in person. The Power Liberals and I frequent the Right Blogosphere's domain at Keagan's Thursday nights. I've had some cross over at my Friday evening drinking Moderately gatherings. Heck, if the Wege and Mitch can find common ground and remain civil in conversation, their must be truth to my observation.

Which brings me to an unfortunate prank gone awry. MNPublius happened to notice that the old D v K Blogspot location had gone dormant. In an attempt at innocent punking, MNPublius, registered himself as the administrator of the old D v K blog, and added a new post ridiculing the blog. What he didn't know is that seven months of archived material in the old blog would Poof. (The D v K blog links are 404 now, so I can't link to even the Prank Post)

Now in reality, he didn't do anything wrong. You snooze you lose, right. Maybe so, but the class and integrity of Matt was more then just staying within the guidelines of the Blogger rules. Sometimes one must do what is morally right, not legally correct, and Matt took the moral high road.

In what I thought would amount to little more than a practical joke, I claimed the up-for-grabs site and put up a post ridiculing the Dayton v. Kennedy blog. What I did not realize is that in doing so the archives would be removed from the site. For this I am truly sorry. I have removed myself from the blog's administrator role and left it alone. This was not a case of "cyber-sabotage" or unethical blogging, it was an honest mistake made by someone who obviously does not understand the inner workings of blogger well enough.

But, did he stop there. No siree!

When I realized what had happened I felt terrible for having ruined someone's hard work like that. I immediately apologized to all the KvM authors and set to work righting my wrongs. It took me a while sifting through the yahoo and google caches of old DvK pages but I managed to find every single lost post. I compiled this list and sent it off to KvM. I know it doesn't rectify everything, but I made a mistake and wanted to correct it as best I could

It may not seem that the Right and Left can get along, but at least here in the Minnesota Blogosphere it is more then just promoting our personal ideoligies, it is about playing fair, and doing the correct thing!

MN Publius, an honorable person admits their mistakes and does whatever they can do to rectify the damage. Matt, you are an honorable man!

Flash

It's About Time!

Finally, this administration is sharing with us their plan to resolve the Iraq conflict by providing us a Strategy for Victory. Many of us, especially those of us that have supported this effort all along have asked for this. I believe it was even part of the resolution to use force. But the Bush administration has dragged it's feet, called us cowards and traitors for questioning them. They refused to provide any insight at all as to what their ultimate goal was, and what constituted victory.

I am going to take some time to look over this document, in hopes that I see substance, and not political spinmeistering to regain popularity. I am going into this report with an open mind, now let's read it together. The PDF is available here!

Flash

They Beat Horses, Don't They

In the wonderful partisan political world we live in, negativity prevails. Why tout positives; 'Dog Bites Man' doesn't sell, whereas 'Man Bites Dog' is front page news.

So today, each side will probably be beating the horse of negativity as they both have fingers to be pointing.

For the Left, we have:

Congressman resigns after bribery plea

and the Right:

Vote topples Canadian government

I know, all the Right has today is Canadian news, but they are perfect at the slight of hand game, and will manage to twist this into something here at home.

Now I'm off to the blogosphere to see how close I am!

Flash

Holiday Weekend Recap!

It's kind of nice to just shut down the ole Blog and walk away for a few days, and this weekend was busy enough all on it's own.

Thanksgiving day I filled the house with the aromas of the holiday. I love to cook, and I do the full spread. 15+ lbs Turkey (stuffed), White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Cranberry Sauce (I'm a Jelly guy), and of course, Pumpkin Pie. For the first time, I boiled down the old carcass for turkey soup. I love making soup, but usually it is Bean soup, so this was my first attempt at Turkey Soup. MMmmmmmm Yummy!

Friday morning required at least one excursion to the Black Friday sales. I opted for a quick jaunt to Radio Shack to snag on of the 49.99 1 Gig MP3 players. Even though it was after 9:00, they still had two left, the last two. I bought them both. The stores was kind of dead, with 6 employees there to great me. My boys and I were the only customers in the store. We then ventured to Sears to check out some leather jackets, again the store was rather empty for the day after Thanksgiving, but I went on with my business so I could get out of there quickly.

