Friday, February 29, 2008
3AM phone call Ad from Hillary Clinton (clickable)
Obama, rightly, points out : it is not who answers the phone, it is how will the person answering the phone respond, what judgment will they use. I would add, what would their temperament be?
For the past three weeks Clinton seems to be falling apart. She seems to have a low stress threshold and seems to react defensively.
Now I am not one to make comparisons to the current occupant of the White House but those reactions sound familiar to me.
For the past three weeks Clinton seems to be falling apart. She seems to have a low stress threshold and seems to react defensively.
Now I am not one to make comparisons to the current occupant of the White House but those reactions sound familiar to me.
Matt Drudge is a Total Scumbag!!!
see the attached article. I find it very distrubing that Druge;s ego is getting in the way of- what would appear to be- a heartfelt desire on the part of Prince Harry to serve with his fellow countrymen in Afghanistan. Now, because of this report it is likely Harry will need to be removed for the safety of the Prince and his unit.
And yet, as I watch the stories this moring, I find it disturbing that they have so much footage of him on the front.
And yet, as I watch the stories this moring, I find it disturbing that they have so much footage of him on the front.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Carol Malnau- relieved of duty
How often does it happen in Government work that someone can get fired for failure to do their job? This is local news but worth noting all the same. Carol Malnau is Minnesota's Lt Governor and has been serving as MnDot Director as well. The Department of Transportation in Minnesota has been suffering under six years of poor leadership. Hopefully, this is a sign of positive changes- This along with the override of the Governor's veto for the transportation package to improve our state roads and transit system.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
How long before the Big 3 shut this guy down
The eco-friendly crowd is touting this one but anyone who has been studied in the history of the electric car, or for that matter, the U.S. automobile industry in general has to wonder when and how one man's aspirations will be crushed.
Wasn't it the Americans who invented the Automobile?
If so, then why does it take a foreign automaker to do this?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
What's with Hillary Clinton?
Is she absolutely incapable of congratulating her oponent for doing running a good campaign?
I have been a fan of the Clinton's for a very long time but in the past months I am growing weary of them. This is the most recent example of an attitude that wrankles her foes and is growing hard to defend.
It is also one of the reasons that Barack is looking so attractive.
I have been a fan of the Clinton's for a very long time but in the past months I am growing weary of them. This is the most recent example of an attitude that wrankles her foes and is growing hard to defend.
It is also one of the reasons that Barack is looking so attractive.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
What if Florida and Michigan delegates are seated?
If these delegates are seated, without doing something to reapportion them it would be a disaster- unless the result of such a seating does not change the results of the final outcome.
Seating these delegates in order to favor one candidate would cause me to rethink my party affiliation. The rules agreed upon by all parties need to be followed. It is improper to change those rules when the cards don't get dealt your way.
It has been suggested that a binding primary or a caucus in these two states would provide proper apportionment. Maybe. But wouldn't inclusion of these delegates increase the number needed to win as well?
My sense is that the state parties will not agree to new contests to determine delegate apportionment. Therefore, I do not think these delegates should be seated.
It is sad that we have come to this but the state party leaders brought this on themselves.
Seating these delegates in order to favor one candidate would cause me to rethink my party affiliation. The rules agreed upon by all parties need to be followed. It is improper to change those rules when the cards don't get dealt your way.
It has been suggested that a binding primary or a caucus in these two states would provide proper apportionment. Maybe. But wouldn't inclusion of these delegates increase the number needed to win as well?
My sense is that the state parties will not agree to new contests to determine delegate apportionment. Therefore, I do not think these delegates should be seated.
It is sad that we have come to this but the state party leaders brought this on themselves.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
This Story just keeps on Giving... (Click)
I am not sure if it is the regional appeal or the sleaze factor, or the hypocracy but this story never fails to amuse.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Protesters to give 'toxic trade' Valentine to Senator Norm Coleman
ST. PAUL - The United Steelworkers will hold a Valentine's Day event to protest "toxic trade" Thursday at the office of U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.
