Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Wendy Wilde at Drinking Liberally - Thursday, June 29th
Crongressional candidate Wendy Wilde will be coming to Drinking Liberally on Thursday, June 29th. Wilde is the DFL-endorsed candidate for the 3rd district, challenging Jim Ramstad for his seat. Be sure to mark your calendars and drop by to show your support!
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
What we've got here is a failure to communicate
Since it's a lazy Saturday, I would like to take a moment to clear up a misunderstanding regarding Smartie's last post. I understand that he has upset some people, so I have taken it upon myself to point out that he was being satirical. Surprising as it may be, he does not actually think that, among other things, "Holiday in Cambodia" was a prophetic attack on John Kerry's war record, not does he believe that the band is in fact advocating the extermination of America's lower-class. However, I do not feel qualified to assume his positon on whether or not there is "a better home a waiting in the sky, lord, in the sky."
But since this has been dredged back up, I would like to take a moment to point out that the lead singer of #36 is my father's cousin. However, I always thought "Drinking on the Job" was a much better song.
But since this has been dredged back up, I would like to take a moment to point out that the lead singer of #36 is my father's cousin. However, I always thought "Drinking on the Job" was a much better song.
Friday, May 26, 2006
the weirdness you catch when you don't go out at night
Like losers, Smartie and I are at home on a Friday night watching Almanac. Besides Ford Bell pulling out of the endorsement to run in the primary, we just heard Becky Lourey state "I think if we don't all abide we handicap ourselves."
Did Lourey just state she'll abide by the endorsement?
Did Lourey just state she'll abide by the endorsement?
Heh
From a list of upcoming GOP events:
quoth Smartie, "What an appropriate date."
6/6/06: Mark Kennedy will hold a fundraiser with Laura Bush, hosted by Norm Coleman and his wife Laurie, on Tuesday, June 6th at The Depot in Minneapolis.
quoth Smartie, "What an appropriate date."
Book Drive, June 1st
Spotty, inspired by his faithful commentor Dave, is requesting the DL gang's help to send some liberal books to the troops, since they are getting bored with all of the Coulter and Hannity junk that arrives by the bucketful.
Since this is Memorial Day weekend, and we all have a little extra time on our hands, this would be a great time to pick up something fun and progressive for us to send out.
We will be gathering the books at the 331 Club next Thursday, June 1st, when DL officially moves to its new night. Come one, come all, and bring something to read.
(Any help in passing this post along would be greatly appreciated)
Since this is Memorial Day weekend, and we all have a little extra time on our hands, this would be a great time to pick up something fun and progressive for us to send out.
We will be gathering the books at the 331 Club next Thursday, June 1st, when DL officially moves to its new night. Come one, come all, and bring something to read.
(Any help in passing this post along would be greatly appreciated)
This Will Not Stand
Charlie has the list of the Top 50 "Conservative" Rock songs picked by National Review.
While the list is clearly good, every song a pro-freedom or anti-abortion anthem if I ever heard one, I can't believe they largely ignored punk rock and therefore missed some of the biggest freedom loving bands out there. Heck, just this morning I was listening to Corporate Avenger. Now there's a band to warm any conservative's heart. Taxes Are Stealing, Fault the Police (I Don't), War is Good, anyone?
And of course they forgot the kings of conservative punk rock, The Dead Kennedys. Just that name should send shivers down the spines of all good conservatives. And then check out the songs! Just on the first album you have gems like this one, Kill the Poor:
In addition you have stirring pro-freedom anthems like, "When you Get Drafted", "Chemical Warfare", "California Uber-Alles" and-an early shot at John Kerry?-"Holiday in Cambodia". So, to all editors of the National Review, I ask that you fix this oversight immediately. Ronald Regan had the deep cultural insight to understand the true meaning of "Born in the USA", surely you don't want to let these princes of conservativism to languish unheralded?
While the list is clearly good, every song a pro-freedom or anti-abortion anthem if I ever heard one, I can't believe they largely ignored punk rock and therefore missed some of the biggest freedom loving bands out there. Heck, just this morning I was listening to Corporate Avenger. Now there's a band to warm any conservative's heart. Taxes Are Stealing, Fault the Police (I Don't), War is Good, anyone?
And of course they forgot the kings of conservative punk rock, The Dead Kennedys. Just that name should send shivers down the spines of all good conservatives. And then check out the songs! Just on the first album you have gems like this one, Kill the Poor:
Efficiency and progress is ours once more
Now that we have the Neutron bomb
It's nice and quick and clean and gets things done
Away with excess enemy
But no less value to property
Makes sense in war and perfect sense at home:
The sun beams down on a brand new day
No more welfare tax to pay
Unsightly slums gone up in flashing light
Jobless millions whisked away
At last we have more room to play
All systems go to kill the poor tonight
Gonna
Kill kill kill kill Kill the poor:Tonight
Behold the sparkle of champagne
The crime rate's gone
Feel free again
O' life's a dream with you, Miss Lily White
Jane Fonda on the screen today
Convinced the liberals it's okay
So let's get dressed and dance away the night
While they:
Kill kill kill kill Kill the poor:Tonight
In addition you have stirring pro-freedom anthems like, "When you Get Drafted", "Chemical Warfare", "California Uber-Alles" and-an early shot at John Kerry?-"Holiday in Cambodia". So, to all editors of the National Review, I ask that you fix this oversight immediately. Ronald Regan had the deep cultural insight to understand the true meaning of "Born in the USA", surely you don't want to let these princes of conservativism to languish unheralded?
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Back to the Real World
Smartie and I just returned last night from our vacation in Las Vegas, so, for those of you wondering, that's why we've been so quiet. Because we were going down with family to celebrate my Grandmother's 85th birthday, we decided to go completely no access for the trip, and forgot to put up a goodbye.
Vegas is an interesting place to be in when you're a bit of a news junkie. I could tell you all about Barbaro's broken leg, but I haven't the foggiest idea what has been going on in the country for about a week. In some ways it was really quite relaxing.
It looks like our flight paths with Swiftee diverged after Vegas though, and good for him, since we were almost two hours late coming back to the Cities (Clint Black, I blame you and your cronies and their fancy planes). however, with flight delays, no computer, no news and the jammerjngling of many slot machines, I had a lot of time to think, and some of my more brilliant realizations follow:
Country music sucks. I will never forgive the cowboy hat crowd for ruining our night downtown (although that was a mean rendition of Devil Went Down to Georgia, but I'm not feeling generous enough to let that make up for everything), or for making me spend a good 6 hours trapped in a seat that was slowing being overtaken by the fat man with utter self-importance who though he needed to ooze into my space the entire flight.
On the bright side, I have come up with a plan to fund mass transit through corporations by selling the naming rights of the local light rail stops ("Lkae Street and Hiawatha stop, broought to you by Wells Fargo...."). Government folks reading this (and I know you do) feel free to put this through the legislation. I won't even ask that my name be put on it. For additional funds, put in video and show commercials, like they do on the monorail in Vegas. If you do, I promise to buy a Monster Sports Drink.
Anyway, good to see one old post could sustain you all for almost a week. Smartie and I will be sure to try that more often.
Vegas is an interesting place to be in when you're a bit of a news junkie. I could tell you all about Barbaro's broken leg, but I haven't the foggiest idea what has been going on in the country for about a week. In some ways it was really quite relaxing.
It looks like our flight paths with Swiftee diverged after Vegas though, and good for him, since we were almost two hours late coming back to the Cities (Clint Black, I blame you and your cronies and their fancy planes). however, with flight delays, no computer, no news and the jammerjngling of many slot machines, I had a lot of time to think, and some of my more brilliant realizations follow:
Country music sucks. I will never forgive the cowboy hat crowd for ruining our night downtown (although that was a mean rendition of Devil Went Down to Georgia, but I'm not feeling generous enough to let that make up for everything), or for making me spend a good 6 hours trapped in a seat that was slowing being overtaken by the fat man with utter self-importance who though he needed to ooze into my space the entire flight.
On the bright side, I have come up with a plan to fund mass transit through corporations by selling the naming rights of the local light rail stops ("Lkae Street and Hiawatha stop, broought to you by Wells Fargo...."). Government folks reading this (and I know you do) feel free to put this through the legislation. I won't even ask that my name be put on it. For additional funds, put in video and show commercials, like they do on the monorail in Vegas. If you do, I promise to buy a Monster Sports Drink.
Anyway, good to see one old post could sustain you all for almost a week. Smartie and I will be sure to try that more often.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Empathy
Now I understand how small government Republicans feel on April 15th. It feels like the government has acted as nothing better than a two-bit mugger, taking your money against your will for its own purposes and to hell with how you feel about it. Yeah, I understand that feeling now.
House-Senate conference committee approves new Twins stadium
Even worse, if this thing must be built, the legislature should have done the decent thing and gone with Steve Kelley's proposal which paid off the stadium debts in a much more reasonable time frame and also gave us some money for useful projects. Instead, we're stuck with the cowardly and dishonest House version which we'll be paying off until I'm sixty years old. Shame on all the legislators who voted for this boondoogle, and especially shame on Steve Sviggum who has been the biggest cheerleader of this theft. The next time Sviggum complains about taxes, I hope everyone remembers how free he was when it was somebody else's pocket being picked.
House-Senate conference committee approves new Twins stadium
A House-Senate conference committee this morning tentatively approved a new $522 million stadium for the Minnesota Twins, and Democrat and Republican leaders said the project likely had enough votes to pass on the House and Senate floor.I'm proudly liberal. I understand the need to spend to build society's infrastructure and I'm perfectly happy to help the less fortunate get a hand up. This has nothing to do with that. This is simple robbery using the power of the government instead of physical intimidation. The only true beneficiaries of this largess will be the billionaire owner and his multi-millionaire players, with the rest of us paying for the privallege of giving them even more of our money.
Even worse, if this thing must be built, the legislature should have done the decent thing and gone with Steve Kelley's proposal which paid off the stadium debts in a much more reasonable time frame and also gave us some money for useful projects. Instead, we're stuck with the cowardly and dishonest House version which we'll be paying off until I'm sixty years old. Shame on all the legislators who voted for this boondoogle, and especially shame on Steve Sviggum who has been the biggest cheerleader of this theft. The next time Sviggum complains about taxes, I hope everyone remembers how free he was when it was somebody else's pocket being picked.
Northeast Minneapolis Art-A-Whirl
Just wanted to pass along this information for our good friends at the 331 Club.
One of the coolest things to happen all year!!!!
AND IT IS FREE!!!!!
331 Art a Whirl Weekend Party
WHAT: 331 Art a Whirl Weekend
WHO: Chris Koza, Ol' Yeller, Jon Rodine, Glen Hanson, Joanna James, Lonesome Dan Kase and the Crush Collision Trio, the Roe Family Singers, Le Cirque Rouge de Gus, DJ Danny Sigelman, from the Current, Amy Buchanan, from Le Cirque Rouge, and house DJ James Leonardo, the Vestals, the Pouge Brady Rockstravaganza, and Brett Larson
WHERE: 331 Club, 331 13th Ave NE, Mpls, www.331club.com, 612-331-1746
WHEN: Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21
Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21 is Art a Whirl Weekend in Nordeast Minneapolis, and the 331 is having a party to celebrate this great occasion! We will have live music from 7 pm Friday night until the late Sunday afternoon. Not only that, but there will be a mini-craft fair in the parking lot, with real live artists and crafters selling their stuff alongside the beer vendors and bands.
Starting at 7 pm, Friday, May 19, will feature Chris Koza, Ol' Yeller, and Jon Rodine. Saturday, May 20, will feature, Glen Hanson, Joanna James, Lonesome Dan Kase and the Crush Collision Trio, the Roe Family Singers, and Le Cirque Rouge de Gus all on the fantastic outside stage in the 331 parking lot. Music starts at 1 pm and goes until 10 pm outside. But that's not all!
In the afternoon, on the inside stage, DJ Danny Sigelman, from the Current, Amy Buchanan, from Le Cirque Rouge, and house DJ James Leonardo, will all be spinning live DJ sets from 4 pm till 9 pm. AND THEN! After the music is done outside and the DJs are done inside, the Vestals will play the inside stage starting at 10 pm, while the Pouge Brady Rockstravaganza will crown the inside show and close out the evening. All this while the crafters hawk their wares!
Sunday, May 21, starting at 11:30 in the morning, Brett Larson will play the inside stage of the 331, entertaining all passers-by with his country stylings.
We are hoping that the bar will be packed all weekend long and that everyone has a great time.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jarret Oulman at jarretoulman@331club.com or 612-331-1746. Thank you for your time, and we hope to see you at the show!
One of the coolest things to happen all year!!!!
AND IT IS FREE!!!!!
331 Art a Whirl Weekend Party
WHAT: 331 Art a Whirl Weekend
WHO: Chris Koza, Ol' Yeller, Jon Rodine, Glen Hanson, Joanna James, Lonesome Dan Kase and the Crush Collision Trio, the Roe Family Singers, Le Cirque Rouge de Gus, DJ Danny Sigelman, from the Current, Amy Buchanan, from Le Cirque Rouge, and house DJ James Leonardo, the Vestals, the Pouge Brady Rockstravaganza, and Brett Larson
WHERE: 331 Club, 331 13th Ave NE, Mpls, www.331club.com, 612-331-1746
WHEN: Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21
Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21 is Art a Whirl Weekend in Nordeast Minneapolis, and the 331 is having a party to celebrate this great occasion! We will have live music from 7 pm Friday night until the late Sunday afternoon. Not only that, but there will be a mini-craft fair in the parking lot, with real live artists and crafters selling their stuff alongside the beer vendors and bands.
