I grew up reading comic books wanting to be a superhero. Comics taught me that those who speak the truth are heroes, all the rest are liars.

Monday, December 29, 2008

A Feline Moment

KITTYwompas

If this is correct, then taking a 'virginity pledge' is really worthless and puts teens more at risk for STD. So why are we still funding 'abstinence-only' programs? They don't work and it really is the responsibility of the family to provide morals...it's the responsibility of schools to actually use facts and educate...




CATastropic

They had me until Canada...there's no way on this frozen tundra that Canada would even consider taking Minnesota...er...at least until our hockey improves.




Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Minnesota's Winter Wonderland

A holiday gift to all of us. Just waiting on a couple of supreme court loose ends . Won't be long now until the Minnesota's Canvassing Board certifies Franken as the winner and Minnesota’s newest Junior Senator! Whoopee! Happy New Year!

Ah so let me see, the guy who was forced to resign after it was revealed he also advised the liars know as the “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth’ is now advising Norm Coleman on the recount. Shameful! Hmm, enough said.

I love the MNPUBLIUS for labeling as trash the Republican National Lawyers Association latest fundraising ‘urgent’ message but perhaps they would have gotten more by simply stating the truth…Norm needs more money to pay his attorney defending him on ethic charges…why dirty it up with more lies?


Lookie, R.T. Rybak gets mentioned at gawker…sort of…got to read to the very end…hahaha


Who isn’t running for governor? No, not me! This time MN Senator John Marty…sigh, again.


It's cold out there, dress warm and drink lots of cider!


Thursday, December 18, 2008

Minnelious Thursday

Minnesota’s hanging chad?

Bu$h says ‘no debate’ about his keeping US safe! wtf@! Yeah no debate, because we all know what a colossal screw-up he’s been….yeah no debate.

Rick Warren will deliver the invocation at Obama’s inauguration….hmmm…wonder if he will pray for wives to submit to their husbands? While Obama is going to make compromises…my civil rights are not open for negotiations. Rick Warren is an inflated bigot who shouldn’t have a speaker’s podium, let alone given a national one.

‘Evil can’t be negotiated with, it has to be stopped’….so why is Obama handing a anti-gay, anti-choice, pro-assassination idiot the microphone?

I ate Chinese late last night and I have a headache…think I’ll listen to some music…later…



Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Senatepaloosa and More Ramblings

Ok the title is a bit far fetch...more like rantings from the mad surfer but you know when it gets to be below zero rantings keep ya warm-)

Cash-in Norm
This is from Fox news! Ouch! Guess that house remodel is going to cost Norm more than just money.

Well, we're here---> somewhere in the recount. Maybe but probably not quite over yet. One wonders when to start addressing Franken as Senator Franken? Might be awhile more as the Coleman campaign is suing to to temporarily stop the process until an official counting procedure is in place, a complaint the Minnesota Supreme Court is entertaining today. Still one wonders if it will be worth it for Norm by the time grand jury convenes to review the illegal funneling of monies?

I’m not surprised that Norm has money woes…It’s hard to live like a rock star on a public servant’s pay. What with weekend trips to Paris, expensive cigars, designer suits, house remodels...Now cash strapped Coleman has decided to use his campaign war chest to pay for his uptown lawyer. Of course the Federal Election Commission might see things differently.

"Many of the allegations against Coleman and his wife pre-date the as-yet undecided race against Franken -- even though Coleman has argued the matter only came to light as a result of the campaign- CBS News Story

While these allegations came to light during the campaign, it clearly is outside the venue of campaigning. I've been involved in several and never saw funding for personal defence by criminal attorney. - just making a point.

Only 12 things?
Mark Morford lists 12 things you could, if you wanted, to throw at Bush…
in his words:

Of course, I officially endorse none of the following far more appropriate, delightfully hurl-able options. Do not ever throw anything at President Bush, because you could get shot or perhaps go to jail for a very long time, which, despite how you'd be hailed a hero worldwide forevermore, would just be no fun at all. Don't do it. Throwing is wrong. OK? throwing reality into his face…but…er keep in mind you could go to jail or be shot.

Many would say it’s a small price to pay for instant fame and glory…just saying-

Let start being accountable for ourselves and others
Hmm…reminds me of the old saying…”I use to be all f@ck up on drugs; Now I’m f@ck on g*d.. There’s so many things wrong with this (well at least $500,000!). Call Amy and let her know your thoughts... just advising-

Not just a pretty face
The 2008 Mug Shots of the Year are now posted at the Smoking Gun…let’s just say that number 20 is an unfair representation of minorities and Obama supporters! And for over half, if they got on the elevator late at night, I would get off immediately...just worried about your safety! -

The Prince of War stumbles
About time…er well really it’s eight years too late but still…it’s about time. I’m guessing ‘prince’ won’t be secretly meeting the Prez at the white house… Blackwater received no-bid contracts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and post-Katrina New Orleans from the current Bush administration ...just praying for karma to kick their a@s.-

Giving the go-ahead for torture
Tell me we’re going to charge these guys for their crimes and once convicted throw away the keys. At least as prisoners they'll be treated better than this. ...just praying some more for karma to kick their a@s.-

Friday, December 12, 2008

Our Votes Do Count

It's all coming up Franken! Which is very good. Franken has consistanly demanded that every vote be counted. Seems almost a non-brainer that if you followed all the rules in voting and then an error occured by an election clerk...your vote should be counted during the recount. This is great news for all voters. Our votes do count.

From the Franken campaign:

"The state canvassing board has soundly rejected the Coleman campaign's attempt to disenfranchise 133 voters in Minneapolis whose ballots were lost during the recount, unanimously deciding to count those votes. In addition, they urged Minnesota's 87 counties to identify, open, and count absentee ballots that were wrongly rejected.

This is a huge win for us, because our position has always been the simple principle that every lawful vote should be counted. But there are still a lot of steps left ahead in this process, and the Coleman campaign is likely to bring a whole lot of political and legal muscle to re-double their efforts to stop the count."

