Corps Family * I-35W

Many of you are aware of my involvement in the Drum and Bugle corps activity. When I first heard of the bridge collapse, I thought of Wednesday night, and the over 150 people from MN Brass who were on their way to the Dayton's/Marshall Field's/Macy's warehouse parking lot off Industrial Blvd.

Many of these members would be driving over that bridge on their way to a 6:45 rehearsal start. I heard through E-Mail groups that all were safe and accounted for.

However, this AM I found out that one of our members road the bridge down. She is safe and unharmed, but most certainly shaken by the experience. For perspective, here is the location of her car (click for larger image).

The corps song is 'For All We Know' that is sung at the end of every rehearsal. Last night's rendition had much a more personal meaning.

For All We Know

For all we know
We may never meet again
Before you go
Make this moment sweet again

We won't say goodnight
Until the last minute
I'll hold out my hand
And my heart will be in it

For all we know
This may only be a dream
We come and we go
Like the ripple on a stream

So love me tonight
Tomorrow was meant for some
Tomorrow may never come
For all we know
We know

More later, I'm sure.

Flash

More from the corps:

A Surreal Night

August 1, 2007

It was a surreal night, hot and humid. I got to rehearsal a few minutes before 6pm. Since it is now August, we had a full hornline sectional at 6. We started our marching/playing warmup in circle drill, and there were a few sirens going off, but no one thought much of it. It seemed like a bad car accident or something, which is not uncommon being so close to a major highway at rush hour. We took a quick water break around 6:15 and I saw a few people intently listening to the radio in the corps truck. I made a "witty" comment like, "Intriguing radio, huh?" and immediately thought I shouldn't have said that because it was probably something bad...

We went back into the horn circle and Ann came up and asked where Crawford was. She said she couldn't get ahold of him and she was worried because the bridge collapsed. I said "holy sh$$," and she just gravely nodded. Greg came over and immediately took roll call.

Be sure to read the
rest

UPDATE II: A quick to about Emily's condition:

Hey all. I thought I'd send out a little update since I've been talking to Emily pretty much on the hour since this happened.

In case you don't know they pretty much picked her up off the bridge and just dumped her on the East Bank of the U and said she needed to call someone to get picked up. They took her info and know all about her situation but she seemed unharmed so she was not a priority.

After I got to her at the Weismann, she told me about how she was a bit sore but nothing too bad. We decided once I got her home she would go to an Urgent Care with her mom. Apparently the Buffalo Urgent Care told her that she needed to go to North Memorial or HCMC.

Today (Thursday), she made the trip back into town with her grandpa. After hours at North Memorial she was checked out, double checked, xrayed, xrayed again, and xrayed again. But they could not find anything wrong. So they sent her home. BUT (there's always a but...) Later this afternoon (Thursday) they called her and asked her to come back because they found abnormalities in one of her xrays and wanted to do a CT scan. Emily has been at North Memorial ever since, and she has been admitted with a slight fracture of her back. There is a chance she could go home tomorrow (Friday), or she might have to stay a second night. Sounds like she will have to wear a back brace for some time, up to six weeks.

Photos * I-35W

Cousin Kyle works at the photo shop across from Keagan's. I run into him once in awhile when I am in need of a cold Boddingtons, or trying my luck at trivia. His proximity to yesterday's tragedy allowed him to sneak away and take a few candid photos. I'll leave the captioning up to you.

Flash

Links to my other posts here.

Minnesota Nice * I-35W

Minnesotans have shown their true colors with displays heroism and unconditional support. Through this tragedy we will rediscover the pride we have in our fellow citizens.

Things you may need to know:

- The Holiday Inn central has been designated as the Family Check in point.

- Traffic Access Plan will appear on the City of Minneapolis Website

- Donate Blood

- Concerned families should contact Red Cross

City officials are asking concerned family members who are checking on folks who may be involved in the bridge collapse over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis to call the Red Cross at (612) 871-7676. If callers get a voicemail, please leave contact information and Red Cross volunteers will get back as soon as possible with any information they have.

- Bus Service:

Metro Transit said 25 extra busses will be put into service from six until nine Thursday morning to supplement existing transit service from the park-and-ride locations. There will be staff on hand to help new customers needing assistance.

- The Twins game for Thursday is postponed.

Thursday's Twins-Royals afternoon game has been postponed in light of the tragic I-35W bridge collapse that took place in Minneapolis on Wednesday night.

The team has also postponed Thursday evening's groundbreaking ceremony for the new ballpark.

Joint Statement by Minnesota's Senators:

Washington, D.C. – Minnesota Senators Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar send their thoughts and prayers to the people of Minnesota, and pledge the full support of the federal government in the wake of tonight’s tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis, MN. Senators Coleman and Klobuchar have been in constant contact with Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, and will travel to Minneapolis with the Secretary in the morning to survey the damage and recovery efforts. They have pledged to ensure every available federal resource makes its way to Minnesota immediately, and to help the Minnesota Department of Transportation move forward.

“In light of today’s disaster, we send our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. This is a tragic day for the state, and must first focus on rescue and recovery. The people of Minnesota should know we will devote the full resources of the government in any way possible,” said Coleman. “The Secretary of Transportation assured me that a thorough and complete forensic investigation will be conducted, which I hope will produce a definitive answer as to why this unbelievable disaster has occurred. We must ensure that a catastrophe like the one that happened today never occurs again.”

“This tragedy hits so close to home – in fact, within a mile of my family’s home,” said Klobuchar, a former Hennepin County Attorney and long-time Minneapolis resident. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the many people affected by this evening’s shocking bridge collapse. Most importantly, we are grateful to the many first responders who have moved so quickly to help the victims of this unfortunate accident,” said Klobuchar. “On behalf of the entire Minnesota delegation, we are committed to working together to bring all available federal resources to bear in the wake of this tragedy.”

35W MIssissippi Bridge collapses

Strib Reports:

The Interstate Hwy. 35W bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed during the evening rush hour Wednesday, dumping at least eight cars and a truck into the water and onto the land below, creating a horrific scene of damage, fire, smoke, injuries, frantic rescuers and terrified motorists.

All my hopes to the victims and rescue workers as they work their craft to get people to safety. I am sure we'll have plenty to digest later this evening.

Flash

More Posts:

Minnesota Nice * I-35W
Photos * I-35W
Corps Family * I-35W

UPDATE:

via SitD, an eyewitness account. A snippet:

I was on a river cruise this evening and witnessed the I-35W Bridge collapse. Here is my account.

Shortly after 6 PM today I was on a Mississippi river dinner cruise organized by my work. We left from Boom Island, heading down river towards St. Paul. Enjoying a cold one as we passed through the Upper Lock by St. Anthony Falls on a pleasant warm evening, the only worry was that the rain wouldn't hold off until our cruise was complete. I made my way up to the front of the boat to watch, along with a half-dozen or so others, as the boat approached the Lower Lock. Then I saw something I hope I never see the like of again.

As our boat approach the entrance of the lock, the bridge a few hundred yards beyond collapsed before our very eyes.

New Laws

August 1st, brings us new laws to live by. These statutes include, strong beer on the Midway, non expiring Gift cards, protecting of the final resting place, and consensual piercings. The STRIB article touches on these and a few others.