Starting at 7 pm, Friday, May 19, will feature Chris Koza, Ol' Yeller, and Jon Rodine. Saturday, May 20, will feature, Glen Hanson, Joanna James, Lonesome Dan Kase and the Crush Collision Trio, the Roe Family Singers, and Le Cirque Rouge de Gus all on the fantastic outside stage in the 331 parking lot. Music starts at 1 pm and goes until 10 pm outside. But that's not all!
In the afternoon, on the inside stage, DJ Danny Sigelman, from the Current, Amy Buchanan, from Le Cirque Rouge, and house DJ James Leonardo, will all be spinning live DJ sets from 4 pm till 9 pm. AND THEN! After the music is done outside and the DJs are done inside, the Vestals will play the inside stage starting at 10 pm, while the Pouge Brady Rockstravaganza will crown the inside show and close out the evening. All this while the crafters hawk their wares!
Sunday, May 21, starting at 11:30 in the morning, Brett Larson will play the inside stage of the 331, entertaining all passers-by with his country stylings.
We are hoping that the bar will be packed all weekend long and that everyone has a great time.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jarret Oulman at jarretoulman@331club.com or 612-331-1746. Thank you for your time, and we hope to see you at the show!
The real reason not to confirm Hayden
Forget wiretapping and everything else (The NSA would want you to!) the real reason not confirm Air Force General Michael Hayden is his eerie resemblance to actor Kurtwood Smith. Take a look:
It's eerie, no? In fact, I'm starting to seriously wonder if they're actually the same person. This person is listening in on your phone calls while doing some kind of Dr. Strangelove routine. Can you guess who it is?
Or maybe I'm wrong. Maybe having Red Foreman running this country's intellegence operations would be a good thing?
I warned you about those terrorists, dumbass. Now go to your room.
Happy Friday!
It's eerie, no? In fact, I'm starting to seriously wonder if they're actually the same person. This person is listening in on your phone calls while doing some kind of Dr. Strangelove routine. Can you guess who it is?
Or maybe I'm wrong. Maybe having Red Foreman running this country's intellegence operations would be a good thing?
I warned you about those terrorists, dumbass. Now go to your room.Happy Friday!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Freedom of the what now?
Take a quick look at this flash card distributed by the government as an aide to help new immigrants prepare for the citizenship test. It's a listing of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. Notice something missing?
Wow, I know they don't like Helen Thomas et al, but isn't that going a little too far?
The Boing Boing post where I originally saw this has an update as well:
Wow, I know they don't like Helen Thomas et al, but isn't that going a little too far?
The Boing Boing post where I originally saw this has an update as well:
In the Citizenship and Immigration Services' "Guide to Naturalization" (the official guide on becoming a citizen), the same omission is made in the sample civics questions (on page 64 in document):
80. Name one right or freedom guaranteed by the first amendment.
The rights of freedom:
- Of speech,
- Of religion,
- Of assembly and,
- To petition the Government
So either the flashcards come from the same source, or there's some kind of mini-conspiracy...
Words words words
I've been reading nothing but nonfiction lately, The Republican War on Science, Collapse, Dr. Seuss Goes To War, etc. but summer vacation season is upon us and I'd like a couple of novels to read while traveling or out fishing or just sitting in the backyard enjoying some lemonaide and some sunshine.
So....to all our good and literate friends out there in Powerliberal land, anyone want to make some suggestions for some lighter reading? I like sci-fi, but also read extensively from all genres so all suggestions are appreciated. Both novels and short story collections are great. Thanks in advance!
So....to all our good and literate friends out there in Powerliberal land, anyone want to make some suggestions for some lighter reading? I like sci-fi, but also read extensively from all genres so all suggestions are appreciated. Both novels and short story collections are great. Thanks in advance!
Did someone say links?
That I can get behind....
First, my apologies for my reclusiveness this week, both here, at the other site, and at Drinking Liberally. It started out with me walking to work on Monday, getting into a little fight with a MCCLer handing out pamphlets on the street, then watching a man flip his bike and break his colllar-bone. As clearheaded as I alwasy am in emergencies, I helped him to the sidewalk, called an ambulance, and proceeded to give the wrong address.
I'm not good under pressure, as anyone who spends much time around me knows, and if feels as if leately the pressure has been building. Maybe it's the hurricanes...
So, a few links, since we are all link all the time.
Minvolves Wonk wonks away
CWFA waxes poetic over Mother's Day
Via PP Mark's Blog, how to make paella South Dakota Style
and finally, My Money's on Eckernet.
First, my apologies for my reclusiveness this week, both here, at the other site, and at Drinking Liberally. It started out with me walking to work on Monday, getting into a little fight with a MCCLer handing out pamphlets on the street, then watching a man flip his bike and break his colllar-bone. As clearheaded as I alwasy am in emergencies, I helped him to the sidewalk, called an ambulance, and proceeded to give the wrong address.
I'm not good under pressure, as anyone who spends much time around me knows, and if feels as if leately the pressure has been building. Maybe it's the hurricanes...
So, a few links, since we are all link all the time.
Minvolves Wonk wonks away
CWFA waxes poetic over Mother's Day
Via PP Mark's Blog, how to make paella South Dakota Style
and finally, My Money's on Eckernet.
Christian Sande at Drinking Liberally-recap
Last night's DL was something a little bit unusual...informative. Usually I just go to relax and kick around the Republicans a little bit, but I came away from last night feeling like I actually learned a thing or two. And I'm not just talking about learning the mechanism behind storm surges (Donnie thinks vacuum). What I'm really talking about is our visit with Christian Sande, candidate for Secretary of State.
Now, I know what a lot of you out there are thinking, "Secretary of State that's not exactly the most exciting race around. Heck, I'd rather watch NASCAR." To those people I say, "Why are you reading this blog again? If you're here you're probably interested in the inner workings of..." Then I realize I'm having a conversation with myself. Anyway...
Despite Secretary of State being a job somewhat lacking in excitement, Mr. Sande brings a real passion to the issues surrounding the job. He has extensive experience in this field, having worked to maintain voting rights for Native Americans and the homeless among others. Additionally, he has worked to try to maintain ease of accessibility to the polls for everyone by working to prevent excessive "vote challenging".
Looking forward, he also provided us with some interesting insights into the advantages and pitfalls of electronic voting, and how many of those pitfalls can be avoided. Quickly summarizing, the advantages include preexisting voter familiarity with the touch screen style format and the ability to more easily provide instructions in the voter's native language in order to avoid confusion. The pitfalls include lack of a paper trail, susceptibility to hacking and proprietary source code, and the ways of avoiding these include creating paper "voting receipts", limiting outside access to the machines, and open source code which can be independently audited.
All in all an interesting and informative night. I may be wrong about this, but I find it hard to believe our current Secretary of State would have made half as interesting a guest, or be half as knowledgeable about many of these issues. I'm sorry I missed Mr. Jay Pond's appearance (that was when I was learning about hurricanes). I hope Mr. Sande enjoyed his visit as much as we enjoyed having him and would like to extend the invitation to drop by again if he's ever in the area on Wednesday night (Thursdays-starting in June).
We now return to "all links-all the time" which has seemingly been our recent editorial policy. To get you started:
Here's the official website of Christian Sande for Secretary of State '06
And now that you've read through all of mine, here's Charlie's much better recap.
Now, I know what a lot of you out there are thinking, "Secretary of State that's not exactly the most exciting race around. Heck, I'd rather watch NASCAR." To those people I say, "Why are you reading this blog again? If you're here you're probably interested in the inner workings of..." Then I realize I'm having a conversation with myself. Anyway...
Despite Secretary of State being a job somewhat lacking in excitement, Mr. Sande brings a real passion to the issues surrounding the job. He has extensive experience in this field, having worked to maintain voting rights for Native Americans and the homeless among others. Additionally, he has worked to try to maintain ease of accessibility to the polls for everyone by working to prevent excessive "vote challenging".
Looking forward, he also provided us with some interesting insights into the advantages and pitfalls of electronic voting, and how many of those pitfalls can be avoided. Quickly summarizing, the advantages include preexisting voter familiarity with the touch screen style format and the ability to more easily provide instructions in the voter's native language in order to avoid confusion. The pitfalls include lack of a paper trail, susceptibility to hacking and proprietary source code, and the ways of avoiding these include creating paper "voting receipts", limiting outside access to the machines, and open source code which can be independently audited.
All in all an interesting and informative night. I may be wrong about this, but I find it hard to believe our current Secretary of State would have made half as interesting a guest, or be half as knowledgeable about many of these issues. I'm sorry I missed Mr. Jay Pond's appearance (that was when I was learning about hurricanes). I hope Mr. Sande enjoyed his visit as much as we enjoyed having him and would like to extend the invitation to drop by again if he's ever in the area on Wednesday night (Thursdays-starting in June).
We now return to "all links-all the time" which has seemingly been our recent editorial policy. To get you started:
Here's the official website of Christian Sande for Secretary of State '06
And now that you've read through all of mine, here's Charlie's much better recap.
10 Things I Hate About Commandments
The Ten Commandments recast as a high school comedy?
GrrlScientist has the hilarious video!
A nice light start to your morning.
GrrlScientist has the hilarious video!
A nice light start to your morning.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
All the News That's Fit to Vlog!
The Old Media better watch out!
Minnesota's finest investigative reporter, Chuck Olsen, covers a story that none of the MSM dares touch when he looks into all of the hype surrounding the new Republican attack site, Amy's Record.
Minnesota's finest investigative reporter, Chuck Olsen, covers a story that none of the MSM dares touch when he looks into all of the hype surrounding the new Republican attack site, Amy's Record.
Carrying the Banner
Since the Wege has gone (temporarily) dark, I feel it is my solemn duty today to tell everyone:
Happy Syttende Mai!!
For more about the holiday, this page has a nice summary.
Thought for the day:
"A thousand Swedes, running through the weeds, chased by one Norwegian"
Words to live by.
Free mead (or whatever it is you guys drink) for any Norwegians at Drinking Liberally tonight.
UPDATE: Tild has an alternative explanation for the origin of the holiday. Uff da!
Happy Syttende Mai!!
For more about the holiday, this page has a nice summary.
Thought for the day:
"A thousand Swedes, running through the weeds, chased by one Norwegian"
Words to live by.
Free mead (or whatever it is you guys drink) for any Norwegians at Drinking Liberally tonight.
UPDATE: Tild has an alternative explanation for the origin of the holiday. Uff da!
Immigration As Stalking Horse
Moderate Left Jeff put up a great post yesterday about how the recent immigration furor may actually be more than meets the eye. Follow the jump and read the whole thing. Then we can discuss.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
The Iraq-Vietnam Comparison
I found this article on Yubanet fascinating less for what it said, then what it doesn't say.
Look at this set of graphs while you read over the quote:
have tracked fairly closely with those of the non-partisan independents. Indeed it is the stubbornly unchanging Republican views which put them out of the mainstream both with the current electorate and with the historical practicality of their own party, if the Vietnam graph is any indicator.
While many on the modern Right deride anyone who turns against the war as having gone Lefty on them, maybe they need to take a hard look at the data and see who, exactly, is out of touch on this life-or-death issue.
Update: Ooops, forgot the link.
Look at this set of graphs while you read over the quote:
Yet while opposition to the two wars traced a similar arc, the nature of that opposition differed politically. Although Vietnam is recalled as a divisive conflict, opinions about whether the war was a mistake did not divide sharply along partisan lines. Gallup trends from the mid-1960s through the early '70s show that the difference of opinion between Republicans and Democrats about Vietnam never exceeded 18 percentage points.Notice what's missing? The "independent" view of the war has been ignored in order to make the "partisan divide" point. While Republicans often argue that Democrats are out of step with mainstream opinion or filled with "irrational Bush hatred" or some such thing, as this graph shows Democratic attitudes
In contrast, Iraq divides America along partisan lines in a way that Vietnam never did. The latest Pew survey finds that 73% of Democrats believe that military action in Iraq was the wrong decision, compared with just 14% of Republicans - a gap roughly three times as great as the largest partisan gap in opinions about Vietnam. (In June 1967, 51% of Republicans viewed Vietnam as a mistake, compared with 33% of Democrats.)
have tracked fairly closely with those of the non-partisan independents. Indeed it is the stubbornly unchanging Republican views which put them out of the mainstream both with the current electorate and with the historical practicality of their own party, if the Vietnam graph is any indicator.
While many on the modern Right deride anyone who turns against the war as having gone Lefty on them, maybe they need to take a hard look at the data and see who, exactly, is out of touch on this life-or-death issue.
Update: Ooops, forgot the link.
Christian Sande at Drinking Liberally tomorrow
As I mentioned in the liveblog this weekend, I had a chance to talk to Christian Sande, DFL candidate for Secretary of State. He has a free Wednesday this week and will be dropping in to meet the Drinking Liberally Crowd.
Drinking Liberally, Wed. May 17th
6-9 pm (Sande at 7 pm)
331 Club, 13th and University in Northeast Minneapolis
Drinking Liberally, Wed. May 17th
6-9 pm (Sande at 7 pm)
331 Club, 13th and University in Northeast Minneapolis
A Day Late
but fortunately, not short of dollars! Tild has a pictoral recap of yesterday's visit by the Veep. He didn't really raise that much money. It's just really close to the camera.
Also, the Insomnia Report has the part of the Veep's visit that rarely makes the newspapers. It's sort of like Fear and Loathing at the Red Dragon. And, if that post time is accurate, Kevin-M must have wrote that up just before collapsing into the post-Dragon haze that so many of us know so well. You call that a stream, you little girl?
