Gone Hunting!

I'm off to Iowa for the Pheasant Opener. Maybe I'll get another one of these:
Have a great weekend, and don't be afraid to use this comment thread to point my other readers to interesting screeds you find in your travels through the blogosphere!

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Paul Wellstone; 1944 - 2002

It's been 5 years:Green Tea has the video up sharing Sen. Paul's life. Like minded Lefties, and open minded Righties respected him, especially those of us who didn't necessarily share his ideology.

He continues to be missed.

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UPDATE: GiGi makes an excellent point:

We don't want to forget the others that were on that plane. Besides Paul and Sheila Wellstone, their daughter Marcia, and three campaign aides - Mary McEvoy, Tom Lapic, and Will McLaughlin.
Bright lights that went out that awful day.

Also, pilots Michael L. Guess and Richard Conry

Pulling the Load!

This morning's Sack, via Cagle:
See Simple Math.

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The McCain 2nd Wind

How long before McCain regains front runner status? As Thompson and Giuliani fight for the beauty prize, McCain wallows in Romney land. But in head to heads against Sen. Clinton, he is the leader:

(McCain) loses to her by 3.3 points. Mr. Giuliani is very close — he would lose by 4 points, which is insignificant but enough for Mr. McCain to claim bragging rights. Mr. Romney would lose to Mrs. Clinton by 10.3 points. Fred Thompson would lose by 11.7 points.

The Right is going to have to make a choice pretty soon. Do they want to win, retain their edge on the security issue, and continue to keep the Left in check by controlling the White House. Or do they want to stick to some impossible ideological vision, thereby giving up on their chance to remain in the Oval Office. Mark McKinnon, a McCain strategist, thinks voters are just parked:

Republican voters are just temporarily “parked” and have not settled on a candidate. They left Mr. McCain after the immigration debate when they thought his candidacy was no longer viable, he said. They still like and respect him and as soon as they think he’s viable again _ “which they’re doing right now,” Mr. McKinnon said _ they’ll be back.

McCain was my preference until Gov. Richardson entered the race. I still cringe at the thought of a Hillary endorsement, and short of Gov. Bill being on the under card, I struggle with a scenario where I could support her. At this point a Giuliani or McCain endorsement would draw this left leaning moderate into their camp. But frankly, I don't think the Right wants to win. They have left such a mess, both fiscally and internationally, that they may prefer a Democratic Candidate to come in and fix it. Then they would have the best of both worlds, a balanced budget through the roll back of the Bush tax cuts for the rich, and the ability to flog the Dems by proclaiming to the American people "I told you so" for the next four years. Win-Win for them.

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Valerie Plame, Fair Blame

The Outed agents speaks, and clarifies/confirms that which most of us knew already. Let's cut right to the reality:

The question remains: Was she behind her husband's trip to Niger? "Fair Game" gives a nuanced answer that is largely, but not entirely, in her favor.

She says that when the vice president's office asked the CIA about the uranium allegation, a "midlevel reports officer" suggested in a hallway conversation that the agency could send Joe Wilson to investigate. The suggestion made sense because Wilson had served as an ambassador in Africa, was the top Africa expert on the National Security Council in the Clinton administration and made a previous trip to Niger at the CIA's request in 1999. She and the midlevel officer brought the idea to their boss, who liked it and asked her to send an e-mail up the chain of command. "My husband has good relations with both the PM [prime minister] and the former Minister of Mines (not to mention lots of French contacts), both of whom could possibly shed light on this sort of activity," she wrote.

Thus, by her own account, Valerie Wilson neither came up with the idea nor approved it. But she did participate in the process and flogged her husband's credentials. When Joe Wilson learned about her e-mail years later, she says, he was "too upset to listen" to her explanations.

What is so frustrating about cases like this, and other inconsistencies in the Rights' thought process, is how much further along we could be in the debate, if they would spend less time finagling the truth, and more time working together to seek it.

Can you just imagine the firestorm if the parties were reversed. If it were a Democratic Administration, frustrated with the behavior of a 'partisan' operative, that chose to jeopardize national security in favor of purely political retaliation. Field Day.

You know, the same party that supports Rush Limbaugh's claim of "phoney soldier's" to those who don't support the administration war view unconditionally. (Yes, I've read the complete transcript, and Rush's feeble attempt at spin after the fact. He's talking plural, multiple soldiers, and clearly referencing their ideology as a group, not an individual)

I want the truth, and wherever it may lead me. I won't manipulate it on the way, to reach a favored outcome. Maybe that is the difference between me, and those with an agenda.

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FUNdraiser: The UpTake

UPDATE and bump - - -

TODAY, Saturday, The UpTake is having a little shindig to raise some bucks. Starting at 3:00PM, at the DL haunt 331 Club, fun will be had by all in an attempt to assist in putting some ching in the coffers of this upstart Video Journalistic venture. There is a snippet of them in action, here. And don't be afraid to traverse their site for some of their other endeavours, like the Critical Mass excursion.

I am not sure what my schedule holds. I have been working on Algebra all day with my youngest boy. Maybe by tomorrow I will have him caught up. (update - Chapter 2 complete, so far so good)

So if you can make it, FANTASTIC, and if you can't, there is an online donation opportunity right HERE.

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MEA Weekend?

Well, MEA is long gone, it is actually the "Education Minnesota Professional Conference"

This year's keynoter is Author Mark Victor Hansen, the Chicken Soup for the Soul guy:

Mark Victor Hansen has been a professional speaker for over 30 years. In 1990 he teamed up with Jack Canfield to write “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” the first of dozens of inspirational titles in the Chicken Soup series.

His other books include “The One Minute Millionaire” others in the “Millionaire” series. Hansen continues a prolific speaking and writing career and has made many appearances in radio, television and print media.

I recall a few years ago meeting Bob Woodward at a similar event. Not sure if I'll be going down this year.

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Vice President Gore, Out!

No shock, here:

Former US Vice-President Al Gore has ruled out again making a late entry into the 2008 presidential race.

In an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, he said he would not make a fresh bid for the White House.

Never say never, certainly, but this is pretty definitive. Now maybe those fence sitters can examine the candidtes that are actually running, and choose the best person for the job.

If they are struggling, they can find some help here and here.

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Carbon Man

via Cagle:

It's Been a Year . . .

. . . since Mike's passing!

I'll be stopping at Rock for a Growler this afternoon, The Doctor is picking up the cigars. We'll meet about 6:00 at the cemetery. I don't know, what else do you do!?

I miss 'em!

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Al-Qaeda Crippled?

It is difficult fighting an enemy with no defined borders, no defined uniform, no defined strategy (other than death ti infidels). and most importantly, no fear of dieing for the cause. But the War on terror has bee a slow and progressive battle. Today we get this report from WaPo:

The U.S. military believes it has dealt devastating and perhaps irreversible blows to al-Qaeda in Iraq in recent months, leading some generals to advocate a declaration of victory over the group, which the Bush administration has long described as the most lethal U.S. adversary in Iraq.

Encouraging, certainly, but we have beheaded this organization before only to have the hydra return stronger than ever. I am not alone in this thinking:

other officials have cautioned against taking what they see as a premature step that could create strategic and political difficulties for the United States. Such a declaration could fuel criticism that the Iraq conflict has become a civil war in which U.S. combat forces should not be involved. At the same time, the intelligence community, and some in the military itself, worry about underestimating an enemy that has shown great resilience in the past.

"I think it would be premature at this point," a senior intelligence official said of a victory declaration over AQI, as the group is known. Despite recent U.S. gains, he said, AQI retains "the ability for surprise and for catastrophic attacks." Earlier periods of optimism, such as immediately following the June 2006 death of AQI founder Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in a U.S. air raid, not only proved unfounded but were followed by expanded operations by the militant organization.

The WaPo article is very good in laying on the realities here. Some good news, but also making it clear the historical resilience of this organization, and the myopic vision of their cause. It's not enough to make me think we aren't moving closer to victory, whatever victory may be in this war.

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Open House:Highland Water Tower

On the list of National Historic places is the 79 year old Highland Water Tower:

The water tower is a Highland neighborhood landmark located at the intersection of Snelling Avenue and Ford Parkway. Admission is free and open to the public. Visitors are invited to climb the 151 -step staircase inside the tower to the observation deck. The deck offers stunning views of the Highland area, the Twin Cities, and the Mississippi River, providing an excellent opportunity for photographs and a fun family outing. The tower will reopen the second weekend in October for the annual fall colors viewing.