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Thursday's Thumpings

Doing it Right
If we’re having a recount…then let’s have a recount where all ballots are all counted…even absentee ballots that were improperly rejected by a broken process that includes election judges' clerical errors. Someone’s vote shouldn’t be tossed because someone else made a clerical error. Do the right thing. See video here.

One of these things is not like the other
This is so unfair to single boots everywhere! Ah but I digress…Illinois Governor Rod Blagojewich and MN Senator Norm Coleman have more in common then you think…the latest being a FBI investigation. In both cases the wives seem to have bit parts. Hmm…one more reason to hope Franken in our next U.S. Senator.

Pawlenty to scream about
When Minnesota is facing a projected multi-million dollar budget shortfall, Governor Pawlenty tells us we need to cut services but remains firmly opposed to any tax increases. Yet the wealthy among us ( top 5% ) pay less in taxes than the rest of us including the poorest among us! Check out what Grace Kelly shows on this. Essentially if we taxed the top 5% their fair share, there would be no budget problem.

Ship of Fools
Joe decides to bail but all the wrong reasons.

Government of Fools
So the ‘must have right now’ money is still half unspent with no clear picture of where the spent money went. What I wouldn’t give for a stronger cup of tea right now!

Save the Jeep, Save the Nation
This country should not be spending all of its financial resources salvaging those who destroyed the economy. America needs to invest in what works — its people.- Leo Gerard

Calling it in
You don’t have to call in gay just to demand that everyone in America get equal rights. Do so either way. Tell those that want to dictate everything from your body health to your sexual preference to STFU? And that goes double for those that do it under the guise of being g*dly.

Step away from the edge
Jobless claims jumped to a 26-year high…over half a million collecting unemployment benefits…”Businesses are laying off workers at a fast pace, and finding employment is ever harder for those laid off”. Maybe Obama could start his new job early?

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Each Vote Should Count

Because every one of our votes should count...

In The Holiday Mood

Looking for some holiday music and ran across AJ Rafael…very talented songster writer…below is a couple of his videos…they are ‘home made’ funky but that just gives him more charm…It also fun to see how he’s morphed over time…but the same big heart shines through…Go to you tube and check them all out and subscribe to his vlog…I’m a hugh fan…besides I also have a uke that’s ‘really tight’ and been known to sing in the bathroom!





Monday, December 08, 2008

Muddy Waters with Mixed Messages on Monday

Realism + pragmatism + change = Obama’s appointments to date
All are inside the beltway folks with histories of being enablers. Not saying it’s bad especially compared to whom they are replacing but it’s not much of a change from business as usual..Is it? But maybe I’m too cynical and they won’t stick to the conventions of the past…maybe we’ve seen the end of the entropy….or maybe…old dogs can’t learn new tricks…just saying..and hoping steve doesn’t come after me for having an opinion that differs with his!

The recount is winding down…we don’t know the finally outcome waiting: challenges, missing ballots, and a ruling on absentee ballots that should be counted. Maybe a new Senator for the new year? I hope so!

BAWHAHAHA found this entertaining post up on The Bluestem Prairie: News from Minnesota's Fighting First. I guess “there’s alittle REAL SLIM SHADY in all of us”…finally a new blog savior!..er..maybe not…save me please!

The Pleasure of the Invaders

The Taliban in Pakistan and Afghanistan true to it’s threat has stepped up violence in response to the recent US Troop increase. The US was hoping the Afghan tribes will become our allies against the Taliban and other extremist groups …but that hasn't happen and as Taliban supreme Mullah Maulvi Omar has been saying all along…

No Afghan will lower himself to such an irrational and insensitive position to fight against his own brothers for the interests of the invaders and lose his life and faith for ... the pleasure of the invaders,"


The Pakistan pro-taliban militants have made a spectacular surge in recent months by gearing up their guerrilla-style war adopting hit-and-run tactics involving remote-controlled bomb explosions, long range rocket attacks, ambushes, and the use of cluster bombs:
More than 150 vehicles carrying equipment bound for U.S.-led troops in Afghanistan are blown apart and burned at two terminals in Peshawar, Pakistan. A second attack burned 50 containers....

In one of the largest and most brazen attacks of its kind, suspected Taliban insurgents with heavy weapons attacked two truck stops in northwest Pakistan on Sunday, destroying more than 150 vehicles carrying supplies bound for U.S.-led troops in Afghanistan….

Early today, a second attack on Western supplies was reported in the same area. A security guard said 50 containers had been burned and some vehicles destroyed by rocket fire…..

Nearly a month ago, militants hijacked a convoy of more than a dozen vehicles. Then last week, 22 trucks were torched at a truck stop. The attack was directed against the Pakistan Ordnance Factories, a complex of more than 16 factories with about 20,000 workers. It seemed timed to cause maximum casualties, coming as it did during the afternoon change of shifts.

While a variety of weapons are used in these attacks the use of cluster bombs interested me...where did they get them, why use them, what do they do?...Cluster bombs as a weapon contains multiple explosive submunitions. When the bomb break open in mid-air, they release the submunitions which cover an area the size of several football fields, hurling small fragments through the area killing and maining anything in their way. Unlike "smart bombs", the weapons that delivers a single bomb with pinpoint accuracy, cluster bombs are by their nature imprecise and designed to hit targets spread out over a wide area. Some cluster bombs are coated with DU (Depleted Uranium ) making them toxic as well as more deadly.

Depleted uranium (DU) weapons were first used during the first Gulf War against Iraq in 1991. The Pentagon estimated that between 315 and 350 tons of DU were fired during the first Gulf War. During the 2003 invasion and current occupation of Iraq, U.S. and British troops have reportedly used more than five times as many DU bombs and shells as the total number used during the 1991 war..that number is probably at least two fold higher today.


