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Showing posts from March, 2006

Republican Culture of Corruption:

Delay Aide Pleads Guilty Do we need to say more? The rusty shell of lies are starting to crumble. Wonder what kind of deal Rudy will agree to. And Delay won his primary, well good for him, not so good for GOP. The Dems might just pick that seat up after all. Karma; can't hide from it for long... Wonder why this plea was made on a Friday?

It's Finally Friday

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Merry Friday, Stay dry and have fun this weekend. The Peeps: Every year the Pioneer Press has a Peep Diorama contest. And every year my friends enter. In 2004, we glimpsed 'the Peeps March for Choice in Washington DC'. In 2005, we held back tears of joy as we witnessed a union of love in 'A Same Peep Wedding'. For this year, 2006, we travel to 'Mount Choice-No-More' in the Black Hills of South Dakota in support of our sisters controlling their own health issues. From the start, our art had a bumpy start. In 2004 we were told that our entry got lost in the mail...fortunately we had a signed receipt (surprise!) to prove otherwise. However it took several emails (and a few threats of sticking things where peeps shouldn't go to get the 'pp' to acknowledge they had gotten our entry.) I believe Jesus the peep hanging on a cross won that year. They did finally post our diorama but too late for the judging. In 2005 they receive out entry but once again I t...

Horse Race

From Zogby: Governor: Tim Pawlenty (R): 43.5% Mike Hatch (DFL): 42.6% Tim Pawlenty (R): 44.1% Becky Lourey (DFL): 38% Tim Pawlenty (R): 44.1% Steve Kelley (DFL): 37.5% Senate: Amy Klobuchar (DFL): 49.2% Mark Kennedy (R): 41.4% Ford Bell (DFL): 45.7% Mark Kennedy (R): 41.4% What this shows is that the DFL is in a very strong position at this point. Tim Pawlenty is polling very low for an incumbent, not good for him. Amy Klobuchar is in very strong shape, way above the margin of error and possibly above the 50% line. Hatch is in a strong position. Kelley and Lourey may be having name recognition problems as of yet, but all this poll really shows is how weak Pawlenty is, not necessarily how weak Kelley and Lourey are. In the Senate race Ford Bell is also above Kennedy, the GOP is in big trouble in the Senate Race. But they have yet to lie cheat and a...

Speak Melendez To Me (3)

"To compare beating Democrats to defeating the Confederate Army is either an absurd display of historical ignorance or an insult to the intelligence of Minnesota." Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez said. "Such an insinuation raises serious concerns about Gil Gutknecht's win-at-all-costs mentality. He should be ashamed of himself for stooping so low, apologize to Democrats across the country and get on with running a more positive campaign based on the issues "Mark Kennedy, on the other hand, should be embarrassed that his good friend and ally used such tactics on his behalf. Representative Kennedy has said repeatedly that he wants this campaign to be about the issues. Well, he has a choice to make right now. Will he run a positive campaign, come clean about where he stands on the issues and let the voters decide based on merit? Or will he employ the insult-and-divide strategy he learned from the Karl Rove playbook, while following the orders of President Bush 9...

While Bu$hCo Makes Hay

Saudi Arabia Acquiring A Nuclear Bomb? This is all we need in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia is working secretly on a nuclear program, with help from Pakistani experts, the German magazine Cicero reported in its latest edition, citing Western security sources. It says that during the Haj pilgrimages to Mecca in 2003 through 2005, Pakistani scientists posed as pilgrims to come to Saudi Arabia. Between October 2004 and January 2005, some of them slipped off from pilgrimages, sometimes for up to three weeks, the report quoted German security expert Udo Ulfkotte. Cicero, which will appear on newstands tomorrow, also quoted a US military analyst, John Pike, as saying that Saudi bar codes can be found on half of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons ‘because it is Saudi Arabia which ultimately co-financed the Pakistani atomic nuclear program.’ The magazine goes on to say satellite images indicate that Saudi Arabia has set up a program in Al-Sulaiyil, south of Riyadh, a secret underground city and dozen...