The tower, which was designed by Clarence Wigington, was completed in 1928. Wigington, a city of Saint Paul architect from 1915 to 1949 , also designed many other important structures in the area, including the Keller Golf Course Clubhouse (1929) , the Saint Paul Public Safety Building (1929–30) , and Como Park Pavilion (1934) . The construction of the Highland Water Tower includes facings of Kasota and Bedford stone and a riveted steel-plate tank with a capacity of 200,000 gallons. The 127 -foot tower is still used today to help supply water in the Highland area. A collection of several original Highland Tower blueprints, many of which bear Wigington’s signature, will be on display inside the tower.

The Doors to the tower were open today from 9:00am - 5:00 pm. But don't fret, tomorrow is you other Fall opportunity to view the colors from above. If you have never been to the top, it is well worth the hike for the view.

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Vice President Al Gore; Nobelaureate

Congratulations, Mr. Vice President!

Vice President Al Gore Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize today, along with a United Nations panel that monitors climate change, for their work educating the world about global warming and advocating for political action to control it.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee characterized Gore as "the single individual who has done most" to convince world governments and leaders that climate change is real, is caused by human activity, and poses a grave threat.

I am not totally sold on the panic that is the Climate crisis. However, I do believe there are thing we should do to make our world a cleaner and better place to live in. Gore has been integral in getting that point across.

It has been one heck of a year for Al. An Emmy, an Oscar, and now the Nobel. Quite the trifecta!

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Coffee with Sen. Amy

I was fortunate to be amongst a small group of individuals who had an opportunity to visit with Senator Klobuchar over a Dark Roast, at Dunn Brothers, Tuesday. The Senator took a moment to list some of her accomplishments in her early portion of her term:

* Minimum wage: first increase since the 80s.
* This freshman class pushed through ethics reform
* Finally passed the 9/11 Commission recommendations
* Education reform
* SCHIP
* Mental health parity bill: it's taken 6 years to pass this.
* Hate crimes: it's taken 5 years to pass this.
* They passed a renewable energy bill, blocking a Republican filibuster that requires 50% of all vehicles be flex-fuel by 2015. She worked to get this passed.
* They've passed legislation to better take care of vets, better fund the VA.
* They reestablished a Truman Commission to provide accountability to the money being spent in Iraq. $1 out of ever six spent in Iraq has been lost.
* She's voted for the Feingold-Reid Amendment for real timelines in Iraq. Republicans blocked it with a threat of a filibuster.
* She voted for the Webb Amendment twice.

She didn't even mention the cell phone legislation, toy legislation and pool safety legislation which are all commendable efforts. She's also been really busy with all the disasters in MN. The bridge collapse and flooding has taken up a considerable amount of her time.

It is clear why the Senator is receiving the highest approvals since Wellstone's February 2002 rating. She is sincerely concerned about what she can do to help Minnesotans first.

The Senator also was aware of the backlash from those on the Left who felt scorned by her votes on FISA and Iraq. She was not at all afraid to address those concerns head on. You'll see in the video the prosecutor in her. Sen. Klobuchar was willing to go along with this brief, 6 month, extension due to the "15,000' univestigated tips. She stated "I don't defend that deal, I didn't negotiate that deal, and I think it should have been much better". She went on to explain some of the intricacies of the legislation which made it better for us to understand her take on the issue.

She continued; "I believe it was what we needed to do at the time. We take these votes that won't make everyone happy, but people have to understand my main focus here is to balance the need for getting the information and civil liberties. And I do think there is a much better way to do that."

She did make it clear that the permanent legislation WILL have to go through the Senate Judiciary committee, unlike the temporary extension. She also stated she will not vote for an additional extension, placing the pressure on Congress and the administration to get a permanent piece of legislation in place.

This does point out the need to balance Statesmanship, getting things down, with partisanship, remaining loyal to ones ideology. Joe at MNCampaign report shares:

She gave what one might call a balanced answer: it depends on the issue. She cited the energy standards bill passed earlier this year (which raised fuel efficiency standards for the first time in many years) as an example where compromise got things done -- she would have preferred higher fuel efficiency standards, but the bill represented an important move in the right direction.

There was only four of us there, and I thank Joe Bodell of MNCR/MN Monitor for including me in this first of what hopes to be other conversations with the Senator as she traverse the delicate balance on the hill.

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SuperFly!

Bionic Bugs:

In July, however, a Harvard University team got a truly fly-like robot airborne, its synthetic wings buzzing at 120 beats per second.

"It showed that we can manufacture the articulated, high-speed structures that you need to re-create the complex wing motions that insects produce," said team leader Robert Wood.

The fly's vanishingly thin materials were machined with lasers, then folded into three-dimensional form "like a micro-origami," he said. Alternating electric fields make the wings flap. The whole thing weighs just 65 milligrams, or a little more than the plastic head of a push pin.

Most of the article talks about how it can't be done. But like Teenagers and government, if you want something done, just tell them it is impossible.

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Take the Candidate Quiz

Bill on top wasn't a big surprise. Seeing Edwards hanging in there with him was.

Bill Richardson
Score: 43
Agree
Immigration
Taxes
Stem-Cell Research
Health Care
Abortion
Social Security
Line-Item Veto
Marriage
Death Penalty

Disagree
Iraq
Energy

John Edwards
Score: 43
Agree
Immigration
Taxes
Stem-Cell Research
Health Care
Abortion
Social Security
Energy
Marriage
Death Penalty

Disagree
Iraq
Line-Item Veto

My highest ranking Republican was Rudy Giuliani, scoring a 27;
Agree
Iraq
Immigration
Stem-Cell Research
Abortion
Energy
Marriage
Death Penalty

Disagree
Taxes
Health Care
Social Security
Line-Item Veto

You Take the Quiz!
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Sen. Family Values

via Cagle:A picture is worth at least 1000 words.

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Sen Craig Loses Appeal!!

CNN is reporting that Sen. Larry Craig's bid to withdraw his guilty please has been DENIED (PDF)!

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Simple Math:Iraq -vs- SCHIP

SCHIP bill vetoed by the President = $7 Billion/year over 5 year ($35 Billion)

Iraq War Cost = $100.8 Billion/year

So if I have this correct, about 7% of the 8.4 billion per month for Iraq could fully fund the recently vetoed SCHIP bill. A piece of legislation with strong bipartisan support. A needed assist to allow families to bridge the gap to full independence, without which could thrust lower and middle income households back into poverty:

The program, which provides health insurance for children from families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private insurance, was created in 1997 to address the growing number of children in the United States without health insurance coverage. It currently provides coverage for over 6.6 million kids.

Health policy experts now say low and moderate income families like the Taylors will be hit the hardest if the veto stands, and individuals fear the social and financial consequences.

"Families will experience both financial and emotional burdens trying to deal with their children's health problems, with little societal support or encouragement," said Shoshanna Sofaer, professor of health care policy at Baruch College in New York.

What's that, its not a money thing. Hmmmm, couldn't be a policy issue. I mean, who wouldn't want to ensure the safety and security of our youth at least at the same priority level as defense. I mean, that would be just playing politics with peoples lives . . . . . Ooooooo, I get it now!!

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Victory Scenarios

Charlie Cook of National Journal takes the presidential race one extra step and gives his impression of what it will take for each candidate to claim the White House. Here is his take on Richardson, for example:

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is not surging as dramatically as he was before, although he is still moving up. The only realistic scenario for Richardson is that either Obama or Edwards finishes ahead of Clinton in Iowa, then the Iowa victor loses in New Hampshire and Richardson manages to come in either second or third place in each. This is a very long shot, but theoretically it's possible.

and his take on Clinton:

f Clinton were to win Iowa, she would be all but unstoppable as she already is looking very strong in the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries.

At this stage, the Iowa contest is a very competitive, three-way affair between Clinton, former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. Clinton might be the only candidate who could lose Iowa and either New Hampshire or South Carolina and not necessarily be mortally wounded. Her rivals do not appear to have sufficient strength to survive such a blow.

However, losing all three would knock her out.

He also examines the Right:

On the GOP side, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney would have to win a trifecta of the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries to put this nomination away. Romney is running strong in Iowa and in New Hampshire. He would need to win both, and then beat former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in South Carolina to show that he can beat anyone, anywhere.

