Wake Up!

Note to all Republicans -

Labeling Barack Obama as a terrorist because he had coffee at a college professor's house is about as logical as the left stating that the Republican Party is a terrorist organization due to its support of the failed policies of George W. Bush and other key "leaders."

After all, can't we label George W. Bush as a terrorist because he's caused more damage to this country than the terrorists did on 9/11?

Wake Up!

Is it painful enough for you yet?

The stock market lost another boatload of money again today.

While it's not good to overreact to short term market changes, today's drop continues a negative trend. The wealthy are doing fine. But, average citizens are rightfully terrified as they watch their retirement dreams wither away.

Home prices continue to decline. Grocery costs continue to rise. The economy's in a mess. If you're still employed, you have to wonder if you will be at the end of the month.

Is it painful enough for you yet?

As the dreams of retirees and the middle class continue to shatter, the political attack ads keep spewing out their unique brand of sewage.

The Republicans, and their Big Business supporters, continue to run their smear ads against the Democrats. I guess they have to, as Republicans don't have a very positive record to advertise.

I wonder what it says about our country when John McCain, a once honorable war hero, stoops to trying to smear his rival, Barack Obama, by claiming that he's "a pal" of a 1960's anti-war protester who may have done some bad things back when Senator Obama was just four or five years old.

The partisan Republican crowds listening to the McCain-Palin stump speech smears seem to eat up the message. What does this say about them?

A case could be made for labeling John McCain, and other Republicans, as "domestic terrorists" due to their unwavering support of the failed policies of the Bush Administration. After all, the Republicans, and the greed of their Big Business supporters, have done more harm to this country than the terrorists did on 9-11. All the terrorists did was to bring down a couple of buildings. Republican policies appear to have caused trillions of dollars in long term damage to our country.

While it's easy to blame George W. Bush and his Administration, all Republicans deserve the blame. For far too long, the Republican Party has only represented Big Business and the wealthy. Sure, they've used the religious right to deliver the votes by exploiting hatred and divisive wedge issues. But, in the end, they've only really represented Big Business and the wealthy.

The middle class and the poor have lost ground while awaiting to see any benefit from Republican "trickle down economics."

It's time for the incompetence to end.

Republican Party candidates deserve to be defeated this November. We need politicians who will represent all citizens. We need politicians who will put "Country First," not just as a campaign slogan, but in reality.

Only then will we have a prayer of rebuilding the country.

Norm Coleman - Hypocrite

Normally, Norm Coleman, and his fellow Republicans, are loathe to criticize small businesses and free-market enterprise. At every opportunity, they tout small business as the reason to give massive tax breaks to the wealthy (while failing to mention that the vast majority of small business owners are not wealthy).

However, in a bizarre press release from the Coleman for Senate campaign, Norm Coleman appears to have gone on record criticizing a small businessman who sold his services to some of the Wall Street firms involved in the credit crunch affecting our failing economy.

It seems that the small businessman had listed his speaking fees ($50,000 to $75,000) on a web site, along with a partial list of clients (which included some of the Wall Street firms). Apparently, someone on the Coleman campaign staff used the web site to determine that over the years the businessman had given 30 speeches to Wall Street firms. At his published speaker's fee, it was estimated that the businessman collected between $1.5 Million and $2.25 Million for his work.

Why does Norm Coleman criticize one businessman who dared to conduct legal free-market business with now troubled Wall Street firms and ignore all other businesses which did the same?

Norm Coleman has labeled the private businessman as a hypocrite for collecting fees for his services, because the businessman has criticized lawmaker Norm Coleman for taking fees (or contributions - supposedly not for services rendered) from the same Wall Street firms.

Talk about hypocritical.

Norm, there's a big difference between a private businessman collecting a fee for a legal service, and a politician collecting a "fee" from the same business which is now seeking a share of a $700 Billion public bailout.

To be fair, the small businessman in this case is Al Franken. Al Franken, a businessman turned politician. Al's looking to change careers and take Norm's job.

Let's hope he succeeds.

Businessman Al Franken earned his Wall Street fees honestly.

Unlike some politicians, it's expected that Senator Al Franken will be more likely to represent the people who elected him rather than only representing Special Interests.

Norm Coleman - Only Non-partisan Reviews?

In between his attack ads, Norm Coleman occasionally stops to try to defend his record.

In one of his recent ads, he touts the fact that he "Supported 100 non-partisan Iraq Reviews."


I found this troubling on a number of levels.

What does it mean to "support" a review? It certainly doesn't sound like rigorous investigation. Why was he supporting only "non-partisan" reviews? And, just because a complaint comes from the loyal opposition, is it fair to label it "partisan" and refuse to investigate?

