Cell Phones, Traffic Deaths, and Politics

I note that under a "Freedom of Information Act" request, the New York Times forced the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to release a copy of a 2003 report on cell phones and "Distracted Driving."

Supposedly, it was Congress (this time) which "ordered" that the report be withheld, not the science hating Bush Administration. I'd like to see some names. Who was involved, and was their "debt" to the cell phone industry so great that they "pushed" the NHTSA to suppress the scientific evidence?

Were the same forces at work over at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in their examination of the facts and their conclusions regarding the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis? Was the lack of a public hearing to examine the facts done to avoid embarrassing Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, a Republican "star?" After all he vetoed money for road maintenance in Minnesota.

All politicians seem to lack a certain amount of candor and honesty. Republicans just seem to have taken dishonesty to entirely new levels.

I find it entirely plausible that Republicans might have "ordered" the suppression of research which might have "damaged" the cell phone industry while saving lives. Republicans have a long history of supporting big business at the expense of ordinary citizens.

I hope that news organizations continue to research the issue. The people who "ordered" the suppression of potentially life saving research to support the cell phone lobby should be named and asked to account for their actions.

And, now that the secret's out, how about publishing a clean copy of the report on the NHTSA web site, and formally submit it to Congress for review?

Palin - "I am not a Quitter"

Sarah Palin has granted limited interviews to selected press organizations.

Contrary to the evidence at hand, she claims she's not a quitter.

Like far too many politicians these days - she seems to lack a firm grasp on reality. It's unfortunate that Republican extremists insist upon treating her as if she were the new Messiah.

Yes, she can draw a crowd. But, so can any natural disaster.

The country deserves better than what the Republicans are offering.

Constructive problem solving rather than blind ideology and delusional spin would go a long way.

Goodbye Sarah Palin

Unbelievable news today.

In a rambling statement, using words reminding one of a Tina Fey parody, Governor Palin announced she would not seek reelection as Alaska's Governor. And, further, she will resign the office.

The explanation given for her pending resignation sounded lame. One wonders what she is really thinking. Did the (mostly justified) criticism of her finally get to her? Is she really thinking of higher office? Did the governor of South Carolina "vacation" in Alaska? Is there some as yet undisclosed scandal yet to be reported? Time will tell.

I hope Alaska's Lieutenant Governor is more qualified than Minnesota's Lieutenant Governor. If not, the State of Alaska is in for even more pain than they've endured since Ms. Palin's failed Vice Presidential folly.

I note that news organizations are still trying to obtain copies of Ms. Palin's email messages. As I recall, they were originally told they'd have to pay - in some cases tens of millions of dollars - to see these public documents. One can only imagine why the state wants to continue to stonewall such requests. My take is that the release would further embarrass Ms. Palin and subject her to further (justified) criticism.

So much for Ms. Palin's promise of honest and transparent government.

I found myself chuckling that the State of Alaska says that its systems are so bad that her email messages aren't readily available. If the state's systems are truly that bad - and I doubt it - perhaps they should contract with the Republican's "beloved" private sector to provide the service. I hear that Google provides reliable email service with loads of disk space.

The State of Alaska has also indicated that if and when they provide the requested copies of the email messages, they must do so on paper. It reminds me of at least one major Minnesota company's response to periodic visits from government auditors. They would print reams of paper reports. Box upon box of computer printouts would be delivered by forklift to a conference room and stacked against the walls for use by the auditors. When a young employee asked why the data wasn't provided electronically, the answer was "We don't want to make it easy for them."

It would appear that Governor Palin has attempted to run Alaska as if it were a business.

Thank God it's Over

Minnesota's long running 2008 Senatorial contest has - finally - come to an end. Norm Coleman has - finally - admitted defeat. Al Franken has - finally - been declared as the winner.

I can't say I'm sorry to see Norm go.

I know Norm Coleman once tried to be an honorable man. But, somewhere along the line he changed.

I hope he can find gainful employment outside the public sector where his misguided views will not have such a negative, divisive, impact on the long suffering citizens of Minnesota.

For Senator Franken, let's hope that he's able to maintain perspective. People do matter - more so than special interest groups. And, certainly more than how one politician fares in the next election.