Why Lawyers Get Fat

What’s with MPR sueing Gatheroo ? Is this the best use of resources and time? As minvolved points out: This seems like as big a time-and-moneywaster as the MPR lawsuit against Al Gore , and furthers MPR’s reputation as the NewsCorp of public broadcasting. But don’t worry, there will be another pledge drive soon. BTW, if you haven’t already tried Gatheroo , it's a great tool.

We Just Ask Them Nicely

When I read this headline , I wonder what part of reality the leadership of this country don’t get! 11-12 million people are not going to leave because we ask them or even try to enforce the law (now). They are here, they own property, they have family members that are citizens (including their children), they have jobs and in many cases, they were asked to come here by others (family, friends and business owners). To say that it’s even possible to kick out this group of Americans (and yes they are Americans) borders on insanity. Besides, who’d clean their homes, drive their cars and be their nannys?

The Queen Stands Alone

Sharon Marko (MN D) has dropped out of the running for Congressional District 2. My source says that she announced on MPR just after 3 PM. Beside entering the race too late for the necessary fundraising, coming out of last weeks convention, Coleen Rowley had a solid 70 % of the delegates in their camp. However, having Marko in the campaign helped focus Coleen Rowley's campaign and managed to get their field organization built into a strong grassroots base. Now it's time to focus on John Kline and a win in CD2 this November!

Like Rats Off A Sinking Ship

Republican pollster Jan van Lohuizen, in a memo written for RNC chairman Ken Mehlman, warns that if members of Congress try to drive a wedge between themselves and President Bu$h, it'd be akin to adding weight to an anchor. Here’s my favorite part from the memo: The President is seen universally as the face of the Republican Party. We are now brand W. Republicans. All GOPers are 'W Brand Republicans' whether they like it or not. ...it has a nice ring to it...And van Louhizen, who has polled (often secretly) for the Bu$h White House under the RNC aegis for years, is obviously worried about low turnout among the other problems facing those who hitched thier stars to the burned

The Right To A Better Life

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"Bring me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free" Over 500,000 people stream into downtown Los Angeles for a PRO-immigrant rally while the US House passed legislation that would make it a felony to be in the US illegally, impose new penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants, require churches to check the legal status of people they help, and erect fences along on-third of the US-Mexican border. Elger Aloy, 26, of Riverside, a premed student, pushed a stroller with his 8-month-old son at Saturday's Los Angeles march and called the legislation ''inhumane.'' Elger said: ''Everybody deserves the right to a better life”

When Silence Is Betrayal

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Coleen Rowley risked her career, her standing in the community, and her reputation to speak the truth. Isn't that someone we want in Congress? Another FBI agent in 9/11 case points to negligence and backs up what Coleen Rowley has been saying all along. "Samit's recollections and frustrations were the first ground-level account of how FBI agents in Minneapolis where Moussaoui was arrested on a visa violation three weeks before the attacks, were appalled that supervisors in Washington would not support their attempts to obtain search warrants to find out why the 37-year-old Frenchman was taking flying lessons and what role he might have in a wider plan to attack America." "Samit's suspicions have been backed up by Coleen Rowley, then an FBI lawyer in Minneapolis, who has also complained that Washington was blocking the Minnesota field office's attempts to determine what Moussaoui was really doing."

Friday's Shag

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Hopefully all the hotair GOP garbage wedge rhetoric speeds up the Minnesota spring thaw! Have a nice weekend. A Cartoon that's funny but. ...: A Cartoon Moment: "Hello There Children" Is Chef back? Kinda Where Bush Got His Ethics: All in the family. Former first lady Barbara Bush donated an undisclosed amount of money to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund with specific instructions that the money be spent with an educational software company owned by her son Neil .” An Uncomfortable Moment: 'Unintentional contrast found between Senator Sharon Marko’s campaign for Congress in MN CD2 and Coleen Rowley’s campaign." Notice went out on the cd's list server of an executive board meeting last night to discuss opening an office. No candidates were sent ‘special’ or personal invites as the meeting was specifically called to address office space within the district. Coleen Rowley showed up and so she was given a 2 minutes to speak over the objection of a Marko supporter wh...