Once home, the oldest boy prepared for his shift at Target, while the younger two made sure they were packed and ready for a day with their Auntie. My wife and I would be traveling to St. peter, MN for the evening and my FANTASTIC sister agreed to spend quality-bonding time with her nephews. I can't begin to tell her how much I appreciated her help.

With the boys taken care of, it was off to St. Peter, for the annual Govenaire end of the year Awards banquet. It was GREAT to see old friends that I spent all summer performing with. The banquet is the official end of the 2005 season. Most everyone dressed all fancy, which is always interesting since we have spent all summer seeing each other all sweaty and casual. I was fortunate enough to be honored as the 'Rookie of the Year'. But the big surprise was the second to the last award, the "Drum Major/Corps Director Choice" award. He hesitated briefly, stating he was unsure if he could give this award to the person he had in mind, because he has never given it to a Rookie before. He then announced the winner, 'FLASH'. What an honor, and what an end to a fantastic season. I had the time of my life this year, and after watching the video of our performance at Nationals, I realized what a fine Drum Corps we had!!

The remainder of my weekend continued to be non political and blog free. It was refreshing to clear the mind, and have a restful relaxing weekend. And the fact the ViKings made it four in a row, made it only that much sweeter.

I hope you all had as great a weekend as I!!

Flash

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a safe and healthy holiday weekend. Being descended from Francis Eaton, a signer of the Mayflower Compact, this holiday is one of my favorites.

Enjoy the parade, the football, and the food. But most importantly, enjoy your family and friends, for that is what I am truly thankful for!

Flash

He is T.O.ast

Terrell Owen's season appears to be over. The arbitrator has ruled in favor of the Eagles in not only the 4 game suspension, but their right to deactivate him and make him sit out the rest of the year (with pay).

It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!!

Flash

Mr. Foreman!

John Kerry continues to show what an honorable man he is (via CNN).

Sen. John Kerry's public profile and prosecutorial past didn't spare him from performing that most mundane of civic responsibilities -- jury duty.

Kerry was not only chosen this week to sit on a jury in Suffolk Superior Court, but also was elected foreman.

I liked this part best:

I just found him to be a knowledgeable, normal person," said Cynthia Lovell, a nurse and registered Republican who says she now regrets voting for President Bush in last year's election. "He kept us focused. He wanted us all to have our own say."

Flash

Readyyyyyyyyy DRINK!

Swiped from the Wege:



I'm hoping to make an appearance to balance out the 'Left of Wellstone' crowd. However, anything can change in a domestic household with 3 boys; two in Junior High and one in High School! Yes, it's the high maintenance years!

Flash

The Final Witness

Time continues to take it's toll:

The last known surviving allied veteran of the Christmas Truce that saw German and British soldiers shake hands between the trenches in World War One died on Monday at 109, his parish priest said.

Alfred Anderson was the oldest man in Scotland and the last known surviving Scottish veteran of the war.

"I remember the silence, the eerie sound of silence," he was quoted as saying in the Observer newspaper last year, describing the day-long Christmas Truce of 1914, which began spontaneously when German soldiers sang carols in the trenches, and British soldiers responded in English.

"All I'd heard for two months in the trenches was the hissing, cracking and whining of bullets in flight, machinegun fire and distant German voices. But there was a dead silence that morning across the land as far as you could see.

"We shouted 'Merry Christmas' even though nobody felt merry.

An article I found around Veteran's Day had these numbers

No one knows exactly how many of America's World War I veterans will celebrate Veterans Day, which marks the armistice of November 11, 1918, that ended what then was considered the Great War. An estimated 2 million Americans served in Europe after the U.S. entered the war in 1917.

Today, the Veterans Affairs Department lists just eight veterans as receiving disability benefits or pension compensation from service in World War I. It says a few dozen other veterans of the war probably are alive, too, but the government does not keep a comprehensive list.

The Census Bureau stopped asking for data about those veterans years ago. Using a report of 65,000 alive in 1990 as a baseline, the VA estimates that no more than 50 remain, perhaps as few as 30.

Most interesting, however, was the age of the final veteran to pass from each American conflict:

Long-lived veterans are common among America's warriors. The last veteran to fight in the American Revolution died at age 109 in 1869, according to Defense Department statistics.