Flash

It's Official

The STRIB reports:

In one of the highest-profile trades in Twin Cities' professional sports history, the Timberwolves sent Garnett -- for 12 years the face of the franchise -- to the Boston Celtics in exchange for players Al Jefferson, Gerald Greene, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and Ryan Gomes. Also included in the deal are two first-round draft picks and cash considerations. The two picks include Boston's first-round pick in 2009 and the pick Minnesota sent to Boston as a part of a 2006 trade.

KG, HISTORY!!

Perkins on KARE OnLIVE has just announced a deal in principle has been reached with the Boston Celtics regarding a trade involving Kevin Garnett. Perk stated this has been confirmed by the AP.

Links when available.

Something had to happen or the Puppies would have lived in mediocrity for several more years. I'll miss KG and wish him well with his new club . . . . except when they play the LumberPuppies!

Flash

UPDATE: AP wire story via ABC News:

Kevin Garnett is leaving Minnesota after the Boston Celtics agreed to acquire the All-Star forward in a multiplayer trade with the Timberwolves, a Celtics official told The Associated Press on Monday.

Among the players who could be headed to Minnesota are forward Al Jefferson, guard Sebastian Telfair, swingman Gerald Green and center Theo Ratliff, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been completed. The official also said the Timberwolves would get at least one draft choice.

Countdown!

Sack put a smile on my face, yesterday:

Ultimate Chew Toy

The St. Paul Saints, never at a loss for a timely promotion or gimmick, have come up with a doozy:

Sparked by a minor league baseball team's promotion in California and a clever idea from a longtime supporter, the St. Paul Saints are making plans to give away 2,500 "Michael Vick" dog chew toys designed with the Atlanta Falcons' team colors and the No. 7 worn by the team's embattled quarterback.

"People expect so many crazy things from us," said Sean Aronson, director of media relations for the American Association baseball team. "When the idea was presented to us, we simply couldn't resist."

The Vick taunt may have come from California:

Sunday, the Long Beach (Calif.) Armada minor league baseball team will hold a "Michael Vick Animal Awareness Day." Any fan who brings in a Vick shirt or jersey to be thrown into a bonfire receives free admission and a donation in their name to a local animal rights organization.

But the Chew toy idea came from a local Saints fan.

I need to get one for Kurly!! Anyone . . . anyone!

Flash

Best Headline Ever!!

via the WaPo:

Bedtime for Gonzo

Ok, here is some more:

It's way past bedtime for Gonzo. At this point, every day Alberto Gonzales continues as attorney general means more dishonor for the office and the nation -- and higher blood pressure for Senate Judiciary Committee members trying desperately to get a straight answer out of the man.

Gonzo has managed to do something no one else in Washington has managed in years: create a spirit of true bipartisanship. After his pathetic act in front of the committee Tuesday, it's no surprise that Democrats are threatening to investigate him for perjury. But it was Sen. Arlen Specter, a Republican, who looked Gonzo in the face and told him, "I do not find your testimony credible, candidly."

The clock continues to tick . . .

Flash

RIP - Norm, Sr.

Sen. Coleman's father has passed:

Norman Coleman Sr., the father of Minnesota's senior senator and a World War II veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart, died Thursday of bladder cancer.

He was 82.

From the Senator's office:

As a decorated World War II veteran, he will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. During this time of grief, Senator Coleman and his family ask for your thoughts and prayers.”

All me hopes to the Coleman family during this difficult time.

Flash

Texas Freedom

The Minnesota Right gave up on Minnesota Nice when they failed to recognize the importance of common decency, and respect towards an embarrassing medical condition.

Texas gets it correct, and no one could claim them as being a liberal blue state:

The new law, formally known as the Restroom Access Act, guarantees customers with certain medical conditions the use of a retail store's bathroom.

"When I first read about this, I literally cried because I could imagine something closer to a normal life," Manks said. "People don't understand how traumatic it can be when you are denied use of the bathroom. It's just like a panic attack."

Minnesota Right, on the wrong side again!

Flash

eDebate

Although there have been a few skirmishes already, tonight is labeled the first 'official' debate of the Democratic contenders for President.

Sponsored jointly by CNN and YouTube, Democratic candidates will meet at 6:00 pm to respond to questions that have been posted on YouTube. Then there will be more:

The next DNC-approved debate is scheduled for Aug. 19 in Iowa, followed by an official debate in New Hampshire in late September and four more debates in early-primary states after that. With the candidates already spending so much time in the early-voting states, those debates are considered the least disruptive to meeting the other demands of campaigning.

I plan on watching, and so should you!

Flash

UPDATE: The Fix previews what the four top tier candidates need to do. I can't argue with his take on Richardson. This is a crucial time in his campaign:

Bill Richardson: Richardson's fundraising in the second quarter was surprisingly strong, and his early ads in Iowa and New Hampshire are helping him move up in the polls. And yet, no candidate has been more disappointing in the debates than Richardson. He has looked awkward on stage and unable to trim his answers to the required format. His advisers are no doubt aware of these problems, so look for Richardson to be a bit smoother tonight (it would be almost impossible for him to be less smooth). Expect Richardson also to focus on his plan to remove all troops from Iraq by the end of the year -- an attempt to distinguish his position from those of Clinton, Obama and Edwards.

Benchmarks?!?

via Cagle:

Saturday, President Cheney!

President Bush will hand over the reigns of the country, tomorrow. However it will only be for a couple hours, while he undergoes a colonoscopy:

Because the president will be under the effects of anesthesia, Bush has elected to implement Section 3 of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, making Cheney acting president until Bush indicates he is prepared to reassume his authority.

I wish the President well . . . . both of them.

Flash

Plame Lawsuit Tossed!

The Right will twist this into some frivolous lawsuit argument. But it was a jurisdictional ruling. And the Judge points out what many of us have known for awhile.

via CNN:

U.S. District Judge John Bates ruled that the lawsuit raises "important questions relating to the propriety of actions undertaken by our highest government officials" -- but in a 41-page decision, Bates found the Wilsons failed to show the case belongs in federal court.

So fodder for both sides, lets see how it plays out.

Flash

Why Richardson!

Charley likes to taunt me about posting Fundraising numbers and poll results, instead of ideological substance and issue stances. Today`I share an endorsement from a member of Minnesotans for Richardson. It is more than just Resume hype:

Does he, however, have the forward-thinking, engaging, inspiring ideas that a president elected in 2008 requires? Yes. His energy policy--surely one of the most important national policies, given that it affects both domestic and foreign affairs to an enormous extent--is by far the best of those put forward during this election cycle in that it challenges Americans to both reduce energy consumption where and when it is appropriate to do so, as well as work to produce alternate sources of energy to meet our considerable future needs in ways that are cleaner, safer, and more secure than ever before. The percentages by which he wants to reduce greenhouse gasses as well as our dependence upon foreign sources of oil seem at first daunting, but when one reads the thinking behind them, and when one takes into account the notion that this challenge is akin to putting a man on the moon--something that America performed less than a decade after so many people thought that President Kennedy was setting an impossible goal--one gets the sense that we can come together, as we have done before, to meet this challenge as we have met past challenges, and in doing so renew our innovative, industrious spirit, which is currently stuck in an outdated, fossil-fuel rut.