Norm's blind indifference is the kind of attitude which leads to allegations of conspiracy and massive cover-ups. Such lack of oversight may just have led to a collapsing economy, requiring trillions of dollars to correct.

If we can't count on the watchdogs to maintain watch, who can we count on? Certainly, not Norm.

Clearly, Norm's been out of control. He's been blinded by his unwavering support of George W. Bush and Special Interests. He hasn't been able to get the job done for Minnesotans.


Norm Coleman. Getting Things Done?

For who? And, at what cost to our nation?

Norm Coleman - Unfit for Office

Norm Coleman, and his special interest allies - through lies, half truths, and innuendo - continue to hammer the message that Al Franken is somehow "unfit for office."

Many families with young children wish that Norm Coleman, and his allies, would put "Parental Disclaimers" on his adult content ads, to allow them to get the children out of the room before they run.

Meanwhile, our economy continues its long decline. The Republican social experiment in wealth redistribution called "trickle down economics" has woefully failed the country. The wealthy got wealthier - and greedier -while the middle class lost ground.

While many blame George W. Bush, the Republican party - and the special interest groups they cater to - are to blame. Republicans have consistently supported "trickle down economics" and opposed reasonable policies and regulations to protect average citizens.

I cringe every time I hear a Republican ad stating that the Democrats "will raise your taxes." If I didn't know the facts, I might conclude that the average Minnesota family was doing reasonably well - earning more than $250,000 per year.

But the fact is that the average Minnesota family doesn't earn more than $250,00 a year. The average Minnesota family is in trouble. They have lost ground in the last decade under Republican "leadership." Meanwhile, the wealthy have gotten much wealthier, and the Republicans want to cut their taxes even more.

Note to Norm Coleman - Leadership is not being a lapdog to special interests. Leadership means you have a spine and know how to use it. Leadership is not about political ideology or extremist religious beliefs. Leadership is looking beyond the next election. Leadership is putting the Country First - not as an empty John McCain campaign slogan, but in real actions which support the average citizen, not just the special interests.

Norm, I've seen great leaders. You are not a leader. Not even close. You are unfit for office.

Seven Hundred Billion Dollar Bailout

The "talking heads" on the Sunday talk shows indicate that the 700 Billion dollar bailout of Wall Street and big business is needed to avoid bigger problems later. (Actually, I believe the dollar figure is closer to one trillion dollars, if the money already spent is included. But, why argue over a few hundred billion dollars in an election year.)

Treasury Secretary, Henry M. Paulson, Jr., made the rounds of the talk shows to "sell" the notion that the massive bailout is necessary.

Given the penchant of the Bush Administration to lie to the American people, I'm not confident that we know the whole story. Mr. Paulson says that the additional 700 billion dollars will be used to buy impaired assets and we will get our money back when those assets are sold. These comforting words come from an administration which told us that Iraqi oil would pay for Bush's Three Trillion Dollar War.

I sure wish that there was an authoritative source of unbiased information to help guide us in deciding what's right.

One thing for sure. A select group of individuals got wealthy by selling loans to people who could not afford to repay them. Too many people bought this bad debt, some of whom were not aware that it was impaired. A number of CEOs were given big bonuses based on the returns "earned" on this bad debt.

The CEOs and executives will walk away from the mess with their large bonus payments. Some will also walk away with large severance payments. Some large firms will cease to exist. Many "innocent" employees will lose their jobs. And, a number of families will be forced out of homes that they couldn't afford in the first place.

As is typical in such situations, the average innocent citizen will be hurt the most.

Homeowners who have faithfully made their mortgage payments for years will suffer from a double hit - the declining value of their homes due to the number of foreclosed homes being offered at "bargain" prices, and the tax burden (whether direct, or through inflation, or both) caused by the one trillion dollar (so far) bailout.

For far too long the Republicans have indicated that free markets will solve all evils. The don't. They've also indicated that enriching the wealthy is good, as the money from the wealthy will trickle down to those of lesser means. While it may flood into political campaign coffers, it never quite makes it down to average citizens.

The wealthy can survive a downturn with a little pain ("My portfolio lost a billion dollars today. I'm so unhappy."). For those of lesser means - without a financial cushion - a downturn can quickly turn to disaster ("I'm 57 and was just laid off. I can't afford my mortgage payment. I can't afford tuition for my two kids in college. What will I do?").

We're long past the point where the Republican's failed social experiment needs to be ended.

The greedy cannot be trusted to regulate their businesses or their industries. Government must provide reasonable regulation to keep the actions of the greedy from crippling the dreams of all.