Other wars and the ages of their last veterans the year they died: the War of 1812, 105, 1905; the Indian Wars, 101, 1973; the Mexican War, 98, 1929; the Civil War, 112, 1958; and the Spanish-American War, 106, 1992.

Remember, we don't have to wait for one day a year to honor the man and women who serve, and have served our country! We should do it every opportunity we can find!

But that's just me!

Flash

The Most Dangerous Cities

via CNN:

Listed as the most dangerous cities are:

1 - Camden, New Jersey
2 - Detroit, Michigan
3 - St. Louis, Missouri
4 - Flint, Michigan
5 - Richmond, Virginia
6 - Baltimore, Maryland
7 - Atlanta, Georgia
8 - New Orleans, Louisiana
9 - Gary, Indiana
10- Birmingham, Alabama.

At the other end of the scale, the safest are named as:

1 - Newton, Massachusetts
2 - Clarkstown, New York
3 - Amherst, New York
4 - Mission Viejo, California
5 - Brick Township, New Jersey
6 - Troy, Michigan
7 - Thousand Oaks, California
8 - Round Rock, Texas
9 - Lake Forest, California
10- Cary, North Carolina.

Hmmmm, Ironically, I have been to 8 of the 10 BAD cities, and only 2 of the good cities. Maybe it's me!

Flash

UPDATE: I'm getting a lot of visitors from this post. Welcome! Some have asked if the complete list is out there. All I can find is THIS ONE, which lists Top 25's and breaks them down by metro area and size. The Complete list is available for a fee.

Border Battle

I had a vision:

Queenies 28 -- Cheeseheads 23

But that's just me!

Flash

John Gallos; 1923 - 2005

Clancy is gone.

John Gallos, 'Clancy the Cop' on TV, dies at 82

John Gallos, former host of WCCO-TV's "Clancy the Cop," was recognized by Minnesota baby boomers years after the children's TV show, which ran from 1961 to 1977, went off the air.

Gallos died Tuesday in Minneapolis from complications of diabetes. He was 82.

His daughter, Nancy Gallos of Minneapolis, said he was born with a desire to entertain. He was known for reciting the classic poem "Casey at the Bat" from memory.

"He was always interested in entertaining people," Nancy said. " 'Clancy the Cop' stemmed from his love for children and entertaining."

Clancy, a policeman who befriended kids, was beloved by many children in the Twin Cities during an era when every city had its own "Mr. Rogers."

Mom tells me I had an Axel doll when I was just a wee lad. Axel was the man. But Axel passed while I was still little, and Carmen the nurse took over. That's when the crack detective team of 'Clancy the Cop' and 'Willie Ketchem' took over.

Oh the joys of kidcentric TV of the 60's and early 70's, until the networks went into full comercialization mode. I have fond memories of those days. Axel, Carmen, Clancy and WIllie on 'CCO. Casey and Roundhouse on WTCN (back then an independent station, but now NBC affiliate KARE).

I leave you with Clancy's final words, as he left the air back in 1977:

Typically, near the end of the program Clancy and Willie would talk to the kids in the studio, but on that melancholy occasion there was no audience. Instead, Willie soberly informed viewers, "This is the last day. We are closing the Agency here at old WCCO Television." He then introduced Clancy for the last time.

Clancy and Company"It has been a real pleasure and a privilege to have been a part of many of the routines in many homes around the Twin Cities, and Minnesota and Wisconsin, for lo, these past many years," Clancy declared. "We've had a lot of laughs over the years, we've had some ups, we've had some downs - and it isn't over yet, because I know I'll be looking for you on other programs here on Channel 4. I'd like to close with an Irish blessing that I think Clancy would enjoy:

"Wishing you always Walls for the wind And a roof for the rain And tea beside the fire. Laughter to cheer you And those you love near you And all that your heart might desire. May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the rains fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand."

Clancy and CompanyAs he recited the verse, the camera slowly moved in until at the finish Clancy's face filled the screen. He gazed steadily into the lens, forced a sad little smile, and said simply, "Good-bye."

I toured the studios back in the mid 70's. Maybe I'll dig out some of those pics over this weekend and post them.

Bye Clancy, you will be missed.

Flash

Guessing Game!

Guess what Mitch is talking about here. No cheating now:

Can Take No More

A group of ideologue activists, using borderline-fraudulent information, drive government leadership into an unpopular action that, months later, has been an unmitigated disaster.