Some of the uranium used with DU weapons like cluster bombs vaporizes into extremely small particles, which are dispersed into the atmosphere where they remain until they fall to the ground with the rain. As a gas, the chemically toxic and radioactive uranium can easily enter the body through the skin or the lungs and be carried around the world until it falls to earth with the rain.
Cluster bombs create an unhealthy environment during war for any civilians...A third (1 in 3) of the casualties (victims) are children. 60% are non combatant (civilians). And factor in using chemicals like DU, and even the soldiers regardless of which side they are fighting on can become sick.
Today, more than one out of every three veterans from the first Gulf War are permanently disabled. Terry Jemison of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs said that of the 592,561 discharged veterans from the 1991 war in Iraq, 179,310 are receiving disability compensation and another 24,763 cases are pending.

The "epigenetic damage" done by DU has resulted in many grossly deformed children born in areas such as southern Iraq where tons of DU have contaminated the environment and local population. An untold number of Americans have also been born with severe birth defects as a result of DU contamination.

Many of the cluster bombs don’t detonate and like land mines, they can kill unintended victims years later (as opposed to unintended victims they day of!) As the bombs are scattered and used to a great extent indiscriminately, they aren’t mapped or disarmed after-the-fact. Still cluster bombs continue to kill years after they were used. Even today, decades later, many in Vietnam are still mained by such munitions.

These unexploded bombs are now used by the Taliban and used against us. In addition, they run several weapons plant and when captured, the Taliban often carry high-tech radio equipment, and are even wearing new sneakers, all signs they have found new financial support. In addition both the Taliban and Jaish have weapons and arsenal which have piled up in the past several decades of war. And they brag of having weapons for centuries to come (sound familiar?)


Given the deadly legacy you would think instead of supplying bombs the U.S. would promote a global treaty, but we haven’t. More history on this at The Daily Clarity. So how did these cluster bombs fall into the Taliban's hands? Well, besides old Soviet stockpiles, weapons dealers, and sympathetic countries, many were tinkered from what we dropped but wasn't exploded. The truth of the matter is, the U.S. has set a deadly example that the world is now following.

Instead maybe it's time to drop food aid, education, medicine and infrastructure. Let's introduce them to use those weapons instead.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Win Lose or Draw

Win
For eight long years Democrats have be screaming for their leaders to grow backbones, stand up, fight back…we’ll guess what? Minnesota's Al Franken is fighting back…asking that every single vote be counted…Finally a Democrat that isn’t backing down, isn’t willing to compromise or settle for anything short of the voter’s wishes…

Al Franken’s lead attorney Elias states “I have no doubt in my mind that Al Franken got more votes in this election than Norm Coleman, and the only question is whether or not Norm Coleman is going to continue to have his lawyers fight” to not have all the votes count.

That’s what this is all about, making sure every vote counts. Finally, someone to stand up and represent us...

Lose
- I’m filing this one under mystical creatures like unicorns and fairies…as if he really believed! A fairytale at best, better known as a crock of sh#$ at the end of the rainbow their time criminal acts while in power.

- The revolution will not be uploaded in all locations…add Australia to the list already containing China, North Korea, Burma, Turkmenistan, Equatorial Guinea, Libya Eritrea, Cuba, Uzbekistan, Syria, and Belarus.

Draw
-On one hand, they employ thousands of workers, pay a living wage, pay taxes
On the other hand, they can’t manage, have no vision, and promise to lay off workers if the US government bails them out.

What to do? I guess the question is not ‘if we bail them out’ but what do we get? Michael Moore sent out a letter regarding his stand…that the government should buy them out instead of bail them out…either way…a nightmare.

Singing Odetta's Praises

First time I saw Odetta Holmes was in Golden Gate Park…then a few months later in Washington DC…While everyone wants to own the incredible talents of others…with me…I wanted to be Odetta. To be the soulful, powerful, heartfelt, beautiful, insightful, pragmatic songster that allowed us to peak into another world by way of song. Odetta's message was clear, 'be yourself', 'look for goodness', and 'share with others'…

In the Washington Post interview, Odetta theorized that humans developed music and dance because of fear, "fear of God, fear that the sun would not come back, many things. I think it developed as a way of worship or to appease something. ... The world hasn't improved, and so there's always something to sing about."

Amen sister...The angels must surely be celebrating that one of their own has come home to sing with the choir.

I couldn't pick between these two so I posted both ‘House of the Rising Son’ and ‘Careless Love’.



Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Recount Omens

Got up late this morning and the dog didn't quite make it...

When I got the paper towels to clean it up...there it was... spelled out...F13....an omen...Franken by 13 votes...which I might add is better than Coleman by 13 votes for a number of reasons...

Senator Coleman was clearly a Bush lap dog which is why after one term of office he couldn't even get a voters mandate to take into the next term.
Imagine going to WA.DC after serving one term without a clear mandate...it's like saying sure I won but only by the
margin of my relatives votes for me. Not much bragging rights there!


In addition, the odds are in our favor...we (including Al Franken) represent 95% of the people. The ones that work for a living, raise their families, volunteer in their communities. Unlike Coleman whose one term record shows he represents 5% of the people...the rich ones, the wealthy, the elitist, the corporate cronies.

Plus Al will be able to devote his time to the issues facing Americans, whereas Norm will be devoting his time to facing the issues...facing him!

It comes down to this... with Al Franken, all Minnesotans win...with Norm Coleman, only the lobbyists win.

Sure, others use fancy mathematical statistics but it all comes down to omens...Stay tuned, tomorrow I read the tea leaves and the day after...I chart the stars!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Bailing Out Sinking Ships

I see dubya is busy rescuing the economy for big business…Haven’t we seen enough trickle down to know it’s a disaster for 95% of all Americans? While the country moves closer to a depression, Bush keeps his buddies swimming in wealth. Who voted for the idiot and more importantly why is he still allowed to represent us?

More bailouts? Let’s see…we absorb potentially hundreds of billions of dollars in losses on toxic assets on its balance sheet and injecting fresh capital into the troubled financial giant. Meanwhile Citigroup continues to aggressively marketed their money to any Tom, Dick or Harriet that wants to pay 20% plus interest just for using their credit cards, or makes late fees look like a down payment on a house! Yeah by all means bail them out- after all, the rest of us can eat cake or maybe not now that the bills have come due.