The tax breaks for the wealthy must be ended. The taxes they don't pay are a "hidden tax" on the remainder of the population.

Trickle Down Economics has failed. It's time for executive salaries to return from the stratosphere. America's workers deserve fair compensation.

And, yes, Senator McCain, starting a war then refusing to raise taxes to pay for it is unpatriotic. Future generations are being charged this stealth tax by your not paying for the war now.

It is time for a change. Vote accordingly.

Then, continue to demand change.

The Great White Hope

Courtesy of KSTP DTV-2, I was able to watch today's McCain-Palin rally at the Blaine airport live.

One overriding question remains. The McCain campaign is stressing "Country First." Just what - or who - does he think this country consists of? Rich white folks?

Other than the Secret Service Agents, just how many people of color were in attendance at today's rally? While a review of the tape would probably reveal more, I counted two (and one was placed strategically behind the candidates, so that she would always appear on camera).

Two - One. Two. Not exactly a representative demographic.

A few weeks ago, the ladies on The View were joking about the news media repeatedly interviewing the single black man or black woman they found at the Republican National Convention. The demographics of today's rally indicate little improvement has been made in selling the "Republican message" to anyone but rich white people.

On the issues, John McCain is almost sounding like a "liberal Democrat" these days. Today he's calling for more regulation of business. He even extolled the unthinkable for the Republican business lobby by suggesting that discredited executives "give back" their ill gotten gains.

No way do I believe that John McCain actually believes half the stuff he says while out on the stump. But which half does he believe? He seems to have put his campaign in the hands of the Karl Rove "win at all costs" crowd.

The wild Maverick has been broken. The "Straight Talk Express" has been silenced.

Whether John McCain becomes a good "trail horse" for the Republicans and their special interests remains to be seen. Right now, he seems to be the "good soldier" following orders from the commander managing his campaign.

Norm Coleman's Crummy Picture

After another brutal day on Wall Street, where hardworking Minnesotans have seen tens of thousands of dollars of their hard earned retirement dollars lost, what has Norm Coleman been doing?

According to his latest ad, he's obsessed that someone leaked a photo of him taken after a night of hard partying with his special interest friends. In it, he looks "crummy." At least that's what I think he was saying. Political "Norm Speak" is even harder to comprehend than normal "Norm Speak" sometimes.

Now, we know Norm's a good looking guy. And, I can see see how he would be concerned that such a "crummy" photo might harm his "clean" image (thank God the video of what he did at the party hasn't come out as yet).

So, as hardworking Minnesotans lose tens of thousands of dollars due to the failing economy caused by Republican incompetence, Norm is concerned about his image.

The fact is, Republican Trickle Down Economics have been disastrous for the average hard working Minnesotan, as well as for hard working individuals throughout the nation. Sure, the wealthiest 5% of the population has gotten much wealthier, but the other 95% have been hurting.

The stock market has remained essentially flat over the last ten years. Billions of dollars have been lost. Tens of thousands of good paying jobs have been lost. Median income for the middle class has actually declined in the last decade. Employers have eliminated defined benefit pension plans. Republicans even attempted to do the same with Social Security.

And, there's still the outstanding bill for Bush's three trillion dollar war.

Norm's response? Nothing of substance. He's concerned about his appearance.

It's a shame Norm has no conscience. It's a shame he has so little regard for hard working Minnesotans.

We deserve better.

Norm Coleman is a Whore

Norm Coleman has released his hardest hitting non-issue TV ad to date. Norm starts by "apologetically" telling us that he "approves this message because it's important for you to see" or some such drivel.

The rest shows a passionate, apparently foul mouthed, Al Franken doing his job. For those who have seen the recurring "This Week in Unnecessary Censorship" feature on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," you know the drill.

But, wait, perhaps the clips are real. Perhaps Al Franken, in the course of doing his job, uttered some harsh words about incompetent Republicans. So what? Al Franken was one of the few speaking out against Republican incompetence at the time. Is Norm suggesting that speaking honestly in a past job should disqualify someone from being a US Senator?

If so, Norm's past - and current - position as a special interest whore must surely disqualify him from further profiteering off of the American people. Not only is Norm a whore, but he's a dishonest one at that. He refuses to acknowledge that he's a whore for special interests. He continues to try to convince us that he's on our side. Bull Hooey.

Al Franken is a passionate guy who will work hard to serve the people of Minnesota.

On the other hand, reflecting the special interest whore that he is, all we can expect from Norm Coleman is his continued detached, dispassionate, screwing of the people of Minnesota.

I guess we shouldn't be too surprised that Norm Coleman is running non-issue attack ads. That's what Karl Rove worshipers do. Besides, Norm has to spend all those special interest dollars somehow. And, he certainly doesn't have any real issues to run on.