Also, the Insomnia Report has the part of the Veep's visit that rarely makes the newspapers. It's sort of like Fear and Loathing at the Red Dragon. And, if that post time is accurate, Kevin-M must have wrote that up just before collapsing into the post-Dragon haze that so many of us know so well. You call that a stream, you little girl?
Monday, May 15, 2006
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Some Thoughts on the 6th and Happy Mother's Day
Now that the whirlwind of the 6th endorsement has settled a bit, and we've had a while to digest, Smartie and I have a few thoughts about the convention upon further reflection.
I think the most important realization we came away with is the fact that the DFL has a lot of passion and an endless supply of conviction. What to us as outsiders began to frustrate us through the 7 ballots we can now recognize as people who would not waiver on the support of their candidate. By the 5th ballot I believe I put up a post that said simply, "democrats are stubborn." It's true, and it often makes it hard for us to work together, but it's also one of our greatest strengths. In the end, when the unanimous endorsement was called, that same passion was evident as the room called out "aye" in one voice.
The 6th was able to come together in the end, and for many of the people the candidate of their choice was not the winner. Yet it seemed clear that the "stubbornness" I was cursing as an observer was the conviction of a group who will fight each step of the way through this race. They were able in the end to see that there was more benefit in working together to bring democratic success in the 6th, and with that much energy behind them I pity anyone on the other side.
But today is for families, and politics is over. Happy Mother's Day, and we'll see you tomorrow.
I think the most important realization we came away with is the fact that the DFL has a lot of passion and an endless supply of conviction. What to us as outsiders began to frustrate us through the 7 ballots we can now recognize as people who would not waiver on the support of their candidate. By the 5th ballot I believe I put up a post that said simply, "democrats are stubborn." It's true, and it often makes it hard for us to work together, but it's also one of our greatest strengths. In the end, when the unanimous endorsement was called, that same passion was evident as the room called out "aye" in one voice.
The 6th was able to come together in the end, and for many of the people the candidate of their choice was not the winner. Yet it seemed clear that the "stubbornness" I was cursing as an observer was the conviction of a group who will fight each step of the way through this race. They were able in the end to see that there was more benefit in working together to bring democratic success in the 6th, and with that much energy behind them I pity anyone on the other side.
But today is for families, and politics is over. Happy Mother's Day, and we'll see you tomorrow.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Patty's acceptance speach
Thanks El, so grateful for this voteof confidence. Thanks staff and volunteers. Quotes Garrison Keiler: It's not enough to say what republicans are doing wrong, but state what we are going to do that is different. I believe in a government that keeps it's promises. I belive in and will fight for education. If you do not educate our yoth we have no future. My badground was junior high math, and the numbers just don't add up...we've got to bring back responsible spending. I am not a politician, I am an advocate, and I want my voice to be as loud or louder than lobbyist of the lagest corperations. I will learn from you and carry your voice to Washington. ther are way moe good people that bad, and when we pull together, we will win this seat and take over control of congress, thank you for sharing my vision.
Blog out. Have a good night
Blog out. Have a good night
Concession
That time to come together is now, move for unanimous ballot to support Patty Wetterling.
Patty Wetterling is the DFL endorsed candidate for the 6th.
Patty Wetterling is the DFL endorsed candidate for the 6th.
Seventh ballot results
82 needed to endorse, 135.5 ballots total
El: 55.5 - 40.9%
Patty: 80 votes59.1%
El: 55.5 - 40.9%
Patty: 80 votes59.1%
El's Two Minutes
Ths is an important process, this is where we beging to beat Michele Bachmann, she brings to the campaign wedge issues, she brings the things that make democracy stop. We need to stop her in her tracks. We need to work together. how can we do that without a campaign that will not sacrifice a bit of this town or district. We need to build a team, a coalition that will make our candidate win in the 6th, our governor win in the 6th. We're still standing, we're gonna keep standing.
Patty's two minutes
Such an amazing process, and I salute the volunteers. This is how democracy works. Keep in mind the goal here, the goal is to beat Michele Bachmann, she's bad for families, I have the pols that say I can beat Michele Bachmann, and I need your support. I need you to pull together so we can win this in November.
6th Ballot Results
81 for endorsement, 134.5 total
El: 58.5
Patty: 76
Again.
Motion from Rebecca Otto for 2 minute speaking time for each candidate. Motion carries.
El: 58.5
Patty: 76
Again.
Motion from Rebecca Otto for 2 minute speaking time for each candidate. Motion carries.
Pre-Fifth ballot
It's amazing that there doesn't appear to be any week Tinklenberg delegates here. It's 4:30, and it it does look like people are getting antsy. My side now has all their shirts on and are fully Tink green. The Tinklenberg people are handing out signs again, so maybe there's another shift.
t shirt wars
As the day progresses, more and more people are in Wetterling or Tinklenberg tshirts. The visitor next to me has been recruited to gt the biggest tshirt he can find.
Or more delegate has arrived, and thre's confusion as to whether she's added in or if someone is already sitting for her.
Fifth ballot stars. I still don't know what's going on with the delegate.
Or more delegate has arrived, and thre's confusion as to whether she's added in or if someone is already sitting for her.
Fifth ballot stars. I still don't know what's going on with the delegate.
Ballot 4 Results
81 needed for endorsement. 134.5 ballots total
EL: 58.5 44.5%
Patty: 76 -56.5%
cant's from El's people of "We're not moving." Patty's "Endorse"
EL: 58.5 44.5%
Patty: 76 -56.5%
cant's from El's people of "We're not moving." Patty's "Endorse"
pre 4th ballot results-Smartie
Hard to tell what's going on amongst the delegates now. Neither side seems too cocky this time around. Is everyone becoming resigned to a long day?
Another statewide candidate is coming to speak-Mark Ritchie running for Secretary of State. Very passionate. In the meantime, rew is outside talking to Christian Sande, who's going to be coming to a drinking liberally soon.
rew adds: There have been 4 flipper, who I heard are labor people associated with Rebecca Otto. she supports Wetterling, I'm told, and the labor supports El, so that's the flipping. I'm told they may not hold on much longer.
Another statewide candidate is coming to speak-Mark Ritchie running for Secretary of State. Very passionate. In the meantime, rew is outside talking to Christian Sande, who's going to be coming to a drinking liberally soon.
rew adds: There have been 4 flipper, who I heard are labor people associated with Rebecca Otto. she supports Wetterling, I'm told, and the labor supports El, so that's the flipping. I'm told they may not hold on much longer.
post 3rd ballot
Much screaming on both sides (Endorse! Electability! Etc...)
Clearing the room now for 4th balloting.
Chanting of "four more votes!" from the alternates area.
Floor is frozen.
Clearing the room now for 4th balloting.
Chanting of "four more votes!" from the alternates area.
Floor is frozen.
third ballot results
82 needed for endorsement, 135.5 total
no spoiled ballots
El: 57.5 votes 42.4%
Wetterling: 78 votes 57.6%
no spoiled ballots
El: 57.5 votes 42.4%
Wetterling: 78 votes 57.6%
Pre -Third Ballot Results
Wetterling's campaign is passing out signs now. They're flashing two's which I'm told means two votes away from endorsement.
Steve Kelley is talking. No one cares. now is a bad time to speak.
Steve Kelley is talking. No one cares. now is a bad time to speak.
Bathroom scuttlebutt
There should be more movement to El on this ballot. It sounds like they don't think they can get it to endorsement numbers, so they want to make it look like he's gaining steam and pull it out long enough to justify a no endorsement so they can run in the primary.
Heard on the convention floor: "Union people are more gossipy then the girls in my 8th grade math class!"
Apparently there is some AFSCME/AFL-CIO/every other labor union in the universe squabbling going on. Then again, what family doesn't have the occasional disagreement?
Also from the floor: Patty will drop below 70 on this ballot.
Also heard on the floor: Wetterling supporter is telling people to grab their signs because they just got all of their votes back.
Heard on the convention floor: "Union people are more gossipy then the girls in my 8th grade math class!"
Apparently there is some AFSCME/AFL-CIO/every other labor union in the universe squabbling going on. Then again, what family doesn't have the occasional disagreement?
Also from the floor: Patty will drop below 70 on this ballot.
Also heard on the floor: Wetterling supporter is telling people to grab their signs because they just got all of their votes back.
Post 2nd ballot
El gained three votes, Patty lost 4. One ballot was spoiled. If it was planting, it was really cautious planting.
A montion was made to do 30 more minutes of Q&A and was shot down.
Bell spoke, and Amy is speaking now. Huge cheers for Amy. This room is largely an Amy room.
New ballot shortly.
Will we get the Dr's Wetterling in three?
A montion was made to do 30 more minutes of Q&A and was shot down.
Bell spoke, and Amy is speaking now. Huge cheers for Amy. This room is largely an Amy room.
New ballot shortly.
Will we get the Dr's Wetterling in three?
Second ballot results
134.5 votes-82 needed for endorsement
(1 spoiled ballot)
RESULTS
Patty: 74 votes 55%
El: 60.5 votes 44.9%
No endorsement, but EL picked up a number of votes. Moving on to the third ballot.
(1 spoiled ballot)
RESULTS
Patty: 74 votes 55%
El: 60.5 votes 44.9%
No endorsement, but EL picked up a number of votes. Moving on to the third ballot.
Predictons
Probably an endorsement on this one. Unless there was delegate planting (a 6th tradition, but only for republicans, I hope [Hi,Andy!]), it should be just slight change, but enough for endorsement. It would be amazing if the entirety of El's people stuck together.
First set of ballots
pre-ballot credential reports.
137 people casting 135.5 votes
Reminder of banquet tonight, and that we will come out of this unified and with a candidate.
Updates on Rochester. DFL Feminist caucus will run a tshirt drive. I would make a joke, but I'm supposed to be a feminist so I won't.
Just to see if anyone in here is reading this, smartie is wearing a "Vote Fitzgerald" tshirt underneath his sweater.
137 people casting 135.5 votes
Reminder of banquet tonight, and that we will come out of this unified and with a candidate.
Updates on Rochester. DFL Feminist caucus will run a tshirt drive. I would make a joke, but I'm supposed to be a feminist so I won't.
Just to see if anyone in here is reading this, smartie is wearing a "Vote Fitzgerald" tshirt underneath his sweater.
Before the ballot
Smartie started the Q&A because I snuck outside to spy on some Tinklenberg supporters. I ended up talking to one (forgot to check and see if he was a delegate). He said
1) It will be at least 4 ballots
I asked how long it could go, he reminded me that at 6 they can ask for no endorsement. "Neither candidate wants that," I told him, "They both siad they want an endorsement. And I don't think we can deal with a primary."
He responded, "between you and me, there'll be a primary anyway."
So we'll see what happens.
We need a badge color for "new media."
1) It will be at least 4 ballots
I asked how long it could go, he reminded me that at 6 they can ask for no endorsement. "Neither candidate wants that," I told him, "They both siad they want an endorsement. And I don't think we can deal with a primary."
He responded, "between you and me, there'll be a primary anyway."
So we'll see what happens.
We need a badge color for "new media."
Q&A 2
17 - experience with labor unions
Patty: I missed hers trying to reconnect. Sorry
EL: I support labor and you can see that in this room. 22 labor orgnaizations have endorsed me.
18 - help farmers?
EL: undestand rollof price supports and make sure it's targeted to family farms, not coporate farms. Address energy crisis. connect family farms with local communities.
Patty: Takes 1500 to fill a truck. look at trade agreements. Cafta didn't help. Restrictions on farmers without money to meet them.
19 - affodable healthcare
Patty: Should be a basic American right. Will come in steps. Care for seniors, take on pahrmaceutical companies for exploiting illness. Support the children. Finally get it for all. Take it off the backs of corporations
El: It's economic and moral. No one should lack care. universal coverage. Gov't encourages competition than says we can't negotiate prices. Universal single payer plans for all Americans.
20 - Rural poverty
El: make affordable good houses available. Need a good transportation system. All communities need to be connected to grow opportunities. To help Minneapolis make sure you can live well in Willmar
Patty: rebuild a nation that cares for it's peeople. Rebuild communities. corporate greed is hurting a lot of families. No one should be hungry. Gas costs too much, takes too much from the families.
21 - reforming lobbying (It thought we did this)
Patty : I want to Lobby for you. I'm not backed by anyone but the real people of this country, I won't allow greed and money to determine our laws.
EL: people love to beat up on lobbyists, but they often speak on behalf of agriculture, education, etc. Seperate the lobbyists from the money flow. Stop lobbyists not from having a voice in government, but from buying governement.
22 - apeal to all voters?
EL: Must reach out to independant and swing voters. neight party has enough to elect stright out. I can build coalitions, like I did on Northstar, I know how to bring people together, and that's what we need here.
Patty: 84% of voters want to talk about children and families. That's my strength, Bachmann has flunked. I got 46% of the vote and outperformed John Kerry by 9 points. I can speak for challenges for the 6ht because they are my challenges.
23- Last one - Medicare?
Patty - It's a mess.Why can't they sign up after Monday without being penalized? Why won't the govt negotiate for seniors. I come from a line of pharmicists, and we need to hold the pharmaceutical companies accountable for greed.
EL: Mentioned Klobuchar's "It got the grade it deserved" joke. Never let the pharmaceutical companies write teh healthcare bills. Elect democrats and we will get better healthcare.
Patty: I missed hers trying to reconnect. Sorry
EL: I support labor and you can see that in this room. 22 labor orgnaizations have endorsed me.
18 - help farmers?
EL: undestand rollof price supports and make sure it's targeted to family farms, not coporate farms. Address energy crisis. connect family farms with local communities.