Chilling of a Blog

This is just sad. Minvolved , a solid, well written and always informative blog is going silent, because of slimy, threatening, worthless lumps of dung who instead of entering into lively debate and meaningful give and take, put a chilling effect on free speech in the blogging community. I do not blame CP, protecting one's family is always job number one, that is actually why some bloggers are involved in politics. The way our current government is being run, is threatening to all families, just not as directly as it seems CP is dealing with now (well, not yet at least). He has said that he does not feel directly threatened as of yet, and is only doing this to avoid future problems, but we should all take note. Another chilling reason to stay in the anonymous void. It is just sad, very very sad. I wish you the best CP, as well as your family, and hope to see you reemerge some day, even if I don't know its you.

Bring It On

Coleen Rowley's campaign knowing they will soon be challenging John Kline (MN-R) has hired Bill Hillsman ( North Woods ). As Mother Jones points out Bill made his name in political advertising with spots that bucked the tired old formulas and got people talking. His past work includes Wellstone and Jesse Ventura.

Everybody Hates Us!?!

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Pharyngula posted on a survey that ranks atheists lower than..everyone else on the planet. From a telephone sampling of more than 2,000 households, university researchers found that Americans rate atheists below Muslims, recent immigrants, gays and lesbians and other minority groups in "sharing their vision of American society." Atheists are also the minority group most Americans are least willing to allow their children to marry. They've been interviewing Bu$h and Bu$hwantabees: "I don't know that atheists should be considered citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God." -Bush We've become one nation under intolerance. Not surprising when the two main themes found throughout the Bible is religious exclusivity and religious intolerance . Let's just set the record straight. I won't bash you for believing some wacked out story rewritten to the point of propaganda but in return, try being half as tolerant as...a...

Looking For Some MN Billboard Space?

Kelly Doran (MN-D) has discovered what many rethugs and a few Democrats have yet to learn, 'Not Everything is For Sale...(yet)! ' Okay there's more to it than that and yes money does make a difference. But money without a twinkling of ground swell support (particularly among Demos) makes for dead campaigns. I actually like Doran, liked him even more when the 'CD2 Princess of Darkness' continued to foam at the mouth when she ranted and raved about him on all our lists and forums. Unfortunately having a common dislike of a moonbat wasn't enought to support him. Hat Tip to Checks and Balances . I do disagree with one statement made regarding Senator Sheila Kiscaden (D-30-Rochester): "We know all of the campaigns had approached her to be their Lt. Governor candidate previously and it now appears she mistakenly chose Doran. " Not much of a mistake when you consider she positioned herself to now be courted by all the contenters like Hatch, or Sen Lourey o...

Throwing It Back In Their Face

MN Senator Becky Lourey, candidate for Governor, has put up a new website . She's really something ! Agree or disagree with her on issues, she's willing to take the fight right back to the hate mongers. Becky was the lone vote against the funeral protest bill. She's a rare politico that is willing to stand and vote her convictions. As the mother of a son that lost his life in Iraq, she has first hand understand of the grief but she took a stand supporting the right of free speech: With a lone dissenting vote from Sen. Becky Lourey, the Senate approved restrictions Thursday on funeral protests such as one that marred the burial of a fallen soldier last month in Anoka. The vote of 58 to 1 came a week after the House unanimously passed similar, but not identical, legislation. A conference committee will probably have to work out differences between the two bills. Lourey, DFL-Kerrick, a candidate for governor and the mother of a soldier killed in Iraq last year, said she oppose...

Coleen Rowley Calls for NSA Hearings

Former FBI Special Agent and MN CD2 candidate Coleen Rowley shared her thoughts on NSA wiretapping ( Huffington Post ) and applauded Sen. Feingold’s call for censure of the President for keeping the issue in the public eye. Least anyone forgets: "In fact, Minneapolis agents were so convinced of the urgency of the situation involving Moussaoui that they requested use of this emergency provision, not the regular FISA process. Unfortunately, this would have required Attorney General Ashcroft, who had just ranked terrorism as his lowest priority in early August 2001, to appreciate the danger and sign off on the "emergency." And it would have required then FBI Acting Director Pickard to take the emergency request to Ashcroft after he (Ashcroft) had rebuked him (Pickard) earlier that summer, as Pickard testified to the 9-11 Commission, saying "he (Ashcroft) didn't want to hear any more about terrorism." Given these circumstances, FBI Headquarters quickly gave up ...

Say That Again!

From Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar : "I am proud to endorse Coleen Rowley for Congress in the Second Congressional District of Minnesota for 2006. During her prior 24-year career as an FBI agent and Minneapolis division legal counsel, she was not only respected for her dedication to ethics and law, but also to the FBI's mission of effective crime fighting and intelligence gathering. Coleen has what it takes to win this race" .

Speaking of Dixie Cups, String and Smoke Signals

How is this helping homeland security. Tight budgets are “forcing some local Federal Bureau of Investigation agents to operate without e-mail accounts.” “As ridiculous as this might sound, we have real money issues right now, and the government is reluctant to give all agents and analysts dot-gov accounts”

I've Got Some Ideas

From the DNC … 1. American jobs that will stay in America, using energy independence to generate those jobs. 2. A strong national defense based on telling the truth to our citizens, our soldiers and our allies. 3. Honesty and integrity to be restored to government. 4. A health care system that works for everybody just like they have in 36 other countries. 5. A strong public education system so we can have optimism and opportunity back in America.

Hey, Just Don't Take My Word For It.

We knew it all along. Speaking Truth to Power... someone told us

Bush? Still a Liar.

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BUSH: "First, just if I might correct a misperception, I don't think we ever said -- at least I know I didn't say that there was a direct connection between September the 11th and Saddam Hussein." False!! Three years ago he did just that: "The use of armed forces against Iraq is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations or person who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001." [President George W. Bush, Letter to Congress, 3/21/03] Take Action Now and write a letter to your local paper!

Courage and Character

FBI Agent slams bosses during Moussaoui Trail. Now where have we heard that before? Elect someone to congress with the courage and character to stand up and speak out before it's the soup de jour .

What's To Celebrate?

Sunday is the third anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq. Tell me again, what are we fighting for?

Beacause I Sez So

Bush re-affirms the use of pre-emptive use of force…. Something along the line of "Because I sez so".

TGIF Roundup

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It's all too real and in your face true. That said...have a nice weekend. Favorite Site: The worried shrimp (a plucky virtual fly in a savage cybersea) with 'BEWARE the Ides of March' Urban Legend: "Republicans are fiscally responsible and strong on security" . Understatement This GOP-controlled Congress is: 'grossly fiscally unrestrained' and 'security sloppy' . Pictures: FEMA=Federal Emergency Management AWOL - Mardi Gras 2006. Bu$hCo's New Math Nine trillion = $9,000,000,000,000.00 Biggest waste of MN resources: Wedge issues instead of: -fund education fully, -fund social programs for working families, -mprove our enviroment, -work on comprehensive transportation programs, -health care for all, -growing state and local businesses that pay living wage jobs

Asleep At The Wheel

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I'm not surprised .

Minnesota Leadership Against Bu$hCo's War

In March 2003, 20 of 67 Minnesota State Senators signed the below petition by Becky Lourey on the Iraq War. It speaks to real leadership and Minnesota values to gets out in front of important issues, even during the most difficult times, even when unpopular, even at risk of their political positions. These 20 MN Senators recognized the devastating affect the war has had on funding services and lives. Notice how many of the 20 are women! Wonder why Sharon Marko didn't sign on? Perhaps she just wasn't there that day. We, the undersigned, hereby petition President George W. Bush to reject unilateral action against Iraq and actively employ peaceful means to achieve his stated objectives. Although Saddam Hussein is a tyrant who is harmful to his own people, it is not clear that unilateral U.S. military action would result in a free and democratic Iraqi government. The likely results of a war are: massive, unnecessary loss of life; the destabilization of the Middle East; the radica...

Ten Years Later

Nearly two dozen sitting Democratic Senators voted to censure Bill Clinton over a blow job. Today we know Bu$hCo broke laws and lied to Congress. How many Democratic Senators will vote to censure Bu$h?

More 'Shock N Awe'

Bombs away! Bomb with with missles, promises, propaganda, threats...won't change things. We're just growing the grass that will be mowed down but they just don't get it .

Echo

I want to echo (yes, I am intentionally echoing) a post done by one of my favorite local bloggers . Not only is the blog always worth a read for the "Katherine Kersten's Korner" column, but there is some pretty smart analysis there too. Anyway, I am always looking for leaders who speak truth to power and here is one; " Jamie Raskin a law professor, when asked by a Maryland State Senator for his comments on the fact that the Bible says that marriage is between one man and one woman, said "Senator, when you took your oath of office, you placed your hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. You did not place your hand on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible." a link from a link , but this does need to get around.