Norm, you're an embarrassment.

What's the Deal with Cindy McCain?

A friend of mine recently asked: "What's the deal with Cindy McCain?" We'd both noticed that she always seems to be with John McCain while he's on the stump.

My friend asked if I thought Cindy McCain was so insecure that she had to accompany John McCain everywhere. After all, John had just selected a much younger - and most unqualified - woman to run with him. In the age of Viagra, there might be something stirring in his loins.

While that's possible, I'd come up with another explanation. The last time the Republicans ran an "experienced" (well, actually, old) guy for President, he had many problems and needed much handling. Among other things, his mind was going. His wife, Nancy, took to managing him closely. She even used a psychic to offer proper guidance to "Ronnie."

The official word was that the "old gipper" was very healthy. Those who looked more closely saw the truth.

Perhaps Cindy McCain is hovering about to keep John McCain focused, on message, and out of trouble. While his mind seems okay, how is anyone supposed to know for sure? I suppose that when he starts calling Cindy "Mommy" the truth will be out.

If John McCain is elected, one thing for sure is that the Republicans will attempt to "fix" Social Security the same way they did with their last old President. They'll prop up their really old President - no matter how diminished he might be - as a perfect example of how people can continue to work well into their seventies, eighties, and beyond. They'll declare the only way to fix Social Security is to raise the retirement age to 76 years old (or older).

But, maybe raising the retirement age to 76 won't be so bad. With the fine economic mess the Republicans have created, retirement is a shattered dream for most Americans anyway.

Besides, with the failed health care system the Republicans keep promoting, the average American doesn't have a prayer of living to be 76 years old.

Norm Coleman - In Bed with the Oil Companies?

We've been saying for some time that Norm Coleman, like the rest of the Republican Party, is in bed with the oil companies.

A new report indicates that for regulators with the Minerals Management Service, being in bed with the industry seems to have been literally true.

Now, we know Norm Coleman has accepted "gifts" from powerful special interest groups (the ones identified in official reports reflect much special interest paid travel). Do we need to ask Norm for a more detailed report on his involvement with special interests? I doubt we'd get one.

For those who believe that the Republicans have been screwing American taxpayers - or more specifically those American taxpayers of modest means - for years, the report seems to offer yet another example.

What - exactly - have Republicans received in exchange for their tax breaks to Big Oil and other special interests?

We know what the average citizen got - higher costs, higher unemployment, broken pension promises, giveaways to one favored industry after another, poor industry oversight (resulting in the loss of billions of dollars), and a failed economy.

Yet, Norm continues to run on a "more of the same" platform.

Norm, we deserve better.

Norm Coleman - Getting It Done

In the days following the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis, politicians of all stripes came forward, vowing to rebuild. Then, unlike what happened in New Orleans (remember, they were poor and unworthy of Republican support), they proceeded to do so. Money was appropriated. Money was spent. The new bridge nears completion.

This morning, we're treated to another message from Norm's "bowling buddy" spokesperson who claims that Norm's "leadership" provided the money to rebuild the I-35W bridge.

To be fair, Norm Coleman, and the Republicans, did help in securing bridge replacement funds. But, "leadership" from Norm? I think not. As a country, we have always come together after a crisis or a natural disaster (New Orleans being a major exception). Securing the money to rebuild was assured from the start.

Besides, the I-35W collapse happened on the watch of a Republican governor known for vetoing transportation bills, along with others necessary for infrastructure maintenance and repair. They had to support Tim Pawlenty (unlike what happened with a Democrat as governor in Louisiana).

As long as Norm wants to take responsibility for funding the I-35W bridge replacement, perhaps he's willing to take responsibility for the country's infrastructure decline while he's been in office.

Norm has voted to spend billions of dollars in his support for Iraq (which now has a huge budget surplus). Meanwhile, in our country, governmental agencies and programs suffer from inadequate funding.

Norm, and his fellow Republicans, have their priorities wrong. They'd rather run up huge debts funding a senseless war, while allowing our country's assets to deteriorate to the point of collapse.

Norm, when will you start to take responsibility for the failures of the Republican "trickle down" economic policies and quit rushing to take credit for the work of others?

Liar. Liar. Liar.

The latest John McCain ad includes the catchy phrase:

"They're Ready to Tax. They're Ready to Spend. But They're Not Ready to Lead."

The ad goes on to declare that Obama "and out of touch Congressional leaders plan to implement painful tax increases on working American families." It claims the Democrats will produce "years of deficits," and "no balanced budgets."

What a despicable bunch of Lies.