Patty: Takes 1500 to fill a truck. look at trade agreements. Cafta didn't help. Restrictions on farmers without money to meet them.
19 - affodable healthcare
Patty: Should be a basic American right. Will come in steps. Care for seniors, take on pahrmaceutical companies for exploiting illness. Support the children. Finally get it for all. Take it off the backs of corporations
El: It's economic and moral. No one should lack care. universal coverage. Gov't encourages competition than says we can't negotiate prices. Universal single payer plans for all Americans.
20 - Rural poverty
El: make affordable good houses available. Need a good transportation system. All communities need to be connected to grow opportunities. To help Minneapolis make sure you can live well in Willmar
Patty: rebuild a nation that cares for it's peeople. Rebuild communities. corporate greed is hurting a lot of families. No one should be hungry. Gas costs too much, takes too much from the families.
21 - reforming lobbying (It thought we did this)
Patty : I want to Lobby for you. I'm not backed by anyone but the real people of this country, I won't allow greed and money to determine our laws.
EL: people love to beat up on lobbyists, but they often speak on behalf of agriculture, education, etc. Seperate the lobbyists from the money flow. Stop lobbyists not from having a voice in government, but from buying governement.
22 - apeal to all voters?
EL: Must reach out to independant and swing voters. neight party has enough to elect stright out. I can build coalitions, like I did on Northstar, I know how to bring people together, and that's what we need here.
Patty: 84% of voters want to talk about children and families. That's my strength, Bachmann has flunked. I got 46% of the vote and outperformed John Kerry by 9 points. I can speak for challenges for the 6ht because they are my challenges.
23- Last one - Medicare?
Patty - It's a mess.Why can't they sign up after Monday without being penalized? Why won't the govt negotiate for seniors. I come from a line of pharmicists, and we need to hold the pharmaceutical companies accountable for greed.
EL: Mentioned Klobuchar's "It got the grade it deserved" joke. Never let the pharmaceutical companies write teh healthcare bills. Elect democrats and we will get better healthcare.
Q&A-part 1-Smartie
One hour. One minute each for answers. Each question goes to both candidates.
First Question: Do you learn more from campaign victories or defeats?
El: I've never lost an election, so I don't know. Campaigns are about issues, getting to know the people.
Patty: You learn more from defeats than victories. Learned a lot from two years ago. Learned about herself, politics, and the people of the 6th.
Second Question: What can be done to improve coordination between federal and local law enforcement?
Patty: I've been working on this issue for years in the private sector. Describes various ways that she has helped to improve the situiation.
El: As mayor I was responsible for helping to keep the police functioning effeciently.
Third Question: Do you support Right to Work legislation?
EL: No. It undermines unions and other forms of real organization.
Paty: "Right to Work" is misnamed. Actually hurts workers. Does not support.
Fourth Question: Will you support the endorsed candidate? (If you're not the endorsed candidate, I assume)
Patty: Absolutely. I will abide by the endorsement and work for the election of the endorsed candidate.
EL: Yes, of course I will support the endorsed candidate. Bachmann is the result of devisive Republican politics and we need to defeat that kind of thinking.
Fifth Question: What will you do to combat the culture of corruption in Washington?
EL: Reinstate the House ethics committee. Agressive programs to seperate money from lobbying. Money is what is corrupting the process.
Patty: First, win this seat and take back congress in order to act as a check on the Republican one party system. Be a loud voice for the 6th, be accessable to constituents.
Sixth Question: What action should the US take to address genocide in Darfur?
Patty: We as a nation must address this.
EL: Two parts to this, we need to defend our rights and beliefs at home (ie not torturing, allow Red Cross to speak to prisoners), also build relationships with international community don't go it alone, work with UN.
Seventh Question: Do you support No Child Left Behind?
EL: No. NCLB has too many flaws to ever be workable. Ironic that "local control" Republicans want the Federal government to take over schools. We need to broaden circulums, actiities. Worst case: If we can't get rid of NCLB we need to fully fund it.
Patty: Has taught troubled youth. NCLB needs to be fully funded. Teaching to test limits creatiity. Lower class sizes. Education most important.
Eighth Question: What do we need to do to secure our ports?
Patty: Why is airport security so high,but port security so bad? Inspect cargo, secure borders. Lots of funding, trained personell.
El: Worked with DOT for two years, explored ideas of RFID tracking and other means of tracking/screening containers. We need to move forward agressively on this issue.
Ninth Question: What was the last book that you read?
El: Last book read all the way through, Jim Wallace's "God's Politics". As a man of faith he is disturbed about how people like Bachmann have twisted faith to suit their own ends.
Patty: World is Flat, What's the Matter with Kansas, likes murder mysterys.
Tenth Question: How do you propose managing higher ed costs?
Patty: Make funding available with Pell grants. Talks about touring colleges, federal dollars and corporate co-sponsers for colleges.
EL: Question has personal dimension. Has put 6 kids through college. Incredibly costly, incredibly rewarding. Should be affordable so that you can work your way through school. Get rid of Bush tax cuts and use that money for ed.
REW
11th Question - What committes wouldyou like to be on
El : Transportation and infrastructure. Want to be there when we finish Northstar. Agriculture - sets so much of the base support system throughout the rest of government. can impact the health of country,and connect farmers with local communities
Patty: Appropriations, we have to get our priorities striaght in our country and get a handle on the deficit.
12th Question: Democarts are pro-abortion/anti Life, how would you respond
Patty : No one is pro abortion. I have worked to stop sexual abuse, fight for adoptions and all the things that will get rid of abortion. How can we be anti-life, everything we stand for is life - healthcare, education.
EL: When Bush talked about terrorism he siad you are with us or with the terrorist. that's the way we frame things. You aren't pro-life or anti-life. We have to reject polarization. abortions were down under Clinton and went up under Bush.
13
How have you remained consitant on Marriage
EL: by staying married (laughter). I said suppot marriage between a man and woman, but need to watch out for manipulation of assulting the rights of people. Bachmann is misussing the constitution. must protect the rights of people.
Patty: My positions are posted. I'm consistant. I'm against amendments that take away rights from people in this country. Marriage is defined as between a man and woman.
14 - hunters, anglers and conservationists
Patty: they are real people who care about this country. Hunters take good care of the land (struggled on conservationist). I fisher people are god caretakers of the water. Look at the world we are turning over to our children and make it cleaner. (kind of trailed off on that one)
EL: Don't have the convention on Fishing Opener (applause). Work within the party to pull people together. Republicans make wedges. Fishers want clean water, hunters want to canserve the land, bring these people together.
15 - Withdraw from Iraq
EL: Hard questions, no pat answers. We broke Iraq, every life is part of the casulty we created. We are insiting the insurgence. We look like occupiers. We cannot improve Iraq until we get out. We must remove our troops or it will be the first thing I demand when I get to Washington - Immediate withdrawl
Patty : War is wrong, pushed to end by hanksgiving 06. We need to pull our troops home, we haven't even begun. It's getting worse, even PAwlenty who's been there has said it's getting worse. International peacekeeping troops should take over.
16 - spending on wind and solar?
Patty: In 1972 I tought a unit on the cost of foreign oil when I was a math teacher. In 34 years we've done nothing. 30 years ago the phone and car has changed, not energy. Put some energy in energy.
El: Affects to many different areas of policy. follow the money, it goes right to Exxon. Stop thatand persue alternatives. Ethanol, Celuous, wind, we must inprovegas standards. 7 of 10 barrels of oil consumend in transportation. Alternative transportation.
17 - Best address needs of veterans
EL: it's underfunded by government. No greater moral obligation than protecting our veterans.
Patty: I agree, we need new generation of benefits for each generation of war.
First Question: Do you learn more from campaign victories or defeats?
El: I've never lost an election, so I don't know. Campaigns are about issues, getting to know the people.
Patty: You learn more from defeats than victories. Learned a lot from two years ago. Learned about herself, politics, and the people of the 6th.
Second Question: What can be done to improve coordination between federal and local law enforcement?
Patty: I've been working on this issue for years in the private sector. Describes various ways that she has helped to improve the situiation.
El: As mayor I was responsible for helping to keep the police functioning effeciently.
Third Question: Do you support Right to Work legislation?
EL: No. It undermines unions and other forms of real organization.
Paty: "Right to Work" is misnamed. Actually hurts workers. Does not support.
Fourth Question: Will you support the endorsed candidate? (If you're not the endorsed candidate, I assume)
Patty: Absolutely. I will abide by the endorsement and work for the election of the endorsed candidate.
EL: Yes, of course I will support the endorsed candidate. Bachmann is the result of devisive Republican politics and we need to defeat that kind of thinking.
Fifth Question: What will you do to combat the culture of corruption in Washington?
EL: Reinstate the House ethics committee. Agressive programs to seperate money from lobbying. Money is what is corrupting the process.
Patty: First, win this seat and take back congress in order to act as a check on the Republican one party system. Be a loud voice for the 6th, be accessable to constituents.
Sixth Question: What action should the US take to address genocide in Darfur?
Patty: We as a nation must address this.
EL: Two parts to this, we need to defend our rights and beliefs at home (ie not torturing, allow Red Cross to speak to prisoners), also build relationships with international community don't go it alone, work with UN.
Seventh Question: Do you support No Child Left Behind?
EL: No. NCLB has too many flaws to ever be workable. Ironic that "local control" Republicans want the Federal government to take over schools. We need to broaden circulums, actiities. Worst case: If we can't get rid of NCLB we need to fully fund it.
Patty: Has taught troubled youth. NCLB needs to be fully funded. Teaching to test limits creatiity. Lower class sizes. Education most important.
Eighth Question: What do we need to do to secure our ports?
Patty: Why is airport security so high,but port security so bad? Inspect cargo, secure borders. Lots of funding, trained personell.
El: Worked with DOT for two years, explored ideas of RFID tracking and other means of tracking/screening containers. We need to move forward agressively on this issue.
Ninth Question: What was the last book that you read?
El: Last book read all the way through, Jim Wallace's "God's Politics". As a man of faith he is disturbed about how people like Bachmann have twisted faith to suit their own ends.
Patty: World is Flat, What's the Matter with Kansas, likes murder mysterys.
Tenth Question: How do you propose managing higher ed costs?
Patty: Make funding available with Pell grants. Talks about touring colleges, federal dollars and corporate co-sponsers for colleges.
EL: Question has personal dimension. Has put 6 kids through college. Incredibly costly, incredibly rewarding. Should be affordable so that you can work your way through school. Get rid of Bush tax cuts and use that money for ed.
REW
11th Question - What committes wouldyou like to be on
El : Transportation and infrastructure. Want to be there when we finish Northstar. Agriculture - sets so much of the base support system throughout the rest of government. can impact the health of country,and connect farmers with local communities
Patty: Appropriations, we have to get our priorities striaght in our country and get a handle on the deficit.
12th Question: Democarts are pro-abortion/anti Life, how would you respond
Patty : No one is pro abortion. I have worked to stop sexual abuse, fight for adoptions and all the things that will get rid of abortion. How can we be anti-life, everything we stand for is life - healthcare, education.
EL: When Bush talked about terrorism he siad you are with us or with the terrorist. that's the way we frame things. You aren't pro-life or anti-life. We have to reject polarization. abortions were down under Clinton and went up under Bush.
13
How have you remained consitant on Marriage
EL: by staying married (laughter). I said suppot marriage between a man and woman, but need to watch out for manipulation of assulting the rights of people. Bachmann is misussing the constitution. must protect the rights of people.
Patty: My positions are posted. I'm consistant. I'm against amendments that take away rights from people in this country. Marriage is defined as between a man and woman.
14 - hunters, anglers and conservationists
Patty: they are real people who care about this country. Hunters take good care of the land (struggled on conservationist). I fisher people are god caretakers of the water. Look at the world we are turning over to our children and make it cleaner. (kind of trailed off on that one)
EL: Don't have the convention on Fishing Opener (applause). Work within the party to pull people together. Republicans make wedges. Fishers want clean water, hunters want to canserve the land, bring these people together.
15 - Withdraw from Iraq
EL: Hard questions, no pat answers. We broke Iraq, every life is part of the casulty we created. We are insiting the insurgence. We look like occupiers. We cannot improve Iraq until we get out. We must remove our troops or it will be the first thing I demand when I get to Washington - Immediate withdrawl
Patty : War is wrong, pushed to end by hanksgiving 06. We need to pull our troops home, we haven't even begun. It's getting worse, even PAwlenty who's been there has said it's getting worse. International peacekeeping troops should take over.
16 - spending on wind and solar?
Patty: In 1972 I tought a unit on the cost of foreign oil when I was a math teacher. In 34 years we've done nothing. 30 years ago the phone and car has changed, not energy. Put some energy in energy.
El: Affects to many different areas of policy. follow the money, it goes right to Exxon. Stop thatand persue alternatives. Ethanol, Celuous, wind, we must inprovegas standards. 7 of 10 barrels of oil consumend in transportation. Alternative transportation.
17 - Best address needs of veterans
EL: it's underfunded by government. No greater moral obligation than protecting our veterans.
Patty: I agree, we need new generation of benefits for each generation of war.
Wetterling
(the table of El supporters in front of me snickered at her bringing all her grandchildren up)
Boots? - Telling a story, not sure who he is. Story about walking. "Why do you stand and why do you walk? because of the children...." this is an awful opening in my opinion.
Patty has walked in the capital, and made differences in the capital. Bad opening, but lots of noise from the audience.
