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.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The MN Star Tribune: Where Zombies Fear To Roam

I've blogged recently about how zombies apparently ate the brains of the Pioneer Press editorial staff - but I might have been a wee bit too hasty in my rush to judgement. Instead, it appears the Pioneer Press editorial staff brains were in fact given to the Star Tribune editorial Staff...at least in so far as the Star's endorsement of Rep. Mike Obermueller in 38B:

"Like his father, the 32-year-old Wardlow is bright and personable. He also is among the most doctrinaire conservative candidates we met this year. The more moderate 37-year-old Obermueller gets our nod.

Obermueller, a farm-raised, Iowa-educated commercial litigator, isn't a show horse at the Capitol. But he works hard. He made his specialty the important but obscure House Bioscience and Workforce Development Committee, which strives to assure bioscience entrepreneurs that Minnesota can supply the educated workforce they'll need to thrive.

A fiscal moderate, Obermueller is in no hurry to raise taxes. But he will be a firm voice for a lasting fix for the state budget in 2011, rather than another round of temporary measures. That's the right resolve."


I'm still at a lost as to why the Pioneer Press newspaper didn't make the same rational endorsement decision but hey, that's 'zombies under the bridge' for now... especially since I decided to stop feeding the Pioneer Press's tolls/zombies/weak editorial staff by canceling my subscription. (Truth be told, I did this a couple of years ago when it was apparent that the Press endorsement process was a poorly run sham that relied on mistaken information from a part time staffer and GOP blogger!)

The Minnesota Star Tribune also endorsed Mick McGuire's candidacy for the Minnesota House in 25A (also in CD2).

"As mayor, McGuire knows first-hand how to creatively cut spending to preserve basic services. He also knows that for cities like his, core services are now unavoidably on the chopping block if state aid cuts continue. State government could use that kind of knowledge."

It's nice to know one of Minnesota's newspapers is worthy of more than just starting the morning fire:-)



Tuesday, October 26, 2010

School Age Bullies

Remember the good ole days when Mom sent you off to face the bullies at school , but you had to find your own weapons?

"This emergency is one of our own creation; we can respond," Sen. Scott Dibble said today. "We can change this. We can take those affirmative steps so that every kid who goes to school knows that they are valued, that they'll be safe, that they're loved, that they're going to get an equal shot at a good start in life."

We've all been through it, but that doesn't make it right...School need to look at their culture to make sure any bullying is appropriately address including gender based bashing. Here's a couple of articles regarding the legislation in Minnesota regarding bullying... MPR, The Minnesota Independent



Did I mention I had to walk ten miles, in the snow, no shoes, at night, with a broken leg, carrying my own books to school...no? Funny how time tends to shade the past...whatever, wish I had the kid to walk with...gives a whole new meaning to bullying...

Monday, October 25, 2010

Mummurs on Monday

If Virginia Calls, hang up
Creepy doesn’t begin to cover how I feel about Justice Clarence Thomas.

"He was always actively watching the women he worked with to see if they could be potential partners," McEwen said matter-of-factly. "It was a hobby of his."
Which goes a ways to explaining his wife Virginia Thomas’ total break with reality in demanding one of his victims apology...

Why the Pope Hates Gays and Women
Inbreeding...It’s a story choked filled with ‘back room’ doings, intrigue, sabotage, condemnation, and much evil. From this story emerged two Americans that now go on to be named the newest cardinals. Seems like the road to a ‘red hat’ includes both ‘gay bashing’ and ‘women hating’…sigh, and this group will be ‘giving birth’ to a new pope. G*d save us all. Amen.

What Name is Your Reservation Under Sir?
MN GOP Gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer was left with what many of us face on a Friday night, no reservation due to lack of planning…Just as well, I don’t think crow was on the menu.

Take One 4 The Team
OK, I like sports, but not this much! In this day and age, this is too much. I'm outraged enough to go get the baseball bat...screw the legal system...

Don’t Try This On Superman
A revolutionary superglue dubbed Kryptonite can improve the recovery of heart patients recovering from open-chest surgery, however, be forewarned....it will hurt Superman.

Go Ahead, Make My Day
Sure it’s it’s whacked and wild and likely to not happen…but…we all have our dreams



Friday, October 22, 2010

Freaky Friday In Minnesota's Governors Race

Is it just me, or does it seem like Halloween came early..with the Minnesota Tag Team Endorsement from Hell....