If we can achieve what Governor Richardson sets out for us to achieve in the realm of energy, which in many ways is at the heart of so much of the world's current strife, surely we can achieve the other necessary goals that the governor has set for us. These goals include moving quickly and unflaggingly toward a health care system that protects the quality of American healthcare while simultaneously extending it to all of our citizens; extracting U.S. troops from unnecessary wars of choice, such as the war in Iraq, that distract everyone in this world from the real problem groups civilization faces, such as al-Qaeda (as well as from the problems of ignorance, poverty, and alienation that help to radicalize entire populations to support such groups); and recognizing that so many problems, both of our own citizens and those of people around the world, stem from the unavailability of a well-rounded, quality education for each and every child that recognizes that good academic outcomes, far from being solely check-marks on a piece of paper, are the product of engaging and innovative academic processes, and for this to happen we must ensure that many of the best and brightest in our society are encouraged to be teachers and encouraged to actually teach--which means inspire and challenge students--as opposed to walk lock-step with the trendy, mediocre-standard-bearing, bureaucratic crowd currently muscling into schools.

That was just the guts, read the whole thing.

Flash

A Candidate for the 2nd

A frequent Centrisity commenter is mulling a run for congress:

a National Guardsman with 20 years in the service under his belt is likely to take on Second District GOP Rep. John Kline, a three-term incumbent whose 25 year career in the Marines has been central to his political profile.

Sgt. 1st Class Steve Sarvi, who is demobilizing at Fort McCoy, Wis., this week after serving with the Minnesota Guard in Iraq, is leaning toward making the bid

We have been fortunate to have Steve inject his 'boots on the ground' insight here at Centrisity, and now the electorate of the 2nd may have an opportunity to hear them in person. Here is what they can expect:

"We could go on for hours about how we win wars only to lose the peace, and why that happens time and again. We keep electing incumbents and even the same "types" of people over and over yet we expect different outcomes. Having been "in country" for almost a year now, and working alongside Iraqis, I can tell you that we can not even begin to understand the people of the Middle East. Our experience of Democracy is not what they can or will ever understand. We have to shift our thoughts and see things through their prism."

Sargeant Sarvi has a website up and will be contemplating his next step as he transitions back to the states.

There is more at Inside Minnesota Politics.

Flash

Reprieve

Troy Davis finally gets a break, albeit a short one.

One day before he was to die by lethal injection, convicted cop killer Troy Davis received a 90-day stay of execution Monday from a Georgia clemency board, allowing him time to press his case that he has been the victim of mistaken identity.

I do not assume to know the truth in this case, but the more I have read, the more doubt emerges. My support of the death penalty ends at the point where the possibility of executing an innocent begins (which clearly excludes the likes of Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. and the Oklahoma Bomber). The Davis case has evolved so much over the years, that doubt not only lingers, but seems to be slapping justice upside the head!

The prosecution's case against Davis, 38, has crumbled in the 16 years since he was sentenced to death for shooting a police officer working a security detail in Savannah. Most of the key witnesses in Davis's trial have recanted their testimony, and some have said they lied under police pressure.

- - -

Since the trial, however, three of four witnesses who testified that Davis shot the officer have signed statements contradicting their identification of the gunman. Two other witnesses who told police that Davis had confessed to the shooting have said they made it up. Other witnesses say it was another man at the Burger King that night.

Even Rep. John Lewis was concerned about how justice could be defined if the execution continued:

If executing Troy Davis on the evidence we now have is the best our justice system can do, then that system is not worthy of the word justice. People of good faith can and do disagree about the death penalty. But all of us must certainly agree that before we carry out the ultimate penalty, we must be sure. The only thing I am sure of is that nobody can even come close to being sure that Troy Davis committed this crime. I am, frankly, shocked to think that we could execute anyone under these circumstances. And I ask you not to let that happen.

and he does not forget the life that was lost that day, Officer Mark McPhail,

Before I sit down, let me say a few words about a man who cannot be here today. I speak, of course, of the victim of this terrible crime, Officer Mark MacPhail. And I hope you will think of him too as you make your decision. Officer MacPhail's death was a senseless tragedy, and I am sure his loved ones still feel the pain of his loss. I pray for them and for Officer MacPhail today. And I ask you to do the same. For it is a terrible thing to be a victim of a violent crime.

The defense team now has 90 days to present their case to the parole board. Their best bet is a commutation at this stage. Ideally, a new trial, vindication for Davis, and a conviction of the real killer. But that is for our justice system to decide.

Flash

Slow but Steady Wins the Race

Chris Cillizza, of The Fix, focuses on Richardson:

With the focus on the "top tier" New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson may be overlooked. But Richardson is as well-positioned financially as he could possibly have hoped for when he announced his candidacy for president earlier this year.

Between April 1 and June 30, Richardson raised $7.1 million, bringing his year-to-date fundraising total to more than $13 million. Richardson, like Obama, raised more money in the second quarter of the year than in the first.

Chris then goes on to talk about the spending, and Richardson's successful TV ad campaign. and his organizational infrastructure:

Organizationally, Richardson is in surprisingly good shape in Iowa. He has 11 field offices in the state just one less than Clinton and four fewer than Edwards. (Obama has a whopping 28 field offices.) And, according to washingtonpost.com's "Campaign Tracker" -- bookmark it if you haven't already done so -- Richardson has done 25 events in the Hawkeye State since the start of the year.

What's next, more debates:

The CNN/YouTube debate set for next Monday provides Richardson a real opportunity to break through, a chance he has missed in the televised debates up until now. To date, Richardson has appeared uncomfortable on stage and uncertain of the format. A stronger-than-expected performance would play into a story line that Richardson is slowly but surely moving upwards toward the top tier. It would also help squash (or at least quiet) talk that Richardson is simply too unpredictable to be taken seriously as a candidate for president.

Gov. Bill has not had much success in breaking out during the prior debates, almost seeming clumsy at times. The only way he will be able to force himself into the upper tier, will be to take advantage of the debate opportunities. If he doesn't do that soon, it could spell trouble.

Flash

MOB Meeting

The annual MOB (MN Organization of Bloggers) gathering is this early evening at Keegan's. As the token Lefty (read anyone to the left of the rest of the MOB, even though I am to the Right of most every 'lefty' blogger I have met) I feel obligated to attend.

The gathering is open to every and all interested parties, bloggers, commenters, fans and friends. Stop by Keegan's sometime after 6:00 today (Saturday, July 14) and see what all the fuss is about. The gathering ends:

when the Nihilist in Golf Pants begins his rendition of "Can't Help Falling In Love." Be there to catch all the high-kickin' jumpsuit action.

Oh, and here are the etiquette rules.

Hope to see you there!

Flash

My New Toy

A week or so ago I finally made the leap into HDTV. It was an easy call. I buried myself in information as I narrowed my choices. Deal breakers were the zoom feature required to zoom into Standard Definition Letter boxed movies to fill the screen. The more I read and research, the more the decision became obvious. I went with the Samsung 4661, just one step back from their top of the line 4665 model. The matte finish over the Gloss screen was the decider.But that turned out to be the easier portion of the decision process. Now I have to decide where I am going to get it from. Local big box retailers had the TV for about $2500. Ad to the $200 in taxes and another Three fitty for the extended warranty and I am just over the 3 Grand mark. On the other hand, I could go with an online E-Tailer. Now I am not intimidated by online EShops. My entire audio system was purchased online. Dropping $300 on a tuner or DVD player was a bit nerving at first, but I have had good luck. The 4661 could be had for just over Two Grand online, free shipping, no taxes and about two fitty for the extended warranty. That's a $700 difference.