Sen. Taryl Clark - Story about a "Patty Sighting". Story about niece who was so excited to meet her she called all ofher friends. Kind of Rockstar-y. Michele is the Devil in the Blue Dress, and Patty is the Saint. She will turn this Republican seat democratic. Patty has already focused on security, making our state and community safer. We fought off dirty attacks in my race, people know Patty, the dirty attacks won't stick.
Patty (ed: noticing the lights are staying on through all of this). Thanks supporters, thanks them for asking her to run again. I am a stronger candidatetoday because of you. You know me as Jacob's mom, I hope you start to know me as someone who wil work for you. I've been an advocate (audience seems to be slow about applause points) I'm the only candidate in the race who has passed federal legislation. I will work tirelessly for you. The fate of congress might boil down to right here. We must endorse our strongest candidate, and i am that candidate. We can and will win this seat for the DFL. I am beating Bachmann in every poll done in this state, and I have outraised her. I will not need to spend money on name ID, so I can spend my money on Bachmann's extreme, anti-family record and show no attack will go unanswered. I know who I am and what I stand for, I will not let Carl Rove define me or define democrats. Let's debate family values, I wll fight for them. Her values are not ours. We will be grassroots, and we will win this campaign one vote at a time. I will not give up until we win this seat for the democratic party.
Boots? - Telling a story, not sure who he is. Story about walking. "Why do you stand and why do you walk? because of the children...." this is an awful opening in my opinion.
Patty has walked in the capital, and made differences in the capital. Bad opening, but lots of noise from the audience.
Sen. Taryl Clark - Story about a "Patty Sighting". Story about niece who was so excited to meet her she called all ofher friends. Kind of Rockstar-y. Michele is the Devil in the Blue Dress, and Patty is the Saint. She will turn this Republican seat democratic. Patty has already focused on security, making our state and community safer. We fought off dirty attacks in my race, people know Patty, the dirty attacks won't stick.
Patty (ed: noticing the lights are staying on through all of this). Thanks supporters, thanks them for asking her to run again. I am a stronger candidatetoday because of you. You know me as Jacob's mom, I hope you start to know me as someone who wil work for you. I've been an advocate (audience seems to be slow about applause points) I'm the only candidate in the race who has passed federal legislation. I will work tirelessly for you. The fate of congress might boil down to right here. We must endorse our strongest candidate, and i am that candidate. We can and will win this seat for the DFL. I am beating Bachmann in every poll done in this state, and I have outraised her. I will not need to spend money on name ID, so I can spend my money on Bachmann's extreme, anti-family record and show no attack will go unanswered. I know who I am and what I stand for, I will not let Carl Rove define me or define democrats. Let's debate family values, I wll fight for them. Her values are not ours. We will be grassroots, and we will win this campaign one vote at a time. I will not give up until we win this seat for the democratic party.
Tinklenberg
El - Introduced by Bill Luther. Said he won't speak against Patty, recruited her two years ago, tied to recruit her for Lt. Governor. Here to talk about El. Rags to riches story and the American dream, never forgot his roots.
How to win the district - he's studied the numbers, and it's the toughest district by numbers in the state. El built a coalition out here, and we need that in Washington.
Julie Blahalan (?) - (someone just turned out the lights. lights back on) nothing against Patty, loved her two years ago, but El's the right fit and El can win.
Doug Shultz - We need Tinklenberg. I supported and worked hard for Wetterling, but we can't gamble on that once more [ed: definately a theme here] El can reframe wedge issues sure to be established by Bachmann's campaign. [ed again: they're going to use up most of his time]
Denise Deitrich, Jerry Dooton (didn't catch who's talking right now, but she's speaking for all three of them): She's in charge of recruiting, and we need a strong and successful ticket. you can make the ticket successfull to focus on bread and butter issues. Finally introduces El.
El - Thanks the speakers,the audience. I want you to put me to work for you and the people in the 6th district. Bachmann said this campaign will be about personal integrity. That means she wants you to forget about the incident about Scandia, she doesn't know what she's talking about, and this is going to be an "ugly, Rovian campaign." (lights out again) (lights on).
"I don't give them hell, I give them the truth and they think it's hell"
Values diversity instead of exploits it. Values neighbors overseas. I can win this race. I beat her in St. Paul, I can beat her again here [I assume he means Bachmann].
How to win the district - he's studied the numbers, and it's the toughest district by numbers in the state. El built a coalition out here, and we need that in Washington.
Julie Blahalan (?) - (someone just turned out the lights. lights back on) nothing against Patty, loved her two years ago, but El's the right fit and El can win.
Doug Shultz - We need Tinklenberg. I supported and worked hard for Wetterling, but we can't gamble on that once more [ed: definately a theme here] El can reframe wedge issues sure to be established by Bachmann's campaign. [ed again: they're going to use up most of his time]
Denise Deitrich, Jerry Dooton (didn't catch who's talking right now, but she's speaking for all three of them): She's in charge of recruiting, and we need a strong and successful ticket. you can make the ticket successfull to focus on bread and butter issues. Finally introduces El.
El - Thanks the speakers,the audience. I want you to put me to work for you and the people in the 6th district. Bachmann said this campaign will be about personal integrity. That means she wants you to forget about the incident about Scandia, she doesn't know what she's talking about, and this is going to be an "ugly, Rovian campaign." (lights out again) (lights on).
"I don't give them hell, I give them the truth and they think it's hell"
Values diversity instead of exploits it. Values neighbors overseas. I can win this race. I beat her in St. Paul, I can beat her again here [I assume he means Bachmann].
And We're Off
Patty just nominated. Much cheering. "The delegates are conserving energy," chair jokes.
El nomintated. I would say it's louder, but they are on my side. Smartie says Patty had more people. Maybe double. Almost everyone on the floor is a delegate, so that may be a strong sign for Patty.
Endorsements are closed.
El nomintated. I would say it's louder, but they are on my side. Smartie says Patty had more people. Maybe double. Almost everyone on the floor is a delegate, so that may be a strong sign for Patty.
Endorsements are closed.
Liveblogging-smartie and rew duel
Smarite - We're back into candidate speeches before the "big event". All state candidates except Ford Bell, who was announced but apparently is not here at the moment.
Big applause line for "cleaning the barn of Bachmann Republicans"
Now Ole Savior is getting up to speak.
Rew - Ole is fun. He wants to impeach Bush and Cheney and recall Pawlenty. all DFL candidates would be better than Pawlenty, he states, and then names them all. And, as an afterthought, names himself.
Resolution on withdrawal from Iraq in 6 months. Which brings up for me something I heard about PeaceFirst. It would appear that they support El over Patty, but don't have any bodies here because they don't agree with his position on abortion.
Someone just spoke against the resolution, and said you can't get it done in 6 months, and it's a ludicrous timeframe.
Another pro-resolution speaker now. All our money is going into Iraq, and the future will have to pay. Take care of the vets and get them out of there.
Another pro-res. This is a corporate foreign policy that should be ended. She supports the res not because we need to get out in 6 months, but because they need to know that we should get out in 6 months.
Resolution passes. Large amounts of abstainers.
Big applause line for "cleaning the barn of Bachmann Republicans"
Now Ole Savior is getting up to speak.
Rew - Ole is fun. He wants to impeach Bush and Cheney and recall Pawlenty. all DFL candidates would be better than Pawlenty, he states, and then names them all. And, as an afterthought, names himself.
Resolution on withdrawal from Iraq in 6 months. Which brings up for me something I heard about PeaceFirst. It would appear that they support El over Patty, but don't have any bodies here because they don't agree with his position on abortion.
Someone just spoke against the resolution, and said you can't get it done in 6 months, and it's a ludicrous timeframe.
Another pro-resolution speaker now. All our money is going into Iraq, and the future will have to pay. Take care of the vets and get them out of there.
Another pro-res. This is a corporate foreign policy that should be ended. She supports the res not because we need to get out in 6 months, but because they need to know that we should get out in 6 months.
Resolution passes. Large amounts of abstainers.
Live Blogging the 6th - 12:12
There are 16 people who want to be director. I don't know anything about the DFL out here, so some observations on the room.
Ford Bell has only one sign. Odd.
El has the table tents on the table, Patty has balloons on each table.
El's got about foot high green trianglar signs (like three signes stapled together). cute, but they are taking up a lot of room in a crowded floor, and are getting thrown into stacks on the side.
I think the pro-El man just threw his support to the pro-Patty woman running for chair. I think he was theone who just asked to pass a unanimous ballot for Nancy (pro-Patty). He was told that he has to wait until there are some results to merit this motion.
Trying to nominate alternates.
It's starting to get that church basement coffee smell in here.
For a frozen floor, everyone sure is moving a lot. People are getting very restless. Brian Melendez is wearing a magenta tie.
Nancy Shoemaker has just gotten the chair unanimously. There is a lot of support. She's the pro-Patty, so we'll see if that means anything. The Pro-El man lost when he said he couldn't guarentee he'd support the 6th CD nominee (he was very upset when Patty entered the race.)
Smartie said he would like to address the body. I don't think he's talking about the floor, so it might be time for a break...we're getting a little punchy.
Ford Bell has only one sign. Odd.
El has the table tents on the table, Patty has balloons on each table.
El's got about foot high green trianglar signs (like three signes stapled together). cute, but they are taking up a lot of room in a crowded floor, and are getting thrown into stacks on the side.
I think the pro-El man just threw his support to the pro-Patty woman running for chair. I think he was theone who just asked to pass a unanimous ballot for Nancy (pro-Patty). He was told that he has to wait until there are some results to merit this motion.
Trying to nominate alternates.
It's starting to get that church basement coffee smell in here.
For a frozen floor, everyone sure is moving a lot. People are getting very restless. Brian Melendez is wearing a magenta tie.
Nancy Shoemaker has just gotten the chair unanimously. There is a lot of support. She's the pro-Patty, so we'll see if that means anything. The Pro-El man lost when he said he couldn't guarentee he'd support the 6th CD nominee (he was very upset when Patty entered the race.)
Smartie said he would like to address the body. I don't think he's talking about the floor, so it might be time for a break...we're getting a little punchy.
Live Blogging the 6th - 11:45 AM
Q&A for the chairs. We visitors have just been told we'll be banished if we dn't shush. These things are always so cranky.
Haven't seen Patty lately,(Smartie says she's circulating) I last saw El doing a tv interview. So the roles have switched from before.
The question of whether the chair thinks it's appropriate to disparage each other in public is a good thng. Lot's of boos. The Pro-El chair wants to answer even though the main chair ruled it out of order. They both answer.
From Minvolved, a prediction from the eerily accurate Dr. REG:
"A quick prediction from the Doctah: Patty Wetterling in two ballots. Look for her to have 50% - 53% on the first ballot and between 55% and 60% on the second, whereupon Tinklenberg will concede."
Update: I've heard now that everyone is underestimating EL's numbers. The first balloting would be around 1, so I guess we'll see who's guess is right.
Haven't seen Patty lately,(Smartie says she's circulating) I last saw El doing a tv interview. So the roles have switched from before.
The question of whether the chair thinks it's appropriate to disparage each other in public is a good thng. Lot's of boos. The Pro-El chair wants to answer even though the main chair ruled it out of order. They both answer.
From Minvolved, a prediction from the eerily accurate Dr. REG:
"A quick prediction from the Doctah: Patty Wetterling in two ballots. Look for her to have 50% - 53% on the first ballot and between 55% and 60% on the second, whereupon Tinklenberg will concede."
Update: I've heard now that everyone is underestimating EL's numbers. The first balloting would be around 1, so I guess we'll see who's guess is right.
Live blogging the 6th - 11:15 AM
It would appear that pretty much any one can be prss right now (and I felt so special!). The rumor is that political operatives and volunteersare getting "press passes" to get on the floor.
I showed business card, so I feel good.
In unreleated news, it sounds like the state has decided that the PeaceFirst/Uncommitted votes will not count toward the vote count at the state convention. That could be good news for Klobuchar, as a smaller pool means she could reach 60% much quicker.
I showed business card, so I feel good.
In unreleated news, it sounds like the state has decided that the PeaceFirst/Uncommitted votes will not count toward the vote count at the state convention. That could be good news for Klobuchar, as a smaller pool means she could reach 60% much quicker.
Live Blogging the 6th - 10:30 AM
Having wi-fi problems, so I'll post this when it's running:
There are 138 delegates, and both campaigns think it will be decided on the 3rd ballot. Scuttlebutt is that Tinklenberg is overestimating his numbers a bit. Currently he thinks he's at 60 delegates, but that doesn't appear to match with Patty's internal numbers.
Numers according to each campaign before we start:
El says: ET - Mid 60's, PW mid 60's, undecided around 8
Patty says: PW - High 50's, ET, high 40's, undecided about 35.
We'll see who's right.
Governor and other speeches right now.
Elwyn is working delegates hard - Patty has been giving interviews to MSM and staying behind the press table: confidence or miscalculation?
10:50 AM - still no wi-fi. Credentials and such done, etc. Delegates are getting upgraded, and here come the rules. I will pay full attention this time.
Still 60% endorsement, No endorsement can be considered after 10 ballots.
Debating whether to limit the debate, ET against moving up endorsement. Rule didn't pass.
Edited to add...Sitting with Wonkatoria, so check her, too.
There are 138 delegates, and both campaigns think it will be decided on the 3rd ballot. Scuttlebutt is that Tinklenberg is overestimating his numbers a bit. Currently he thinks he's at 60 delegates, but that doesn't appear to match with Patty's internal numbers.
Numers according to each campaign before we start:
El says: ET - Mid 60's, PW mid 60's, undecided around 8
Patty says: PW - High 50's, ET, high 40's, undecided about 35.