The theme is "Unsafe Trade is Breaking our Hearts/No More Sweetheart Deals."It will be be held Thursday, Feb. 14, at noon in front of Coleman's St. Paul office, 2550 University Ave. W. "The Toxic Trade Avenger will be there, we'll have some flyers and deliver a large valentine with Sen. Coleman's picture on it," said organizer Tara Widner. The Steelworkers are leading a national campaign to protest the import of lead-laden toys and other unsafe products.
For more informationVisit www.usw.org
Related articleYoung and old join campaign to oppose toxic trade (with video)
The theme is "Unsafe Trade is Breaking our Hearts/No More Sweetheart Deals."It will be be held Thursday, Feb. 14, at noon in front of Coleman's St. Paul office, 2550 University Ave. W. "The Toxic Trade Avenger will be there, we'll have some flyers and deliver a large valentine with Sen. Coleman's picture on it," said organizer Tara Widner. The Steelworkers are leading a national campaign to protest the import of lead-laden toys and other unsafe products.
For more informationVisit www.usw.org
Related articleYoung and old join campaign to oppose toxic trade (with video)
What can you do as you look forward in an ever tightening
race for president? I sent this letter to my favorite MN senator:
Dear Senator Klobuchar,
I am a long-time supporter. I appreciated your words regarding remaining silent at this time in the super delegate process as we continue in what is shaping up to be a very exciting Presidential race for our nation and for our party.
As you consider your position I hope you will consider the overwhelming support Senator Obama has received by the people of our state.
I am a regular party active and have never before seen such crowds at a caucus.
In my particular precinct 78% went for Obama. I asked several why and discovered that there were many first timers who turned up for Obama.
These first-timers and the youth of Minnesota are energized about the possibility of casting their votes this fall for a Minnesota ballot that is headed by Barack Obama for President and Al Franken in the senate race.
Like you, I hope this matter clears itself up long before you need to cast your super delegate vote. But if not, I hope you will give strong consideration to the opinion of the people you serve.
Thanks for all you do.
Dear Senator Klobuchar,
I am a long-time supporter. I appreciated your words regarding remaining silent at this time in the super delegate process as we continue in what is shaping up to be a very exciting Presidential race for our nation and for our party.
As you consider your position I hope you will consider the overwhelming support Senator Obama has received by the people of our state.
I am a regular party active and have never before seen such crowds at a caucus.
In my particular precinct 78% went for Obama. I asked several why and discovered that there were many first timers who turned up for Obama.
These first-timers and the youth of Minnesota are energized about the possibility of casting their votes this fall for a Minnesota ballot that is headed by Barack Obama for President and Al Franken in the senate race.
Like you, I hope this matter clears itself up long before you need to cast your super delegate vote. But if not, I hope you will give strong consideration to the opinion of the people you serve.
Thanks for all you do.
McCain and Obama return to their day job (click)
Where is that other senator? Doesn't she have an obligation to represent New York?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
What do people Really Think of The Economy?
Why do people who are so smart get such lousy representation in Government?
Minnesota DFL Senate Candidate Debate - KSTP TV (local) Hosted by Tom Hauser
Opening comments-
Mike Cerisi commented that Tuesday night was a great caucus night for Minnesota. It made a profound statement against the policies of Bush and Coleman. He looks forward to taking on Coleman in November.
Al Franken stated that Caucus night and the high turnout was great for Minnesota and bad for Norm Coleman. Al emphasized Universal Health Care, strong economy for working families, getting out of Iraq and being a leader for those who have no voice.
Jeff Nelson Pallmeyer told us he is running because he has three daughters. He wants to help create an economy that provides better wages, health care and quality of life.
Asked specifically to comment on the economy and the stimulus bill they said:
Al Franken said it is always a bad idea to create a deficit and while the checks will provide some temporary relief we could have put a freeze on foreclosures to stop the plummeting housing prices and we could have focused on infrastructure which would have had the benefit of providing jobs and strengthening our infrastructure at the same time. Does not view federal gas tax as a good idea but feels we need to keep it on the table- favors exploration of renewable energy development and the jobs that could create. Believes universal health care would encourage transition from employment to entrepreneurship.