Unfortunately, they're just more Lies from a once honorable man formerly known for his "straight talk." Is there any Republican capable of speaking the truth these days?

What's happened to John McCain? His moral compass appears to have been lost. He knows, or should know, that the ads he's approving are filled with Lies. I think most of us are willing to accept a little "embellishment" during a political campaign. But, repeated lying is despicable.

Shame on you, John McCain. You may be a war hero, but your current conduct reveals some very serious character flaws.

FactCheck.org, a nonpartisan "consumer advocate" for voters, has examined Barack Obama's tax plan, and determined that it would produce a tax cut for over 81.3 percent of all households, and 95.5 percent of all households with children.

Not exactly the "painful tax increases on working American families" described in John McCain's commercial.

FactCheck.org has identified a "pattern of deceit" in John McCain's ads. Straight talkers would call it a pattern of Lying.

Republicans have repeatedly used scare tactics to get elected. George W. Bush lied to start a war. Apparently, John McCain believes in doing the same to get elected.

Mr. McCain, we expected better from you.

Back to Work

With the hurricane danger past, at least for now, the Republicans can get pack to work in St. Paul.

The convention leadership did a reasonably good job of subduing the celebrations in St. Paul, while people on the Gulf coast were being evacuated.

I wonder where the compassionate Republicans were the last time around - Katrina - when George W. Bush, and the Karl Rove wing of the party, were blaming the victims for Republican incompetence.

I'm glad to hear that damage on the Gulf coast was lighter than it was during Katrina. But, it would have been great political fun to watch the networks provide a split screen of the Republicans partying while New Orleans was being destroyed.

So, let's bring on the soaring rhetoric of John McClain. Then, let's politely ask the Republicans to get the hell out of town.

Abortion Politics

Republican Vice Presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, announced today that her 17 year old daughter, Bristol, is 5 months pregnant. To reassure her core special interest groups, she stressed that her daughter had decided to keep the baby, and would be marrying the father.

She is quoted as saying: "We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support. Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family."

Clearly Ms. Palin seems to be a loving - if somewhat misguided - parent. After all, she's opposed to sex education in schools, even though it's been proven to be an effective deterrent to teenage pregnancy.

There's no word on whether sex was openly discussed in the home before the pregnancy occurred. And there's no word on whether the young couple has been given the option of not getting married, as teenage marriage often ends in divorce.

What is wonderful to hear from a strict anti-abortion supporter such as Ms. Palin is that her daughter had a choice. Ms. Palin and her husband were proud of their daughter's decision to have the baby.

What's troubling is that Ms. Palin, John McCain, and the Republican party would deny the same choice to millions of American woman to satisfy a special interest group. Instead of offering unconditional love and support to all families, she would demand adherence to the views of religious special interest groups.

Ms. Palin has asked for privacy for her children. This, too, is ironic. Ms. Palin, and the Republicans, want to keep government out of our lives - except when it comes to sex. She would have the government regulate who can marry and whether or not a pregnancy must be carried to term.

Sure, Ms. Palin's family deserves some choice. But, so do the millions of American families who are under constant assault from the anti-gay and anti-abortion special interest groups.

Republicans need to stop selling themselves to such special interest groups, and concentrate on unconditional support for all Americans instead.

That's a change which is long overdue in this country.

Sarah Palin is a well thought out choice

Talk about a leadership home run, John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin is the best selection for a Vice Presidential candidate since Ross Perot selected retired Vice Admiral James Stockdale to be his running mate in 1992.

We can only hope that Ms. Palin will be a bit better prepared for the Vice Presidential debate than Mr. Stockdale was.

For those too young to remember, look it up here.

Higher Taxes Aren't Very Funny

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a pro-business special interest group closely connected to Norm Coleman, has come up with another attack ad against Al Franken.

It suggests that every time Al opens his mouth, he's saying that he's going to raise your takes. Talk about deceptive. It's my understanding that Al is right in line with Barack Obama. He'd roll back the unfair Bush tax cuts to the wealthy, and lower taxes for the majority of Americans.

The ad also claims that Norm Coleman is working hard to secure better health care for Minnesotans, while keeping the government out of our health care decisions, or some such drivel. It deceptively raises fears that we'll no longer be able to see the doctor of our choice and that some faceless government bureaucrat will make health care decisions for us.

Anyone who has had to deal with a private insurance company knows that there are plenty of faceless bureaucrats involved in making health care decisions for us. Except, they're not government bureaucrats --- they're employed by private insurance companies.

Over the past 10 years, health care costs have gone up at an incredible rate. Health care coverage has gone down. Monthly insurance rates and copays have gone up. And, more people have become uninsured.