What part of socializing profiteers don’t we get? ‘Old pirates, yes, they rob I

Looking In The Mirror

‘Shameful and humiliating’ is how the Iraqis view the U.S. Security Agreement. The agreement requires all foreign forces to withdraw from Iraqi cities and towns by the end of June 2009 and to withdraw completely from Iraq by the end of 2011.

While most Americans see this as a positive step, most Iraqis are against signing any agreement that would seek to legitimize the U.S. occupation. The deal also gives U.S. forces immunity from being punished when they commit war crimes against Iraqis…

Given that we have single handedly and systematically destroyed the cradle of civilization, reducing it to just another third world country, where more than 1 in Iraqis is either dead, a refugee or mained

The horror, the horror’ …it’s us.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Friday's Featherdusters

The race to the bottom
Fox News...always fair and balanced and lying. MNPublius gives us the background on their Minnesota-grown whopper. Funny how the 'news' is now anything a blog post. So much for independent verification and research.

A house of cards collapsing
Franken draws closer to becoming Minnesota's Junior Senator while Coleman moves closer to finding more time to spend on his legal woes.

Fowl Play
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin officially pardoned a turkey for Thanksgiving which in itself is a fairly traditional thing for politicos to do for attention...but to conduct a TV interview as another bird was clearly seen being slaughtered in the background...bad form... but ironic given the GOP's ability to say one thing while doing the opposite.
Video here, not for the squeamish.

Norm Coleman or no?
Today's blog is brought to you by Minnesota's lizard people...

Wishful thinking
First lady Laura Bush says history will vindicate her husband...yeah and Bush is a doer not a thinker. The only surprise here is 'if' Bush manages to stay out of jail.


Have a great weekend!

Pawlenty To Be Done

Minnesota's employment report for October stands at a net loss of 7,500 jobs. The expected fourth month in a row of employment declines, a trend that trackers say will push into early 2010 wasn't a surprised.


“Before it's over, Minnesota is set lose the equivalent of all the jobs gained in the past three years.”
There is little hope for optimism in Minnesota’s job market. The Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank has a better forecast – 30,000 job losses instead of 55,000 from third quarter 2008 to third quarter 2009, but they still see a double digit loss of jobs. While this outlook pours water on any chance to fire up the job market, Governor Pawlenty told The Times.
"What Minnesota needs is a reform-minded leadership to show how conservative ideas can grow jobs, reform and improve education, make health care more affordable, and provide a more secure and clean energy future,"


Pawlenty is trusted by social conservatives, but his words don't match up with his action. It's one thing to say all the right things but another when you spent the last six months of declining Minnesota jobs stomping outside the state for McCain's campaign. It's particularly telling when the last six years of Pawlenty terms hasn't yet produced a positive job market for Minnesota.

Under Tim Pawlenty's tenure last month Minnesota retailers added just 107 jobs. That represents the smallest hiring commitment for October since the state started keeping records on the sector. Overall, there were 2.9 unemployed workers for each job vacancy statewide. The second quarter 2008 labor market was the least favorable for job seekers during the history of the job vacancy series dating back to fourth quarter 2000. Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 6.0 percent

So while Pawlenty is busy promoting his 'green jobs investment initiative', the state of Minnesota declines. While I applaud the initiative, its six years late. Where was Pawlenty in addressing the state's widespread unemployment in the last term? and, with the figures cited above, the time frame of the 'green jobs initiative' is geared to the future, but Minnesota's job economy needs help now...people need help now.

The fact that Pawlenty's record on Minnesota jobs has been dismal at best coupled with modeling his new 'green and clean' jobs initiative after his failed and controversial JOBZ program doesn't bode well for the future of Minnesota's economic sector. It particular will be telling if Pawlenty becomes more of a 'no-show' while continuing to campaign for office outside of Minnesota. There's plenty to be done in providing the necessary vision and leadership to promote Minnesota's job growth and economic development, but given his past history, Governor Pawlenty isn't up to the challenge. While Minnesota's Governor pursues his politcal ambitions outside of state, we've gotten Pawlenty of unemployment, weak labor, low wages and declining economics.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Coleman's CYA Meeting

Norm Coleman met with Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens who was indicted and found guilty by a federal grand jury on seven counts of failing to report gifts received from VECO Corporation and its CEO Bill Allen on his Senate financial disclosure forms. Coleman went to Stevens Senate office for about ten minutes. The meeting was behind closed doors and afterwards Senator Coleman would not answer questions regarding the purpose of the meeting or it's outcome …but then again....it doesn't take a genius to recognize...

Meeting with a Senator who was found guilty on seven counts including allegations now faced by Norm Coleman might be for pointers on what to do as there are allegations of Norm accepting illegally funneled money and accepting gifts without reporting them.

But then again... perhaps the two just decided to take another Alaskan fishing trip paid for by the oil industry lobbyists? Whatever the meeting was about you can bet it reeks of Coleman’s CYA.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The Recount: At Stake A Veto Filibuster Proof Senate

The Democrats have won the Alaska race….they are posed to win an upset in Georgia with Democrat Jim Martin over Republican Saxby Chambliss. Then…if Al Frankin wins the Minnesota recount…wah la… 60 seats in the U.S. Senate! Enough seats to overpower any Republican filibusters…now that would be change.

We won’t know the outcome for several weeks…but I’m betting the Senate! Sure it's just a dream for now...give it time...change is coming.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Where Elephants Go To Die

I loved this article (Queen Bee Palin Shows Up Party, The Splits) by Margaret Carlson. She was reporting on the Republican Governor's Association Meeting this week. Carlson managed to call out Palin while trying to commend the ‘shoulder-to-the-grindstone’ hardworking governors like our own MN Governor ‘bridges falling down’ Pawlenty who allowed our state to have double digit unemployment while off campaigning for McCain.

The writer also noted that there wasn’t a single person of color among the guests at their big state dinner even though Pawlenty said the party needs a "dramatic change to win over new voters”. My note: the five elected to the RGA leadership for the coming year were all white males (including Tim Pawlenty)…so much for change…expect more of the same from the dying order of elephants.