Which brought me to me dilemma. I always wondered what the value was in buying something from a local Big box -vs- and ETailer. If something goes wrong, I can march the product back to Best Buy, but if purchased online, I deal directly with the manufacturer and could even by tagged with shipping charges to send it back and forth for repair, even under warranty. The thought of having a $2300 door stop was too much. I spent the extra $700 and marched down to Best Buy and pulled the trigger. I have not had a regret.

The TV is amazing, and that is only with the built in tuner pulling in the local HD signals. My Standard Definition DirecTivo box comes in much better than I expected. A concern I had was the appearance of Standard Definition channels as that is still the majority of your viewing choices. Most people complain at the lack of clarity in those pictures, as the HDTV exaggerates the imperfections of the higher resolution. That was not the case with my DirecTV digital signal. Rendering and decompression is handled very well. But that still won;t stop me from upgrading my DTV tuner.

I'll miss my TIVO as DirecTV has gone to an in house DVR. But with their new satellite launched just this past week, almost 100 new HDTV channels will be coming down the pipe, and I'll want to take advantage of everyone one of them in their full digital glory. So that is my mission today. Wheel and deal with the kind folks in the DirecTV retention department to get set up with a box upgrade and talk them out of some programming perks. Its been awhile since I have asked them for anything, so I enter negotiations from a position of strength. And after spending several years blogging on the internets, I have a lot of practice, too!!

Flash

Will it Blend?!?

If you haven't seen it yet, run over and take a peek. A website takes on many different objects to show off its blender. Some safe for home, some not. The latest victim, the iPhone. I was somewhate surprised by the result.

Take a look for yourself.

Flash

Getting Moving

Minnesota 2020 has a couple interesting pieces on transportation.

Road, Bridge Investments Falling Ever Shorter

State Slow on Mass Transit

Transportation seems to take a back seat to issues like Education, Health Care, and the War. However, it is the one issue that effects us daily, on a constant basis. What will it take to make it a priority!?!

Flash

Strong and Getting Stronger!

There are reasons we should have finished the job in Afghanistan before moving on to the Bush Sandbox:

Six years after the Bush administration declared war on al-Qaeda, the terrorist network is gaining strength and has established a safe haven in remote tribal areas of western Pakistan for training and planning attacks, according to a new Bush administration intelligence report to be discussed today at a White House meeting.

Pakistan, Shocked, shocked I say!! . . . I thought Musharraf was with us, not with the terrorists . . . what's going on here?!?

al-Qaeda appears "to be fairly well settled into the safe haven in the ungoverned spaces of Pakistan."

"We see more training. We see more money. We see more communications," Kringen said.

But . . but . . but . . . 'is it safe!'

White House spokesman Tony Fratto declined to sound any alarm yesterday. "There continues to be no credible, specific intelligence to suggest that there is an imminent threat to the homeland," he said in response to questions about Chertoff's remarks.

And what of Musharraf

the Defense Intelligence Agency's deputy director for analysis, traced al-Qaeda's resurgence in Pakistan to an agreement last year that Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf made with the tribal chiefs when he withdrew army units from the northwest area.

In return, the tribal leaders were to prevent the Taliban, bin Laden and al-Qaeda from carrying out training and sending terrorists and arms into Afghanistan and elsewhere. But, Cardillo said: "At the end of the day, we see a worse condition than [there] was before the agreement."

When the administration is struggling just to get out the basic rudiments of their security plan out in the open, this does not help matters at all. I think someone needs to recognize that Pakistan is not as close of a friend as we would like. Iran may be a threat, but Pakistan has been gaming us for far to long!

Flash

Sheda Permit Status Update

Thanks to some contacts I have made both here and in Duluth this is the best I can come up with.

Permit status is NOT public information. It is unclear how the law deals with this information post mortem. Obtaining this information by normal means, i.e. Local reporters and the Sheriff's office, has not been successful, due to this legal protection. However, one of my sources makes an interesting observation:

I'm sure the defendant's defense team will be looking into that
issue.

In conversations with Mitch and Joel, we are pretty much in agreement that it is highly unlikely that Sheda was a permit holder. The simply fact that Alcohol use and carrying is a violation and is 'beaten' into the trainees ad nausea during that process. Should I find out something more definitive, I will let you know.

Flash

UPDATE: A ponder; if permit status is protected/private data, than who/why in the Treptow case was this information released almost immediately?

Gas Gougers

From Cagle himself:

More here!

Flash

Franken Grabs Another Couple Million

From a campaign press release:

The Al Franken for Senate campaign announced today that it expects to report having raised over $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2007 when it files its quarterly report with the FEC on July 15.

The money was raised from nearly 28,000 donors. So far in 2007, over 36,000 donors have contributed a grand total of over $3.2 million. The campaign is particularly pleased to note that over 95% of contributions in the second quarter were $100 or less.

The campaign is pleased to point out this is mostly small doantions and grass roots money:

Other second quarter fundraising notes:

• The average contribution to the campaign in the second quarter was $65.10.
• Nearly 2,000 people who contributed to the campaign in the first quarter, or nearly 20%, made another contribution in the second quarter.
• The campaign has received contributions from every county in Minnesota and from every state in the nation.
• The campaign received only $5,500 from PACs in the second quarter, including $5,000 from Sen. Dick Durbin's (D-Ill.) Prairie PAC and $500 from GMP Political Education League, the PAC of the Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics, & Allied Workers International Union. In the first quarter, Al received just $15,000 from PACs (including $5,000 from his own Midwest Values PAC), while Sen. Coleman received nearly a third of his total ($450,000) from PACs.

We'll see where Ciresi is at, and if ths incumbent can match these nice numbers.

Flash

Eight Wonders

The results are in, and the new 7 wonders of the world have been identified:

Chichén Itzá, Mexico
Christ Redeemer, Brazil
The Great Wall, China
Machu Picchu, Peru
Petra, Jordan
The Roman Colloseum, Italy
The Taj Mahal, India

Why did I say 8 in the Headline, because in a hat tip to the only surviving wonder of the Ancient World, "The Great Pyramid of Giza" was grandfathered in, giving us 8!

What's next, the 7 wonders of nature!!

Flash

Making Lemonade

I must tip my hat to REW at Power Liberal(s). She has become the victim of a very vicious personal attack by someone in the MN Right Wing Blogosphere who claims to be that which he is not. To misuse and photoshop someones ultrasound for personal and political gains is simply unforgivable, but REW has a calmer head than I:

Some advised me to simply ignore it, and go to a happy place. Others told me to stop ignoring it and try and fight it.

I have decided to do both, and turn something I previously found stressful into something that makes me feel good.

Starting today, in honor of his 4th of July post, I am making a donation to Planned Parenthood MN every time the picture shows up on Swiftee's blog.

And a commenter shares many of our frustrations:

You have nothing to apologize for and in fact if Swiftee had the common decency that God granted to a turnip, he would realize that he is the one that owes you an apology. Obviously that is not the case.

Any MAN with a shred of common decency would never use that, to score cheap political points and in fact a MAN would never use that type of cheap bully boy tactics on a woman.

I've met Tom several times, and in person I find him a compassionate and caring individual, which is why it is difficult for me to see him cross this line so forcefully and without remorse. If their argument is so weak they have to drag in other people's unborn children into the debate, than the Voice of the MNGOP is getting pretty desperate.

I don't expect and apology from Tom, but I do respectfully request that he take down the photo shopped ultrasounds and agree to not cross the line into personal family business. It would be appreciated.

Flash

Did He or Didn't He

Coming off the heals of the use of a weapon by a permit holding gun carrier, is a tragedy in Duluth.