We'll see who's right.
Governor and other speeches right now.
Elwyn is working delegates hard - Patty has been giving interviews to MSM and staying behind the press table: confidence or miscalculation?
10:50 AM - still no wi-fi. Credentials and such done, etc. Delegates are getting upgraded, and here come the rules. I will pay full attention this time.
Still 60% endorsement, No endorsement can be considered after 10 ballots.
Debating whether to limit the debate, ET against moving up endorsement. Rule didn't pass.
Edited to add...Sitting with Wonkatoria, so check her, too.
Live Blogging the Convention - 7:35 AM
Just woke up after a night of losing power. Was afraid that I wouldn't notice the power when it came back on and wouldn't be able to set the clock and get up in time tohead to Monticello. Discovered at 4:12 that the fire alarm goes off when the power comes on.
Besides tired, I woke up in a pleasantly good mood.I'm no longer annoyed by Andy stating that I apologized on the Kennedy-4 finger long fish incident, then not providing a link to show that my apology was meant to be tongue in cheek. I've instead decided that as a Republican, he has no ability to detect sarcasm. It explains the Colbert incident. Andy was kind enough to update his post with my request. Now I feel bad about the Colbert crack. Well, not really. Colbert was pretty funny.
We're heading to the 6th with a fomer member of Gail Dorfman's ex-congressional campaign. So, hopefully I won't make as many stupid mistakes as last week (the leader is calle dthe chair, the leader is called the chair...)
Besides tired, I woke up in a pleasantly good mood.
We're heading to the 6th with a fomer member of Gail Dorfman's ex-congressional campaign. So, hopefully I won't make as many stupid mistakes as last week (the leader is calle dthe chair, the leader is called the chair...)
Friday, May 12, 2006
Could Fischbach Beat Up Strom?
According to Planned Parenthood - Minnesota/South Dakota, Politics in Minnesota thinks so:
Although the legislature was able to strip MCCL's bill before, the Senate will run into it again in the Health and Human Services Bill. So what's MCCL's plan of attack?
Once again we run into the irony of a group of "Concerned Citizens" attempting to strip reproductive protections from the poor, yet fighting tooth and nail to tear down safety nets like MinnCare, child care subsidies, and early childhood education that these children would need to live a productive life and get out of poverty.
According to Fischbach,
Supporting economically deprived women with a reproductive choice is "exploiting" them? Then what do we call forcing them to have a child neither they nor, apparently our state, is able to support?
But I wouldn't expect Mr. Fischbach to understand living with no means...
Don't tell the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, but the most powerful interest group in Minnesota politics is Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL). For decades, the group has successfully determined who will be candidates, and rewarded its friends and punished its enemies. At the Legislature, for better or for worse, when the MCCL decides it wants something, pro life legislators almost always comply....
Put aside the merits of pro life / pro choice issues for a moment and admire the sheer political chutzpah of the MCCL. The group recognized that Johnson has spent almost all of his social issue conservative capital on the gay marriage amendment and the ensuing storm of purported conversations with some Minnesota Supremes about same. The MCCL decided to leverage that spent capital and put serious pressure on Johnson, who doesn't necessarily have cakewalk elections in a district that voted Bush over Kerry by about 15%. Can Johnson withstand MCCL's pressure to allow a full Senate vote? Is the MCCL threatening electoral "penalties" if he does not? And, if the full Senate takes the vote, does the MCCL legislation pass and then most certainly be signed into law by GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty?
Although the legislature was able to strip MCCL's bill before, the Senate will run into it again in the Health and Human Services Bill. So what's MCCL's plan of attack?
This bill is the MCCL's best chance to push their extreme agenda by proposing an amendment on the senate floor. This amendment would be a direct on attack on Minnesotans' constitutional right to choice and is particularly dangerous because many senators want the other programs in this bill. The MCCL knows this and is counting on senators trading Minnesotans' rights for other important programs.
Once again we run into the irony of a group of "Concerned Citizens" attempting to strip reproductive protections from the poor, yet fighting tooth and nail to tear down safety nets like MinnCare, child care subsidies, and early childhood education that these children would need to live a productive life and get out of poverty.
According to Fischbach,
"Low-income women have become the number-one target of the abortion industry, which is desperate to recoup revenue losses from falling abortion numbers...It is time to end this exploitation of women by stopping state reimbursement of abortions with taxpayer funds."
Supporting economically deprived women with a reproductive choice is "exploiting" them? Then what do we call forcing them to have a child neither they nor, apparently our state, is able to support?
But I wouldn't expect Mr. Fischbach to understand living with no means...
A little bird...
Told me to check out Howard Kurtz this morning.
Not a bad column. Time permitting, I might have more to say about it later.
Not a bad column. Time permitting, I might have more to say about it later.
Something's Fishy
What is it with the Republicans and their inability to tell the truth? Just in time for this weekend's opener, REW over at DFLSenate catches Mark Kennedy photoshopping. It's a 21st century update on the age old "fish story"!
Live blogging the 6th
Just wanted to announce that the Powerliberals will be attending and liveblogging the DFL 6th CD convention in Monticello this weekend. We'll be providing a really outside view on this one, since we don't know anyone in the 6th, but it should be a good time. Is anyone else planning on heading out there? Any local 6th CD bloggers? Drop your name in the comments and we'll look for you while we're there. Otherwise, tune in Saturday for updates...
[bumped from last night]
[bumped from last night]
29%
Bush Dips Into the 20s
President Bush's job-approval rating has fallen to its lowest mark of his presidency, according to a new Harris Interactive poll. Of 1,003 U.S. adults surveyed in a telephone poll, 29% think Mr. Bush is doing an "excellent or pretty good" job as president, down from 35% in April and significantly lower than 43% in January. Approval ratings for Congress overall also sank, and now stand at 18%.Sure, polls are the cotton candy of the political set-sweet when the numbers go your way, "junk food" when they don't. But with numbers like this, I'm willing to risk a little stomach ache. Anyone want to take a guess at where the Republicans bottom out?
Thursday, May 11, 2006
An Intriguing Prospect
After mentioning that Minneapolis is in contention to host the Democratic National Committee in '08, MN Campaign Report drops this intriguing idea:
While the logistics of such a project would be daunting, I think this is a terrific idea. What better way to reconnect the party leadership to its constituency than to actually have them live here? Get them out of the bubble of DC and connecting with not only the grassroots but also into greater partnerships with the state parties creating more unified leadership and improved communication as well as a better understanding of what people care about.
Consider this mentioned seconded. Shall we have a vote?
Here's another idea, however - what about the other DNC - the Democratic National Committee? Anyone who was at DL with Kos a short while ago heard him say the DNC needs to get the hell out of Washington DC and out into the rest of the country - where better than Minneapolis? In the seat of one of the safest Democratic congressional strongholds in the country, in a state whose Democratic Party's name and values include farmers' and laborers' interests - where better to cement the Party's connection to the grassroots? What better place to push back against Republican forays into traditional Democratic territory?He goes on to further suggest an even more intriguing prospect: the idea of moving the DNC headquarters every few years.
While the logistics of such a project would be daunting, I think this is a terrific idea. What better way to reconnect the party leadership to its constituency than to actually have them live here? Get them out of the bubble of DC and connecting with not only the grassroots but also into greater partnerships with the state parties creating more unified leadership and improved communication as well as a better understanding of what people care about.
Consider this mentioned seconded. Shall we have a vote?
A Bird in the Hand Is Worth Three Bushes
Via NorthStar, Dynasty ain't just a soap opera in Texas...
[Secret Confession: I read Kitty Kelly's "The Family" (hey, it came free with my Salon subscription in 2004) and my favorite part was how Jeb was always the one they thought would be president, and George just somehow waltzed in and took it away from him. Would Jeb even want to run now, when it would just make him "That other Bush president"?]
Do we really need to create (continue?) an American royal family by electing yet another Bush? It's not like we have an incentive to do so: Bush's father was a failure, Bush himself is a failure, and there's nothing to suggest that Jeb wouldn't continue the family tradition. There's not a reason in the world to elect another Bush, and every reason in the world not to.
[Secret Confession: I read Kitty Kelly's "The Family" (hey, it came free with my Salon subscription in 2004) and my favorite part was how Jeb was always the one they thought would be president, and George just somehow waltzed in and took it away from him. Would Jeb even want to run now, when it would just make him "That other Bush president"?]
Mark Kennedy Votes Against Minnesotans
I see that, once again, Mark Kennedy has sided with the Bush administration and against the needs of the people of Minnesota.
House passes extension of Bush tax cuts
Ever wonder how the economy keeps "growing" but you and everyone you know don't seem any better off? This is why. Because the economy is growing, but all of that wealth is accruing to the already rich. This isn't an accident, this is exactly what the Republican plan calls for. Jeff Fecke had this handy graph up the other day for anyone who was curious:
So remember as you bust your back at work tonight or stay to work over time to provide for your family this afternoon-you are paying more taxes on that hard earned income than some billionaire with a stock portfolio. As you struggle to make ends meet you are paying your own share plus that of the super rich for the war, for schools, for roads and for everything else. And you have Mark Kennedy and the other Republican lawmakers to thank. Remember that when they come around with their phony smiles and their fake promises to work for everyone's best interests. You want to know whose interest Mark Kennedy is really working for? Votes speak louder than promises.
House passes extension of Bush tax cuts
WASHINGTON - The House passed a $69 billion bill to extend President Bush's tax cuts for investors for two more years on Wednesday, giving him a victory at a time when his legislative agenda is largely stalled.
Ever wonder how the economy keeps "growing" but you and everyone you know don't seem any better off? This is why. Because the economy is growing, but all of that wealth is accruing to the already rich. This isn't an accident, this is exactly what the Republican plan calls for. Jeff Fecke had this handy graph up the other day for anyone who was curious:
So remember as you bust your back at work tonight or stay to work over time to provide for your family this afternoon-you are paying more taxes on that hard earned income than some billionaire with a stock portfolio. As you struggle to make ends meet you are paying your own share plus that of the super rich for the war, for schools, for roads and for everything else. And you have Mark Kennedy and the other Republican lawmakers to thank. Remember that when they come around with their phony smiles and their fake promises to work for everyone's best interests. You want to know whose interest Mark Kennedy is really working for? Votes speak louder than promises.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
More from Polinaut
This chart
Look at the right and the left in local issues, especially at where gay marriage, abortion, education and healthcare fall in the list of important issues.
Is this really all the right cares about? Gay marriage and birth?
Look at the right and the left in local issues, especially at where gay marriage, abortion, education and healthcare fall in the list of important issues.
Is this really all the right cares about? Gay marriage and birth?
This One's for Smartie
Via Polinaut, puns galore as the honeycrisp is named State Fruit:
11:16 Sen. Kiscaden: "Senator LeClair, honey, can you give us a crisp answer as to why this should be the state apple?"
11:18 Sen. Warren Limmer: "Thank you for bringing up this core issue."
He's not a Guru for Nothing
Everyone has been linking lately to the What Liberal Bloggers Believe, but no one has a better addition than Minnesota Politics.
One more thing I'd like to add is treating all income the same. Please, explain to me how it is fair that a middle-class person, like a cop, teacher, manager, or any other worker can pay a marginal rate of 25% or 28% by showing up to work every day, while a millionaire can make a hundred thousand bucks on a sale of appreciated stock and pay 15% in some circumstances. Anybody? Bueller? How about treating income as income?
Cutting to the Chase
Tagged by Jambo, who's playing that Funky Music Whiteboy, I realized that a) my musical tastes are abysmal, and b) no one really cares about by good songs, just my embarassing ones.
So, in all it's glory, here's the meat:
5 most embarassingly bad songs I love
Rio - "Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand....." Duran Duran ain't just a bad guy in Barbarella.
Heaven - Not the Bryan Adams version, thank god, but the really cool remake by DJ Sammy. The candlelight version is Smartie and my song.
Dancing Queen - It puts pictures in my head. Ask me about them some day.
Sk8terBoi - I actually made smartie hunt this one down for me when he was looking for online music once. I have a sad, sad Avril Lagvine crush.
Finally
Natural Woman
(I hate myself right now and feel a little dirty. I tag Moses cause he doesn't post enough.)
So, in all it's glory, here's the meat:
5 most embarassingly bad songs I love
Rio - "Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand....." Duran Duran ain't just a bad guy in Barbarella.
Heaven - Not the Bryan Adams version, thank god, but the really cool remake by DJ Sammy. The candlelight version is Smartie and my song.
Dancing Queen - It puts pictures in my head. Ask me about them some day.
Sk8terBoi - I actually made smartie hunt this one down for me when he was looking for online music once. I have a sad, sad Avril Lagvine crush.
Finally
Natural Woman
(I hate myself right now and feel a little dirty. I tag Moses cause he doesn't post enough.)
I Spy Two Good Looking Men
And I guess John's pretty cute, too...
Sam Simon (co-creator of THE SIMPSONS), Al Franken, John Forde taping an episode of Mental Engineering, to be aired in September.
(I'm going to make John start wearing ties to Drinking Liberally.)
Sam Simon (co-creator of THE SIMPSONS), Al Franken, John Forde taping an episode of Mental Engineering, to be aired in September.
(I'm going to make John start wearing ties to Drinking Liberally.)
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
And now, for something I never thought I'd do....
I'm linking to King:
[I]n the end what you want isn't the nicest candidate or the politest candidate or even the candidate that gives the most inspiring speeches. You want the guy -- or...gal -- who will punch the other guy or gal in the neck and win.
Elections are about winning. You want to run a message campaign? Be a Green or a Libertarian. Republican and Democratic nominations are big-boy stuff; weakness is punished mercilessly.