Mike Cerisi- said that government is not the answer to all problems. We need fundamental change to help the middle class. Interest on debt is killing us. The plan should have extended unemployment benefits and food stamps programs. We need to revise the tax structure and eliminate write-offs for business. Favors gas tax with sunset provision. We need to set infrastructure priorities.
Jeff Nelson-Pallmeyer said the package didn’t address the root causes of our problems- war spending, infrastructure, inequality (didn’t explain what he meant by this) and that the health care crisis is bankrupting us. Favors gas tax if used for renewable energy development.
On Iraq-
Mike Cerisis said that our Iraq situation is the result of failed policy in the world- in order to stablize our own economy we need to establish a timetable for withdrawl (6-9 months). No permanent bases in Iraq. We need to require Iraq to meet the already established benchmarks.
Al Franken said that we need to put more thought into how we got out than we put into how we got in. He stated that that is obviously a very low bar. He said that anyone (Cerisi) who says they know what is going on in Iraq is lying to themselves or lying to you. He strongly favors a regional conference but feels that is not doable until we tell the world we are getting out and start getting out. He said he would like to believe that 6 to 9 months is possible but that there are too many unknowns. He responded to Cerisi by saying that Cerisi has mis-characterized his position. He said he painfully supported movement based on false information and it still sticks in his craw that a president would actually lie us into war. It bugs him even more that , even knowing about the lie Coleman still supports this president.
Jeff Nelson Pallmeyer said we need to start by being honest about how we got in end the occupation and invite help from our allies. Favors timetable for withdrawl. He spoke in favor of a regional conference then he criticized Franken for what is essentially the same position. He said the surge is not working and that will become clear in the next few months. We have a moral obligation to help Iraq.
On health care-
Jeff Nelson-Pallmeyer supportts universal health care through a Canadian style single-payer system. Such a plan would free up funds to expand coverage and control costs. We need to reward wellness not cost cutting.
Al Franken tells us that we pay twice as much per person as any other industrialized country. His plan would develop universal care at the state levels with certain federal provisos . These would include portability for people with pre-existing conditions.
Cerisi tells us that Franken’s system won’t work. He said we need to establish ‘essential benefits’ which include portability. He also added that we need to cap administration costs.
All were in agreement that we could repeal Bush tax cuts to cover health care costs.
Okay, now for my take:
Cerisi was so busy sniping Franken that he failed to make his points. Nor did he distinguish himself from the positions of his opponent that he apparently doesn’t like (at least when they come from his opponents mouth. He frequently spoke over his opponents and on health care jumped in with his answer first, even before Tom Hauser was finished asking the question. He came across as rude .
Franken was more subdued than I would have expected. He was obviously irritated by the mischaracterizations of Cerisi regarding his positions. He is clearly the wonk in the group. The debate setting is not the best for him because his answers are not easily condensed.
Jeff Nelson- Pallmeyer is probably the most liberal of the group but he was way out of his league. Too bad really. I like liberals.
I have never seen these three debate before and I would say Franken did what he needed to do. He came across as knowledgeable on all three issues.
Cerisi came across as particularly angry with Franken. He strengthened the view, held by many, that he is a perpetual senate candidate who only got into this race this time because of his distain for Al Franken. I for one do not feel that is a good enough reason to run for senate.
Jeff Nelson-Pallmeyer probably didn’t help himself too much tonight. The folks who support him will continue to do so. I liked his view which are slightly left of Franken but I believe Franken stands a better chance of winning and therefore has a better opportunity to get things done for Minnesota.
Mike Cerisi commented that Tuesday night was a great caucus night for Minnesota. It made a profound statement against the policies of Bush and Coleman. He looks forward to taking on Coleman in November.