But far from admitting their mistakes, the dogmatists - still lying about their information - press onward, demanding the government pour more treasure into the insanity - and wreck more lives in the process.

My guess was wrong, but seemed FAR more accurate.

If you give up, you can check here:

Flash

Down we go again!

Someone (I can't find where I saw it first) pointed us to this post by Powerline, trying to gussy up the pig that is Bush's approval ratings. Today CNN posts the latest results.

Beset with an unpopular war and an American public increasingly less trusting, President Bush faces the lowest approval rating of his presidency, according to a national poll released Monday.

Bush also received his all-time worst marks in three other categories in the CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll. The categories were terrorism, Bush's trustworthiness and whether the Iraq war was worthwhile.

Bush's 37 percent overall approval rating was two percentage points below his ranking in an October survey. Both polls had a sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points.

The Powerline folks, of course, are resting their laurels on the Rasmussen tracking poll, a Three day moving average. This poll tends to be 5-7 points higher then other polls, but it isn't the raw number itself, as much as it is the movement of those numbers. What did Powerline say in their screed:

Rasmussen shows President Bush climbing from his low point in October, to a current approval rating of 46%. That's his best this month, and, as Rasmussen says, it might be statistical noise. If it's for real, it's good news; 46% isn't great, but it's well out of the sub-40% danger territory. But, in any event, the upward trend since last month is good news for Republicans.

And what does Rasmussen answer with today:

Forty-three percent (43%) of American adults approve of the way George W. Bush is performing his role as President. Fifty-five percent (55%) of Americans Disapprove of the President's performance.

The 46% number held over the weekend and then dove three points. What that probably means, considering this is a rolling average, is that either Saturday's, or more likely Sunday's numbers took a nose dive.

This two term President and his administration needs to come to grips with a very disenfranchised and skeptical public. Even their own numbers (Rasmussen is admittedly Right leaning) are in the dumps. All we are asking for is honesty instead of arrogance. Is that too much to expect.

Flash

UPDATE: Today's Rasmussen holds at 43% with a dissaproval upticking to 56%

Tuesday November 15, 2005--Forty-three percent (43%) of American adults approve of the way George W. Bush is performing his role as President. Fifty-six percent (56%) of Americans Disapprove of the President's performance.

The Gloves are off!

Here we go!

In a two-decades old document, Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito voiced his support of the Reagan administration's fight to show "the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion."

I'm not sure either side wants to alter the status quo, it would restrict one sides' ability to effectively fire up their base.

Expect an escalation in filibuster talk. Chatter that I will sit back and observe, but not participate in at this point. I will wait to hear from the nominee himself before I enter the fray to deeply.

Flash

THANK YOU . . . .

. . . . to all the men and women of our courageous fighting forces.

We honor you today for your commitment and determination to rid this world of evil, and protect our freedoms. Without you, we would not be able to enjoy the fantastic opportunities that exist. There have been many in my family who have served this country, but I especially want to thank my son, the Marine.


Thank a Vet today!

Flash

Kid Vote

I've been swamped today, preparing for conferences tomorrow, but I wanted to share the Kid Vote results from my Middle School.

The Right loves to lambast their perception of a 'Left of Wellstone' curriculum and staff in the St. Paul Schools. Even I can't do anything to set these Righties straight in this regard. But maybe the Kid Vote results will help them think past their prejudices.

During the course of the mayoral election, classes throughout the building would come down and review both candidates websites, looking for policy and issue statements to determine whom they would 'vote' for on election day. Most of the students took this seriously, and made well educated decisions.

What were the results? Well, not surprisingly, Chris Coleman won the Kid Vote. But what was surprising was the margin. Keeping in mind the actual vote was 69% to 31% in Coleman's favor, the Kid Vote margin was very slim. Only 21 votes. Now wouldn't you think if the SPPS staff was pushing some sort of 'Bright Green' / 'Left of Wellstone' agenda that these students would have been brainwashed to the point where Kelly would have only gotten 21 votes total, rather then darn near winning the thing!

I'm just saying!