Setting Coleman Free

The Election Recount
The election will be certified today triggering an automatic recount. State law requires a hand recount whenever the margin of victory in an election is less than one-half of 1 percent of ballots cast. Minnesota’s recount is set to begin this Thursday, though the outcome will not be official until late December at the earliest.

The recount will seek to determine the intent of voters whose ballots were not counted when they were run through optical scanners, which record only filled-in circles. For example, ring around a candidate’s name or a check mark signals a preference but does not register on a machine. Each campaign will be allowed to challenge the intent and a board of five will determine the outcome of each challenge. Daily recount results will be posted on the SOS website at 8 PM.

Because I said so
Naturally Coleman will (sigh…again) announce he is the supreme ruler over all and (sigh…again) tells us that if the shoe was on the other foot, he wouldn’t want a recount…yeah…and pigs fly free.

Gasoline on the fire recount
The GOP is busy with the recount…but not ensuring every vote counts…just spreading one conspiracy theory rumor after another…from Secretary of State Mark Ritchie is bias to conservative talkingheads accusing Dems of trying to ‘steal the MN Senate election’…of course with no evidence..(since when did facts matter to them?!). And since the media tends to report any absurd rumor without fact checking Minnesota's recount has become a regular feature on the national talk radio.

More Gas
The Conservative moonbat group Minnesota Majority (feel free to chime in with Majority of what?) has filed a complaint with the Department of Justice that there are a number of ‘irregularities’ in MN voter registration therefore they should end ‘same day’ registration. Mary Kiffmeyer who preceded DFLer Mark Ritchie as MN SOS is among their ranks. Hmm…interesting…not...just more bias rubbish.

Even More Gas

The RNC has even decided to use their collective insanity to try and raise money…shouldn’t there be some truth in fundraising? Guess not when the truth would set Coleman free.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Hot Dish Minnesota

Minnesota has always been a 'hot dish' for politics...but that seems especially apt right now with the role Pawlenty has played in the McCain presidency and it's lost, Minnesota's close U.S. Senate race (including recount!), and Senator Norm Coleman's legal troubles. It is a hot, bubbly, messy dish...almost ready to be eaten or choked down (depending on your political leanings) but it's unique to Minnesotans who wouldn't have it any other way....have a great weekend.

Hearing the Loon Call…
The Governors had a hen party…er…negative nancy…er…post modeum where they assailed each other with their weakness. Our own Governor Tim Pawenty believes the GOP can rise again but only if they pick his number next go around… I could go on and on about this but really…others have blogged already on Timmy’s revelations….

Back to the elephant in the room
So what Governor Tim Pawlenty is saying …well repeating...is a story that wasn’t based on facts…imagine that…Our Governor Timmy either lied or is stupid...take your pick as both can apply.

The DFL released some information debunking a few of these wild distortions and crazy allegations coming from Coleman and his minions:

32 absentee ballots mysteriously appeared in an election official's car.
DEBUNKED: MinnPost reports: "The ballots were in cars because state law mandates precinct counting. An election judge always had custody, and they were never 'lost.' They were not in vehicles overnight and spent Election Night, and the next several nights, tucked away safely in City Hall."LINK: http://www.minnpost.com/davidbrauer/2008/11/12/4565/minneapolis_election_director_speaks_ballots_in_my_car_story_false

Al Franken's 246-vote gain in Two Harbors was suspicious.
DEBUNKED: The Duluth News Tribune reports: "An election worker in one precinct mistakenly entered 27 votes for Franken -- fewer votes even than Independence candidate Dean Barkley received -- rather than the actual 273. ... The error was caught and reported to the Minnesota Secretary of State's office the next morning after election officials reviewed the results."LINK: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/78205/

"Mr. Franken's gains so far are 2.5 times the corrections made for Barack Obama in the state."
DEBUNKED: A Star Tribune news editor writes: "His numbers are simply wrong. I don't know what statistical calculation Lott was using, but Obama clearly got more from the corrections." According to the editor's calculations, 58 precincts changed their Obama totals for a net gain of 1,121 votes, while 48 precincts changed their Franken totals for a net gain of 459 votes.LINK: http://www.startribune.com/opinion/34357569.html

From the Wall Street Journal: "This lopsided bleeding of Republican votes is passing strange considering that the official recount hasn't even begun." (Coleman's campaign has called the shifts "improbable and statistically dubious.")
DEBUNKED: According to the Associated Press and Minnesota Public Radio, since 1998, we have had 18 statewide elections followed by canvasses. And this year's shifts are smaller than any of them.LINK: http://www.alfranken.com/page/m/734f0598f82922dc/iYN7j7/VEsC/

A New Fashion Trend In Coleman's Future?

The Hill had an interesting tidbit on Norm Coleman…’Coleman drops leadership bid’.

Minnesota's Senator Norm Coleman cited his need to focus on the recount for dropping out of consideration as chair in a senate committee. But is that really the reason? It’s easy to understand that Norm will be spending time and money defending himself legally against lawsuits and a likely investigation into charges money was illegally funneled to his family from his close associate Nasser Kazeminy. And of course the prospect of not being re-elected must loom heavy in his decision. After all, it's hard to chair a committee when you're not longer a member of the body!

Coleman just might have another new designer suit he doesn’t have to pay for and who knows….it might turn out to be worth something!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Thurday's Thoughts

Don't Look At The Elephant In The Room!
Not content to let every vote count, the GOP tries a preemptive strike against Minnesota's Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. With the mandatory recount not even underway yet, the GOP is geared up to try and cast doubt on the legal process by smearing Ritchie..as if he is was from the same cloth as Katherine Harris or Ken Blackwell! GMAB...


The local GOP need to stop screaming about the mandatory recount process being undemocratic and start figuring out the reality of the situation for Norm Coleman. Chances are Norm will be the big loser. The GOPs collective immature behavior makes Coleman look all that more pathetic. You can't sell Coleman as any kind of leader when trying to undermine Minnesota law and the processes in place for a recount. Even if by some unbelievable chance Norm wins, he's facing a grim future and legal costs. Ah well, maybe the judge will allow him the proceeds from a book while in jail.