Lobbyist Will Just Get Fatter

Having sat in, dined in, and been wined in the congressional dinning room...it's a lot nicer, but then they know that! House lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly this year to ban former members who are registered lobbyists from the House floor and gym, and the Senate Rules Committee has unanimously supported legislation prohibiting retired senators who are registered as lobbyists from the floor of the upper chamber. But congressional insiders say these reforms are largely meaningless because of Congress’s failure to restrict the access of lawmakers-turned-lobbyists to the Senate and House members’ dining rooms, where retired congressmen are seen much more frequently than on the Senate and House floors having quiet conversations. No gym, no sweat — let’s have lunch from the hill

Iraq - The Un-Civil War

Today in Iraq : more death... Bodies of at least 87 people killed by execution-style shootings found in past 24 hours. Partial macabre breakdown of the mass killings mentioned above: Fourteen bodies — handcuffed and shot and dressed only in underwear —discovered in southeast Baghdad. Bodies of 15 strangled men found in west Baghdad. 29 bodies found stacked in mass grave in eastern Shiite neighborhood of Baghdad. One person killed and eight wounded when roadside bomb goes off near group of pilgrims on main road between Baghdad and Baquba, 65 km (40 miles) north of Baghdad. Unkown gunmen kill intelligence police in Al-Amirya west Baghdad. Police officer dies in hospital after being shot by gunmen at Al-Zaafaraniya south Baghdad. Editor of Iraqi magazine killed by gunmen in Al-Seidiya west Baghdad. Three bodies with gunshot wounds found in Mosul. Not long after defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld states unambiguously that U.S. forces will stand by if the nascent civil war in Iraq accelerat...

Killing The Messenger

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I’ve had this discussion about bumper stickers with friends. They contend that over three stickers and you’re a certifiable obsessed wingnut cause junkie . According to some, just three bumper stickers can mark you as a borderline cause junkie. I change my stickers out often but right now I’m over double the 'normal ' limit. The really good news is no matter how many I have on my car, they can only fire me once! And just when can I expect to read that some moron gets fired for their 'Support Rush Fathead' or 'Support King George' sticker?

Double Speak and the Denial Admission

Norm Coleman denies wanting higher office. Isn't that like the snake saying he won't tempt Eve? All this says is that Norm wants us to keep thinking about him for that role and view him as a humble servant (cough..glllkkk.. I can't even type that without gagging). He can flip (or flop) at any minute, and may be given the opportunity to "serve the people of MN" in a broader fashion once "asked" to be on someone's ticket. Come on, why should we believe him? He has just been a sham lock-step voter for BushCo from the day he was picked to run for the Senate by Dick Cheney. He has no integrity and will do whatever is best for him - forget MN, its just that simple. By him denying his "higher ambitions" now, we should assume he actually means to pursue it. Double-speak at its worse.

TGIF MN Roundup

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Quote of the Week "The Taxpayers League has never created a private sector job in its life." Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) Coolest Caucus Story Congressional candidate Coleen Rowley , visited several caucuses in Congressional District 2. While standing in the back of Senate District 40, greeting democrats as they entered, a group of republicans at their nearby GOP caucus heard that Coleen Rowley was at the DFL caucus. The republicans got up and left their GOP caucus in order to meet and talk with Coleen Rowley! Kline should start packing up his office. Even his own party members have had enough! Interesting Website Good taste or bad?! Hat tip to Missy (I owe you a donut & beer!) More on WalMart... Everyday Low Vices Minnesota gets it'sv very own blue light specials . TGIF Prayer Oh Lord, get this idiot out of office. He's ripping holes in the wall! Reframing the War Just substitute 'civil war' anywhere you find the words 'sectarian violence'. Can...

So, Who was that giving the State of the State?