Flash

Mayor-elect Coleman

It's official:

St. Paul voters punished Mayor Randy Kelly on Tuesday for standing with President Bush a year ago, denying the Democrat a second term in Minnesota's capital city.

Former City Council member Chris Coleman, also a Democrat, routed Kelly by a more than 2-to-1 margin in unofficial returns with most precincts reporting. Ahead of the election, independent polls showed voters were primed to fire Kelly, and most cited his 2004 endorsement of the Republican president as the reason.

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Updated Returns

St. Paul mayor
St. Paul school board

Minneapolis mayor
Minneapolis City Council
Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation
Minneapolis Library Board
Minneapolis Park Board

Suburban city races
Suburban school boards
Suburban school referendums

BEST . . . GRAPHIC . . . EVER

Without Comment (Click to enlarge):

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Races to Watch

This off year election has more significance then usual. With the second term of President Bush proving to be more of a hindrance then a help to GOP candidates, the voters will now decide how much of a lame duck this current administration really is.

Governor's races in Virginia (Red State) and New Jersey (Blue State) may be our best gauge as to the accuracy of the sentiment toward the President, along with initiatives on the Ballot in California.

VIRGINIA
A blood bath of sort, pitting diehard conservative Jerry Kilgore against sitting Democratic Lt. Governor Tim Kaine. Current polling gives the Lt. Governor a slight 5% lead, backing off from the 9 point lead the precious poll showed. Virginia may be the best bell weather as Bush directly campaigned for Kilgore in the final days. The democrats welcomed the visit:

At a campaign event for Kaine, the Democratic incumbent, Gov. Mark R. Warner, welcomed the president's arrival. Bush, even in reliably Republican Virginia, suffers job-approval ratings of around 40 percent.

NEW JERSEY
The Blue state offers up US Sen. Jon Corzine and the GOP endorsed candidate Doug Forester. That polling also has the Blue Senator leading 50% to 44% in a poll concluding yesterday. The respective candidates had a slightly different approach to who to bring in for the final blitz:

In New Jersey, U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine campaigned with fellow Democrat U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg while Republican candidate Doug Forrester enlisted New York Gov. George Pataki for a frantic final day of campaigning.

There are also several mayoral races on the docket. Among them; New York, Detroit Kilpatrick-i 44% 0 Hendrix 51%), Houston, Boston, San Diego (Sanders-R 52% - Frye-D 47%), Atlanta, and of course St. Paul.

In California, traditional Republican initiatives are on the ballot in this bright Blue state, including:

Schwarzenegger's initiatives would cap state spending and give him more power to cut budgets, rein in public employee unions, and take away legislators' power to redistrict.

Proposition explanations and polling data:

Prop 73 -- Proposition 73 requires that physicians notify the parent of a pregnant minor at least 48 hours before performing an abortion. If the special election were today, and you were standing in the voting booth right now, would you vote Yes on Proposition 73? Or would you vote No?

Yes 51 (55)
No 47 (44)

Prop 74 -- Proposition 74 extends the probationary period for new teachers from 2 years to 5 years, and makes it easier to dismiss teachers with unsatisfactory performance evaluations. If the special election were today, would you vote Yes on Proposition 74? Or would you vote No?

Yes 48 (49)
No 51 (50)

Prop 75 -- Proposition 75 prohibits public employee unions from using union dues for political purposes without the written consent of union members. If the special election were today, would you vote Yes on Proposition 75? Or would you vote no?

Yes 45 (50)
No 54 (49)

Prop 76 -- Proposition 76 limits growth in state spending so that it does not exceed recent growth in state revenues. The Governor would be granted new authority to reduce state spending, [including school funding,] during certain fiscal situations. If the special election were today, would you vote Yes on Proposition 76? Or would you vote no?

Yes 39 (49)
No 59 (49)

Prop 77 -- Proposition 77 changes the way California draws boundaries for Congressional and legislative districts. District boundaries would be drawn by a panel of retired judges and approved by voters in a statewide election. If the special election were today, would you vote Yes on 77? Or would you vote no?

Yes 41 (42)
No 56 (56)

So there is more then enough excitement this evening to keep us night owls engaged. If I run across other interesting match-ups, I'll be sure to share.

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Election Day!

My concern is not so much whom you vote for, it is that you VOTE!! These off year elections are sometimes decided by just a handful of votes. If there was ever a time where YOUR VOTE COUNTS, it is today.