This isn't to say that Romney has to win all three to win the nomination, only to score an early knockout.

Read it all, it's like peering into a crystal ball.

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ATTN: Baseball Fans

Skip the STRIB, bypass SI, 'cause the best pre playoff coverage is RIGHT(NL) HERE(AL), at the BotML.

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Getting Better in Iraq

Good news for now:

The numbers of U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians reported killed across the country last month fell to their lowest levels in more than a year, a sharp decrease in violent deaths that American military officials attribute in part to the thousands of additional soldiers who have arrived here this year.

The death toll for Iraqi civilians fell sharply in September, according to Iraqi government and U.S. military figures. One count from Iraq's Health Ministry put the monthly death toll at 827 civilians, a 48 percent drop from the total in August, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the statistics.

I had faith in the surge, and continue to support this President on the war on Terror. But now we have to prepare the Iraqi’s to take care of themselves. The President said, In January, that he would turn over Iraqi security to Iraqis in November. Is that still a goal, or a pipe dream.

I mean, with Iran:The Vengeance II just around the corner, doesn't he need to prepare to redeploy soon. Or does he have another plan to increase the troop numbers!

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Republican Math

Over at SitD, 'mitch' has a problem with math:

Pawlenty is doing. Representing his constituents; the majority in Minnesota, the one that elected him and his tax-hawk platform.

Last I checked, Majority was 50% + 1, and Pawlenty was elected with only 46.69.

Of course, this is the same guy who stated, on national TV the other day:

“When in St Paul, do as the Soviets do.”

Republicans, where we don't let pesky facts get in the way of our talking points!

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Congrats, Brett!

It was hard enough just saying that.

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Verbatim

via Time:

'You know something is wrong when the New England Patriots face stiffer penalties for spying on innocent Americans than Dick Cheney and George Bush.'

BILL RICHARDSON, Governor of New Mexico and Democratic presidential candidate, using the New England Patriots spying scandal to take a swipe at President Bush

Bridge of the Week

The Cream of the Minnesota Monitor staff, Andy Birkey, looks at this week's "Bridge Fix of the Week", the Lafayette Bridge:

The Highway 52 bridge, also called the Lafayette Bridge, crosses the Mississippi River just south of Interstate 94 and connects downtown St. Paul with the city's west side neighborhood. Built in 1968, the four-lane bridge is 3,369 feet long. Each day, it supports an average of 81,000 trips over its structure. The bridge has a deck rating of five (out of nine), a superstructure rating of four, and substructure rating of seven, with a combined sufficiency rating of 49.5 percent. It has been evaluated as "Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left as is." The bridge is also rated "fracture critical," which means that the bridge has the type of structure that if one support should give way, the whole bridge could collapse. The Interstate 35W bridge that collapsed into the Mississippi was rated 50 percent.

He than points us to this story in the STRIB:

The bridge's history includes a temporary shutdown in 1975 -- less than a decade after it opened in 1968 -- when a crack "large enough to put your arm into" was discovered in the bridge's main beam after someone noticed a 7-inch dip in the roadway, according to a newspaper report. That fracture in the southbound lane nearly resulted "in [the] collapse of the bridge," a 2006 inspection report noted. The damaged component was jacked back into place and reinforced with bolted plates, the report said.

Read Andy for the set up, and the STRIB for some reality. Then call your legislator!

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AhMADinejad E. Neuman

Brilliant!Cagle has tons more!

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Ahmadinejad's World

This guy is a full blown kook:

"For hundreds of years, we've lived in friendship and brotherhood with the people of Iraq," Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told the National Press Club yesterday.

That's true -- as long as you don't count the little unpleasantness of the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, when a million people died, some by poison gas. And you'd also have to overlook 500 years of fighting during the Ottoman Empire.

I watched his interview on 60 minutes, and between the cheesy perma smirk on his face, to his inability to answer a yes or now question, was a ideological focus so narrow. And today he shares the UN stage with our President.

Maybe there is something to be said about polar opposites sharing the world stage. But this guy is in a dream world:

The man who recently hosted a convention for Holocaust deniers also treated listeners to his thoughts on the truth. "Lies have nothing to do with the divine spirit of mankind," he asserted.

Then the lies began.

Zremski inquired about the Amnesty International report finding flogging and imprisonment of journalists and at least 11 Iranian newspapers closed. "I think people who prepared the report are unaware of the situation in Iran," the president answered. "I think the people who give this information should seek what is the truth and, sort of, disseminate what's correct."

Zremski then raised the specific cases of two Kurdish journalists who have been sentenced to death for enmity toward God.

"This news is fundamentally wrong," Ahmadinejad replied. "What journalist has been sentenced to death?"

Zremski supplied the names of Kurdish journalists Adnan Hassanpour and Hiva Boutimar, sentenced July 16. "I don't know people by that name," the president retorted. "You have to, sort of, rectify the information channel."

Today he will spin some new tales of fiction at the UN. I'll read about it in the paper!

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Posthumous Birthday

via SitD:

Smith won the Congressional Medal of Honor the same way all CMoH winners have; by committing an act of immense heroism “above and beyond the call of duty” - in other words, something that no reasonable person would expect a soldier to do.

Smith would have been 38 today. Happy Birthday Soldier!

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Rudy's Reversal

As we get deeper into the '08 Presidential election, the dilemma of dealing with terrorism is back. Is it a Military issue, or a law enforcement one? Today Rudy says it is military:

The former New York City mayor exhorts America to fight back in what he calls the "terrorists' war on us" and accuses Democrats of reverting to their "denial" in the 1990s, when, he said, President Bill Clinton erred by treating terrorism as a law enforcement matter, not a war.

Democrats, he said in July, have "the same bad judgment they had in the 1990s. They don't see the threat. They don't accept the threat."

but he always treated it like a criminal one.

for most of Giuliani's career as a Department of Justice official, prosecutor and New York's chief executive, terrorism was a narrow aspect of his broader crime-fighting agenda, which was dominated by drug dealers, white-collar criminals and the Mafia. Giuliani expressed confidence that Islamic extremism could be contained through vigorous investigation by law enforcement agencies and prosecution in the court system -- the same approach he now condemns.

His public warnings about the threat were infrequent. To the extent that he mentioned terrorism in his aborted run for the Senate in 2000, for example, it was to call for more spending on intelligence. Even in the weeks after Sept. 11, he framed the attacks in the language of crime, describing the hijackers as "insane murderers" and calling for restoration of the "rule of law."

Remember, the world does not change based on who chooses to become a candidate, but the candidate can certainly change based on what they need to do to appease their base and resonate with the electorate. Problem is, you may not know who you end up with if the candidate is spending too much time trying to make everyone else happy, instead of being themselves.

I may not like Gov. Bill Richardson's position on the war, but I do know where he stands on the issue, and it has been unwavering. Just like his position on the other issues. Rudy is the one candidate on the Right that I can consider, but he'll first have to sell me on who he really is, and that may be a tough job considering the ideological roller coaster he's been riding this campaign.

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What It Takes to Be a Republican

In a thread on MN-Pol, much debate is taking place on the best 3rd district candidate. As is the case many times, ideological cherry picking is taking over. Andy tries to reel them in

First, you have to care that 50 million people are without health care. You have to care that US infant mortality rates exceed those of any other industrialized countries and that those mortality rates are climbing. You have to care that the health care system in this country contains more waste than any other system.

And then he defines a Republican:

If you don't care about those things, you must convince yourself that we have the finest medical system in the world, mostly for one reason: the payment will stay in private hands despite the fact that 30% of every health care dollar spent goes to insurance and medical provider administration and private profits instead of to health care provision. You must believe that this top-heavy system that deprives some 15%-20% of its citizens of adequate preventive care and that the costs of that go through the ceiling because the uninsured use the emergency care system as their regular primary provider.

You must believe that, no matter how bad it really is, that no other country provides the quality of care the US does, despite statistics that prove otherwise like the highest rates of hospital and surgical errors and deaths in the world.

Finally, you must believe that your democratic government is not yours but someone elses out to pick your pocket not with wars that cost you 50 times what adequate health care would save every day, but with money spent on those people you consider leeches on society.

The right that I know does not care. If you don't care, you're unmoved by such statistics as all of these and more. You would rather spend more and more and more on making war in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and in the streets of New York City than in keeping everyone healthy and productive for far less.

You would have to care, and many too many rightwingers do not to their everlasting stupidity.