Al Franken stated that Caucus night and the high turnout was great for Minnesota and bad for Norm Coleman. Al emphasized Universal Health Care, strong economy for working families, getting out of Iraq and being a leader for those who have no voice.
Jeff Nelson Pallmeyer told us he is running because he has three daughters. He wants to help create an economy that provides better wages, health care and quality of life.
Asked specifically to comment on the economy and the stimulus bill they said:
Al Franken said it is always a bad idea to create a deficit and while the checks will provide some temporary relief we could have put a freeze on foreclosures to stop the plummeting housing prices and we could have focused on infrastructure which would have had the benefit of providing jobs and strengthening our infrastructure at the same time. Does not view federal gas tax as a good idea but feels we need to keep it on the table- favors exploration of renewable energy development and the jobs that could create. Believes universal health care would encourage transition from employment to entrepreneurship.
Mike Cerisi- said that government is not the answer to all problems. We need fundamental change to help the middle class. Interest on debt is killing us. The plan should have extended unemployment benefits and food stamps programs. We need to revise the tax structure and eliminate write-offs for business. Favors gas tax with sunset provision. We need to set infrastructure priorities.
Jeff Nelson-Pallmeyer said the package didn’t address the root causes of our problems- war spending, infrastructure, inequality (didn’t explain what he meant by this) and that the health care crisis is bankrupting us. Favors gas tax if used for renewable energy development.
On Iraq-
Mike Cerisis said that our Iraq situation is the result of failed policy in the world- in order to stablize our own economy we need to establish a timetable for withdrawl (6-9 months). No permanent bases in Iraq. We need to require Iraq to meet the already established benchmarks.
Al Franken said that we need to put more thought into how we got out than we put into how we got in. He stated that that is obviously a very low bar. He said that anyone (Cerisi) who says they know what is going on in Iraq is lying to themselves or lying to you. He strongly favors a regional conference but feels that is not doable until we tell the world we are getting out and start getting out. He said he would like to believe that 6 to 9 months is possible but that there are too many unknowns. He responded to Cerisi by saying that Cerisi has mis-characterized his position. He said he painfully supported movement based on false information and it still sticks in his craw that a president would actually lie us into war. It bugs him even more that , even knowing about the lie Coleman still supports this president.
Jeff Nelson Pallmeyer said we need to start by being honest about how we got in end the occupation and invite help from our allies. Favors timetable for withdrawl. He spoke in favor of a regional conference then he criticized Franken for what is essentially the same position. He said the surge is not working and that will become clear in the next few months. We have a moral obligation to help Iraq.
On health care-
Jeff Nelson-Pallmeyer supportts universal health care through a Canadian style single-payer system. Such a plan would free up funds to expand coverage and control costs. We need to reward wellness not cost cutting.
Al Franken tells us that we pay twice as much per person as any other industrialized country. His plan would develop universal care at the state levels with certain federal provisos . These would include portability for people with pre-existing conditions.
Cerisi tells us that Franken’s system won’t work. He said we need to establish ‘essential benefits’ which include portability. He also added that we need to cap administration costs.
All were in agreement that we could repeal Bush tax cuts to cover health care costs.
Okay, now for my take:
Cerisi was so busy sniping Franken that he failed to make his points. Nor did he distinguish himself from the positions of his opponent that he apparently doesn’t like (at least when they come from his opponents mouth. He frequently spoke over his opponents and on health care jumped in with his answer first, even before Tom Hauser was finished asking the question. He came across as rude .
Franken was more subdued than I would have expected. He was obviously irritated by the mischaracterizations of Cerisi regarding his positions. He is clearly the wonk in the group. The debate setting is not the best for him because his answers are not easily condensed.
Jeff Nelson- Pallmeyer is probably the most liberal of the group but he was way out of his league. Too bad really. I like liberals.
I have never seen these three debate before and I would say Franken did what he needed to do. He came across as knowledgeable on all three issues.