Republican politicians are fine with the current health care situation. They have low cost health care insurance, and their wealthy friends are happy.

Norm Coleman has fought to bring us better health care? Now, that would be funny, if the truth weren't so sad. Casual observation, and those damned statistics would seem to prove otherwise.

The only thing Norm Coleman has fought for is the interests of his wealthy friends. He's given away billions of taxpayer dollars to satisfy wealthy special interests. He conspired with a lobbyist (who happened to be a Republican Congressman at the time) to help pass the Medicare prescription drug bill. In typical Republican speak, the law was supposed to help seniors afford expensive medications. In reality, it's done more to help the drug companies than it has to help seniors.

How would you like to be prohibited - by law - from negotiating the best price on your next car? Most of us would find that totally unacceptable. Yet, Norm and his co-conspirators added just such a prohibition to the prescription drug law. Our government - spending taxpayer money - is prohibited from negotiating the best price for the Medicare Part D drugs it buys.

The commercial suggests that we call Al Franken and tell him that "Higher Taxes Aren't Very Funny."

What's not funny is deceptive advertising.

Instead, I would recommend that everyone call the U. S. Chamber of Commerce (1-800-638-6582) - and their local Chamber of Commerce. Request that they stop deceptive advertising.

Request that they spend their money supporting the American people who have brought them so much wealth.

Contrasts

Last night we watched Barack Obama deliver his acceptance speech in front of 70,000+ in Denver. Today we were treated to John McCain announcing his VP choice in front of a much smaller, though quite spirited, crowd in Dayton.

Two things really stood out.

One, the Obama crowd appeared to be one of the most racially diverse crowds ever to attend a political event.

Two, the Republican crowd did not appear to have nearly as much diversity.

The Grand Old Party of rich white people continues to appeal to its base.

Here We Go Again....

Republicans are nothing if not unlucky.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed his Lieutenant Governor, Carol Molneau, to lead the state's Department of Transportation. Under the Pawlenty "leadership" needed road maintenance and repairs were ignored. When consultants hired by the DOT suggested that money be spent on repairs and maintenance, they were directed to come back with "less costly" options.

After all, Tim Pawlenty had made a pledge to the wealthy taxpayer's lobby, promising to hold down taxes. The citizen's of Minnesota be damned. Protecting the wealthy was more important.

Then, a little over a year ago, the 35W bridge in Minneapolis collapsed into the Mississippi river. Many were injured and about a dozen killed. What unfortunate "luck."

While never stated publicly, the Republicans are "good businessmen." Such losses, while "regrettable" in a public sense, are "acceptable" as long as good Republican principles are maintained.

Now, on the eve of the Republican National Convention, a tropical storm - predicted to become a category 3 hurricane - is heading toward the gulf coast.

If the storm causes damage in New Orleans while the Republicans celebrate in St. Paul, Americans can't help to be reminded of the incompetent "leadership" the Republicans have offered over the last 8 years

That's something that even the Karl Rove attack machine will have a hard time spinning.

Trickle Down Economics Fails

The business section of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Wednesday, August 27, 2008) carried an interesting article on how the middle class has been left behind during the business cycle high of 2001 to 2007. While the wealthy did quite well during this period, the middle class didn't fare so well.

The median income in Minnesota dropped from $58,363 in 2001 to $55,802 in 2007. The poverty level rose from 7.8% in 2001 to 9.5% in 2007. And, the number of uninsured rose from 7.5% in 2001 to 8.8% in 2007. While I haven't seen any statistics as yet, corporate proxy statements would seem to indicate that corporate executives fared far better.

We've been living under the Republican version of "trickle down economics" for quite some time. It appears to be working - if you're wealthy.

This year, as in past years, there appears to be a huge difference between the two major political parties. The Republicans will seek to keep and expand the tax cuts for the wealthy which appear to be a key element of their "trickle down economics" program. The Democrats would begin rolling back the tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 per year.

I've never quite understood the base of the "modern" Republican party. At the core, there are those who are very wealthy, who seek to maintain their wealth through favorable tax treatment. Then, there are businesses, which also seek to gain through favorable tax and regulatory treatment. There's the religious (Christian) right, with some very wealthy televangelists who purport to be holier than all others. They lead flocks of people of more modest means. And, finally there are those who are anti-abortion, seeking to impose their (limited) view on others.

It all seems like an unpatriotic, unholy, alliance.

Anyone who would put special interests ahead of the country's best interests is unpatriotic. Sure, we can have an honest debate over what's best for the country. But, anyone who signs a pledge to a special interest group is putting their interests ahead of the county's. By signing such a pledge, they're saying that they don't give a damn about the country - they represent special interests only.