First Mike Ciresi, then Jessee 'the body' Ventura...wow just two more reasons not to support Horner!
We've seen MN Gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner peak...it's all down hill for Horner from here. Although to be honest, it wasn't much of a hill. I'm just waiting now for the 'nail in the coffin' endorsement from Ole Savior.


Well, He's right only I'm not 300 #s, a guy and don't have a beard...but close enough...
Let's eat the pizza with grandma...er..I guess I'm the grandma...sorry kids and grandkids. Have a great weekend...

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Yipes! Zombies Sucked MN Pioneer Press Brains!

Say What? The Minnesota Pioneer Press endorsed Doug Wardlow for having a 'slight advantage' over the outstanding DFL candidate Rep. Mike Obermueller (MN-38B)? Say it isn't true!
...Folks this was a no brainer...

Mike Obermueller has both the experiences and personality that makes him not a good Minnesota Representative, but a GREAT Representative for the local district. The reason the PP stated giving the endorsement to the far right Wardlow was....wait for it...."international trade issues in Washington"....Hmm, so if you want to be a MINNESOTA Rep, all you need is 'international trade' experience?

That's quite the reach compared with Mike's stellar record actually doing the job the last two years, his ability to compromise and reach across both party and ideology lines, his work integrity, and he's lived in the district instead of recently 'coming home' like Wardlow Jr....yep...'international trade' experience slight edge my ghoul ass!

This is why the paper's readership has steadily declined: They lack the ability to 'grow a pair' when it comes to bucking any far right ideology. Even the weakly thin reason cited fails to resonate within the local district. Local voters don't give a rats tail about international trade, they care about the ability to do the job as necessary, something Mike Obermueller has shown time and again along with being consistent, fair, practical, open and ethical.

The MN Pioneer Press endorsement of the far right ideologist in Wardlow Jr. that blogs that same ideology while working in a non-partisan position as a law clerk (doesn't say much for Doug Wardlow morals or his ability to be non-partisan even during working hours!) is both a shame and a sham.

Doug Wardlow is a tea bagger who will cut all services for cutting taxes for the wealthy and deregulated government to the point of drowning it in a bathtub with no drivable streets or funded schools...sound familiar, it should, we lived under that ideology with Tim Pawlenty for the last four years...(bwt this is in fact Pawlenty's Senate District!).

Readership is down at the Pioneer Press, and given this failed endorsement...so is their credibility...They are one of the top ten newspapers expected to fail as they are heavily leveraged, with loans from Hearst, Gannett and even Bill Gates, and short on cash. And while they filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009, they are just sinking deeper in debt. Part of their struggle is based on making a whole series of mismanaged wrong choices including endorsement of Doug Wardlow this weekend..er...unless there really are brain eating zombies loose in their office...just saying...





Monday, October 18, 2010

All You Need To Know

In Minnesota at the state level there is the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and Attorney General. Although elected, each needs to work in a non-partisan ways toward improving Minnesota for all the citizens. The DFL elected officials and candidates within this group are each outstanding with proven track records of accomplishments and working in the best interests of Minnesotans.


We have DFL candidate for MN Governor Mark Dayton and running mate Yvonne Prettner (DFL Lieutenant Governor candidate) campaigning for a better Minnesota! As Mark says, we can, and we must do better!


Then 'we are blessed with fair elections and great officials' like Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. An outstanding hard worker and manager, he has improved the use of voter technology.. Ritchie oversaw the epic Coleman/Franken U.S. Senate recount, a role that the MN Supreme Court verified 'was done correctly'.


We also have MN State Auditor Rebecca Otto who cut her own funds by $1 MILLION and gave the money to the legislature to put toward the budget deficit!


And finally we have MN Attorney General Lori Swanson protecting and fighting for our rights. Lori Swanson is the first women to be elected to the office in Minnesota and was one of only four women Attorney Generals out of the 50 United States.Tell your family, friends and neighbors to vote and let them know who you support. Who we elect to office will determines the future of Minnesota. Go Vote!






Friday, October 15, 2010

Government By The People?