Cerisi came across as particularly angry with Franken. He strengthened the view, held by many, that he is a perpetual senate candidate who only got into this race this time because of his distain for Al Franken. I for one do not feel that is a good enough reason to run for senate.
Jeff Nelson-Pallmeyer probably didn’t help himself too much tonight. The folks who support him will continue to do so. I liked his view which are slightly left of Franken but I believe Franken stands a better chance of winning and therefore has a better opportunity to get things done for Minnesota.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
So why do Republicans like Pat Buchanan and Ann Coulter...
keep telling everyone that Hillary Clinton is the candidate to be feared? Isn't it more likely, as I have said all along, that they would find shear delight in running against her?
I think it is clear that winning a general election would be an extremely close, difficult, and perhaps unwinnable race for Hillary. And some of the reasons are not her fault. and, even if she were to win, it is questionable what kind of real change she could bring if she doesn't have a clear and decisive victory.
See this CNN article for some of the prooof of this.
CNN) — It's a question both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have raised since John McCain's initial surge in the polls: Which Democrat can best take on the Arizona senator in a general election match-up?
A new Time magazine polls seems to suggest the answer is Obama.
The poll, conducted over the three days leading up to Super Tuesday, shows Obama beating McCain by 7 points, 48 percent to 41 percent. Clinton ties McCain at 46 percent.
The difference between the two candidates, according to Time, is where the Independent vote goes: The poll indicates a larger share of those voters will chose to support McCain over Clinton than McCain over Obama.
Exit polls taken from the early primary contests have indicated that both McCain and Obama have strongly benefited from the support of Independents. In combined surveys of the 22 states that voted on Super Tuesday, Obama beat Clinton among Independents by roughly 20 points. McCain, meanwhile, beat rival Mitt Romney among Independents by nearly 15 points on Super Tuesday.
Responding to the poll's findings, Clinton Communications Director Howard Wolfson touted the New York senator's vast differences with McCain on a host of issues, and pointed to a recent CNN poll that showed Clinton beating McCain by 3 points. Though that same poll found Obama beating McCain by eight points.
CNN's Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider says the biggest difference between Obama and Clinton is their support from male voters. In the CNN poll, Obama and McCain were nearly tied among male voters, but the polls shows men breaking for McCain over Clinton by nearly 20 points.
"Obama argues that he can reach across party lines," Schneider said. "And he does do a little better than Clinton with Independents and Republicans. But the big difference is that Clinton doesn't draw very well with men. Obama does."
For more informaton go to http://www.cnn.com/politics
I think it is clear that winning a general election would be an extremely close, difficult, and perhaps unwinnable race for Hillary. And some of the reasons are not her fault. and, even if she were to win, it is questionable what kind of real change she could bring if she doesn't have a clear and decisive victory.
See this CNN article for some of the prooof of this.
CNN) — It's a question both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have raised since John McCain's initial surge in the polls: Which Democrat can best take on the Arizona senator in a general election match-up?
A new Time magazine polls seems to suggest the answer is Obama.
The poll, conducted over the three days leading up to Super Tuesday, shows Obama beating McCain by 7 points, 48 percent to 41 percent. Clinton ties McCain at 46 percent.
The difference between the two candidates, according to Time, is where the Independent vote goes: The poll indicates a larger share of those voters will chose to support McCain over Clinton than McCain over Obama.
Exit polls taken from the early primary contests have indicated that both McCain and Obama have strongly benefited from the support of Independents. In combined surveys of the 22 states that voted on Super Tuesday, Obama beat Clinton among Independents by roughly 20 points. McCain, meanwhile, beat rival Mitt Romney among Independents by nearly 15 points on Super Tuesday.
Responding to the poll's findings, Clinton Communications Director Howard Wolfson touted the New York senator's vast differences with McCain on a host of issues, and pointed to a recent CNN poll that showed Clinton beating McCain by 3 points. Though that same poll found Obama beating McCain by eight points.
