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.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
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?
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?
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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.
"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.
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.
Monday, September 1, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, August 29, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
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.
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.
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