It sounded like Pawlenty, looked like Pawlenty, but spoke like a democrat. The only deviation from the democratic agenda (that I heard, I was laughing to hard), was the anti-gay stuff (which he buried pretty well). How many times did he quote JFK?? Don't worry though the republicans heard loud and clear his subtile comments about the anti-gay stuff, they applauded for quite a while for that. I guess they were desperately looking for something to applaud for. Who was he trying to fool? We all know why he was trying to talk like a democrat. He knows he has no other ideas left that the voters will believe. He has to try and take democratic issues to run on if he is going to get reelected. Oh, there is one thing I can believe he actually means; iPods are pretty cool.

Coleen Rowley To Appear On Almanac

Coleen Rowley who is running against John Kline (MN R) in congressional district 2 will be on Almanac tomorrow night, Friday, March 10. CHANNEL 2 (TPT 2) Almanac . Check their schedule here . I’m unsure of the exact time but sometime between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Initially Almanac wanted both Coleen Rowley and Sharon Marko (also a candidate), however, Marko declined stating she was unavailable for Friday. When asked about other possible future appearances Marko said she was “unavailable for the foreseeable future.”

MN Caucus Redux

I was surprised at the number of 'others' votes for Secretary of State and State Auditor. Wonder what it means? Have the candidates been working the area, doing mailings, or, could it be not much attention has been given to either of these positions through the media? Party activist need to roll up their sleeves, lots more work to be done: Secretary of State Christian Sande 15.4 Dick Franson 5.4 Mark Ritchie 38.3 Undecided/other 40.9 State Auditor Reggie Edwards 12.1 Rebecca Otto 46.8 Undecided/other 41.1

Caucus Tonigh With Your Neighbors, Family, Friends

Tonight Caucus 7 PM. GO! Be a Democrat... Don't let me hear you complain about being a DFLer or what the Democrats are doing or not doing if you can't be bothered to make a difference by getting involved. "Liberals got women the right to vote. Liberals got African-Americans the right to vote. Liberals created Social Security and lifted millions of elderly people out of poverty. Liberals ended segregation. Liberals passed the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act. Liberals created Medicare. Liberals passed the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act. What did Conservatives do? They opposed them on every one of those things – every one. So when you try to hurl that label at my feet, ‘Liberal,’ as if it were something to be ashamed of, something dirty, something to run away from, it won’t work, Senator, because I will pick up that label and I will wear it as a badge of honor."

The Scarlet 'A' bortion

What's wrong with these South Dakota legislators? Study after study shows that making abortions illegal won't stop them but better access to daycare, medical health care, affordable housing, education and living wages... will... When will they start working and stop grandstanding ? And more... According to a New York Times analysis , laws requiring minors to notify their parents has not produced the results advocates had hoped. For all the passions they generate, laws requiring minors to notify their parents or get permission to have abortions do not appear to have produced a drop in teenage abortion rates. Providers interviewed in 10 states with parental involvement laws all said that of the minors who came into their clinics, parents were more often the ones pushing for an abortion, even against the wishes of their daughters. Supporters of the laws say they promote better decision-making and reduce teenage abortions; opponents say they chip away at abortion rights and endange...

Should The DFL Provide More Incentives To Precint Leaders?

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In Washington State one of the perks for Democratic Precinct Committee Officers is a free pass to the next delegate level during the off-year caucus cycle. Seemed to be a nice way to encourage precinct level leadership and active involvement. What do you think? Oh btw, Caucus tomorrow March 7 at 7PM.

War, Friend Only To The Undertaker

The war today . MR. RUSSERT: If you were to be asked whether things in Iraq are going well or badly, what would you say? How would you answer? GEN. PACE: I’d say they’re going well. I wouldn’t put a great big smiley face on it, but I would say they’re going very, very well from everything you look at… Yeah...Look at this, General… 2300 They're shameless. They're evil, They're going to pay! 'War, huh Good God y'all- What is it good for- Stand up and shout it- Nothing' : War by Edwin Starr War, huh, yeah What is it good for Absolutely nothing Uh-huh War, huh, yeah What is it good for Absolutely nothing Say it again, y'all War, huh, good God What is it good for Absolutely nothing Listen to me Ohhh, war, I despise Because it means destruction Of innocent lives War means tears To thousands of mothers eyes When their sons go to fight And lose their lives I said, war, huh Good God, y'all What is it good for Absolutely nothing Say it again War, whoa, Lord What...