The Chamber of Commerce Horrors
First, the Chamber of Commerce lies about membership numbers, then they hurt local jobs by advocating outsourcing, and finally they support political agendas and campaigns with anonymous donations including foreign dollars mostly for the GOP (or party of no business regulations) and attack Democrats... 
"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which does not have to disclose its corporate donors, plans to spend $75 million on political advertising in this election, nearly all of it on behalf of Republican candidates. That's twice what it spent two years ago."
In Minnesota, the CoC is using/funding the front group, Coalition of Minnesota Businesses (CMB) PAC, for the worse kind of personal attacks against local Democrats like Rep. David Bly in SD25B, with their negative and misleading ads. Less than a third of organizations spending money on the fall elections thus far are disclosing their sources of funds, thereby denying citizens any knowledge of who is trying to influence the election, let alone toward what end.

These front organization often have the words Minnesota, American, Freedom, Small Business, Truth, and Free Enterprise in their organizations name, but don't be fooled, they are supported by and for big business and don't have the communities best interest as their goals. Their influx of big dollars can buy a candidate that will defend their special interests over our families and communities well being.

If things continue like this, next thing you know they will be filing for tax exempt status as a church (see below)...

The devil works in strange ways.

Federal law prohibits tax-exempt churches from publicly backing political candidates. But that’s not stopping Brad Brandon of Berean Bible Baptist Church in Hastings, Minnesota or Greg Stone of Jesus Assembly of God in St. Peter, Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Independent.

To repair our badly broken campaign finance system and restore a government that is – in the words of Abraham Lincoln – of, by, and for the people, Congress should take campaigns out of the hands of special interests by passing Fair Elections. This includes all business, corporations, religions and special interests.

Don't be surprised if you read about some church goer being disruptive during services this weekend...it's just me busy doing the good work. Have a nice weekend...cya 'out and about'...


Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Cheeseburger Vellings

Pants on Fire
I find it so funny sad that Republicant John Kline (R-MN-02) who voted against the Employee Free Choice Act and is sooooooooooo out spoken and intent on breaking unions....accepts union endorsements. What's up with that? Well let's hope nobody notices them smooching in the closet!

To the Highest Bidder
MN Rep. Michele Bachmann, much like Rep. John Kline, won't show up at debates but will travel the world for any wingbat tea party gathering...Guess 'Silence is Golden' given their campaign war chests are full of out of state PAC money. Maybe to get them to show, their Democratic challengers and local voters can counter-offered with money? Nothing else seems to motivate them but greenbacks.

Now Who isn't the American?
Whoo...you mean Obama is related to Palin (or is it Palin related to Obama)? Maybe we should be asking for Palin's birth certificate? Yipes, that would make for one really awkward Thanksgiving family meal.  I thought we all were related to Adam and Eve? Or is that just for some? Will my dog meet me in heaven? Why does any of this matter?
No Sharing of Anonymous GOP Lovers
The surge of anonymous money is the latest development in corporate America’s efforts to influence the agenda in Washington...the best GOP representatives money can buy....Naturally the GOP frame it up under 'freedom of speech' and advocate keeping their 'sugar daddies' anonymous.  Most kept whores understand why.

It's Easy Peasy and Cheesy
There's chilling magazine tips to would-be militants on how to kill Americans. And no, it doesn't include eating at McDonalds three times a day, although that would probably do it if they're willing to wait long enough.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

I Am Not A Witch or A Quisling

Most folks aren't against motherhood, apple pie, American anything including baseball, or puppy dogs. Just like most folks (myself included) don't use the term 'quisling' or start a commercial by saying we're not a witch...Word up...if you do either of these things, you've already lost!

I didn't even know what a quisling was until I looked it up!  So I found it to be profound that it just slipped out during from the MN GOP Chair, Tony Sutton, while describing former Republicans that endorse the Independent Republican Tom Horner as traitors (quislings) that were going to hell...oops.. not just hell, but a 'special place in hell'. Wow...

Some advice to Tony, Klingon is probably a much better obscure language choice.
"Quisling-noun: a person who betrays his or her own country by aiding an invading enemy, often serving later in a puppet government; fifth columnist. Origin: 1940; after Vidkun Quisling (1887-1945), pro-Nazi Norwegian leader."
So back to puppy dogs, butterflies, motherhood, and the real winner, Soon-to-be Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton!

Monday, October 11, 2010

UFFDAH Monday!