Andy Driscoll
St. Paul
Truth To Tell

He could have left the name call jab at the end, off. But the greater point is how much nonsense the Right has to buy into to defend their ideology. The greatest difference I see between the Right and Left, is Dems are committed to making decisions today, that will best help us tomorrow. The Right is only worried about the now and hope tomorrow will take care of itself.

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Vikings Suck!

There, I said it; sue me!

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HHH III out

MN Mon Reporter Eric Black has the goods:

Hubert H. (Buck) Humphrey, who has been widely identified as a likely frontrunner in the race for the DFL nomination for the open congressional seat in the Third District has decided not to run.

"I will verify that," Humphrey just told me when I called him to check out the rumor I had heard.

The Fix ranks MN #8

Tha WaPo's "The Fix", written by Chris Cillizza, was dropped the MN Senate race another notch, to #8:

8. Minnesota (R): The first time we ranked the 2008 Senate races earlier this year, Minnesota came in at number two. So why has it dropped all the way to eighth over the intervening six months? A combination of factors including a number of other seats across the country that have grown more vulnerable during that time, the growing sense that Coleman is positioning himself as well as he can on the war in Iraq and the continued lack of faith in some quarters of the Democratic party that either 2000 candidate Mike Ciresi or comedian Al Franken can oust the incumbent. After a trip to Iraq earlier this month, Coleman jumped behind a proposal by Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) that calls for a modest troop withdrawal by the end of the year but enforces no hard timetable for the withdrawal of all American troops. Will that position be enough to satisfy Minnesota voters? (Previous ranking: 7)

Hard to argue the moderate positioning of Coleman. This maneuvering isn't without it's awkward moments, but this polished politician will wiggle his way out of that with ease. Although highly unlikely at this point, I haven't ruled out a vote for Norm. It all depends on who else is on the ballot.

At 'The Fix' criteria is simple:

the number one ranked race is the most likely to switch parties -- and, yes, we do have a new number one this month. Scroll down to see which race it is and, while you're there, offer your own thoughts in the comments section.

Here are the races currently in the Top Five:

1. Virginia (R)
2. New Hampshire (R)
3. Colorado (R)
4. Louisiana (D)
5. Oregon (R)

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3rd District Dark Horse

Along with the notables that have been mentioned over the last couple days, is a potential dark horse in the 3rd district race. Mike Rothman announced his interest at a 3rd CD meeting last night. Rothman has ties to the district after having been involved in local legislative campaigns before marrying and moving to California. He has been back in the district for a couple years now.

Mike Rothman, a name to watch as this race evolves.

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Battle for the Third

MNPublius has the skinny on potential candidates from the Left.

The likely front runner, Andy Lugar is probably in. Lugar ran a tough campaign with a challenge from Experienced prosecutor Mike Freeman. The DFL endorsement for Lugar wasn't enough to cancel out the name recognition and the delayed incumbency of a Freeman Candidacy. But this also means that Lugar has an infrastructure on idle, and ready to run.

Most notably out is Former Congressman Bill Luther. The district encompasses much of Bill's old State legislative stomping grounds, and I wouldn't have been shocked if he had an interest, yet not surprised he doesn't.

And finally, probably in with a hope by many that he reconsiders, is Buck Humphrey. Sorry, Buck, but you will be in the shadows of your family for life. There was a time I was a stalwart supporter, but at this point I think you have had your chance. But I am not in the 3rd, so it is not up to me to decide. However, it appears I am not alone, as this popped up pretty quick:

The Buck Stops Here

In their first post:

According to published reports, 2002 campaign loser and DFL "legacy" candidate Buck Humphrey is considering a run for Minnesota's third congressional district. Now, local political bloggers are saying Buck Humphrey is in the race. Some are even reporting that the Washington DC-based Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has already spoken with Buck regarding this race.

The fact is, nobody outside of the Democratic Party establishment is behind a Humphrey candidacy.

So a notable in, a notable out, and a non starter. And it's only September . . . . '07!

Flash

Iraqi Ponder

From the comments:

"if people have time to demonstrate, and others have time to bitch about peace demonstrations, how serious can people's perception of the dangers we supposedly face really be?"

If the terrorists were winning, we'd be one heck of a lot more united than we are today.

Interesting perspective . . .Thoughts?

Flash

Feel the Love

Congressman Ramstad is retiring. I saw him most recently at his spiel at the Humphrey Center:

All of us need to be reminded of HHH's guiding principle: The moral test of government is how we treat those in the dawn of life, the children, the twilight of light, the elderly, and the shadow of life, the sick and needy.

Ramstad caught many of us off guard with his announcement, but in a show of support, several on the Left showered him with good wishes. Something the MNGOP struggles with on a regular basis.

From DFL Chair Brian Melendez:

In an era of increasingly divisive politics, Congressman Ramstad has consistently worked across the aisle to get things done for Minnesota. As DFLers, we appreciated his personal friendship with the late Senator Paul Wellstone and Sheila Wellstone. In addition, all Minnesotans can be grateful for Representative Ramstad’s relentless advocacy with regard to alcoholism and addiction issues and his tireless work for mental-health parity. In these fields, he leaves an important legacy.

and Sen. Klobuchar:

Jim Ramstad is a person of great integrity, who always does what he thinks is right for his constituents rather than simply following the party line. He fostered a spirit of bi-partisanship in Minnesota and in Washington. Jim is an exemplary public servant, and he will be missed in the halls of Congress.

even Al Franken:

There weren't enough Jim Ramstads in Congress even before today's announcement.

"Jim's political courage and principled leadership, especially on mental health parity, have served as an example for those of us who believe we should lead on our values, not our party affiliation.

Respect for our adversaries is a sign of a strong republic. The Right could take a lesson from that.

Flash

Hate Takes a Break

Leading up to last years' elections, and ever since, the local Right Wing Blogoshpere has turned deep into Hatesville. Their brain stem only survival instinct has effected their ability to actually have a dialog with those they disagree with. Nowhere is this more evident that on Shot in the Dark, a site that used to be the best in Blogging and one of the reason I sparked up this little ole site.

Saturday was a counter protest to the Peace March held at the Cathedral and marching down through St. Paul. I would have gone, as I support the need to defeat Islamic extremism and those that mean only to destroy what America is all about. But I don't think those that disagree with me hate America, as video shows the likes of Swiftee believing. I couldn't bring myself to associate with that type of dissent.

But buried in a Right Wing report of the event is a glimmer of hope, and understanding if you will. Someone on the other side actually had a level of respect for the opposition. Lets read Kermit at Anti Strib:

Final observation. These folks were generally civil, obviously sincere, and care a great deal about the direction of this country. As am I. As were the people standing shoulder to shoulder with me. We get to do that here. Disagree without killing each other.

It's a baby step, but it is a start. If we can't come together and find a solution to the issues in Iraq, how can we expect the Iraqi's to do the same.

Flash

Dissapointed!

So here we are, almost 9 months after the announcement of the 'Surge' and no closer to resolving the issues in Iraq. Sure, we heard the phrase 'maintain security gains' several times last night, but no real plan to transition successfully from a military mission to a diplomatic one. The closest the President got to saying what I wanted to hear was:

Our troops in Iraq are performing brilliantly. Along with Iraqi forces, they have captured or killed an average of more than 1,500 enemy fighters per month since January. Yet ultimately, the way forward depends on the ability of Iraqis to maintain security gains. According to General Petraeus and a panel chaired by retired General Jim Jones, the Iraqi army is becoming more capable -- although there is still a great deal of work to be done to improve the national police. Iraqi forces are receiving increased cooperation from local populations. And this is improving their ability to hold areas that have been cleared.

Because of this success, General Petraeus believes we have now reached the point where we can maintain our security gains with fewer American forces. He has recommended that we not replace about 2,200 Marines scheduled to leave Anbar province later this month. In addition, he says it will soon be possible to bring home an Army combat brigade, for a total force reduction of 5,700 troops by Christmas. And he expects that by July, we will be able to reduce our troop levels in Iraq from 20 combat brigades to 15.

But there was no outright exclamation regarding turning over Iraqi security. Remember, in January, during the Surge sell speech, the President stated:

To establish its authority, the Iraqi government plans to take responsibility for security in all of Iraq's provinces by November.

Yet yesterday there was only hints at that, with an accent on 'maintaining security gains'.