Get off your butts, tuck away that keyboard, and get down to your polling place.

I'm on my way!

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Janecek on Kersten on Wellstone

This woke me up faster than a second cup of coffee:

Shame on Katherine Kersten. The Wellstone service was not a "miscalculation."

Not only does she get her interpretation wrong, she also cheaply fans partisan flames that some of us -- both Republicans and Democrats -- have worked very hard to try to extinguish since the 2002 election.

Be sure you read the whole thing. The further Left you are, the more surprised you will be!

Thank you Sarah for stepping out of the political fray and up to the plate!

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Sen, Coleman Votes to Strip Disabled of Insurance

See how stupid that sounds. The Senator kept his promise and voted against the budget bill today. An honorable choice considering his pledge, but a safe bet knowing the bill was going to pass anyway. But now the Left can turn the tables if they choose. They can take a page from the Rovian/Smear Boater handbook and start picking nits.

What else did Coleman vote against?:

--Doctors would get an $11 billion reprieve next year from a scheduled 4.3 percent cut in their Medicare payments.

--Dairy farmers won a $1 billion extension of milk income payments.

--College students would get more than $8 billion in new grants.

--More disabled children would retain Medicaid health coverage.

Will the Dems get the courage to run an add saying "Norm Coleman denies $8 billion to college students!" Unreasonable, obtuse, and ridiculous, but still fair game under the precedent set in the past.

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Deer's Governor-Hunting Opener

Some things ya simply can't make up. Via the STRIB:

A big buck smashed in a window at the back of the State Capitol near the governor's office Thursday morning, then charged past a very startled Gov. Tim Pawlenty just as he was entering the building.

The episode coincided with the run-up to the Governor's Deer Opener, an event that Pawlenty launched three years ago and which he has turned into a rather big deal.

"Another five feet...if it wasn't out of season, we could have had the opener right here," Pawlenty laughed as he told the story at a press conference announcing judicial appointments. "If that's any indication, the deer hunting is going to go well this year."

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Deja Vu and ANWR, too

As Smilin' Norm tries to wiggle his way out of his self induced pickle, I had to dig out this old post of mine from last March:

Remember all those slimy Kerry ads attacking him for being against the troops, and flip flopping. Most of them came from budget bills. Can Norm risk sticking to principle and vote against drilling, before voting for it. Or will he vote against the budget bill if it includes the ANWR leasing revenues, and face the same furor others do when they vote against the troops, and other budgetary provisions which will be gladly cherry picked by the Left for future campaign ads.

I have no sympathy for the Senator. In fact, I find it kind of amusing that the lead Senator of the Flip Flop brigade during last years' presidential race is backed into a corner like this!

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My Endorsement for Mayor of St. Paul

When it came down to it, it was about philosophy.

This has been the most difficult electoral decision I have had to make in a long time. Many have said it is a slam-dunk, due to decisions Kelly made leading up to last year's presidential election, but that wasn't enough for me. It is important that I vote FOR someone, not against another.

I actively sought out information; met Chris Coleman at a meet and greet, and either watched or personally attended three debates. The more I watched both these gentlemen, the clearer my choice became. It wasn't about who supported who when. It was about philosophy, and how these two candidates were going to move this city forward, in a time of fiscal uncertainty.

One candidate thinks he can do this alone. The other wants to include everyone at the table, and have everyone participate in the process, that man is Chris Coleman, and he has earned my vote for mayor of St. Paul.

TAXES:

I've known Randy Kelly since the late 70's. At the time, I was interning at the State Office Building and Kelly was a young State Rep from the East side. Mayor Kelly has changed over the last 30 years, and his political ideology has been running Right over the last four. He claims he has kept his promise to not raise taxes but has increased fees and assessments by over 20%. Come on, a duck's a duck.

Don't think I don't realize that Coleman will raise resources to move this city forward, but at least he is being honest about how he is going to do it. He isn't wrapping his revenue needs in a political package with buzzwords that have been screened be focus groups. Chris Coleman needs 8 million dollars to hire 100 police officers. If he can't get the money through a restoration of Local Government Aid, he will add it to the Levy over the next few years causing an increase of 12.5 percent. Regardless of where you stand on taxes, you have to appreciate a man who will honestly discuss specifics about his plan, and not hide behind words.

