Novak is a Dink

According to The Cornell Sun

"I think that privatizing Social Security has much more to do with the enormous amount of money that corporate Wall Street poured into the President of the United States's campaign than [helping] senior citizens," Dean said. "[Social Security] was a response toward [overcoming] abject poverty...it is not meant as a retirement program...it was meant as a social safety net for people who had reached the end of their working careers and did not deserve, after a long lifetime of dignified work, to live in poverty. ... It's not supposed to be a pension."

Dean pointed out that, while he would not endorse this, if Social Security were left alone for 30 years, its benefits would be reduced to 80 percent of what it is now. He acknowledged that while there were indeed problems with the program, turning to Wall Street was not the answer.

Which makes Robert Novak say:

NOVAK: The Democratic line that this isn't a problem -- Howard Dean gave a speech at Cornell on Thursday of this week in which he said that 80 percent -- over the years, 80 percent of the Social Security benefits will be lost. There is a problem. So, Howard sometimes tells the truth. He doesn't get the exact line.


Gee, I wonder who doesn't get the exact line...

Norwegianity discusses Social Security far better than I ever could...

SANTIAGO, Chile—Irma Moya Benech has worked 40 years in public hospitals caring for the sick and elderly, and now that she is both, she says the state is not taking care of her.

Already five years past the legal retirement age for women in Chile, Moya, 65, continues to toil as a medical technician for patients with AIDS, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases, though her immune system is weak from radiation therapy for breast cancer. She desperately wants to retire but can’t, she said, because her private pension would be less than 30 percent of her $1,738 monthly salary. She would no longer be able to afford quality health insurance to cover chemotherapy and prescriptions.

Her 71-year-old husband, who has leukemia, is still working as an accountant at the University of Santiago, because his pension would be only 20 percent of his $2,127 monthly salary.

‘’I think we have done our duty and should be allowed to rest after working for 40 years,” Moya said, tears streaming down her face.

At a time when President Bush has made overhauling Social Security a central objective of his second administration, he and other proponents of privatization have held out Chile, the first in the world to privatize pensions in 1981, as a role model.

By transforming its system, this country of 16 million people fended off a looming pension debt owed its aging population and fueled domestic capital markets, contributing to high growth rates and a halving of poverty in what has become one of the most affluent nations in Latin America. For steadily employed Chileans who consistently channel 10 percent of their salaries into private retirement accounts, as required by law—and preferably top it up with more, tax-free contributions—pensions could reach 70 percent of salaries, providing a comfortable standard of living in retirement, according to estimates by the pension fund managers’ association.

But what supporters of Chile’s model have not advertised is that for poor, seasonal, and itinerant workers, and even for a great part of the middle-class and self-employed, the private system has proved inadequate, largely because those workers are unable to contribute enough to their private accounts. More than 17 percent of Chileans 65 and older keep working because their pensions are inadequate, according to a government-commissioned study.

[Boston Globe]
Any questions?

I didn’t think so. Why then is the administration thinking about regearing its Social Security proposals? Does Bush have no idea of what it means to lose, and lose big? Or is the payoff to Wall Street that important to him?

The Note thinks that the Democratic leadership is dying for a chance to go with personal accounts.

With 99 percent unanimity, the Democratic Party elites stand united in terms of Bush-style personal accounts. There are tactical differences (most Notably about whether the party should offer its own plan for “saving” Social Security), but the unity, energy, and shared sense of direction that this fight is giving the out-of-power party can’t be overstated.

I hope The Note is clueless as to just how afraid the party leadership is of the grassroots right now. If these bastards sell us out, I would look forward to hundreds of primary battles next year.

To be honest, the oddest part of the social security debate is the fact that as someone in her late 20's, I never expected to get anything from it in the first place. All the President's bankruptcy talk has done is made me find out that I was going to get way more than I expected.

Conspiracy Abounds

I would like to point out that if you go through any of my archives, you will see that I make frequent references to the idea that Miller and crew may be on the take. "Egads! How dare you?" you may say. And you should. I dare because at no point did they ever eloquently put together a post like the one First Ringer made today.