Anyone who pledges to represent the view of a religious special interest group, before the needs of the country, deserves a special place in Hell. This country was founded on religious freedom. Yet, a small group of right wing religious extremists would have politicians support their goals above all others.

There's a clear choice this year. Do we continue to support the failed policies and practices of the past or look forward to solving the nation's problems with open, honest, debate?

Look beyond the attack ads. Look beyond the preachings of your spiritual leader. Be patriotic. Examine the issues from all points of view. Put the needs of the country first.

Pawlenty Bridges Falling Down!

Talk about Governor Tim Pawlenty's dumb "luck."

News out of the Twin Cities this evening is that I-35E in St Paul had to be shut down in both directions after a four foot chunk of concrete fell off the Maryland Avenue bridge and struck a car. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

The bridge is to be inspected before it, and I-35E, is reopened.

It's been almost a year since the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed. The rewritten children's song of that day comes to mind again:

Pawlenty bridges Falling Down,

Falling Down, Falling Down.

Pawlenty bridges Falling Down.

No New Taxes!

For years, our politician's have spent lavishly on their pet projects and assorted corporate welfare (St. Paul is still paying for the Xcel Center; Hennepin County has just started paying for the new Twins Stadium), while ignoring our crumbling infrastructure.

Tim Pawlenty didn't invent infrastructure neglect. But, he deserves our scorn, as he signed a "No New Taxes" pledge for a wealthy lobbyist group. And, he appointed his Lieutenant Governor to oversee the Department of Transportation - a clear conflict of interest.

It's hard to advocate for necessary maintenance funds when you're catering to a special interest group which appears to oppose all government spending. The Pawlenty administration clearly appears to be less concerned about a crumbling infrastructure than they are about breaking a pledge to their wealthy benefactors.

Fortunately, today's "incident" doesn't sound too serious. Only one car damaged. Nobody was killed. If it had happened during rush hour, as the I-35W bridge collapse did, the story might have been completely different.

As we approach the Republican National Convention in September, Governor Pawlenty had better pray that there are no more infrastructure failure issues to further damage his image.

And, voters everywhere should think hard about how political indifference, in general, and the Republican brand of "Trickle Down Economics," specifically, has damaged this country.

Norm Coleman, Apply Directly to the Forehead...

Every time I see Norm Coleman's commercial - You know the one: "He brought hockey back... He brought hockey back..." - it reminds me of the infamous "Head On, Apply directly to the forehead... Head On, Apply directly to the forehead..." commercial.

That product was shown to be little more than a placebo. Unfortunately, Norm Coleman is much more dangerous.

For some reason, Senator Coleman won't talk about his current record of strong support for George W. Bush, and the dirty politics of Karl Rove. Instead, he wants to talk about his record as mayor of St. Paul.

Norm apparently wants people to believe that he was responsible for professional hockey's return to Minnesota. I suppose that's news to all the fine people who worked on the project. But, it's not unusual for a politician, especially one like Norm, to take credit for the work of others.

One thing Norm did deliver, however, was the necessary "corporate welfare" to build the Xcel Center. Yes, it was Norm who saddled the long suffering citizens of St. Paul with the debt to pay for the Xcel Center. They continue to make payments on this debt.

Way to go, Norm!

I'm surprised that he hasn't brought up one of his "major accomplishments" as Mayor of St. Paul. He successfully moved the street maintenance budget out of the "general fund" and replaced it with an annual property assessment. The net result was that the city could collect the ever increasing costs of street maintenance from the tax payers of St. Paul. And, Norm could continue to claim that he "held the line" on taxes. No new Taxes!

Way to go, Norm!

Norm, you lead the way for Governor Tim Pawlenty to use the same tricks. Raise fees, not taxes. Continue to raise fees, all the while preaching "No new taxes."

I'd give just about anything to meet an honest politician today, especially a Republican. But, I fear that they've all been lying for so long that they now believe it's the truth because they've heard it so often.

Sad. Very Sad.

Minnesota deserves better.

Conduct Unbecoming

Barack Obama is traveling overseas, visiting favorite Republican war zones before moving on to Europe, where he'll start rebuilding our reputation in the world.

After Republicans repeatedly suggested that trips overseas somehow translate to foreign policy experience, Obama has gone traveling for a week. After he returns, he should have about the same amount of foreign policy experience as John McCain, who spent years in a North Vietnam prison.

So much for foreign policy experience. And, so much for image making.

The Republicans have been more than a little jealous of all the press attention Senator Obama has been getting. Some have even suggested that they deserve "equal time," even though it was the Republicans who insisted that the old "equal time" rule be repealed years ago.