Obama-MN-izeme! Yes, TruthSurfer called it first... that Obama would be in MN stumping for Mark Dayton...and I still want that Obama guy we elected in 2008 to be the one that shows up. From the DFL State Website:
"Please join Mark Dayton and the DFL Party in welcoming the President back to Minnesota for an early kick off of our get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts. We don’t have all the details yet, but you can click here to sign up to attend the event and get the details for the President’s visit as we get them."
Down Low On Wardlow (R-MN-38B)
While Doug Wardlow is running for a government office, he apparently wants to keep his options open regarding which parts of the American Constitution he'll support...nice, very teabagger to support only those founding principles you agree with and to compare the U.S. Supreme Court to 'like-minded foreigners'!

Per Doug Warlow:
"Because I do not believe that the meaning of the Eighth Amendment, any more than the meaning of other provisions of our Constitution, should be determined by the subjective views of five Members of this Court [Supreme] and like-minded foreigners, I dissent."

His opponent Democratic Representative Mike Obermueller believes in the American Constitution without having to pick and choose which principles to support or not.

What's Up with Minnesota's Weather?
Obviously the temperature is UP! Global Warming now in MN? Well, I guess it's possible. If it keeps up, I can just retire in Minnesota and not move south for warmer weather...although called 'global warming' the outcome is severe and unusual weather that cause flooding, droughts, more tornadoes... What we have come to see in Minnesota:
  • The average temperature in Minnesota has risen almost one degree Fahrenheit over the past century.
  • Since 1900, precipitation has increased by about 20 percent in parts of Minnesota, especially southern Minnesota.
  • Shifts in location of Minnesota forests and grasslands, changing the types of plants and animals that live in the state.
  • Increase damages from floods and violent storms.
  • Reduced water quality— increased algal blooms and less oxygen in warmer waters.
  • Less habitat for trout, whitefish, and other cold water species.
But this weather change is occurring everywhere...I know that flat earthers like to say it's a natural occurring event and I'm okay with that...probably too late to change our global population behavior significantly enough to enact positive change through understanding something like science... but I reserve the right to say "I told you so".



Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Democratic Rep Sandra Masin (MN-02-38A) or Teabagger Diane Anderson?

In CD2 there are several races seen to be close by the political pundits...one is between Rep Sandra Masin (D-38A) and challenger Diane Anderson (R).  Being a bit of an issue wonk, I took a look at each of their positions...and it became apparent that while Sandra Masin issue's are based solid and proven facts with a voting record to support that, Ms. Anderson is something of a weak teabagger...white washing issues with broad stokes of cute slogans and mantras and little understanding of the big picture...let's review some of Diane Anderson's failed policy stances:

Drill Baby Drill:
D Anderson: "To lower the gas prices the government should get rid of the government restrictions and allow the usage of the natural resources we have in the United States"
Me: Wonder what the gulf coast residence think of getting rid of government restrictions since the BP spill? I don't hear anyone anymore chanting the 'drill baby drill' mantra...er, wait...., no not even them now...seems Diane is a lone voice since the choir moved on.

Snake Oil:
D Anderson: "Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s Q-Comp incentive compensation for teachers is an important step to modernizing our educational system"
ME: Another faked, expensive and failed program...First, teacher incentives or bonuses don't work - studies have proven this. Secondly The OLA report found that of almost 500 Minnesota school districts and charter schools, only 72 are participating in Q Comp this year (they figured out it was snake oil!). Participating districts receive an additional $260 per student. In fiscal year 2009, Q Comp costed the state about $49 million OUCH that's a lot of school books which I hear still work in teaching!


Self Policing:
D Anderson: "Government’s role should be to loosen the tax and regulatory policies that have made health care more expensive."
ME: So we loosen those ‘regulatory policies' in banking… then the housing mortgage industry…and then in off shore drilling…well you get the picture... How's that 'self policing' been working out for Americans? This is text book GOP talking to justify corporation greed over American family needs. Perhaps Diane doesn't mind picking bugs out of her breakfast cereal but most of us understand the need for some government regulations...



Us Verse Them:
D Anderson: "Diane Anderson believes Minnesota's education funding formula must be fixed so that it no longer shortchanges suburban schools'
ME: Tell me again about why it's not about ALL Minnesota schools and just Suburban schools verses rural or urban schools in Minnesota? Of all the teabagger reframes , this one of 'I got mine and don't care about yours' is the most telling about the lack of leadership. Especially when you compare suburban education funding against rural and urban...

On Diane Anderson's website it says "Common Sense Leadership for Common Sense Reform!", unfortunately, we know better based on her failed issue stances that mirrors those of Pawlenty and Kline.