Opponents of the Minnesota Personal Protection Act (MPPA) jumped on the Treptow case as an example of misuse of a firearm. But as the facts come out, it is becoming more clear, that even in the case of the shooting of an off duty police officer, this citizen may have acted within the law. The simple fact that he was released so quickly, without charges being filed is our first indicator. Mitch and Joel have been on this one since the beginning.

And that brings us to Duluth. If Staff Sgt. Sheda was a permit holder, then there could be some legitimate fodder available for the MPPA opponents. If not, they'll have nothing. I have the question out to individuals familiar with the case. This post will be updated when I receive an answer.

Flash

Happy Birthday, USA!

Visit the archives:This tired looking piece of parchment is still the strongest and most powerful document in the world.

A special thanks to the signers. A full table, courtesy of the National Archives Experience, is available HERE.

Have a SAFE and healthy holiday!

Flash

The Myths of Scooter

While we still try to digest the actions of this administration, yesterday, lets make sure we all know what actually went down. Not just what we are lead to believe by the timid media. Carol Leonnig of WaPo laid it out almost a month ago:

While covering this case for The Washington Post from the beginning of Special Counsel Patrick J. Fitzgerald's investigation in December 2003, I've received a steady stream of mail, most of it fuming -- some because the writers think a tireless patriot is being persecuted by a runaway prosecutor, others because they think a ruthless traitor is getting off easy after jeopardizing national security.

In fact, neither caricature is fair -- let alone accurate. But even now, four years after Valerie Plame's name hit the papers, the public still has some startling misconceptions about this fascinating, thorny case.

The five myths with their accurate short answer from Leonnig, you'll have to click through for the full skinny:

1. Valerie Plame wasn't a covert operative.

Wrong. She was.

2. Karl Rove would have been indicted in the Plame case if it hadn't been for all the destroyed evidence.

Those e-mails may contain interesting stuff, but for now, it's rank speculation to suggest that they hold information about the Plame case or would have pushed Fitzgerald to charge Rove with perjury.

3. Libby didn't leak Plame's identity.

the overwhelming weight of the evidence at the trial -- including reporters' notes of their interviews with Libby -- showed that Libby had indeed leaked classified information about Plame's identity

4. Bad press doesn't get under Cheney's skin.

if he had been that immune to (as one of his predecessors put it) "the nattering nabobs of negativism," he never would have told his top aide to talk about Joe Wilson, and none of this would have happened.

5. The White House would fire any administration official who leaked classified information about Plame.

When the investigation began, the president said he hated leaks and would hold leakers of classified information accountable. But he has not sacked anyone over the case.

So there, are we all clear now!

Flash

The Bald Ego, Saved?!?

via Rogers:

Commuted?!?

Surprising, no. But there is still something just wrong about it.

I liked this CNN Headline, "Scooter skates"

Flash

(my other stuff on Libby)

The Marching Arts

Randy Salas has a great feature on the front page of the 'Source' section. This is Drum Beauty weekend, where corps from all across the country will converge in Stillwater, Sunday, for this annual event. Tonight they will be in Mankato for Thunder of Drums.

Santa Clara returns to Drum Beauty this year, as does a perennial crowd favorite, the all-male Madison Scouts of Madison, Wis. Both have been world champions of Drum Corps International (DCI). They'll be joined by three other top DCI units and three Minnesota corps. All but one of the latter also perform tonight at Thunder of Drums in Mankato, Minn.

But there are local corps as well. I have performed with both Minnesota Brass AND the Govenaires:

Also appearing will be Minnesota's three drum corps: the Govenaires of St. Peter, Chops Inc. of Minneapolis and, in Stillwater only, Minnesota Brass Inc.

These corps range in size from about 40 to 100 performers. Members can be any age, and the corps are essentially a part-time summer pursuit with mostly regional performances. Although all-ages corps compete with DCI corps at shows such as Drum Beauty, they have their own world championships, in early September in Rochester, N.Y.

In fact, the Govies -- as the Govenaires are called by fans -- won their division at last year's finals. But that hasn't changed the corps, which drum major and executive director John Mayer likens to "a traveling show band."Our corps is the same, but everybody else's perception of the corps has changed, which is kind of nice," said Mayer, who first marched with the Govies when he was 12.

If you are looking for a change, and a unique entertainment option, check out the websites. I have been involved in the Drum and Bugle Corps activity since 1978. For now I am on an extended sabatical. Maybe by 2010 I'll return to the field. I really miss it!

Flash

Gauging Gas

via Cagle: More here:

Flash

Welcome, MN2020

MN2020, a new left of center think tank, has officially launched. Their first report is on the concerns facing rural Minnesotans:

The state is failing rural Minnesota. Today, the State of Minnesota's economic development policy is oriented towards large projects and larger cities. Efforts to aid rural areas are fragmented, unfocused or nonexistent.

Minnesota faces a stark, fundamental policy choice: do we invest in small town business development policy or do we return rural Minnesota to the buffalo?

Matt Entenza, his staff and fellows, will bring a refreshing look at the issues and create dialogue on what we need to do to make this state better for our children. A far cry from the politics of personal destruction that has become such common place on the Right.

Flash

Closing the Gap

MNMon's sister in Iowa reports what I heard yesterday. Here's the lead:

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson might be able to claim entry into the top-tier of Democratic presidential candidates if the results of internal campaign poll on Iowa caucus support are confirmed by outside pollsters.

The Likeliest (voters who attended the 2004 caucuses, voted in the 2006 primary, and say they are definite to attend next year's caucus) Caucus goers breakdown like this:

31% John Edwards
23% Hillary Clinton
18% Bill Richardson
16% Barack Obama
3% Joe Biden
2% Dennis Kucinich
0% Chris Dodd
1% Other
8% Don't Know/NA

If you haven't yet, be sure to read my visit with the Governor.

Flash

Lugar Lists

The ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee tells it like it is:

"The window during which we can continue to employ American troops in Iraqi neighborhoods without damaging our military strength, or our ability to respond to other national security priorities, is closing," he said. "The United States military remains the strongest fighting force in the world, but we have to be mindful that it is not indestructible."

Lugar also said he believes the chances for success of Bush's strategy of boosting troop levels in Iraq to try to get the security situation there under control is "very limited within the short period framed by our own domestic political debate."

"The costs and risks of continuing down the current path outweigh the potential benefits that might be achieved," Lugar said. "Persisting indefinitely with the 'surge' strategy will delay policy adjustments that have a better chance of protecting our vital interests in the long term."

When those among the 20 percentile of the President's support group start changing their tune like this, you know it is only a matter of time before significant adjustments will be made.

Come November 2008, the War on Terror will be a significant campaign issue, but the war in Iraq will not. And for those not paying attention, NO, they were not one in the same!

Flash

Timing is Everything

A WaPo editorial is already speculating on what will happen come November when the President said he would hand over Iraqi' security:

It's not about whether the United States should pull out troops. That is now inevitable. The real challenge is to figure out the right timetable for withdrawal, whether a residual force should be left there and which American objectives can still be salvaged.

This is not the debate President Bush wants to have come September, when a slew of reports will be issued assessing the results of the troop surge. Already, the administration is preparing the ground for kicking the real choices into next year. Where once the White House seemed to be saying, "Give us until September," its spokesmen now seem to be insisting that we won't know much by then after all.