Speaking in Tongues

Not to beat a dead fish but even Bush says he misspeaks.

Wack-0-Spam

What’s up with this…I like getting my daily 411 email letting me know that someone somewhere left me millions-)

Belated B-Day

It’s not that I forgot you Neil…but have a cold, was slammed at work, needed to get the kid to hockey, had a dental appointment….in other words, life inferred in acknowledging your b-day…so here it is late…but heartfelt…I love you man…



Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Hmmm..Making It Up As He Goes Along...

John at Powerline had a surge and it melted their internal circuit board...duh!?

1. There's a story alright but you're too busy creating fantasy and not listening...

"...There may be another side to this story. But until someone goes on the record to state it, I think that Palin's comments should put to rest allegations that she was a "rogue" candidate or that she otherwise behaved inappropriately during the campaign."

2. Say what?!

"...Obama should take a lesson from his example. Bush never gets sloppy when he is speaking publicly. He chooses his words with care and precision, which is why his style sometimes seems halting. In the eight years he has been President, it is remarkable how few gaffes or verbal blunders he has committed. If Obama doesn't raise his standards, he will exceed Bush's total before he is inaugurated."

Monday, November 10, 2008

Current Readings

A collection of short fiction…

50 Ways To Blame Eat Each Other
…and finding nothing left after two terms of feasting on children, the cannibals turned on each other….bawhahaha

The Elephant Rider
He came riding in on a grey elephant with shining armor but we soon realized it was a hybrid trojan horsaphant, a cross over from Goldman-Sachs CEO to GOP front man with a mission to set corporate America free. Yes, Paulson has eliminated bank taxes…hmmm…can he do that with permission? Be sure to read the next thrilling book in this series!

Don’t Feed The Animals
You know once you start feeding the wild animals, they see you as food.

Sarah’s New Shiney Shoes
Charity starts at home…unless you read otherwise.

The Holy Ones
The World Church of Smack Down…can hardy wait to see how they celebrate holy days.

Friday, November 07, 2008

Let The Chads Hit The Floor

Today the count has gone down to 238 votes separating Coleman and Franken...

While Franken wants every vote properly counted...Coleman wants to 'save taxpayer dollars' by not having a recount! Just the fact that Norm doesn't know Minnesota law where a recount is mandatory and not up to him or Franken, shows his lack suitability to office...er...well that and his Bushco supporting voting record and complete lack of ethics....

Wonder what the voters want?...Oh yeah, they want their vote to be counted in a process that is fair, accurate, and transparent...all very grownup words that probably are a little foreign to Norm's vocabulary.

Franken is a scrappy fighter...just like Wellstone...It's a good characteristic to have in our representatives and one that will be more of an asset to Franken in the coming days than Coleman. Win or lose the ultimate winner of this will be a champion of a fair process where each vote should count. It's easy to see that Champion is Franken.

Drowning Pool (Bodies)

Friday, October 31, 2008

Not Much Difference

What a difference 3 months can make:

Coleman's Trick or Treat?

Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman seems to be farting one faux pas scandal after another these days…that is when he isn’t try to blame others for the smell left behind.

Lets see… gifts of...Nieman Marcus suits, trips to the Bahamas, trips to Paris (btw he put down the value for a private Paris trip as $2,870…yeah that alone should be investigated!), fishing trips to Alaska, money from convicted buddy Ted Stevens, and now…Coleman’s wife on the dole.

The Star Tribune published the first part of this developing story, but more is coming out from other sources:

"The CEO of a major marine technology company is alleging that he was pressured by a friend and associate of Norm Coleman to secretly funnel tens of thousands of dollars to the Senator's family."
Joe Bodell over at Minnesota Campaign Report:
"While it's possible the DoC's website has out-of-date information, it might be worth asking Sen. Coleman what exactly the Hays Company paid Mrs. Coleman for, and if her role there had any influence over these alleged illegal donations."

It’s more than a bit suspicious when Laurie Coleman, a model, is on the payroll for $75K to a company that provides risk management consultation to Deep Marine Technology. And it’s just downright pathetic when they release a statement blaming the Franken campaign….especially when the lawsuit on this has been filed by a Republican Texas businessman.


Now perhaps Norm is innocent? But if that’s the case them why act like this here when first approached and asked about it. Then in a statement the next day respond like this. Ask yourself how would any mature professional who did nothing wrong respond? We would open the books and ask for an independent investigation with full cooperation. But instead we have Coleman blaming others.


Norm has shown us he’s not willing to answer questions regarding this apparent criminal behavior but given he's called for Ted Stevens to resign for similar activities...can we expect more to come?

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Just The Facts!

Congressional district two candidate and Iraq war veteran Steve Sarvi often refers to our presences in Iraq as headed full speed toward a cliff..."it's not enough to slow down, we actually have to set a new course".

"Because sometimes the facts speak for themselves"



The Star Tribune didn't bother to even interview challenger Steve Sarvi for thier endorsement of 'more of the same' Kline. How sad is that!

But CD2 voters have a choice, off the cliff with more of the same (Kline) or a change in direction with Sarvi.

How's The Chicken?

I was talking with some friends yesterday regarding 'undecided' voters...We were puzzled at how anyone could be 'undecided' at this stage. Well not exactly puzzled more like very skeptical that such a person could exist. Do they live in a separate reality that doesn't include everyday reality? Are they decided but too 'Minnesota nice' to let others know? Are they embarrassed with their candidate? What?

Then I ran across David Sedaris piece 'Undecided' posted to the New Yorker (October 27). He makes one very big point about anyone who says-acts-pretends to be undecided right now.

I look at these people and can't quite believe that they exist. Are they professional actors? I wonder. Or are they simply laymen who want a lot of attention?

To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. "Can I interest you in the chicken?" she asks. "Or would you prefer the platter of shit with broken glass in it?"

