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.

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)