If this is, in fact, a close race, we need to get the word out to voters in the district about Anderson's teabag based leadership.  To do this, Sandra Masin's campaign needs both  volunteers and money....Please help her out by contributing today.

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

'You Know You Make Me Wanta Shout!'

G*ddammit..
Come on you bigoted holierthang*d jerks...there is no 'marriage issue'...it doesn't threaten marriages (trust me after 36 years of marriage never once was it threaten or harmed by gay marriage!), it doesn't pose a  "dangerous risk" to society. and 'it' (one man:one woman only marriage) isn't a critical question as presented by the poisoned wealthy asshole archbishop and the soulless Illuminati of freak bishops that follow his lead.

This is a politically charged crusade against gays raised four weeks before the new Minnesota Governor takes office.... Cut the crap and call it for what it is:  A power grab by old men in black clothing attempting to throw support to GOP Mad Hatter and Teabagger Tom Emmer while controlling what goes on between adults and denying basic civil marriage rights...And oh yeah, an 'anonymous donation' !? Tell me another one about how moral these bastards are that they won't even disclose where the money came from (mana from heaven?)...May they burn in hell. Amen

Mo' Trouble At UofM
We've all been there...a frat party like in the movie 'Animal House' where the sheer number of partiers made it impossible for fraternities to control who's in their house and what up they're up...the booze flows and drugs are dappled with...

According to the 'Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life' "Being a fraternity or sorority member is unlike any other experience you will ever have". Unfortunately, for three girls in the last couple of weeks, that experience included rape. The police say the three assaults are not related to each other but alcohol was a factor in each. The rapes prompted the 24 fraternity leaders at the University of Minnesota to take the unusual step of banning alcohol whenever guests are present.

In listening to interviews with party attendees, I was fascinated with what the girls were saying...they all said they never attend these parties alone, they always have someone who 'looks out' for them, and that you need to be 'smart' about your personal safety....

sigh, I better talk some more with my daughter as she will be going to college next year...

Less' Trouble At UofM
A couple of weeks after the University of Minnesota announced they would not allow the showing of the documentary "Trouble Waters" due to 'concerns about it's content', they've changed their minds...The film is a documentary on the state of the Mississippi River and how runoff from agricultural fields and cities contributes to pollution in the Gulf of Mexico. An Emmy Award-winning team from Minnesota created the film that uses beautiful photography and inspiring narrative, offering solutions to the river's troubles through fresh ideas and concrete solutions.

The Oct. 3 screening will be held at the Bell Museum on the U of M's Minneapolis campus and be followed with an open forum discussion. The film is also scheduled to be broadcast on Twin Cities Public Television tpt2 on Tuesday, October 5 at 8 PM, and again on October 6 at 2 AM. A third broadcast is set for October 6 at 4 PM
Sure it's an oldie...

Friday, October 01, 2010

Mixed Bag of Minnesota

Former President Bill Clinton made a stop in town for Dayton ...and then I thought, well VP Biden was here...so maybe Minnesotans will see Obama come to town for Dayton...then I read the Borowitz Report...that guy is so freaking funny...and sometimes even true!
“We were sitting around thinking of who we could put out there on the campaign trail to get people energized again,” said party chairman Tim Kaine.  “And then I was like, what about that guy who played Obama in ’08?  He was amazing!”
So let get it going now... I really really really want Obama to come stump for Mark Dayton...you know, that guy who played Obama in 2008:-)

Mark Dayton has a nearly unbeatable 11% lead of Emmer...With 30 days to go, looks like the Democratic drought of 24 years is about to get rained on! The last time Minnesota had a Democratic Governor and two Democratic Senators was in 1978.
"With your help, we'll build a better Minnesota by investing in education, creating new jobs, and providing affordable health care.We hope that you'll join us".
Hell yes, I'm with Mark Dayton!

And oh, yeah, Michele Bachmann...as Garrison Keillor says, Michele Bachmann Is 'Embarrassing'. It's one thing to have a crazy person full of entertaining stories that play loose with the truth, it's another to elect them to office representing Minnesota.

Congressman John Kline (R-MN-02) still freeloading by not working to bring back our federal tax dollars...there is an alternative who promises to actually try and get funding for transportation, small business, roads and schools...

Got to go...throwing a 'Emanuel left the White House, now let the walls come tumbling down' party...Enjoy your weekend...