What I heard was rhetoric, not results. What was said was more pandering than proven progress. I am disappointed int he inability of this chief executive to just be honest with us. Because this is a battle we can not lose, and as long as the priority is more personal political protection, instead of national security protection, we are in trouble.

But before you start screaming 'liberal', I am as disappointed in the Democratic response. It became even more clear that as we approach the Presidential campaign season, the lines are being drawn thick and dark. The chasm between the two parties is greater than its ever been. And I sit here knowing that until both parties can put personal political gains aside, and place the security interests of this country, and victory in Iraq first and foremost, troops will be in the region indefinitely.

I am certainly not expecting a Kum Ba Yah moment, but I do hope that the two major parties can disengage for a moment and look at what needs to be done together. I don't think a full scale withdrawal is practical, or even appropriate. I also don't believe we need to have over 130,000 sets of boots on the ground in Iraq knowing there are other priorities that need to be addressed that more close relate to maintaining security here at home.

But look at the the irony of the situation. If we, together, as Americans, be it Left, Right, and/or Center can't seem to sit at the same table and develop a plan for victory and success together; how are we suppose to expect the Iraqi's to do the same.

But that's just me!

Flash

Patience!

via Cagle:
I will be watching the President tonight, and aligning his words from what he said at the beginning of the surge last January. At some point soon Iraq needs to be responsible for themselves, and the President said as much before. I plan on holding him to it.

Flash

Something is missing - Iraq!

When the President spoke this past January, he said:

A successful strategy for Iraq goes beyond military operations. Ordinary Iraqi citizens must see that military operations are accompanied by visible improvements in their neighborhoods and communities. So America will hold the Iraqi government to the benchmarks it has announced.

To establish its authority, the Iraqi government plans to take responsibility for security in all of Iraq's provinces by November. To give every Iraqi citizen a stake in the country's economy, Iraq will pass legislation to share oil revenues among all Iraqis. To show that it is committed to delivering a better life, the Iraqi government will spend $10 billion of its own money on reconstruction and infrastructure projects that will create new jobs. To empower local leaders, Iraqis plan to hold provincial elections later this year. And to allow more Iraqis to re-enter their nation's political life, the government will reform de-Baathification laws, and establish a fair process for considering amendments to Iraq's constitution.

I haven't been able to totally dissect Petraeus' testimony to congress, but I didn't hear much about the plans for Iraq "to take responsibility for security in all of Iraq's provinces by November." I may have missed it in my balancing act between school, family, and blogging, so maybe someone can steer me in the right direction.

I also can't find much on the passed legislation "to share oil revenues among all Iraqis. To show that it is committed to delivering a better life, the Iraqi government will spend $10 billion of its own money on reconstruction and infrastructure projects that will create new jobs." Did I miss that too, I mean, I have been busy.

Regardless, I'll stick with what I said here after last January's Surge Speech

we must be aware of the consequences of an unstable Iraq in an already unstable region. Walking away now is not an option, presenting the Iraqi government with our ultimatum is.

But like the President said last January

I've made it clear to the Prime Minister and Iraq's other leaders that America's commitment is not open-ended. If the Iraqi government does not follow through on its promises, it will lose the support of the American people -- and it will lose the support of the Iraqi people.

I am going to wait till I hear the President's address tomorrow. But if he struggles with keeping his word, again, he may lose me before the first of the year. And with so few Americans supporting his efforts in Iraq, there aren't many "me's" left.

Flash

Remembering

My two favorite posts on Centrisity relate to the 9/11 tragedy. First there is the trip to NY in 2000. My first real bonding opportunity with my son, and the photo I took:

We then hopped on another ferry for the trip to the financial district, and a subway ride to Times Square. During this ferry ride, I took what would become the most popular photo in our family, and one that I will always cherish. It is as powerful as it is poignant. I wanted to share it with all of you.

And then there is 'My 9/11 Story'

9/11/01 would have been a powerful day in my life regardless of it's now historical significance. I was in a custody battle, and ever since May 2001, I knew that September 11, 2001, would be "Custer's last stand".

Yes, as the towers were falling I was pacing the halls of a court room, awaiting the decision of a lifetime, while the world itself was changing permanently.

Give those two posts another look over, then hug your kids . . . and pray for a better tomorrow!

Flash

Rush to the Future!

Ross nails it on the head:

(W)hen you consider that most of the band's hard-rock peers of the '70s have long since burned out, broken up or subsist almost entirely on warm nostalgia, it gets much tougher to dismiss Rush.

In front of more than 12,000 extremely reverent fans - because, face it, no one accidentally sees a Rush concert in 2007 - the Canadian trio performed a complex, lively concert Sunday night at the Xcel Energy Center. And while obvious hits like "The Spirit of Radio" and "Tom Sawyer" popped up near the end, the set list very pointedly did not rely on the past for its momentum.

Split into two sections with an encore, the show boasted a whopping nine of the 13 songs found on the new "Snakes and Arrows," Rush's 18th studio album. Just try to find any arena-level performer who, more than three decades into a career, could pull off such a move - and have the fans following every last moment.

The lads were tight and clean. Simply amazing. I MUST see this show again!

Flash

Sen. Family Values

Another Year Begins

Back to school today!

I was off all of three weeks this year, so not a big change for me. The construction at our building is almost complete. The new technology areas are simply amazing. They won't be online to start the year, so that allows me some time to get the classrooms up and running before I need to concentrate on the new spaces.

This short week will seem long, especially with the RUSH concert looming on Sunday. Kind of like a kid counting the days till Christmas *grin*

Flash

It's almost November

I continue to support this President in the war on terror, and the latest Surge campaign. But I also will hold him to his word when he said in January that he will turn over Iraqi security to the Iraqi's, and then begin withdrawing troops. With a couple months to go, it looks like he is on track:

"General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker tell me if the kind of success we are now seeing continues, it will be possible to maintain the same level of security with fewer American forces," the president said.

It does sound like he is hedging, but at least hinting on some kind of troop withdrawal.

Let's be clear, Iraqi's need to take care of themselves. It has been 5 year and frankly the USA has other issues that need to be dealt with. While the Taliban is strengthening and regrouping in Afghanistan:

Over the past six weeks, the Taliban has driven government forces out of roughly half of a strategic area in southern Afghanistan that American and NATO officials declared a success story last fall in their campaign to clear out insurgents and make way for development programs, Afghan officials say.

. . . the US is still concentrating in Iraq.

The number of us still supporting the Iraqi conflict is dwindling, and if the President doesn't keep his word this time, he'll loose me for sure.

Flash

2007 DCA Finals Scores

02 September 2007
DCA Open Class Finals
Rochester, NY

01. 98.313 - Buccaneers
02. 96.650 - Caballeros
03. 95.650 - Empire Statesmen
04. 94.575 - Bushwackers
05. 93.683 - Brigadiers
06. 92.963 - Minnesota Brass
07. 92.488 - Hurricanes
08. 89.400 - Renegades
09. 88.775 - CorpsVets
10. 87.525 - Crusaders

**************************************

02 September 2007
DCA A Class Finals
Rochester, NY

1. 83.988 - Sunrisers
2. 83.188 - Govenaires
3. 82.513 - SoCal Dream

2007 DCA Prelim Scores

01 September 2007
DCA Preliminary
Rochester, NY

01. 97.388 * - Buccaneers
02. 96.665 * - Caballeros
03. 95.563 * - Empire Statesmen
04. 94.188 * - Bushwackers
05. 93.075 * - Brigadiers
06. 92.650 * - Minnesota Brass
07. 91.388 * - Hurricanes
08. 91.063 * - Renegades
09. 88.950 * - CorpsVets
10. 87.838 * - Crusaders
11. 84.838 - Music City Legend
12. 83.738 % - Govenaires
13. 83.050 % - Sunrisers
14. 81.938 % - SoCal Dream
15. 81.888 - Kilties
16. 81.875 - Fusion Core
17. 81.850 - Alliance
18. 77.975 - Chops, Inc
19. 77.700 - Frontier
20. 76.400 - Gulf Coast Sound
21. 75.275 - White Sabers
22. 74.600 - Lakeshoremen

* = Advance to Open Class Finals on 9/2
% = Advance to Class A Finals on 9/2

More in this space in bit

Flash

Economic Insurgency

Nice article in this AM's Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Although Drum Corps seems to be some closely guarded secret, some communities recognize the positive nature of the activity and the influx of cash in can bring:

More solid numbers will be collected after the event, but an estimated $7 million to $10 million is expected to be spent in the city this weekend on housing, gas, food and entertainment, said Tim James, director of sales for VisitRochester, which promotes tourism in the city and throughout Monroe County.