CNN's Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider says the biggest difference between Obama and Clinton is their support from male voters. In the CNN poll, Obama and McCain were nearly tied among male voters, but the polls shows men breaking for McCain over Clinton by nearly 20 points.
"Obama argues that he can reach across party lines," Schneider said. "And he does do a little better than Clinton with Independents and Republicans. But the big difference is that Clinton doesn't draw very well with men. Obama does."
For more informaton go to http://www.cnn.com/politics
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Stunning 15 minutes of news
In the same 15 minutes that Mitt Romney announces that he is suspending his candidacy for president "for the good of the party and good of the nation" The CPAC (conservative political action committee) convention convened a meeting where John McCain is about to speak.
Laura Ingram is speaking now about 'their cause' and proving once again that they are not above sharing their hate with each other. She may not know that the guy she is attacking is the inevitable future candidate of their party.
I am ever so hopeful that he will give her the verbal slap she deserves. But doubt that will happen.
If I were John McCain I would leave without speaking. Let these hate-mongering hacks come to him as he tries to unite the cantankerous lot of them.
But Romney is calling on these conservatives to 'rise to the occassion' in order to unify for the cause of a stronger America. Notibly absent in his speech are any words of concession. He even spoke of looking to the future.
What does it mean for him to outline his conservative credentials and then step down except to imply that 'while I am not the guy for this race, neither is McCain.'
I am starting to sense that we are going to end up with McCain (the one the conservative base doesn't want) running against Hillary Clinton (the one that half of America doesn't want).
In spite of all the hype going on now, could it be that we will end up with a final selection in November about which noone will care?
Laura Ingram is speaking now about 'their cause' and proving once again that they are not above sharing their hate with each other. She may not know that the guy she is attacking is the inevitable future candidate of their party.
I am ever so hopeful that he will give her the verbal slap she deserves. But doubt that will happen.
If I were John McCain I would leave without speaking. Let these hate-mongering hacks come to him as he tries to unite the cantankerous lot of them.
But Romney is calling on these conservatives to 'rise to the occassion' in order to unify for the cause of a stronger America. Notibly absent in his speech are any words of concession. He even spoke of looking to the future.
What does it mean for him to outline his conservative credentials and then step down except to imply that 'while I am not the guy for this race, neither is McCain.'
I am starting to sense that we are going to end up with McCain (the one the conservative base doesn't want) running against Hillary Clinton (the one that half of America doesn't want).
In spite of all the hype going on now, could it be that we will end up with a final selection in November about which noone will care?
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
It's Time
Checkout theconnected link for the most recent rationale for waterboarding.
It is clear that the best position for congress to take would be to introduce legistlation that specifically outlaws waterboarding. Let the Republicans vote up or down in an election year on this scandalous activity. Let the current occupant of the White House veto the legistlation.
This may well be the only way to get a real discussion to take place and may also be the only way to get these scumbags to identify who they are and where they stand.
It is clear that the best position for congress to take would be to introduce legistlation that specifically outlaws waterboarding. Let the Republicans vote up or down in an election year on this scandalous activity. Let the current occupant of the White House veto the legistlation.
This may well be the only way to get a real discussion to take place and may also be the only way to get these scumbags to identify who they are and where they stand.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Caucusing in Minnesota...
was a frustrating experience.
First of all, I went to Caucus for Al Franken. But, because of the way our precinct assigned delegates- they basically accepted volunteers- we never got a chance to express our interest one way or another in that important process. The individuals who volunteered to be delegates will are uncommitted and can do whatever they want.
My sense, based on the conversations, etc. is that Franken was the popular favorite and it is reasonable to assume that the 66 would provide proportional representation.
Regarding the presidential straw poll, the results for my precinct were:
Obama 447 votes 73.5%
Hillary Clinton 144 votes 23.6%
all others/uncommitted 17 votes 2.9%
Then the resolutions were offered and voted onby voice vote.