To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked.'

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Loose Lips


I really loved the movie Juno...for all sorts of reason...and my youngest kid watched it about ten times in two weeks!...I guess apples fall close to the tree... We're going doorknocking now...enjoy.....'pipe dreams are worth fighting for'...

Juno - Loose Lips - Kimya Dawsonloose lips might sink ships but loose gooses take trips
to san francisco, double dutch disco,
tech tv hottie, do it for scotty
do it for the living and do it for the dead
do it for the monsters under your bed
do it for the teenagers and do it for your mom
broken hearts hurt but they make us strong and

we won't stop until somebody calls the cops
and even then we'll start again and just pretend that
nothing ever happened

we won't stop until somebody calls the cops
and even then we'll start again and just pretend that
nothing ever happened

we're just dancing, we're just hugging,
singing, screaming, kissing, tugging
on the sleeve of how it used to be
how's it gonna be?
i'll drop kick russell stover, move into the starting over house
and know matt rouse and jest are watching me achieve my dreams
and we'll pray, all damn day, every day,
that all this shit our president has got us in will go away
while we strive to figure out a way we can survive
these trying times without losing our minds

so if you wanna burn yourself remember that I LOVE YOU
and if you wanna cut yourself remember that I LOVE YOU
and if you wanna kill yourself remember that I LOVE YOU
call me up before your dead, we can make some plans instead
send me an IM, i'll be your friend

shysters live from scheme to scheme and my 4th quarter pipe dreams
are seeming more and more worth fighting for
so i'll curate some situations, make my job a big vacation
and i'll say FUCK BUSH AND FUCK THIS WAR
my war paint is sharpie ink and i'll show you how much my shit stinks
and ask you what you think because your thoughts and words are powerful
they think we're disposable, well both my thumbs opposable
are spelled out on a double word and triple letter score

we won't stop until somebody calls the cops
and even then we'll start again and just pretend that
nothing ever happened

we won't stop until somebody calls the cops
and even then we'll start again and just pretend that
nothing ever happened

we're just dancing, we're just hugging,
singing, screaming, kissing, tugging
on the sleeve of how it used to be

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

McNasty Probably Would Eat Puppies...

How you behave in private with family members is telling...and sometimes is spills over into your public life...which is okay if you treat them respectfully...Having been married for several decades (now widowed) I can tell you that early on you discuss hurtful words and learn that personal attacks aren't acceptable if you want a healthy mature relationship....but apparently McCain has a different standard...and so does that liberal media...




A new book by Cliff Schechter has the inside scoop on John McCain. And if you want to know why John McCain was called "McNasty" in high school, read it.

At one point, Cindy playfully twirled McCain's hair and said, "You're getting a little thin up there." McCain's face reddened, and he responded, "At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you cunt."

As reported on Drudge Report - McCain's excuse was it had been a long day. If elected president of the United States, McCain would have many long days.


This event was witnessed by 3 reporters and two aides of John McCain, Doug Cole and Wes Gullett.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Tuesday's Poop-A-Rama


Bachman Poop
Ironically her mad rantings gave new life to the Democratic challenger Ed Tinklenberg...raising hundreds of thousands of dollars since her hardball appearance...now if we can only get a guest appearance for her mentor Rep. John Kline!





Dog Poop
At least 10 Chase banks have received threatening letters with harmless white powder.... Remember the old days when you could mail dog poop and everybody would have a good laugh.

Note to wannabees...dog poop will get you at most a few years...but talcum powder will give you twenty...

Palin Poop
Looking at you I bet people are thinking they’re going to be interested in Jesus Christ through you because of the way you look: this red-headed Sasquatch for Jesus!”
Sarah Palin, June 8 2008

Load of Kline Poop
When I watch this I was speechless....it's the exact opposite of what Kline is and stands for...which is so very Rovian...and a load of poop! Notice how all the supporters don't cite one specific thing they support him for...other than his hallowman image...nothing else is there...



Monday, October 20, 2008

I'm Out of Here

Must not feed the Bachman troll

I try not to feed the trolls, but when they are Rep. John Kline's protege Minnesotan Congresswomen Michele Bachmann’s comments from last Friday on “Hardball with Chris Matthews” …well frankly it’s embarrassing for all of us and her neocon insanity shouldn't be ignored.

Who's wearing an orange jumpsuit tonight

Now that a GOP operative has been arrested for voter fraud…I’m sure we’ll hear all about it…as compared to the ACORN faux scandal…

Space

Alway been into it...still am...


The End

Is that a pig flying? Is the neighbor Bob cuddling with my killer burrito dog? Has the field rats come inside this fall to gnaw through our family resources…(ok it's weak but it is all there in my dreams)…and apparently Amy Goodman is having the same visions only with sea smurfs….coincidence? I don’t think so.



Going South

Growing up the euphemism 'things going south', meant they were falling apart/failing...an understatement for our economy.

I checked my well being today (stock, 401, money market) and I believe that 'going south' might be the only way to survive this mess.

Foreclosures, prices still falling, banking system crumbling, stocks declining and soon all of us will feel the strain and pain of a massive economic collapse. Nobody officially has even stated we're in a recession yet alone a collapse, but heed the omens...

In August, consumer credit fell by $7.9 billion - the most seen since records began in 1943. In a nut shell... as credit freezes up, US consumers stop buying, and that's bad news for...
the rest of the world...because when we can't buy, they don't make money...yep global melt down...

So yeah, was thinking of moving somewhere warmer, somewhere south... but it appears my assets will be headed there first - lol.

Even My Mama!

This guy will be President...




Because even my republican mama is going to cast a vote for Obama..."



Latino News

Friday, October 17, 2008

Flip Flop Friday

Yikes! Next they’ll be coming to take us away!
Minnesotans and the rest of the States are receiving a boat load of robo calls…they are meant to ‘swift boat’ Obama…

Obama Voted To Let Babies Die

Obama And 'Terrorist Bill Ayers'

Dems Want Rights For Enemies

'Hollywood Above America'

Yes sire Nice guy, that McPalin…ethical, honest, keeping his campaign on the high road…NOT.
(hat tip to Blondesense)

My Campaign Message
I'm the TruthSurfer and I approve of this guy as the next Senator from Minnesota!