About 250 rooms were booked at the Hyatt Regency Rochester for the championship, in addition to rooms reserved at about 23 other hotels.

$10 million dollars from a bunch of old farts who can't seem to grow up *laughing*. Actually, the age of corps members has been dropping while the talent level has improved dramatically. There are only a few of us 'old timers' still trying to relive their youth. My turn will come soon, maybe even next year. I miss being on the field.

Prelims kick off this afternoon. Top 10 highest scoring corps, followed by the top 3 remaining Class A corps move on to World Championships Sunday night. Still a lot of weekend left.

Here is a list of Prelim corps in revers order of how they scored during the regular season (Times or Eastern):

1. 2:00PM White Sabers
2. 2:17 Lakeshoremen
3. 2:34 Frontier
4. 2:51 Gulf Coast Sound
5. 3:08 Chops, Inc.
6. 3:25 Fusion Core
7. 3:43 Alliance
8. 3:59 SoCal Dream
9. 4:41 Sunrisers
10. 4:58 Govenaires
11. 5:15 Music City Legend
12. 5:32 Kilties
13. 5:49 Crusaders
14. 6:06 Hurricanes
14. 6:06 Hurricanes
15. 6:23 Renegades
16. 7:05 CorpsVets
17. 7:22 Minnesota Brass
18. 7:39 Bushwackers
19. 7:56 Brigadiers
20. 8:13 Caballeros
21. 8:30 Empire Statesmen
22. 8:47 Buccaneers

Scores will be posted live as they are released at the DCA Scores page.

Flash

Rochachacha, NY

A few days ago I found myself in a position to fly to Rochester NY for the 2007 DCA World Championships. I have been away from the activity for a couple years, and thought "What the Heck!"

So here I am, in upstate NY, in a cushy room at the Rochester ,NY Double Tree.

Political blogging will take a back seat to some Drum Corps blogging. Will the Govenaires retain their World Championship . . . can MBI finally crack into the top 3. Answers to those questions will be found here over the course of the weekend.

Flash

Black Ink

Eric Black, formerly of the STRIB and The Big Question has opened up his own little Internet playground.

Eric Black Ink

Check it out!

Flash

Is Vick Elligible for AG?

The President has made poorer picks!

Flash

Hugh Slams Craig

You've probably heard the story of Sen Larry Craig by now:

Sen. Larry E. Craig pleaded guilty earlier this month to misdemeanor disorderly-conduct charges stemming from his June arrest by an undercover police officer in a men's restroom at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, a court spokeswoman and the senator's office said yesterday.

The Godfather of the NARN thinks Craig's got to go, especially after reading the Senator's spin doctor attempt:

I don't believe him. Read the statement by the arresting officer. He must think the people of Idaho are idiots.

But even if I did believe him, this would make his judgment too flawed to be in the United States Senate in a time of war. He has to go.

I applaud Mr. Hewitt on his insistent that judgment should be a major criteria for serving in the Senate. My question is, does he apply that same standard consistently?

Flash

Gonzales Gone

CNN is reporting that Alberto is taking the walk. Unfortunately I am at work today, so won't get to watch this story develop. One thing is for sure, I can hear the President now . . .

'Heckuva Job, Gonzo!!'

Flash

The Presidential Line

Chris Cillizza of The Fix posts his Friday Presidential Line. The Top 5 and some snippets:

DEMS

1) Hillary

Clinton has effectively neutralized many of the doubts about her candidacy, including her initial vote for the 2002 resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq. Polling seems to show voters are more interested in plans for the future than examinations of the past.

2) Obama

Obama has begun to push back against that experience argument by noting that despite the years and years of political experience of other candidates in the race, he was the only one of the frontrunners to get it right when it came to Iraq. His judgment was better, and after all isn't good judgment at the core of being a leader?

3) Edwards

Edwards has begun to draw contrasts with Obama in an attempt to wrest the change mantle from the Illinois Senator. Edwards has attacked Obama's plan to reform lobbying in Washington and continually calls for "bold" change.

4) Richardson

polls continue to show positive movement in Iowa and New Hampshire and he puts together his best debate performance to date . . . . Richardson needs to continue to stay under the frontrunners' radar for the next few months and catch fire in December and early January.

5) Dodd

of all the remaining candidates he has the financial firepower to play seriously in Iowa. That means that if something cataclysmic takes place at the top of the field, he will have the money to take advantage. The same can't be said for Sen. Joe Biden

GOP

1 Tie) Giuliani

we're beginning to wonder whether anything will stick to Giuliani. Nothing has so far and we're not sure that's because the performance of the former New York mayor immediately after Sept. 11, 2001 affords him insulation or because Republican voters prize "electability" over all other traits.

1 Tie) Romney

Romney and his team stuck to their guns and have watched as he has risen to the top of polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire thanks to an onslaught of commercials. And, he used that organizational heft to score a convincing win in the Ames Straw poll earlier this month. Yet, even Romney's strategists acknowledge that the candidate has not closed the sale with voters in these early states.

3) Thompson

it doesn't appear as though the problems that have plagued the candidate-in-waiting are solved. That should be worrisome to all the Fredheads out there. What should give them some solace is the fact that Thompson continues to run second or third in the vast majority of state and national polling we've seen.

4) Huckabee

Huckabee's best day in the campaign so far was Aug. 11. His surprise second place showing at Ames was -- finally! -- a sign of life from a candidate whose upside (to quote NBA draft analysts) is as high as anyone in the field.

5) McCain

This has been a precipitous fall for McCain. With a skeleton staff and dwindling chances in both Iowa and South Carolina, it appears as though his last best shot to influence the outcome is in New Hampshire, where McCain became MCCAIN!

By the first of the year, I suspect at least one of these top 5 from each party will be gone. For the Dems it will be Obama or Edwards. For the GOP, probably McCain, or possible Huckabee.

Things will start thinning out soon, and with the early primaries, the presumptive nominees will be inked in by the end of February.

What do you think?

Flash

Fair Time

The Great Minnesota Get Together. Go early go Often.

Flash

Recovery Complete

That last man has been recovered:

Crews have found the body of the last person missing after the Interstate 35W bridge collapse, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner announced Monday.

The confirmed death of Gregory Jolstad, 45, of Mora, brings the death toll from the Aug. 1 bridge collapse to 13.

I haven't had much to say post collapse. That was by design. Now that all the victims are accounted for, that may change.

Flash

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mom!

Have a GREAT day, GiGi! If the rest of you have a moment, flood her comments with well wishes!

I am back to work, so will have to get back into the AM Blogging, and bailing to work system. It may take a few days.

Flash

DCA-C South St. Paul

It was a wet yet wonderful evening of Drum Corps. Congratulations to all corps who dealt with the adverse conditions.

The Govenaries are poised to retain their Class A World Championship title. Minnesota Brass is having one of their best years ever. Only a couple weeks till nationals and anything can happen.

18 August 2007
South St Paul, MN
DCA

1. 90.725 - Minnesota Brass
2. 83.800 - Kilties
3. 78.763 - Governaires
4. 75.875 - Chops Inc
5. 72.863 - Frontier
5. 72.863 - Lakeshoremen

**** DCA All-Age Corps - Based on Newest Score ****

01 (01) - 92.588 (2) - Buccaneers
02 (03) - 92.125 (4) - Empire Statesmen
03 (01) - 90.925 (2) - Caballeros
04 (08) - 90.725 (3) - Minnesota Brass
05 (05) - 89.263 (4) - Brigadiers
06 (04) - 89.050 (2) - Bushwackers
07 (07) - 86.300 (1) - CorpsVets
08 (06) - 86.026 (2) - Hurricanes
09 (12) - 83.800 (3) - Kilties
10 (09) - 83.775 (4) - Crusaders
11 (14) - 78.763 (3) - Governaires
12 (10) - 76.550 (1) - Music City Legend
13 (11) - 76.200 (4) - Sunrisers
14 (22) - 75.875 (3) - Chops, Inc
15 (15) - 75.600 (1) - Alliance
16 (13) - 74.688 (4) - Fusion Core
16 (20) - 74.688 (4) - White Sabers
18 (19) - 72.863 (3) - Frontier
18 (NR) - 72.863 (3) - Lakeshoremen
20 (18) - 68.888 (1) - Gulf Coast Sound
21 (16) - 68.763 (6) - SoCal Dream
22 (17) - 68.738 (5) - Renegades
23 (21) - 66.613 (7) - River City Regiment

-------

(1) = 08/18/07 - Rockmart, GA (DCA)
(2) = 08/18/07 - Scranton, PA (DCA)
(3) = 08/18/07 - South St Paul, MN (DCA)
(4) = 08/18/07 - Syracuse, NY (DCA)
(5) = 08/03/07 - Modesto, CA (DCI)
(6) = 07/15/07 - Calabasas, CA (DCI)
(7) = 07/01/07 - Modesto, CA (DCI)

Flash

Hey!! I'm on Vacation!