This is the President's last chance. There is no other alternative. The Surge works, security is turned over, and redeployment begins. Or, the surge doesn't work, and redeployment begins. Either way the outcome is the same.

Dione continues:

Time is running out, because most Americans no longer believe the administration's promises that the commitment in Iraq will turn out well if only we are patient. This is why we need to begin planning our withdrawal now rather than waiting until the Army and the reserves hit the breaking point. Oddly, President Bush has more of an interest in this than anyone. "The more time passes, the more our options narrow," says Kurt Campbell, the chief executive and co-founder of CNAS. "Left unchallenged, the president would fight to exhaustion, and we can't afford to fight to exhaustion."

The dialogue needs to begin in how to leave, because leaving will happen, how is crucial to regional stability.

A new 'middle of the road' think tank has produced some of their own reports. The Center for a New American Security (CNAS)

the report, written by James Miller and Shawn Brimley, has the virtue of defining three sensible goals for American policy: to prevent the establishment of al-Qaeda havens in Iraq; to prevent a regional war; and to prevent genocide. Miller defines the right objective for those who want to end the war: "There should be a much better plan for withdrawal than there was for entry."

Some may say to at least have a plan, 'cause as each day passes, it sure seems this administration is playing it by ear.

But that's just me!

Flash

Battle for the Base

via the Strib, Sen Obama shares where the Right may have gone wrong:

"Somehow, somewhere along the way, faith stopped being used to bring us together and faith started being used to drive us apart," the Democratic presidential hopeful said before the national meeting of the United Church of Christ, of which Obama is a member.

"Faith got hijacked, partly because of the so-called leaders of the Christian right, all too eager to exploit what divides us," he said.

I believe the electorate is on to this. There is a scramble of the Right Wing bass, as the immigration issue splinters them, and the Christian Right flexes their muscles. The GOP has always been a master of message control, so it will be interesting to see if they can reel in their constituency and position themselves for retention of the White House. At this point, it is looking more like a long shot, but never count them out.

Flash

Happy Anniversary, Baby!!

To the most wonderful woman in the world:

THANK YOU for being my wife.

May the next 7 years be as fantastic as the first 7!!

Your Hubby!

Animated 9/11

I caught on the news last night the new animation of what exactly happening to the towers at the time of impact. The severing of the support beams, the instant inferno that followed. The researcher are pretty convinced that the initial damage is not what doomed the towers, but the following inferno that fatigues the metals to the point they could no longer do their job of support.

"When the developers of the World Trade Center first designed the complex, they did take into account of an accidental plane crash," said Christoph Hoffman, one of the study's lead researchers. "The only thing they didn't anticipate is the fire. If the crash impacts the water line, then a fire can burn for a long time."

The graphics are amazing. Video can be found on YouTube.

Flash

Secret Weapon

This has been a Paris free zone, but I simply couldn't pass this one up. It had just enough crossover appeal I thought I could slip it in. Enjoy!

Richardson Interview Epilogue

Several things happened following the completion of the interview that humanized the Governor. First, I shared with him the story of a custodian at my former school.. This individual asked me whom I was supporting for President. When I told him Bill Richardson, this guy went nuts. He was convinced that the Governor is the best candidate and was so frustrated at how RIchardson was being ignored by the media. The Governor asked me what this guys name was and in an impromptu gesture, pulled out a small signature card and wrote a simple note and signed it for the custodian. Later that day I met up with Greg and he was simply thrilled.

Second, he looked at me and stated "I'm really sorry about the Iraq issue" He wasn't apologizing for his position, he was acknowledging the difference we have, and the emotional investment involved. I felt a sincere level of compassion.

Finally, I took it upon myself to bring a simple graduation card for the Governor to sign for my son. He was very gracious in accommodating this request. "Josh - Congratulations and all the Best - Bill Richardson.

I look forward to visiting with the Governor again, and maybe that time, he will be on a ticket, stage to regain the White House, and restore credibility to out national policies, both foreign and domestic.

Flash

EXCLUSIVE:5 Minutes with Governor Bill Richardson: The Transcript

Following is a complete transcript of the interview portion of my visit with Governor Bill Richardson. The Governor was extremely gracious and sincerely concerned about the future of our country. I hope the following captures some of that. Tomorrow I will have an epilogue to touch on some of the post interview exchange we shared.

Flash
- - - -

The Governor's responses are in BOLD

I am going to start with a question I asked Senator Obama Last Spring. How do we make sure we have a healthy debate within the party without providing ammunition to the opposition in the process.

Two things, One I think it is important that this be the campaign, the Democratic Primary, where the heart and sole of the Democratic Party comes forth. For that to happen, two steps need to take place. One, I believe we should all agree, all the Democrats, to stay positive. To not attack each other. Yes, to differentiate ourselves on the issues, and I believe I have a big difference with other candidates on the war in Iraq. Secondly, to participate fully in all debates, To try and make as many of these forums as possible. Not just the officially sanctioned DNC forums, but also those that other groups; Native Americans, African Americans, Environmentalists the various constituencies the Democratic Party put forth. But most importantly, it is important we make the selection of the next President not on who's the biggest Rock Star, or who's the biggest celebrity, or who has the most money, but on who has the best vision for the country and who is the most qualified.

As we move through the campaign process, how are you preparing for the "Smear Boaters" post endorsement. You know they will be gunning for whomever the nominee is.

Well you have to understand the Republican Party. They're the party of the Status Quo, they're negative. Looking at their debate, I see where that party is at; defending an unpopular President and an even more unpopular war in Iraq They're defending torture and they want to expand torture. That was the message I got from the debate. They want to basically instill the politics of fear when it comes to immigration. They are going to use every wedge issue, they are going to be negative But we have to be ready we can't just sit back and let them take shots. We got to be able to respond!

So you are hoping we don't sit by during July and August like what happened during the last race that might have been key

That's right, I want us to stay positive as Democrats, but I believe it is important that we realize the Republican Party is desperate to hang on to Power in the executive branch,. And they are going to be throwing every piece of mud at us and we should be ready to respond and just give them doses of their own medicine. Not get negative personally, but just expose their record, a record of huge deficits, a failure to act on the domestic needs of this country, education, Health care, a disastrous foreign policy, a misadventure in Iraq and a lessening of the American spirit, a morale that is very down, a very nation that is very divided. I believe all we have to do is talk about their record

Let's talk about Iraq for just a minute (I pull out a picture of my son, Cpl. Tom) I'd like to introduce you to my son

Oh Wow! He's a handsome Kid

He is currently training in Miramar after doing 6 months on the Iwo Jima

I believe we should give the President this last chance, using the surge, to prepare to turn Iraqi security over to the Iraqi's in November. Isn't that soon enough? I've been pretty hawkish, I've been actually supporting the President even through this 'surge', with an understanding when he made his announcement that in November he turns over Iraqi Security to Iraq and begin redeploying troops

No, I disagree! I believe what's happened is our troops have become the targets. When 61% of the Iraqi people basically say that it is OK to shoot at an American soldier, and 72% of the Iraqi people want us out within a year. I believe that our support there has reached a point where it is best to withdraw. I believe the surge, the President's policy, is basically going to cause more sectarian violence, more of a civil war.

What I would do as President is use the leverage of a withdrawal to try to bring a peace a reconciliation among the three groups in Iraq. One where they divide oil revenues, they divide themselves into states, as three different states. They have a federal Government heading them, an all Muslim peace keeping force. Iran and Syria would participate. That would be a tough negotiation, but I don't believe those countries would want to have a huge influx of refugees. I believe very strongly that this war has caused enormous damage to the United States. What I would do with our troops is redeploy them to bases in Kuwait where they ARE wanted. In Afghanistan where I believe the we DO have a threat of Al-Qaeda.