Follow up on Joe the Plumber…
There’s an old Saturday Night Live (SNL) spoof with Steve Martin on how to make a million dollars and not pay taxes.

“First... make a million dollars."
Sounds a lot like Joe - how to make $250,000 and pay less taxes? First... make $250,0000- lol

There is so many things wrong with this guy, the least of which is his lack of license and training. Joe the Plumber? I don't think so...more like Joe the JackAss!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Say It's Taint So Joe?!

There's more to Joe than even McCain probably knew. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, aka "Joe the Plumber" story is marred with mysteries that seem to be unraveling through the netroots with blogs like Daily KOS---remember in the 'good ole days' when the media/press would do their jobs so we didn't have to do it for them?


The media have a responsibility to get the story right especially as they fall over each other to get an interview with Joe. So far, there's little indications they've done anything other than parrot the republican's talking points. They found Joe to be a bright shiny object that they can't put down or ask the questions needed. What a pack of monkeys. But this is a rant for another time...


  • Joe has a state income tax lien of $1,182.98. A representative at the court explained that Wurzelbacher had not paid $1,182.98 of personal income tax. The state filed a lien on January 26, 2007, and the payment remains outstanding.

  • He appears to be a republicant plant, at least he is registered as a republicant party member and had already voted! (so much for that uncommitted gooblegook speak that every network reported!)

  • He doesn't appear to have a license to be a plumber where he lives (which supports that 'too much government' lifestyle he wants.

  • He may be related to John Keating (where he use to live and would explain his moral and ethical shortcomings).

  • He may be connected to a far right India wingnut group (based on his initial voter registration with the Natural Rule party- and no I couldn't make this up if I wanted to...the voices in my head would object).

  • If his story was true, he would have been eligible for an Obama tax cut.

This reminds of earlier times with Tricky Dick...so many lies, told so often it's hard to follow along but fun times for all...



Daily KOS



And why would he pay income tax on the profit of his business?ABC NEWS VIDEO

Monday, October 13, 2008

Questioning John Kline's Leadership

Minnesota's DFL (Democratic–Farmer–Labor) Party has a press release that offers Republicant John Kline the opportunity to answer some debate questions (below) in advance of this afternoon's 2nd CD debate with challenger Steve Sarvi...

My personal favorite is question 2 because Kline just today released a TV ad about those evil earmarks that he will save us from but neglects to tell us they make up less than 1% of the federal budget...Rather like the captain of the Titanic complaining about the lack good dance music while the ship sinks...wrong priorities...wrong leadership!


"DFL Party Offers Debate Questionnaire for Kline"

St. Paul (October 13, 2008) — Today, in advance of this afternoon’s Second Congressional District debate, the Minnesota DFL Party released a questionnaire of potential questions for Representative John Kline.

The Minnesota DFL Party released the following statement from Associate Communications Director Eric Fought:

“This afternoon’s debate provides a rare opportunity for Second District voters, since it’s highly unusual for Representative Kline to appear in a public forum and answer questions. Given that Second District voters are out of the habit of being able to question their member of Congress, we’ve decided to offer them a helping hand.”


Debate Questionnaire for Representative John Kline


1. Given the current chaos on Wall Street and in global financial markets, do you still support the privatization of Social Security and putting Social Security savings into the stock market? Or do you now acknowledge that doing so is too risky?

2. Earmarks make up less than one percent of the federal budget. Yet if one follows your public statements and campaign advertising, one might think that you believe earmarks are the worst problem facing our country. Realistically, how do you propose to balance the federal budget and get our country back on track financially?

3. Health-care costs have more than doubled since George Bush took office. This issue affects not only families and individuals but business as well. What is your solution for making health care more affordable? And do you support John McCain’s plan to tax employer-provided health-care benefits as income for the first time?

4. Time and time again you stood with President Bush and in the way of providing health insurance for Minnesota’s uninsured children. Why did you vote against expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) over and over again?

5. Minnesota’s unemployment rate is at the highest level in 23 years. What have you done to create jobs in Minnesota and what do you propose we do in the future to reverse this trend?

6. Do you support the continuation of No Child Left Behind? If so, do you believe it should be fully funded by the federal government?

7. In your last term, you have held exactly one public forum in the Second District in which your constituents have been able to ask you questions directly. Why haven’t you met with your constituents more?

8. Serious times like these require Americans to come together to seek real solutions for restoring middle-class prosperity, yet you have been a strong Republican partisan in Congress. How can you work across the aisle when you have supported the Republican Party line 97 percent of the time over the last six years?

9. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects many war veterans as they return home. You have questioned the need to aggressively treat veterans who show signs of PTSD and other mental-health concerns, yet the lack of concern for PTSD resulted in at least one Minnesotan veteran’s committing suicide. Please explain your position on this issue.

10. Many Minnesotans agree that it is time for the U.S. to begin withdrawing troops from Iraq and to focus on the war in Afghanistan, capturing Osama Bin Laden once and for all. Do you agree? Why or why not?

11. Why, when we have earmarked billions of dollars for building infrastructure in Iraq, should we not ensure that we earmark dollars for much-needed projects here in the Second District, like the Hastings Bridge or the Cedar Avenue busway?

12. At a townhall forum last Friday in Lakeville, you were seated next to someone who slurred Senator Barack Obama when John McCain rebuked her and disavowed her comments. The crowd then booed Senator McCain. Did you join in the booing, or do you also denounce slurs on Senator Obama?

Friday, October 10, 2008

Who's Your Daddy Coleman?

Hmm, discounts on rent, utilities, private travel...now designer suits...sounds like Senator Norm Coleman has turned into a 'kept man' to me...



Coleman’s spokesperson is walking a fine line between speaking the truth and obviously not answering the question…"the Senator has reported every gift he has ever received” . I just want to know Norm...'who's ya daddy?'