OK, so I'm not spewing out political rhetoric everyday. This is my last week of freedom before I go back to the grind on Monday.

Yesterday, the lovely Mrs. Flash and I did about 14 miles on the ole bikes and enjoyed the West River Road Pkwy up to Minnehaha Falls. Had to stop for DQ while we were there. We then took the East River Road trails back home. Very refreshing and enjoyable.

This weekend will be filled with Drum Corps as I catch up with good friends old and new. South St. Paul Saturday and St. Peter Sunday. Fun Filled evenings of Music in Motion. A nice escape from the drudgery of political discourse. Some people seem to take it too seriously. Not me, and certainly not this weekend.

Flash

LIVE BLOG: Rep. Ramstad on Centrism in the New Congress

I am sitting in the front row of the Cowles Auditorium awaiting Rep. Ramstad's take on "Life as a Centrist in the New Congress". I am by no means a live blogger at the level of my good friend and premier live blogger, Jeff Fecke. However, I will post a few snippets here during the event. I should have a more substantive post later in the afternoon, or tomorrow morning, as my domestic schedule warrants. Andy Birkey of the Minnesota Monitor is also covering the event. Also Eric Ostermeier at Smart Politics.

Skip Humphrey is here to to listen to the Congressman's delivery.

Larry Jacobs is giving the introductions and we are ready to go.

Congressman Ramstad:

Mental Health is clearly our number 1 health problems. He mentions that even when the GOP had control, and with 265 co sponsors (218 needed to pass). He only was able to get one hearing on his bill, and no votes.

Under Democratic control, the bill is now getting hearings and votes and will soon be before the full house.

It is still possible to work in a bipartisan and pragmatic way to get things done.

When the 35W bridge fell, political ranker came to s screeching halt. We were no longer Democrats and Republicans. We were Minnesotans!

Listing a variety of bi partisan proposals with their Democratic co authors displaying his commitment to work in this bi partisan way to provide for all.

More controversial, the International Family Planning bill co sponsored with Betty McCollum.

A glaring display if bipartisanship, including the Min Wage increase "which was long over due", were past during the first 100 hours with the assistance of about 60 Republicans.

It is wrong to politicize the stem cell issue and turn it into an abortion issue.

Direct negotiations for Medicare prescriptions and cutting interest rates on Student loans.

"So bipartisanship does happen in Congress"

When asked about the political cost of being a centrist, "You will never find members of our 'Tuesday Group' in leadership roles in Congress." The Tuesday groups is a group of moderate Republicans. There was some chuckles when he stated the Tuesday groups meeting for lunch on noon on Wednesdays. His first priority is voting his constituency, not his party.

"I have gotten many 'Love Letters' from the radicals who were against my votes. But I have found you don't have to look back when you know you have done the right thing."

All of us need to be reminded of HHH's guiding principle: The moral test of government os how we treat those in the dawn of life, the children, the twilight of light, the elderly, and the shadow of life, the sick and needy.

Congress and the President must work together in a bipartisan way because to much is at stake . . . we MUST govern from the center!"

We MUST change the tone in government in Washington!

Q -n- A
- - - -

What would the Ramstad of 1990 think of the Ramstad of 2007 -> Goverment exists to keep people safe. Gov't exists to provide services collectivly. Also to help people that can't help themselves. It is not about giving hand outs, but a help up!

Trade is not a zero sum game where there are winners and loosera, and also we have to remember that only five percent of the world's population live in the United States. we CAN'T be isolationists.

We must make the tax cuts permanent and fix the Alternative Minimum tax effecting 23 million people instead of the 200 or so it was designed for in its inception. In order to fund the new proposals we msut find offsets and not rely on ending the 2003 tax cuts.

What is your advice to moderate Republicans to take back their party?

There is room for diversity of opinion. We need to find common ground. My message is a messege of unity and the stronger both parties are the stronger we all are.

Ramstad on Centrism

I will be traveling to the Humphrey Center this afternoon to listen to my favorite Rupublican talk about 'Life as a Centrist in the New Congress". The Event begins at Noon and is free to the public.

Congressman Jim Ramstad
“Life as a Centrist in the New Congress”
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Cowles Auditorium
Humphrey Center
301 19th Ave S., Minneapolis

More later.

Flash

Karl Quits

The turbulent White House career of Turd Blossom draws to a close:

Karl Rove, the architect of President Bush's two national campaigns and his most prominent adviser through 6-1/2 tumultuous years in the White House, will resign at month's end and leave politics, a White House spokeswoman said this morning.

Bush plans to make a statement with Rove on the South Lawn this morning before the president departs for his ranch near Crawford, Tex. Rove, who holds the titles of deputy chief of staff and senior adviser, has been talking about finding the right time to depart for a year, colleagues said, and decided he had to either leave now or remain through the end of the presidency.

Running away at this time should not insulate him for the shenanigans he has orchestrated in this White House. Karl may have been integral in getting this President elected, but his determination to stay in power has created a black stain on that legacy. Time tends to be the great healer, in this case, time will become the great revealer.

Flash

Merv Griffin; 1925 - 2007

via CNN:

Merv Griffin, the entertainer turned impresario who parlayed his "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune" game shows into a multimillion-dollar empire, has died. He was 82.

Griffin died of prostate cancer, according to a statement from his family that was released by Marcia Newberger, spokeswoman for The Griffin Group/Merv Griffin Entertainment.

Merv changed the face of TV, especially daytime TV. I remember the original Jeopardy, and all but block my phone at 4:30 when the current show airs.

Flash

Blue Devils - 2007 DCI World Champions!

When it comes to the marching arts, the Blue Devils are the BEST in the world:

The Blue Devils completed their three-day sweep of the 2007 Drum Corps International World Championships Saturday night, winning the final show of the season in impression fashion with a 98.000 and sweeping the Brass, Percussion, Ensemble Visual and General Effect caption awards.

After lagging behind the second-place Cadets for much of the season, the Concord, Calif.-based Blue Devils surged in the final two weeks to take the corps’ 12th overall World Championship. The crowd included many alumni celebrating the corps’ 50th anniversary at the Rose Bowl, practically in the Devils’ backyard.

Final Scores:

**** 2007 DCI Division I Championship Finals ****

01. 98.000 - Blue Devils
02. 97.025 - The Cadets
03. 96.350 - The Cavaliers
04. 94.850 - Phantom Regiment
05. 94.175 - Santa Clara Vanguard
06. 94.150 - Carolina Crown
07. 94.050 - Bluecoats
08. 90.275 - Blue Knights
09. 89.100 - Boston Crusaders
10. 86.150 - Colts
11. 85.750 - Glassmen
12. 84.500 - Spirit from JSU

Congratulations also goes out to the Spartans and Memphis sound for capturing the title in their respective divisions:

Thirteen top corps performed for the last time this season at the Division II & III World Championships this afternoon at Pasadena City College in California. The Spartans (96.150) were named the 2007 Division II World Champion and Memphis Sound (90.550) was named the Division III World Champion, both putting on the greatest performances of their seasons.

But that is the Junior corps.
The All Age contingent competes through Labor Day weekend. Their DCA World Championships will be held in Rochester New York.

Leading up to that event is DCA Central weekend right here in Minnesota. Witness the marching arts in person as corps from across the country meet in South St. Paul (Aug 18) and St. Peter, Minnesota (Aug 19). I will be at South St. Paul and hope to make it to St. Peter as well. Come witness drum corps live and share in a passion I have had since 1978. You are definitely in for a treat.