When it was disclosed that Daschle v. Thune was accepting money from the Thune campaign, it certainly hurt the creditability of the site's author and in retrospect, the candidate and cause they worked for. Jon Lauck believed in John Thune and the necessity to remove Tom Daschle and exercised his right as a South Dakota resident to work towards that goal. Lauck can claim, and I don't doubt him, that his viewpoint wasn't affected by Thune's payments---was he somehow going to become even more supportive than he could be?---but it casts a pale over what he did. Only in the Americorps can somebody call themselves a 'paid volunteer' and even that's not truly volunteerism. Nor was my journey with the Kennedy campaign true journalism or blogging, hence the term 'bloggerist.'

So officially, from the horse's mouth, from up on high, let me state in no uncertain terms: We are not funded by the Kennedy campaign nor do we take orders from them. End of discussion.

In the blogosphere, there is a lot of "I'm not going to believe this is true until you prove it" type rhetoric running around. (How many times was MN Guru told his email needed to be posted, as there was no way it really came from Powerline?) I've thought the site was a shill. They said it is not. I believe them because they have posted it is not. I agree "end of discussion."

But I still don't like Mark Kennedy.

"Rock Me to Work"

Since I seem to be having a very small (and very shortl-lived) spike in traffic, I would like to propose a challege. See, I walk to work daily, and I've become bored with my playlist on IPod, but I can't seem to decide where to start to put together something new. Hence, the "Rock Me To Work" Challenge.

Send a playlist of 10-12 songs (about 30 minutes worth). I will then purchase those songs and put them on in the order you have chosen. I will report back and tell you if your playlist made me rock out like Kirsten Dunst dancing home from the mortuary in "Drop Dead Gorgeous" or mumble obscenities like, well, most of the other people walking downtown.

Email playlists to rewatpowerliberal@yahoo.com

A surcharge by any other name

Smells slightly like a tax:

Arturo Perez, fiscal analyst with the National Conference of State Legislators, said in the past three years, states have moved away from relying on tax increases toward relying on fee increases.

For example, Perez said Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney pledged no new taxes. Instead, Romney imposed a $500 million fee increase in one year, Perez said.

State Sen. Leo Foley, DFL-Coon Rapids, chairman of the Senate Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee, said he thinks the surcharge increase in Minnesota is a bad idea.

"We have to be careful about what we're doing. It's a hidden tax," he said.

GIMEC

GIMEC (Pronounced "GIMMICK") - "Grandly Inflated Minnesota Echo Chamber"

Of the shrillest of the Right Wing Blogosphere, many of them seem to belong to either NARN (Northern Alliance Radio Network) or the MOB (Minnesota Organization of Blogs - newer bloggies hoping to be invited to speak on NARN). GIMEC is much like the puppy in There's Something About Mary. "So, you're the tiny fellow making so much noise."

NARN is a group of Think Tankers and Frat Boys put together by Commissioner Hugh (Hewitt) to fill in for him when he takes long vacations. (See also "Hughbris")

NARN's radio frequency can be heard for nearly 30 minutes driving radius of the Twin Cities. NARN's blog influence unfortunately is much wider.

NARN consists of

Powerline, The Frat Boys, The Scholars, The Captain, Newhouse's James Lileks (and the Star Tribune, yeah, I don't get it either), Spitbull, and Mitch Berg.

MOB has many members on their blog roll. even as they
prune their ranks to only those who agree on every front MOB Members of note include TBFKADVK, who is providing extensive and (hopefully) free coverage on Mark Kennedy's campaign, Our House, which is run by David Strom of the Minnesota Tax Payers' League, and Craig Westover, a op-ed at the St. Paul Pioneer Press who wants to be the Anti-Coleman (Nick, not Norm, although we could use a lot more Anti-Norms).

Why is this important? Because once one (usually Powerline or Hugh) makes a statement, it runs through the MOB to the NARN or vice-versa, and back around. Once it makes it back to the begining, it is then called news, and if it is not seen in the MSM, you have liberal bias. News is no longer measured by accurracy but by google hits. And these people make a lot of hits. Which is ironic, as they all fit in the non-smoking section and bar area at an Irish Pub (including their significant others).

Hughbris

Hughbris (Pronounced "HEW BRIS")

The self importance and pompasity that comes from believing that everything that comes out of your mouth is correct, even if proven otherwise.

Ex: "He keeps saying that Social Security will be bankrupt in two years. Man, he has Hughbris. I totally want to have a beer with him."

Aren't you clever?