John McCain was all over the morning news shows this morning. Was he saying anything substantive? No. He was whining like a toddler (or at least like former Senator Phil Gramm): "I was right. I was right. Senator Obama was wrong. Senator Obama was wrong. The surge has worked. The surge has worked." Wherever he went, he seemed to repeat himself. I guess we can cross those items off the Talking Points list, he's covered them.

It was undignified and unbecoming.

Both men took strong stands on a specific issue - the troop surge. One could argue that the additional troops (which the incompetent Bush administration should have sent in from the beginning to maintain order) have helped to improve security in some areas of Iraq. But, based on a slight improvement, it's not fair to say that we're winning the war.

Besides, there's the matter of the increasing violence in Afghanistan.

A political cartoon this weekend depicted it best. It showed American troops withdrawing from Iraq into Afghanistan. Then, withdrawing from Afghanistan into Iraq. Then, the seemingly endless cycle would repeat itself.

Instead of pretending that foreign travel somehow grants foreign policy experience, I'd just as soon both men stay home and come up with solid, bipartisan plans to fix our ailing economy, and rebuild our once proud middle class.

That would be an image we could all respect.

Republican Talking Points

Watching the President's news conference this morning, it's clear that George W. Bush and Norm Coleman remain on the same page.

Norm Coleman's recent campaign ad had him saying that he knows "times are tough," and acknowledging that people are having trouble making ends meet. This morning President Bush acknowledged the same, saying that it's a "difficult time for many families."

The only thing they they both left out was the the "fact" that we've become "a nation of whiners" which has resulted in us entering a "mental recession" as was so bluntly stated recently by Republican Senator Phil Gramm. I believe he'd been listening to too much conservative talk radio.

To the typical Republican, there's no recession. Maybe there's been a slight dip in their investment portfolio. But, no recession. And, there's very little pain.

After all, the gas bag drug abuser, Rush Limbaugh, just signed on for another eight years at something like $38 Million per year. Sure, in better times he might have fetched at least $40-50 Million a year, but times are tough.

The fact is, the beneficiaries of the Bush tax cuts are doing quite well. Once their "basic needs" are satisfied for a million or two a year, they still have money left over.

For the average citizen, however, life is not so easy. By the time they pay their housing expenses, feed the family, pay for their medical expenses, and insurance - if they're lucky enough to be able to afford it - there's little or nothing left.

Compare the number of foreclosures in a neighborhood such as North Oaks to the number of forecloses in North Minneapolis or St. Paul's Frogtown. Which population is feeling more pain from the "fine economy" the Republicans have given us?

I'd love to see a politician be honest once in a while.

Instead of simply acknowledging that the typical American is feeling "pain," I'd like them to acknowledge their role in creating that pain.

Instead of standing up to Karl Rove and the Bush administration's lust for power, wouldn't it have been nice if Norm Coleman, and his Republican colleagues, had stood up and asked the hard questions. Couldn't they have inquired about the wisdom of starting a three trillion dollar war, while cutting taxes? Talk about credit card abuse. What were they thinking?

Yet, the Republican message remains the same. The economy is sound. The economy continues to grow. We need more tax cuts to continue on the path.

The nation has endured a "trickle down" economy for many years now. Have the tax cuts for the wealthy helped you?

Think and vote accordingly.

McCain Campaign Stop

John McCain came to visit the state of Minnesota on Thursday, July 10. He spent about an hour at a meet and greet with the Republican telephone call center team, before retreating to his hotel to rest.

On Friday morning, he crossed the border into western Wisconsin to hold one of his town meetings - this one for women only - in Hudson. The attendees included, God bless them, some of the local crowned Princesses (without a parade in site). As is typical Republican fashion, it was an invitation only event.

Senator McCain did not look to be comfortable in front of the crowd. He looked old and tired. Could it be that the campaign has already aged him?

I like John McCain. I think I'd be honored to have him as a father, a grandfather, or a great grandfather. I can imagine sitting with him for hours, trading stories, talking politics, and perhaps gaining a new perspective on historical events.

While I have much respect for the man, and more than a few policy disagreements, I can't see him as President.

His time has passed.

He's too old.

Military Qualifications

I recently saw a reporter ask John McCain how his military experience qualified him to be Commander in Chief. He acted wounded, as if his patriotism had been challenged. He appeared to have a hard time answering the question.

To me, it seems like a valid question. Sure, we can honor John McCain's long service to his country. But, is his military experience relevant to his Presidential ambitions? Would it make him a strong Commander in Chief?

While it may give him a perspective on prisons and torture, I fail to see how getting shot down and spending years in captivity would make him a great Commander in Chief.

Besides, we lost the war in Vietnam.