This got interesting when one person offered a resolution to impeach President Bush and VP Dick Cheney. In its original form the resolution was that vague. Rules allowed three individuals to speak in support of the resolution and three to speak in opposition. Two persons spoke in favor of the resolution giving reasons like " this would be an impossible statement to make after they were out of office and that immunity would protect them at that point. The argument goes that it is therefore important to do this as quickly as possible.
The third voice in favor listed reasons for impeachment (torture, lying us into war, etc).
Then I spoke out in opposition to this resolution. My basic point was that we are on the verge of nominating a candidate for president who is offering a message of hope and unity. An impeachment action now would work against the credibility of our candidate and only serve to create division in an election year. More important than this motion is unifying our party for a common purpose and to win over those on the other side through cooperation and persuasive argumentation.
The resolution went forward to a vote (late in the night). There were 109 people who voted. 52 in favor and 57 opposed.
G.W. Bush owes me big time.
I was glad for the outcome for Obama. We in Minnesota will continue to hold our breath for Franken. and all of us will look forward to November.
First of all, I went to Caucus for Al Franken. But, because of the way our precinct assigned delegates- they basically accepted volunteers- we never got a chance to express our interest one way or another in that important process. The individuals who volunteered to be delegates will are uncommitted and can do whatever they want.
My sense, based on the conversations, etc. is that Franken was the popular favorite and it is reasonable to assume that the 66 would provide proportional representation.
Regarding the presidential straw poll, the results for my precinct were:
Obama 447 votes 73.5%
Hillary Clinton 144 votes 23.6%
all others/uncommitted 17 votes 2.9%
Then the resolutions were offered and voted onby voice vote.
This got interesting when one person offered a resolution to impeach President Bush and VP Dick Cheney. In its original form the resolution was that vague. Rules allowed three individuals to speak in support of the resolution and three to speak in opposition. Two persons spoke in favor of the resolution giving reasons like " this would be an impossible statement to make after they were out of office and that immunity would protect them at that point. The argument goes that it is therefore important to do this as quickly as possible.
The third voice in favor listed reasons for impeachment (torture, lying us into war, etc).
Then I spoke out in opposition to this resolution. My basic point was that we are on the verge of nominating a candidate for president who is offering a message of hope and unity. An impeachment action now would work against the credibility of our candidate and only serve to create division in an election year. More important than this motion is unifying our party for a common purpose and to win over those on the other side through cooperation and persuasive argumentation.
The resolution went forward to a vote (late in the night). There were 109 people who voted. 52 in favor and 57 opposed.
G.W. Bush owes me big time.
I was glad for the outcome for Obama. We in Minnesota will continue to hold our breath for Franken. and all of us will look forward to November.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Norm Coleman sticks his political finger in the wind.
Click link for related story. Norm Coleman (aka Green Goblin), has always been known for political expediency. Most notably he switched parties in order to run for Governor in Minnesota. He then followed the direction of Cheney four years later and gave up his attempt to be Governor to be a Bush lap dog in the senate.
In his recent attempts to separate himself from Bush/Cheney he has been an avid supporter of Guliani (New Yorker). But since that campaign has only yeilded 1 delegate in return for some $60 million, the fluffy senior senator from MN has put his high clout backing behind McCain.
Good for him. It will be kind of fun watch our governor (Tim Pawlenty) and Norm (Osborn) Coleman tripping over each other to plant their lips on McCain's butt and become his VP candidate.
In his recent attempts to separate himself from Bush/Cheney he has been an avid supporter of Guliani (New Yorker). But since that campaign has only yeilded 1 delegate in return for some $60 million, the fluffy senior senator from MN has put his high clout backing behind McCain.
Good for him. It will be kind of fun watch our governor (Tim Pawlenty) and Norm (Osborn) Coleman tripping over each other to plant their lips on McCain's butt and become his VP candidate.
Friday, February 01, 2008
This is great news for Al Franken going in to MN Caucus Night
Nose to Nose with Norm Coleman is an ugly position to be in, I'll admit. But as he matches the Senator in fundraising dollar for dollar he is starting to look like the guy who will take down the Green Goblin.
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