So, there is a new blog in town called Students for Bachmann. Set up today, at around 1:30 pm. 6 posts in twenty minutes. It has a blogroll of Drudge and Powerline, because most students read them, right? Oh, and SCSU Scholars. Which is a sister site of
the Frat Boys. Who already have linked to this new site here.

I'm sure it's just a coincidence that last night they kicked Young Eva out of the MOB for daring to not follow EVERY one of their republican memes. I'm sure that it's also a coincidence that the "Moderator" for the new site has no profile, nickname, or email address. There's no way this site could simply be a shill for the NARN, right? Maybe to attack DumpBachmann a little more? Students for Bachmann couldn't possibly be anything other than students, right?

Wow, if this is how Republicans treat their friends...

Update (2/26/05): All of the Moderators have been changed to Chair. And the leader has posted who he is. So I stand utterly corrected. There is no conspiracy. I just keep forgetting how fast things travel and riccochet in such a tiny echo chamber

Update (2/27/05): Now he is Founder. I hope he keeps that one. Updates are tiresome and boring to read and write.

No ONE = None

Concerned Women for America has breaking news that they have cured homosexuality by proving it does not genetically exist. How?

The study’s lead author, Brian Mustanski from the University of Illinois at Chicago, said in a news release: "There is no one 'gay' gene. Sexual orientation is a complex trait, so it's not surprising that we found several DNA regions involved in its expression."

See? No ONE means "none".

Consistent with an environmental explanation of same-sex attraction is the work of Daryl Bem. In a 2000 study, Dr. Bem demonstrated that there is no relationship between genotype and sexual orientation in men unless environmental interaction with the temperamental trait of gender nonconformity is taken in account. In other words, exploring individual temperamental factors lived out within certain environments may provide more precise areas for research into the action of potential genetic factors in the development of sexual attractions.


In summary, the Mustanski study finds no significant relationship between DNA regions and self-reported sexual orientation. Available evidence suggests that genes may be expressed via the interaction of temperament with certain environments. Practically, then, at present, one cannot know with any degree of certainty that a gene or combination of genes will distinguish why one man is homosexual and another is not.

So, there it is. Being gay is all your fault.

Trivia makes my head hurt

Tonight, we came two questions away from taking first in the "short bus" trivia contest. The night was won by Frat-Boys Liberty. I expect there will be much rejoicing on their blog tomorrow, as well as some pictures, as I saw a lot of flashes in their corner.

This was our first excursion. It will not be our last. We will beat them next week.

Quote of the day

True, no matter who says it:

It's a little scary to think that there are that many crazies out there.

--Frank Mauran

Whenever I need a reminder

that Righties never throw the first stone, never call names and never break the bonds of civility unless horribly attacked first, I like to go take a peak at "Son of Daschle v Thune: Now with TWICE the Integrity" ie: My paid operatives have not told me what to name this blog yet

My new favorite:

Minnesota 'Leans Dem Retention'
Or so says Daily Kos, the premier web destination for today's upwardly-mobile Marxist. Kos assures us that "Minnesota's short flirtation with the GOP, following Wellstone's death, appears to be over." The laughs don't end with Minnesota so scan the whole piece here.

Now that their favorite lunatic is running the asylum, you don't suppose Kos is taking money from the DSCC, do ya?

Wow. Unprovoked slander and name-calling all rolled into 4 sentences. I tip my hat to you, gentlemen!

Question of the Day

If 9/11 did in fact change everything, as President Bush so often tells us, doesn't that mean the terrorists won?

Bring it on

I promise right now, should 2006 turn into Bauchmann running for Kennedy's seat, I will volunteer in any way to help anyone who runs against her (Please, come back, Patty!). I will also ask pretty litte Young Evaif she wants any help on her site....


Bachmann launches exploratory committee for U.S. House seat
Associated Press
February 7, 2005 BACHMANN0208
An outspoken state senator is taking the first steps toward running for Congress.

Second-term Republican Michele Bachmann of Stillwater is setting up an exploratory campaign committee to weigh a bid for the Sixth Congressional District.

Bachmann made the announcement in a letter to GOP activists.

She's one of several Republicans expected to get into the race if Republican Congressman Mark Kennedy runs for the U.S. Senate in 2006 against Democrat Mark Dayton.

Bachmann is best known for her efforts to pass a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in Minnesota.