So I admire the service of your son and I want him to be proud, but I want him to be safe, And as President, I want you to know that I would withdraw our forces as rapidly as our commanders say we can do it.

I graduated a son this year, tomorrow is his Open House celebration. What can I tell him, and my younger two boys what a Richardson Administration will do to assure them a shot at the American Dream?

You can tell them a Richardson Administration would say young people have a huge stake in this election. I would say to them a Richardson Administration would, # 1, attack a problem that hopefully their generation won't have to face. And that is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This is a planet that is today, dirty. That unless we take drastic steps to reduce green house gas emissions we are going to leave his generation a planet that has a less quality of life. Secondly, you can tell them that a Richardson Administration would attack, in a bipartisan way, the issue of the deficit. His generation is going to be loaded with a defect of 8.8 trillion dollars. In a bipartisan way I would commit to him that we would end the deficit and try to generate an economy that is inclusive of the middle class a globalization that today does not include the Middle Class. Third, I would say to your sons, that a Richardson Administration, also in a bipartisan way, is going to try to deal with the safety net for his generation, and that is Social Security and Medicare. We got to find a way that Social Security and Medicare are preserved, are economically sustainable in the out years and that we stop telling young people that Social Security and Medicare are going to be there forever for them. That requires also a bipartisan solution.

Most importantly I want you to tell your sons that a Richardson Administration will try to bring this country together. We are deeply divided over Immigration, over Iraq, over a whole variety of strains on the middle class. Instead of thinking of ourselves as red states or blue states, rural and urban we should think of ourselves as a united country. One way to bring this country together is to say to the body politic, Congress and the administration, that basically has today a dysfunctional relationship, that we got to resolve the problems in this country in a bipartisan way! We got to heal this country, we got to bring people together. We got to unify this country on the basis of common goals.

As JFK Said, it is important that we start thinking about how collectively we can help this country rather than a government that is basically saying everyone is on their own. That is not America

And to do that we need Governor Bill Richardson as our President

YES!

--

DIGG this!

EXCLUSIVE:5 Minutes with Governor Bill Richardson - A Teaser

I had an EXCELLLENT visit with Democratic Candidate for President, Governor Bill Richardson. As is his style, he was very candid and forthright, especially when I challenged him on his Iraq position.

Full transcript will be up on Monday, I have a Graduation open house to prepare. If you are in the neighborhood, tomorrow, stop by and celebrate with us.

Flash

Father's Day Prelude

More here.

Bill -v- Resumé

Ryan Lizza has an incredibly candid peak at Gov Richardson, on 'The New Republic'

Here is an excerpt that really caught my eye:

Although many Democrats are smitten with Clinton, Obama, and Edwards, Richardson is enjoying a moment of heightened voter interest, even passing the psychologically crucial barrier of double-digit support in one Iowa poll. He is both the hot-dog-and-ballgame everyman and the seasoned international statesman. The latter is particularly alluring to an electorate yearning for the anti-Bush: someone with the foreign policy chops and diplomatic skills to repair America's tattered reputation and alliances, someone who understands the granular nuance of nuclear proliferation and the Iraq conflict and who isn't afraid to talk to our enemies.

Lizza pulls no punches here. But in the end you recognize what a regular Joe Gov Bill is. We could really use that in a leader right now.

Flash

Making a Move

The post debate poll is out in New Hampshire. Hillary takes a commanding lead, and Gov. Bill surges:

According to a new CNN/WMUR poll of New Hampshire Democratic primary voters released Monday, the New York senator has surged into the lead, with 36 percent support. Obama has held fairly steady at 22 percent, while Edwards has lost support. He's now at 12 percent. (PDF)

The debate got another player into the game -- Bill Richardson, whose support has reached 10 percent.

The Governor is staged to be a serious player in the endorsement process. It is still anyones to win, well, accept maybe Kucinich!

Flash

Busy Week

It will be a hectic week. Last two days of students, which brings its own challenges every year. Wednesday will be all about securing staff equipment. Thursday will involve preparation for the final stages of building remodeling.

Friday is set to be the most exciting. With a Graduation open house looming on Saturday, there is still much to be done. But Gov Bill Richardson is coming into town and that requires making the time for another '5 minute' exclusive. I have already been in contact with the campaign, so it looks like Friday morning I should have an opportunity to visit with the Governor from New Mexico.

Then Saturday, the graduation celebration for my son Josh. Many family and friends will be stopping by the new and improved homestead. I found a GREAT contractor who was able to finally repair my dormers and paint them all pretty. I'll have some pics soon, but if you are looking for a qualified and competent 'no jobs too small' type of contractor, let me know. These guys are excellent!!

Bare with me this week, it's going to be an interesting ride!!

Flash

Sinking Ship?!?

via Cagle:

Fork meet Scooter:Part Deaux

The case is now in its twilight, after having followed it for some time. Although the appeals will continue, a 30 day stay at the White Color country club awaits the felon. There is speculation that Libby will get a reprieve and be allowed to remain free during appeal, I am not so sure. The conviction is pretty solid and the ball is in the President's court.

Will Bush sit back and watch a trusted advisor go to prison for protecting the administration, or will the President have courage and pardon him. There really is no downside for Bush. The 36% still supporting this administration wouldn't waffle over a pardon to Scooter. This 36% are the lemming who would follow Bush anywhere, even over a cliff.

Flash

Family Tragedy-A Time for Healing

Last week I received a difficult phone call. It was from my sister informing me of the untimely passing of my cousin.

Many of you may recall my gloating last fall of the election of Tim Willson, Mayor of Brooklyn Center. It is his daughter who passed. Mom shares her insight:

As I write this I feel like someone has kicked me in the stomach. I have always been a little uncomfortable when things seem to be going well. It's like I'm waiting for the thunder bolt.

Yesterday I let my guard down

I am now seeing up close how someone you love deals with a child's death. Sitting in their Living room listening to the Chaplain who arrived after the police were there was an experience I don't want to deal with anytime soon. Don't get me wrong he was so kind and so caring, but talking about this beautiful girl being with God. I wanted to scream...I wanted to get out of there. Thank Goodness for my daughter who was also there.

I will be attending the funeral, today. The circumstances surrounding her death are still under investigation, and the family asks that their privacy during this difficult time be respected. Soon the Mayor and his wife will release a statement and you can be sure it will be filled with words that will make it clear how much they loved and cherished their daughter.

Hug your children today. Be strong for those around you when they face tumult in their lives. You can't even begin to imagine how much it is appreciated.

Cousin Kurt

UPDATE: Strib article on the arrest and charging of the dealer.

The Thompson Factor

With the entrance of Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson in the GOP Presidential fray, we may get a glimpse of what it takes to be competitive after the early front runners are already entrenched. Rasmussen gives us some numbers:

Twenty-two percent (22%) of Americans say they will definitely vote for him if he’s on the ballot in 2008. Thirty percent (30%) will definitely vote against him. That net deficit of eight percentage points (22% for minus 30% against) is better than all other candidates in the race except for Barack Obama.

Still, the actor enters the race trailing the top three Democratic candidates by 3 to 10 points.