Sanctity of Marriage or Anti Gay?

America will never lead the world in rights and freedoms when we try and deny rights to our own individual Americans. While many frame this issue outside of human rights, when you're treating or proposing to treat a class of Americans differently (homosexual, heterosexual, women, old folks, white, black, youth,,,), make no mistake this is about rights. In America We ALL enjoy liberties and rights under the law. This issue of rights based on sexual preference seems to break over age with older 'boomers' being less likely to support 'rights for all' while Gen-Xers (20-30s), regardless of party affiliation, more likely to support SSMs (same sex marriages). They say that's because boomers still carry baggage from their parents. Still my folks have been married a long time (as long as I am old!) and they are outraged that any group would take it upon themselves to try and legislate a ban on SSM.They don't see the distinction between a race, a religion or a sex b...

DFL Chair Brian Melendez To Appear on 'Almanac"

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DFL Chairman Brian Melendez along with Ron Carey (MNGOP Chair)will promote Precinct Caucuses on TPT's"Almanac," and discuss the 2006 Legislative Session, and 2006 campaigns. "Almanac" appears on Twin Cities Public Television Channel 2 at 7 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, and also airs on Twin Cities Public Television Channel 17 at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. www.dflcaucuses.org

Follow The Money

The Ads running in Minnesota...'Midwest Heros'.. has dampen down to allow the new GOP hate theme of the week...'gay marriages' to play out but like bad pennies..they'll be back so... Progress for American (outside funding!) is behind the Midwest ads that tout: "We're defeating the terrorists and neutralizing the insurgents. Our troops are helping the Iraqi people and their new democracy transition to self-reliance. And in doing so, we're securing America from the threats of radical al Qaeda terrorists…" Like any other endevor from Bu$hCo, this one has his cronies' calling cards all over it. Ken 'Cakewalk' Adleman is it's former chair. And those wanting more history, the nickname came because of his well circulated quote 'demolishing Hussein's military power and liberating Iraq would be a cakewalk . ' PFA is a front group for most all Pro-Bush administration propaganda if not the driver behind all of it. PFA supported...

A TruthSurfer Exclusive!! Advance Look At MNGOP Domestic Spyware Packaging

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In an effort to lay to rest some of the misconceptions about what the 'final anti-marriage CD' will have on it...Below is the lastest prototype packaging an anonymous GOP source (super double spy!) sent me. I notice there wasn't a disclaimer about collecting the information but I think there's enough clues for the average person...

A Long Silly Sad Way

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Photos - music- soundbites. Two Rotten Potatoes (Bush and Cheney),a new entry in the HuffingtonPost contagious festival . Did I mention it was the wrong road traveled...a long silly sad way.

What Do We Want? When Do We Want It?

We want reform…just not real reform, too much, too soon, too real... According to The Hill Senate Democrats have declined to support legislation proposed by Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) to reform lobbying, even though he is their point man on the issue. Good-government groups have made enforcement of the ethics and lobbying rules their top priority, and they consider Obama’s proposal the strongest means of enforcement. But lawmakers appear to view the medicine as too strong. Democratic leaders tapped Obama to take a leading role on ethics reform when they unveiled their Honest Leadership and Open Government Act last month. They launched the initiative that would have created a Senate office of public integrity, which would have focused solely on lobbyists. It did not touch lawmakers. When that initiative was launched, at a rally in the Library of Congress, Obama took center stage with Reid, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Rules Committee ranking Democrat Louise S...

Minnesota GOP Spyware - Not So Nice

The Minnesota GOP this week sent out spyware in the guise of hundreds of DVDs pushing for a anti-gay amendment. State Republican Chairman Ron Carey said the party's statewide mailing was to target districts of DFL senators. What he neglected to tell the press was that the DVD's also collects personal information and sends it to an unsecure website . According to Wikipedia, spyware refers to malicious software that performs certain tasks on your computer, typically without appropriately obtaining your consent. Typical tactics include delivery of unsolicited pop-up advertisements; theft of personal information (including financial information such as credit card numbers); monitoring of Web-browsing activity for marketing purposes; or routing of HTTP requests to advertising sites. Why doesn't it surprise me that instead of dealing with the issues that concern working American and their families like health care for children, protecting the environment, quality work standar...