From Today's Powerline

[emphasis mine]

In her column, Gage claims she asked whether Power Line posts are fact-checked, and that I (Hinderaker) was “dismissive of the question.” This is nonsense. On Power Line, we apply exactly the same standard of fact checking that we use for the numerous columns we have published in the Star Tribune, the New York Times, the New York Post and other reputable newspapers over the past 13 years.

Truer words have no doubt never been spoken.

Phone Call from the DNC

Last night I received a phone call from the DNC asking me for a contribution. The telemarketer had a very passionate script, reminding me that we need to show solidarity against Republicans right now, that this is "not the time to let the elitist take over our country with their ideals." Then he asked me for money.

I told him very firmly that I would call up the DNC and give them the requested $50 the second they make Dean chairman. The caller told me he was firmly in the lead, and would no doubt be the chair, so please contribute now. I said again, "I will give you the money once Howard Dean is chair. Until then, I am not interested in supporting the DNC." He offered that Frost had dropped out of the race, so there really wasn't a problem.

"Ammitt," I replied, as he introduced himself to me as Ammitt. "You currently have a man in the running who is anti-choice. How can you tell me I need to support the DNC in it's attempt to separate itself from the Republicans when someone running for Chairman has a stance I, and many Democrats, don't believe in?"

He paused for a few minutes, and, as a former telemarketer myself, I could tell he was looking for the proper rebuttal to my question. Unfortunately, the DNC didn't write him one.

"We really need your help, ma'am."

"I will give you my money when you elect Dean as Chairman."

As Ammitt hung up, I realized that the DNC's greatest mistake is thinking that we are loyal Democrats through thick and thin. I have never given any support to the party itself. I never voted until the 2000 election. My first campaign contribution went to Howard Dean, and it was what was left over from my unemployment check for that pay period. My second was to John Kerry in the last days of fundraising. During a period of impotence after the 2004 election I gave to Planned Parenthood and Americans United. But I have never given to the party.

To put it another way, rather than give money to the DNC to spend how they want, I prefer to give it to the individual groups that I believe in, ensuring my money is spent only on the causes I approve of. I guess I'm a Republican that way.

Oh, so NOW you care

Viagra is about to be covered by Medicare now. The Heritage Foundation thinks this is a bad idea because Congress doesn't know as much about medicine as doctors.

Critics say the law puts Congress, not medical professionals, in the position of deciding which drugs should be covered. "You cannot have a universal entitlement like this without extreme micromanagement," said Robert E. Moffit, a health care analyst at the Heritage Foundation.

"Members of Congress, frankly, are not competent to make these decisions," he added.

Funny, they seem to have no problem with Congress trying to make decisions for doctors when it involves a woman's right to choose.

Nowegianity is one year young

Norwegianity is celebrating his first aniversary...

OK, it’ll be at The Uptown Bar and Cafe in the bar section, 2:00 pm until 4:00 or so on Sunday, February 6. They close at 6 for remodeling so an all afternoon and evening bender this won’t be.

Here are the details:

Sunday, February 6
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
The Uptown Bar & Cafe
3018 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408-2614
(612) 823-4719

Smarty is the biggest fan, so I'm sure we will have to pop in. Even if it means missing Howie's All-Iron Man Team. Besides, I can't deal with a team quarterbacked by Brett Farve. Leftwich is the toughest QB in football.

The (NyQuil) Glass is always half full

After four weeks with the flu, I feel I am getting near to the point where I might be turning the corner. It has only taken three doctor's visits, three bags of cough drops, one bottle of NyQuil, one bottle of Robutussen with codeine, Three Bottles of Robutussen without codeine, two boxes of echinacea tea, three jugs of lemon echinecea ginger juice, one bottle of Zinc lozenges, thee heads of garlic and an Abuterol inhaler. I'm still coughing, but at least I can move without exhaustion.

The flu season will be over in two months. And due to surplus, there are enough shots for everyone to get one if they so choose. Thanks! I do not begrudge losing my shot, as I have no idea how the old or infirm can make it through what put me down for a full month. Of course, I'm a whiner.

I was able to go into the doctor due to my new medical insurance. He couldn't do much, but it was nice to be able to take advantage of it. But do I think healthcare is worth impoverishing myself to use it, like the people who will be losing their MinnCare because they have a small bit of unlivable income? I don't know.

Luckily, I don't have to answer that question. Unfortunately, many will. Thanks, Gov. Pawlenty! This shot of Robutussen is for you!