It's a sad time in the blogosphere
The Wege is hanging up his spurs for a few months so that he can go to work for the Ford Bell campaign. I wish him luck, although his quest looks increasing quixotic. Whoever wins the endorsement, an honest and forthright discussion of values and what the party stands for can only serve to make us stronger.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Thinking About Endorsements
So, after reading this comment, I find myself mulling over the whole endorsement thing a little more. In the case of the 5th, Ellison got 52% of the last ballot, and probably would have only needed one more ballot to get to his 60% for endorsement. Should we be encouraging the other candidates to step back, and concentrate on other races?
It's difficult to say for sure, simply because it's not as clear cut as many of the other races.
In the case of the governor's race, should the other two DFL candidates step back and let the system do it's thing once one of them is endorsed? Should the candidates for Dayton's seat?
When is the endorsement the "will of the people" and when is taking it into the primary the proper thing to do? Is there a set of rules, or does each person get to decide for themselves that this endorsement is a good one, but I don't like this one so I'm not going to follow it?
There's quite a bit of bitterness over the Bachmann endorsement, but I don't here anyone saying yet that she should have a primary challenger. Yet on our side I keep hearing that a contested primary is good for knocking the dust off a candidate.
Are we just making it up as we go? When is it not proper to run in the primary against an endorsed candidate, and when is it for the good of the party?
It's difficult to say for sure, simply because it's not as clear cut as many of the other races.
In the case of the governor's race, should the other two DFL candidates step back and let the system do it's thing once one of them is endorsed? Should the candidates for Dayton's seat?
When is the endorsement the "will of the people" and when is taking it into the primary the proper thing to do? Is there a set of rules, or does each person get to decide for themselves that this endorsement is a good one, but I don't like this one so I'm not going to follow it?
There's quite a bit of bitterness over the Bachmann endorsement, but I don't here anyone saying yet that she should have a primary challenger. Yet on our side I keep hearing that a contested primary is good for knocking the dust off a candidate.
Are we just making it up as we go? When is it not proper to run in the primary against an endorsed candidate, and when is it for the good of the party?
Did They Cross Their Fingers?
Via Fecke, less than 50% of those who take the virginity pledge manage to make it a year without sex.
Hey, that's still higher than Bush's approval rating...
Hey, that's still higher than Bush's approval rating...
Moving On
I think I'm done talking about the 5th (for the most part) at this point, and ready to move on to the State Convention.
Smartie and I have decided that the Governor's race may be the most interesting race of the season (expect when I'm posting here, then that's the most fascinating race of the season.)
Now, finally having a moment to sit back and think about what's happening, I'm trying to go through what I do know (Lourey is not abiding by the endorsement, Hatch and Kelley both intend to), what I think I know (it seems as if the delegate rankings are Hatch, Lourey, Kelley, in that order, although everyone acts as though Hatch is far ahead and the other two are neck and neck), and what I don't know (who's going to come in with the best organization and volunteers, now that I see how important that really is).
Any thoughts? Also, anyone else going?
Smartie and I have decided that the Governor's race may be the most interesting race of the season (expect when I'm posting here, then that's the most fascinating race of the season.)
Now, finally having a moment to sit back and think about what's happening, I'm trying to go through what I do know (Lourey is not abiding by the endorsement, Hatch and Kelley both intend to), what I think I know (it seems as if the delegate rankings are Hatch, Lourey, Kelley, in that order, although everyone acts as though Hatch is far ahead and the other two are neck and neck), and what I don't know (who's going to come in with the best organization and volunteers, now that I see how important that really is).
Any thoughts? Also, anyone else going?
The World's Least Surprising Headline
In other breaking news, night is dark and water wet!Stunningly obvious headline culled from the Huffpo.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
A quick $.2 and piling on Grow
I just wanted to add that I went to the convention ambivalent about all the candidates. However, after watching and listening to all of the candidates there and especially after the Q&A session I was quite impressed by Keith Ellison. I think it's fair to say that he won me over during the course of the day and I was quite satisfied to see him nominated and I will be perfectly happy to have him as my representative in DC.
I also just wanted to add one more comment regarding Doug Grow's piece on the convention. Grow wrote:
I also just wanted to add one more comment regarding Doug Grow's piece on the convention. Grow wrote:
Erlandson's day started bad and kept getting worse.While this may be true (I'm too new to this process to be able to identify who works for which staff), it is a very incomplete picture of what went on at the beginning of the convention. There were numerous rule changes proposed by various people. Some would have made an endorsement harder, some easier. If you wanted to slime the other side you could just as easily write about all the point of order calls after the speeches where people tried to force additional answers out of candidates in contravention of both the rules and of the chair's patience. Grow clearly had an axe to grind, cherry picking examples does nothing for his credibility nor his cause whatever it might be.
In the opening moments of the convention, one of his supporters tried to change rules so there would be no more than six ballots in the endorsement process. The scuttlebutt was that Erlandson didn't have a chance to win endorsement himself, but if he could limit the number of ballots, he could block anyone else from being endorsed. Lack of an endorsement would free Erlandson to run in September without offending party regulars.
But that change was voted down.
Dorfman Q&A
Nelson-Pallmeyer Q&A
Ellison Q&A
Ellison Accepts
The Hard Working Volunteers Relax Just the facts, man
I have to say that originally I thought Sponge was overreacting to the Doug Grow Incident yesterday.
Then I read this morning's paper.
To clear up something that Mr. Grow may have missed, no, it was never said that you needed to say whether you would abide by the endorsement in the first 15 seconds of your speach. The official rule change was that the "Candidates for the US Congress from the 5th district shall state whether or not they will run against an endorsed DFL candidate, limited to fifteen (15) seconds per response." The section was originally in the Q&A, and the only rule change was that it was moved to the speach portion so every candidate could answer. Yes, many of the candidates did mention in the first minute of their speach if they were abiding, but it was not an official change in the rules as Mr. Grow stated.
Also, I think Sponge gets to keep the word "hissy" since he refered to it first.
Then I read this morning's paper.
Additionally, it was made clear to all candidates seeking endorsement that they should state, in the first 15 seconds of their speeches, whether they would abide by the endorsement.
Erlandson later said he didn't hear that rule.
To clear up something that Mr. Grow may have missed, no, it was never said that you needed to say whether you would abide by the endorsement in the first 15 seconds of your speach. The official rule change was that the "Candidates for the US Congress from the 5th district shall state whether or not they will run against an endorsed DFL candidate, limited to fifteen (15) seconds per response." The section was originally in the Q&A, and the only rule change was that it was moved to the speach portion so every candidate could answer. Yes, many of the candidates did mention in the first minute of their speach if they were abiding, but it was not an official change in the rules as Mr. Grow stated.
Also, I think Sponge gets to keep the word "hissy" since he refered to it first.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Recap and thoughts
Again, we have DFL endorsed Ellison, Ember and Erlandson running in the primary to run against Progressive Independant Tammy Lee, Green Jay Pond, and the republican guy (he's never really going to need a name.)
The convention was good times, it was the first I've ever been in, and I've quickly learned that the person with the loudest group is not necessarily the one with the most delegates.
We will be live blogging the state convention in June and hope to see you all again. For now, off to the bar.
The convention was good times, it was the first I've ever been in, and I've quickly learned that the person with the loudest group is not necessarily the one with the most delegates.
We will be live blogging the state convention in June and hope to see you all again. For now, off to the bar.
All done
Cheers abound, and the floor is passing unanimous motion to vote for Ellison as nomminee.
Ellsion stands and accepts. Thanks everyone who ran, applause. Kudos to Dorfman, and much applause. Big kudos to JNP, and more applause. His family comes up on stage. Kudos for Saavedra, and states he has huge things ahead of him. Kudos for Schiff. Gary's future is bright. Kudos for Knapp, "she's a brilliant person." Gave kudos to Erlandson "yeah, Mike Erlandson, too." More for Erickson, Ostrow. "We all have to come together.
Smartie and I are heading to Park Tavern to do a wrap up and get some food. More there. And apologies for the poor typing, most was done on my lap on the floor.
Ellsion stands and accepts. Thanks everyone who ran, applause. Kudos to Dorfman, and much applause. Big kudos to JNP, and more applause. His family comes up on stage. Kudos for Saavedra, and states he has huge things ahead of him. Kudos for Schiff. Gary's future is bright. Kudos for Knapp, "she's a brilliant person." Gave kudos to Erlandson "yeah, Mike Erlandson, too." More for Erickson, Ostrow. "We all have to come together.
Smartie and I are heading to Park Tavern to do a wrap up and get some food. More there. And apologies for the poor typing, most was done on my lap on the floor.
LBTC - Q&A
1) Global warming
E - Invest in transit and conserve
J- we have 10 years left to decide, we spend 25 times as much on war as the enviornment, that needs to be flipped
D - Less oil in the mideast, more energy in the midwest
Ellison didn't appear to have nearlyas much to say ads the other two on this one.
2) Public stands against war before campaign
J- too much for me to write, this was a total JNP question
D- thanked JNP for his activism, pretty good play for his delegates as he's probably not going to pass the threashold for the next balloting
Talked about Vietman and seeing Eyes Wide Open
E - Also thanks JNP,and thanked JNP's supporters. Mentioned all of his marches and how he spoke at every peace rally.
3) Should the BoySocuts be cut off from public funding for discrimination?
D - Republicans make wedge issues. No public money for non-profitswho discriminate
E - no financial support, and he fought against Lindner on discrimination
J - We are in danger of becoming a theocracy now as a country
4) Single payer or Universal Healthcare?
E- Single payer
J - Federally funded single payer
D- Single payer - Healthcare is a right, not a privledge
5) Oil
J - get out of wars for oil, stop fighting for unilateral power
D- stop policy of war for oil, reduce our dependancy, which will reduce terrorism, make a department of peace for dimplomacy, etc.
E- "Minnesota is the Saudi Arabia of wind" Oil dependancy makes neocons take over in Washington.
6) redoing the Federal Tax code
D - not a good question for her, didn't really answer other than to say we should have balanced budgets.
E- He finally hits his stride here. Don't make Bush tax cuts permanent, keep the estate taxes. Ellison finally looking very good.
J - "I love taxes, we should fight for taxes." Brings the house down. that round went to Jack.
7) Choice and women
E - rallied against bill removing taxpayer funded abortions.
J- right to abortion is lways a right, if you care about abortions you can't be a republican, since they increase under republicans. JNP really starting to act like he's having fun now.
D- goes beyond support, protections for doctors who perform, access to family planning for low income, access in schools.
8) 1st amendment
J- President is making wars and giving himself unilateral rights
D- they are ignoring checks and balances and passing things like Patriot Act
E- encorage less secrecy in govt, anti- Intelligent design, , anit faith based initiatives, opposes patriot act.
9) Death penalty
All three oppose
10) Peace between Israel and Palestine
E - Israel has right to exist between safe and secure borders, US should help bring parties together
J - Agrees with E, But says US needs to change it's onesided policy or we will be at war for generations - should do borders based on pre-1967 war (many boos there), Starving Palestinians because of Hamas is wrong. Palestine needs to embrace "non-violent core" (Smartie says, "Why didn't I think of that?")
D- Cannot support Hammas, but must work through other organizationsto provide aid.
Balloting happens mow. They just announced Bachmann's endorsement and it's all cheers!!!
E - Invest in transit and conserve
J- we have 10 years left to decide, we spend 25 times as much on war as the enviornment, that needs to be flipped
D - Less oil in the mideast, more energy in the midwest
Ellison didn't appear to have nearlyas much to say ads the other two on this one.
2) Public stands against war before campaign
J- too much for me to write, this was a total JNP question
D- thanked JNP for his activism, pretty good play for his delegates as he's probably not going to pass the threashold for the next balloting
Talked about Vietman and seeing Eyes Wide Open
E - Also thanks JNP,and thanked JNP's supporters. Mentioned all of his marches and how he spoke at every peace rally.
3) Should the BoySocuts be cut off from public funding for discrimination?
D - Republicans make wedge issues. No public money for non-profitswho discriminate
E - no financial support, and he fought against Lindner on discrimination
J - We are in danger of becoming a theocracy now as a country
4) Single payer or Universal Healthcare?
E- Single payer
J - Federally funded single payer
D- Single payer - Healthcare is a right, not a privledge
5) Oil
J - get out of wars for oil, stop fighting for unilateral power
D- stop policy of war for oil, reduce our dependancy, which will reduce terrorism, make a department of peace for dimplomacy, etc.
E- "Minnesota is the Saudi Arabia of wind" Oil dependancy makes neocons take over in Washington.
6) redoing the Federal Tax code
D - not a good question for her, didn't really answer other than to say we should have balanced budgets.
E- He finally hits his stride here. Don't make Bush tax cuts permanent, keep the estate taxes. Ellison finally looking very good.
J - "I love taxes, we should fight for taxes." Brings the house down. that round went to Jack.
7) Choice and women
E - rallied against bill removing taxpayer funded abortions.
J- right to abortion is lways a right, if you care about abortions you can't be a republican, since they increase under republicans. JNP really starting to act like he's having fun now.
D- goes beyond support, protections for doctors who perform, access to family planning for low income, access in schools.
8) 1st amendment
J- President is making wars and giving himself unilateral rights
D- they are ignoring checks and balances and passing things like Patriot Act
E- encorage less secrecy in govt, anti- Intelligent design, , anit faith based initiatives, opposes patriot act.