PARKS AND REC:

Although the Mayor has repeatedly brought up that St. Paul received the 'Academy Award' for parks, beating out all other cities in the entire country, that isn’t enough for me. Anyone can write a fancy application, lobby the appropriate people, and show off the jewels of the city, but that doesn't make all the park and rec areas perfect. My oldest son spends more time at Langford Rec Center, than he does at the two parks closest to our house. The closer ones aren't open, or have limited/awkward gym schedules. This scenario has evolved over the last 4 years. My youngest two boys come home saying ‘there is nothing to do, no where to go' because without a draw to the public areas, kids are sitting at home, sometimes unsupervised, trying to find something to do.

Chris Coleman plans on changing that. He will take down the No Loitering sings at the Rec Centers. He supports a 'Second Shift' program for kids to have somewhere to go after school. These structured environments will keep these idle and curious hands occupied in a controlled setting instead of spiraling independently towards mischief. Randy Kelly has failed miserably in that area, at least from my perspective, within the Hamline/Midway neighborhood.

TRANSIT:

The final issue that I focused on was light rail. I am a strong supporter of the University Light Rail proposal. Mayor Kelly has dropped the ball on this project. As much as I love the Ayd Mill road access, he failed to give Light Rail the same attention. In 4 years I have seen NO progress in establishing what I believe will be a crucial link in our transit network. Now we are facing fiscal restraints that could further delay this project. Chris Coleman is committed to bringing community leaders, both neighborhood and business representatives, to the table to expedite this process. Kelly had his chance, it is time for new blood in the negotiations, and to have someone who is truly supportive of the project, not lip service from an individual who’s political ideology is not consistent with the success of the venture.

So I am voting FOR Chris Coleman next Tuesday, because I feel it is necessary to move St. Paul into the future, and I don’t believe Kelly, given his political ideological transition will have the resources to do it.

Oh, and Kelly supported Bush!

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It was a dark and stormy night . . . .

Jeff from BotML is expanding his writing prowess by participating in National Novel Writing Month. Participants have the month of November to write a 50,000 word novel. For the mathematically challenged, that is about 1700 words a day.

Follow his progress at The Valkyrie's Tale's Blog.

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What are they afraid of?

Why is the Right so adamantly opposed to an investigation of Pre War intelligence? Why are they being cry babies about Sen. Reid's insistence that an investigation take place?

If this administration has nothing to hide, nothing to be afraid of, and nothing to worry about, then they should demand this investigation take place. They should embrace the desire of the American people for wanting to know, and get ready to flaunt their exoneration in the very noses of the Left, right about the time of mid terms next year.

But the caterwauling that is going on right now makes this pro war supporter think that maybe I was duped, maybe there was a manipulation of the data. Maybe there was a concerted effort to fool enough Americans into thinking that SoDamn was a direct threat to American's at home?

If the Right would have simply said to the Left, OK, go for it, but you'll be cutting your own throat? I would have simply shook my head at the desperation of the Left, but now I shake my head at the Right, wondering, "What are they afraid of?"

But that's just me!

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Mayoral Debate, TONIGHT!

This evening the mayoral candidates, Kelly and Coleman, come to my 'hood. A 7:00 debate at the Sundin Music Hall at Hamline University. I have made arrangments to attend, as I have a few more questions/concerns regarding my decision in this race. Hopefully, I can tie up those loose ends this evening and offer an endorsement by the end of the week.

Mitch!!, want to join me?

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UPDATEMitch is in, with a possible debrief in the Drinking Moderately garage afterwards. Time permitting of course.

UPDATE II Mitch stood me up, something about not feeling well. If I were a Righty I wouldn't be feeling very well either. Broken Nails has an excellent synopsis of the evening, here!

Is It yours!

In the Have You Heard? column, we find this lucky tidbit:

Minnesota is holding $258 million in unclaimed property for about 1 million people. Check www.missingmoney.com to see it you're one of the lucky ones.

Be sure to check out 'Missing Money' to see if you have an unknown nest egg waiting out there. Be sure to forward me a 10% finders fee if you find your name on the list. Ok, just kidding . . . kind of!

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