Flash

DCI Semifinals

via DCI:

**** 2007 DCI Division I Semifinals ****

01. 97.300 - Blue Devils
02. 97.250 - The Cadets
03. 96.775 - The Cavaliers
04. 95.400 - Phantom Regiment
05. 94.050 - Santa Clara Vanguard
06. 93.875 - Carolina Crown
07. 93.750 - Bluecoats
08. 90.450 - Blue Knights
09. 89.450 - Boston Crusaders
10. 87.025 - Glassmen
11. 87.000 - Colts
12. 85.500 - Spirit from JSU
^ ^ ^ ADVANCE TO FINALS ^ ^ ^
13. 84.500 - The Academy
14. 84.350 - Blue Stars
15. 81.850 - Madison Scouts
16. 81.600 - Crossmen
17. 79.525 - Pacific Crest

======================================================

**** 2007 DCI Division II Semifinal ****

01. 95.975 - Spartans
02. 95.650 - Jersey Surf
03. 92.825 - Teal Sound
04. 90.650 - Blue Devils B
05. 89.075 - Vanguard Cadets
06. 84.900 - Raiders
^ ^ ^ ADVANCE TO FINALS ^ ^ ^

======================================================

**** 2007 DCI Division III Semifinal ****

01. 91.525 - Memphis Sound
02. 89.825 - Fever
03. 84.750 - Revolution
04. 84.625 - Dutch Boy
05. 82.600 - Oregon Crusaders
06. 79.025 - Impulse
^ ^ ^ ADVANCE TO FINALS ^ ^ ^
07. 75.325 - Velvet Knights
08. 74.950 - Mystikal
09. 74.175 - Gold

International:
01. 87.800 - The Yokohama Scouts
^ ^ ^ ADVANCE TO FINALS ^ ^ ^

DCI Quarterfinals

Junior Drum Corps Championships are playing out in Pasadena this year. Last night's quarterfinals whittled the 22 open class corps to 17. Tonight they perform again for placement into the elite top 12. Tomorrow, they perform one last time to award the title.

**** 2007 DCI Division I Quarterfinals ****

01. 97.200 - Blue Devils
02. 96.500 - The Cadets
03. 96.225 - The Cavaliers
04. 94.600 - Phantom Regiment
05. 93.700 - Bluecoats
06. 93.325 - Carolina Crown
07. 93.200 - Santa Clara Vanguard
08. 90.200 - Blue Knights
09. 89.350 - Boston Crusaders
10. 87.175 - Glassmen
11. 87.075 - Colts
12. 85.925 - Spirit from JSU
13. 84.975 - The Academy
14. 84.200 - Blue Stars
15. 82.500 - Madison Scouts
16. 82.425 - Crossmen
17. 80.750 - Pacific Crest
18. 80.100 - Cascades
19. 77.950 - Southwind
20. 77.550 - Troopers
21. 75.200 - Mandarins
22. 73.325 - Pioneer

======================================================

**** 2007 DCI Division II Prelims ****

01. 93.750 - Jersey Surf
02. 93.700 - Spartans
03. 89.900 - Teal Sound
04. 87.800 - Blue Devils B
05. 85.800 - Vanguard Cadets
06. 80.075 - Raiders

======================================================

**** 2007 DCI Division III Prelims ****

01. 90.975 - Memphis Sound
02. 88.025 - Fever
03. 83.325 - Revolution
04. 81.850 - Dutch Boy
05. 79.075 - Oregon Crusaders
06. 78.225 - Impulse
07. 75.975 - Velvet Knights
08. 75.525 - Mystikal
09. 74.225 - Gold
10. 74.025 - Citations
11. 73.550 - Spokane Thunder
12. 70.575 - H.Y.P.E.
13. 66.175 - Racine Scouts
14. 64.150 - Spirit of Newark
15. 62.400 - Blue Devils B

International:
01. 85.650 - The Yokohama Scouts

Later in the year, ESPN2 will show highlights of this weekend's championsip. I'll be sure to remind you when that date is announced.

Flash
MN Brass, Inc - 1978, 79, 86-92, 94-96, 98, 99, 2001, 2003
Blue Stars - 1980
Govenaires - 2005
Pride of Drum Corps All Stars - Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Fiscal Frustration

MN 2020 reports and the fiscal frustration of the City of St. Paul:

The City of St. Paul is facing a grim $17 million budget deficit, which will likely cause significant property tax increases in 2008. Mayor Chris Coleman didn't get the city into this position, but he faces the unenviable task of leading the city out.

It's the classic GOP Set-up. Freeze public investment and cut to the bone until things are so bad that they are jacked out of office. Then when someone who comes in who is truly fiscally responsible, they get gutted for making the tough decisions.

While no one likes property tax increases, Mayor Chris Coleman deserves credit for having the courage to address squarely the difficult fiscal problems that were not of his making. All the anti-tax rhetoric in the world won’t paper over inflation and the reality that state aid reductions shift the cost of public services to local property taxpayers.

It's no wonder this fiscally conservative moderate keeps hitting a brick wall in the middle of his transition to the Right. I actually care about the community and will accept my portion of the burden to keep our city safe and clean.

Flash

MNGOP Spin Doctoring

There was a special election yesterday that the MNGOP claims "signals growing Republican momentum" Let's look at the data.

The GOP Candidate won with 53% of the vote. Since 1998, the GOP candidate has won, on average, 73.2% of the vote (even when you pull out the 100% when the GOP candidate was unopposed you still get 66.5%.)

Only Republican logic would take a 13 - 20% DROP in Republican candidate support and imply it signals GROWING momentum.

Comical, actually.

Flash

Source: MN SoS

1998
74.6 Sviggum
25.4 Hicks

2000 Unoposed
100 Sviggum

2002
66.11 Sviggum
33.81 Metcalf

2004
64.48 Sviggum
35.44 Metcalf

2006
60.82 Sviggum
39,05 Flatten

Emily's Story * I-35W

Kare 11 did a feature on Emily's 35W experience:

For five days television viewers and newspaper readers have seeing the black sedan stranded in the middle of the Mississippi River on I-35W's broken bridge. It is hard to imagine anyone walking away after falling 64 feet in that car, but that is exactly what Emily Pader did.

"I have a fracture on my S1 lumbar, So, it's like in the middle of my back in this area. That's really the only thing actually. No bruises, no cuts, nothing else."

The 20-year-old preschool teacher was crossing the river last Wednesday en route to drum corps practice. Emily is a member of the Minnesota Brass, Inc. Drum Corps color guard.

Read the rest here.

I can't find the video link right now., Once I do I'll post it. (Video Link HERE, extended Interview HERE.)

Flash

What's Next * I35W

An interesting discussion is brewing in the Minnesota Politics discussion forum. Interim Forum manager Tim Erickson started it off:

I think that we'll all agree, that safety and stability are of the utmost concern for a new bridge. BUT, what about design/appearance? What about additional functionality (light rail, bikes, or pedestrians)? More lanes or less? Should we hurry up and get this done as quickly as possible, or would we rather take time to really "redesign" this bridge and make sure that we get it RIGHT (again, I'm speaking of design)?

What is your vision for the future of the I-35W bridge???

Cost is, of course, a factor. The recent 250 Million passed, and signed by the President, is at the ready. But what can we build for that. One option was brought up in the forum, and it is a beaut. The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge (Wiki, Structurae) was completed in 2005.

The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that carries eight lanes of the Interstate 93 and U.S. Route 1 concurrency, plus a two lane access ramp, across the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts.

And as important:

The bridge is now a major landmark and has been featured in several films recently including the 2005 version of War of the Worlds and Martin Scorsese's The Departed and often serves as a backdrop for interviews.

I know we want to see this primary artery restored as soon as possible but I certainly hope we make some lemonade here and look at all the various factors involved replacing this structure. From form to functionality. We have an opportunity to honor those lost, those saved, and those who stepped up in true Minnesota Spirit. And before you think that a bridge like this is cost prohibitive, remember that $250 million that was just passed. I mentioned the Bunker Hill bridge was completed in 2005, the cost . . . $115 Million. It can be done sensibly and responsibly. Lets hope that happens.

What do you think, A premature discussion, or an opportune time to make sure we consider all the parameters of a new bridge?

Flash

Cagle on the Bridge

Click on over and go through the various editorial cartoons drawn across the country.

A time to pause and reflect

I am going up "Nort on da Range" this weekend. It was a preplanned trip. No reason I should change those arrangements. But don't think I won't be reflecting on the events of this past week and looking towards the future.

I hope you all have a safe a peaceful weekend.

Flash