Against New York Senator Hillary Clinton, Thompson attracts 44% of the vote. That’s three less than Clinton’s 47% total.

Illinois Senator Barack Obama leads Thompson by seven points, 49% to 42%.

Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards has the biggest edge over Thompson, 47% to 37%.

These numbers show not how strong Thompson is already, but how vulnerable a Clinton nomination would be to the Democrats White House hopes. What is the most surprising to me, is the strong showing by Edwards in these head to heads.

No word on how Gov. Bill Richardson would match up. He is still flying below the radar. I have some xciting news regarding Gov Richardson and his upcoming visit to MN. You can be sure I will keep you posted.

Flash

Two Party System at Work!

This caught my eye more for it's more broad acknowledgment of the tribulations of a two party system.

Flash

Sooner Rather Then Later

While Cindy can't see the forest for the trees, there is talk on the Right of placing withdrawal on the table by year's end:

Republican Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) said this morning on CBS' Face the Nation that "unless something extraordinary happens," most members of Congress believe that troop withdrawal should be on the table in September.

"We have to be realistic," he said. "We have to know that we can't achieve everything we'd like to achieve. We have a limited number of men and women we can send to Iraq, and we can't overburden them."

The idea of the surge, was to not just make one final seep through Iraqi trouble spots, but to take advantage of the trained indigenous security force to hold the areas post sweep. There are signs that this is working, even before the full troops strength numbers are reached.

What tactics are working? "We got down at the people level and are staying," he said flatly. "Once the people know we are going to be around, then all kinds of things start to happen."

More intelligence, for example. Where once tactical units were "scraping" for intelligence information, they now have "information overload," the general said. "After our guys are in the neighborhood for four or five days, the people realize they're not going to just leave them like we did in the past. Then they begin to come in with so much information on the enemy that we can't process it fast enough."

In intelligence work - the key to fighting irregular wars - commanders love excess.

And the tribal leaders in Sunni al Anbar Province, the general reports, "have had enough." Not only are the al Qaeda fighters causing civil disruption by fomenting sectarian violence and killing civilians, but on a more prosaic but practical side, al Qaeda is bad for business. "All of the sheiks up there are businessmen," Petraeus said. "They are entrepreneurial and involved in scores of different businesses. The presence of the foreign fighters is hitting them hard in the pocketbook and they are tired of it."

There is an election next year, and although public sentiment is not behind this administration's war policy, there is reluctance by the mindful middle to blindly turn over the reigns of national security to the Democratic Party. If the Right can finally show some common sense, their dismal prospects of success at the 2008 ballot boxes may be recovering.

Flash

Memorial Day Message

Sen. Amy Klobuchar's Memorial Day message:

“Minnesota is a state where we wrap our arms around the people who serve and sacrifice for us – and we wrap our arms around their families, too.

“Every day, we have an obligation to honor our soldiers and their families by giving them the respect and appreciation they have earned – both those who came home and those who did not.

“Today is a special day of remembrance for all of us as Americans.

“We remember our brave soldiers. From the ridges of Gettysburg, to the beaches of Normandy, to the jungles of Vietnam, to the mountains of Afghanistan and the sands of Iraq, our men and women in uniform have served our nation with honor and courage.

“At his Second Inaugural, President Lincoln reminded the American people that, in war, we must strive ‘to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.’

“Today, on this Memorial Day, Americans are again called to bind up our nation’s wounds and to care for those who have borne the battle, as well as their families who have shouldered their own sacrifice.

“We must embrace this solemn obligation by honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and by honoring our returning soldiers and their families by giving them the care and help that they deserve.”

My personal remembrances were posted in May 2004, recognizing my ancestors contributions, and honoring those who never made it home.

Thank a Vet today, and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to make our lives just a little bit better!

Flash

Technical Difficulties

Nasty Trojan loose in the building. Didn't get home from work till 9:00pm last night and back at it at 6:30am. Of course, the Macs in the building are unaffected. Best form of viral control is buy a Mac.

Flash

It's Official; Gov. Bill Is In!

Although a mere formality, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson made it official yesterday:

LOS ANGELES, May 21 -- New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson established another landmark in the 2008 campaign Monday, becoming the first Hispanic Democrat to seek the presidency of the United States.

Richardson, 59, the son of a Mexican mother and half-Mexican father, made his candidacy official at a crowded news conference in the same downtown Los Angeles hotel in which John F. Kennedy accepted the Democratic nomination in 1960. Richardson emphasized his Hispanic heritage, his extensive diplomatic and political experience, and his depth of knowledge on issues, particularly foreign policy.

And he is sounding more presidential each day:

"This nation needs a leader with a proven track record and an ability to bring people together to tackle our problems here at home and abroad," Richardson said, speaking from a podium in a Millennium Biltmore Hotel ballroom packed with supporters. "I am that person -- not because I say so, but because of what I have done."

"What I have done", is something some of the other candidates can't say with the same conviction. Where the Governor may not have the unlimited financial chest, or popularity in the polls, he does have a presidential resumé that is the most solid of all candidates on both sides of the aisle. Once the electorate begins to realize that, we just may have another Gov. Bill coming out of nowhere to reside in the White House.

Flash

Two Peas

Mitch whines in a post entitled Faint Damnation:

Getting called “the worst president in history” by The Worst President In History?

Priceless:

When one resorts to a series of put downs, it does seem to crumble whatever arguments they had. Let's See how many we can count, Goofytooth, Phumphered and droned, actively connived, morally repugnant scumbag, incompetence and sheer horror.

I am not going to argue about presidential rankings, but there is one thing that is clear to me. With the failures of this presidency snowballing, PaPa Bush is looking pretty good right now, and President Carter will have someone to look down on.

I don't know who the worst President ever is, but I know who isn't on the list anymore, Carter and Bush I. How long President GW remains on the list is up to how history treats him. Then I can take Mitch's cue and call him a bunch of names. But I won't resort to that. Not my style.

Flash

Happy Birthday, Clone Boy

My youngest is 14 today. You saw a glimpse of him horsing around with his brother a couple days ago in this picture:

He's a little taller now, smarter, lippier, but always manages to put a smile on our face.

I'd be lying if I said I wish they would stop growing. I am all but counting the days to empty nest land. But seeing my 'baby' passing me on the growth chart is something I could have waited another year or two for.

Happy Birthday, Son!! Make me proud!

Dad

Jumping the Gun

Reports on a gaming forum leaked an addition to the latest version of Halo, and a Cheneymania medal for Shotgun proficiency:
Calmers heads have since prevailed and the award was renamed ShotGun Mania and than Open Season. With any luck it will go full circle back to Cheney. *grin*

Flash

Farewell, Falwell

via CNN:

The Rev. Jerry Falwell has died, a Liberty University executive said Tuesday. He was 73. Earlier today, Ron Godwin, the executive vice president of Falwell's Liberty University, had said Falwell was found unresponsive around 10:45 a.m. and taken to Lynchburg General Hospital. Godwin said he was not sure what caused the collapse, but said Falwell had "a history of heart challenges."

The Reverend always seemed to find himself immersed in some controversy, but I have to believe there is good in all people, and that he was only promoting that which he felt was best for his congregation and followers.

Flash

Happy Birthday, Marine!

My Son, Tom, is 21 today. Latest word is he started celebrating as soon as the clock struck midnight. I hope to talk to him later today, if he ever wakes up *laughing*

Tom is currently in Miramar training for his next mission. If I find out more details, I will share.



Proud Daddy Flash