9) Death penalty
All three oppose
10) Peace between Israel and Palestine
E - Israel has right to exist between safe and secure borders, US should help bring parties together
J - Agrees with E, But says US needs to change it's onesided policy or we will be at war for generations - should do borders based on pre-1967 war (many boos there), Starving Palestinians because of Hamas is wrong. Palestine needs to embrace "non-violent core" (Smartie says, "Why didn't I think of that?")
D- Cannot support Hammas, but must work through other organizationsto provide aid.
Balloting happens mow. They just announced Bachmann's endorsement and it's all cheers!!!
Live Blogging the convention - end in sight already?
First ballots counted, a person from the rules committee came up and announced that Erlandson had done a bit on MPR stating he wasn't running for the endorsement, and that his ballots should be tossed. Leader states that since Erlandson never said that to the group, hes in the race until he states he isn't.
Ballot count comes back, and only Dorfman, Ellison, Erlandson and JNP made the threashold. Numbers were 40, 80, 34 and 33. Leader announces that Erlandson cals in and withdraws fro the endorsement process. Saavedra give a very nice speach, even a little teary, and throws his support to Ellison. A Saavedra supporter comes up and tries to have Saavedra put back on the ballot. It's voted down.
1:50,pretty much done, since there's no way if everyone else goes to one candidate that anyone can pass Ellison. Man who was heckling Erlandson about abiding is now wearing an Ellison button.
Sponge confirms.
More after next ballot comes back, but it looks like it's pretty much over.
Ballot count comes back, and only Dorfman, Ellison, Erlandson and JNP made the threashold. Numbers were 40, 80, 34 and 33. Leader announces that Erlandson cals in and withdraws fro the endorsement process. Saavedra give a very nice speach, even a little teary, and throws his support to Ellison. A Saavedra supporter comes up and tries to have Saavedra put back on the ballot. It's voted down.
1:50,pretty much done, since there's no way if everyone else goes to one candidate that anyone can pass Ellison. Man who was heckling Erlandson about abiding is now wearing an Ellison button.
Sponge confirms.
More after next ballot comes back, but it looks like it's pretty much over.
Live Blogging The Convention - Speeches 2
Schiff - "Zombie republicans." I like that. Must remember to use it often. Will abide by endorsement. Mentioned superfund and that this year his yard will be tested for arsenic. Will someone test mine? Also mentioned the cervical cancer vaccine, which I thought no one cared about but me. "we don't just need more democrats in Washington, need more democrats acting like democrats." Ended in cheers of "Gary's done the work."
Ellison - I was hearing rumors that this could be Ellison's day. He has more people up front than anyone except mybe Pallmeyer, and I've been told he's the only one Pallmeyer's delegates may consider if JNP drops. Ellison had fliered all the chairs in the auditorium before hand. Had speakers before he started speaking. Ellison's will abide by the endorsement. "Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one." Excellent speaker, probably the best todayat this point.
Erlandson - "I like Mike is ahorridchant, I must say off the top. Little less people up front that JNP or Ellison. Made it less than a minute in before someone from the crowd yelled "abide by the endorsement." Which is funny, because the guy yelling it was wearing an I Like Mike button. I thkn coing on after Ellison may hurt him, as normally I would have found him a very good speaker, but after the enthusiasm of the Ellison it seemed a little low energy. Near the end they started yelling for him to say if he would abide. No. Boos filled the auditorium. Very angry crowd.
Saavedra - Small group in comparison the the last few that had come up. I liked his opener, she was very ernest. Savaarda made sure to start off by thanking, among other thing, Anne Knapp. Poor Saavedra had to give a speech to a smaller crowd, as a big group seems to have left, possibly to regroup or eat. Saavedra has a lilt to his voice that reminds me of Harold Hill in the Music Man. The same guy yelled out "will you abide by the endorsement?" Yes, he will abide.
So everyone will abide but Erlandson, Thompson, and Ember - who's not seeking endorsement.
12:55 - Becky Lourey Speaking - Vote with your heart as well as your head.
12:56 - Steve Kelley, Brought Sophie (his wife) up as well - he's much more high energy in his speaking than when we did the one on ones at Drinking Liberally. He mentioned he's the only Gov't candidate abiding by the endorsement.
12:57- Blue Glue buttons. Didn't really follow it. (smartie says it's to provide funding for down ballot candidates who don't get a lot of funding.)
12:58 - Mike Hatch - Molly Ivins says candidates should kick "butt". But she didn't say but. Talked about how he got the heat turned back on when Pawlenty turned it off. Action against health companies for mental health. I've never seen Mike hatch speak before. Kind of liked him.
1:01 - trying to freeze the floor for balloting, the leader is very stern. I believe he is about to ask if we want to turn this car around and go home if we kids don't stop arguing.
1:03 - gaveling. No one is sure if Mike Erlandson is abiding buy the endosement. Erlandson said, "I'll see you in September," so obviously not. When asked to clarify, a staffer, began, "I believe DFLsers are very smart..."and was booed. Was asked again. Ellison says he'll abide. Leader says he was never in doubt. More candidates offer to come up and say the same thing. Leader is now angry and ordering people to take seats. This is fun!
Ellison - I was hearing rumors that this could be Ellison's day. He has more people up front than anyone except mybe Pallmeyer, and I've been told he's the only one Pallmeyer's delegates may consider if JNP drops. Ellison had fliered all the chairs in the auditorium before hand. Had speakers before he started speaking. Ellison's will abide by the endorsement. "Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one." Excellent speaker, probably the best todayat this point.
Erlandson - "I like Mike is ahorridchant, I must say off the top. Little less people up front that JNP or Ellison. Made it less than a minute in before someone from the crowd yelled "abide by the endorsement." Which is funny, because the guy yelling it was wearing an I Like Mike button. I thkn coing on after Ellison may hurt him, as normally I would have found him a very good speaker, but after the enthusiasm of the Ellison it seemed a little low energy. Near the end they started yelling for him to say if he would abide. No. Boos filled the auditorium. Very angry crowd.
Saavedra - Small group in comparison the the last few that had come up. I liked his opener, she was very ernest. Savaarda made sure to start off by thanking, among other thing, Anne Knapp. Poor Saavedra had to give a speech to a smaller crowd, as a big group seems to have left, possibly to regroup or eat. Saavedra has a lilt to his voice that reminds me of Harold Hill in the Music Man. The same guy yelled out "will you abide by the endorsement?" Yes, he will abide.
So everyone will abide but Erlandson, Thompson, and Ember - who's not seeking endorsement.
12:55 - Becky Lourey Speaking - Vote with your heart as well as your head.
12:56 - Steve Kelley, Brought Sophie (his wife) up as well - he's much more high energy in his speaking than when we did the one on ones at Drinking Liberally. He mentioned he's the only Gov't candidate abiding by the endorsement.
12:57- Blue Glue buttons. Didn't really follow it. (smartie says it's to provide funding for down ballot candidates who don't get a lot of funding.)
12:58 - Mike Hatch - Molly Ivins says candidates should kick "butt". But she didn't say but. Talked about how he got the heat turned back on when Pawlenty turned it off. Action against health companies for mental health. I've never seen Mike hatch speak before. Kind of liked him.
1:01 - trying to freeze the floor for balloting, the leader is very stern. I believe he is about to ask if we want to turn this car around and go home if we kids don't stop arguing.
1:03 - gaveling. No one is sure if Mike Erlandson is abiding buy the endosement. Erlandson said, "I'll see you in September," so obviously not. When asked to clarify, a staffer, began, "I believe DFLsers are very smart..."and was booed. Was asked again. Ellison says he'll abide. Leader says he was never in doubt. More candidates offer to come up and say the same thing. Leader is now angry and ordering people to take seats. This is fun!
Live Blogging The Convention - First Ballot, Who's Still Here
Dorfman, Ellison, Saavedra, Schiff, Paulmeyer, Knapp, Thompson, Erlandson
Ostrow didn't get nominated to speak, so I guess he's done.
Candidates giving speeches before 2nd ballot...
Thompson doesn't appear to have a lot of support, and will not abide by the endorsement.
Anne Knapp suggests next time we do "Survivor, 5th District, because now we'd be mostly done." Just dropped out. Pushed her supporters to Saavedra, but went way over time, so they cut her off.
Dorfman. Lots of support, "Gail" cheers in the crowd. Had people speak for her first, including her kids. "One benefit of being a mom from the suburbs is she really knows how to clean house." Will abide by endorsement. Liked the pompoms. Great speech. Close to minute of applause.
Pallmeyer. Very loud cheers. Lots of people in yellow. At least 40 people came up when he spoke. "Will abide the edorsement of any PEACE candidate." Started out with someone playing a song. JPN has lots of the spporters in the room, but I'm not sure that many of them are wearing delegate tags. Definately a crowd favorite.
Ostrow didn't get nominated to speak, so I guess he's done.
Candidates giving speeches before 2nd ballot...
Thompson doesn't appear to have a lot of support, and will not abide by the endorsement.
Anne Knapp suggests next time we do "Survivor, 5th District, because now we'd be mostly done." Just dropped out. Pushed her supporters to Saavedra, but went way over time, so they cut her off.
Dorfman. Lots of support, "Gail" cheers in the crowd. Had people speak for her first, including her kids. "One benefit of being a mom from the suburbs is she really knows how to clean house." Will abide by endorsement. Liked the pompoms. Great speech. Close to minute of applause.
Pallmeyer. Very loud cheers. Lots of people in yellow. At least 40 people came up when he spoke. "Will abide the edorsement of any PEACE candidate." Started out with someone playing a song. JPN has lots of the spporters in the room, but I'm not sure that many of them are wearing delegate tags. Definately a crowd favorite.
Live Blogging The Convention - Breaking - Ember out of endorsement process
I just received a letter from one of Ember Reichgott Junge's staff stating that she is withdrawing from endorsement as she is planning on running in the primary.
From the Letter:
"As you know, I have been an endorsed DFL Candidate many timesand believe that it is an excellent and fair process. However, this election is unique. With so little time between Congressman Sabo's announcement and the endorsement convention, the delegate selection process did not reflect the fact that delegates would consider endorsement for an open congressional seat."
Ember's staffer told me that Ember felt it would be disrespectful to the delgates time to participate in the process when she is going to run in the primary regardless.
From the Letter:
"As you know, I have been an endorsed DFL Candidate many timesand believe that it is an excellent and fair process. However, this election is unique. With so little time between Congressman Sabo's announcement and the endorsement convention, the delegate selection process did not reflect the fact that delegates would consider endorsement for an open congressional seat."
Ember's staffer told me that Ember felt it would be disrespectful to the delgates time to participate in the process when she is going to run in the primary regardless.
Live Blogging The Convention - 11:10 AM
After a late start, we arrived at the high school and wandered around looking at the candidates. Besides the 5th, we did see Ford Bell and a few of his staff, and received and invitation to the new offices opening next week. Smartie and I got our press passes and sat in the visitors side of the auditorium. First recation for me is that there are a LOT of people in Jack yellow milling about. Second reaction is that the Wifi doesn't appear to work in the auditorium. Third reaction is that rules discussion are very very dull. Only rule amendment passed is that all candidates must state whether they will abide by the endorsement process. Lots of discussion about whether they could adjourn after the 6th ballot, but very adamantly struck down.
Upgrading delegates and choosing chairs right now.
Upgrading delegates and choosing chairs right now.
Liveblogging the Convention - 9:32 AM - Still At Home
Who decided to make this the day after Cinco De Mayo? I regret nothing...except maybe that last round of tequila shots.
We're off to a slow start, which I blame mostly on the Simon Delivers crew, who used to come at 8 AM and I could use them for a Saturday morning alarm clock. Today they don't show up until 9:20.
Smartie and I share a quick piece of "Earth Cheese and Fire" from Snaps!, become annoyed that half the local lefty blogosphere and the biggest national lefty came to the 331, and it still wasn't Bloghouse Worthy (It's because when I invited you I made that Anne Marie Cox joke, isn't it, Mr. O'Brien?), and trade showers. Off in 10, I hope.
We're off to a slow start, which I blame mostly on the Simon Delivers crew, who used to come at 8 AM and I could use them for a Saturday morning alarm clock. Today they don't show up until 9:20.
Smartie and I share a quick piece of "Earth Cheese and Fire" from Snaps!, become annoyed that half the local lefty blogosphere and the biggest national lefty came to the 331, and it still wasn't Bloghouse Worthy (It's because when I invited you I made that Anne Marie Cox joke, isn't it, Mr. O'Brien?), and trade showers. Off in 10, I hope.
Friday, May 05, 2006
5th CD Live Blog Tomorrow - update
Smartie and I will be attending the 5th CD and will try to liveblog as much as two people who have to trek over to the nearest bar to put up posts can do.
Expect quantity. Hope for quality. And remember I really do type poorly, so it might not be the beer.
Smartie adds: In one of those wonderful little moments of serendipity that all two bit journalists live for tomorrow brings us not only the congressional nominating conventions, but also The Kentucky Derby. I predict lots of "horse race" metaphors, lots of chuckling references to "dark horse" candidates, and if a truly unlikely candidate scores a win tomorrow we might even be treated to talk of a "political Seabiscuit". For myself, I predict a lot of Mint Juleps.
rew adds: I just got word that there will be wifi at the school now, so no bar treks. But I will be taking Smartie for his julep afterwards.
Does Psycho Suzi's have Juleps?
Expect quantity. Hope for quality. And remember I really do type poorly, so it might not be the beer.
Smartie adds: In one of those wonderful little moments of serendipity that all two bit journalists live for tomorrow brings us not only the congressional nominating conventions, but also The Kentucky Derby. I predict lots of "horse race" metaphors, lots of chuckling references to "dark horse" candidates, and if a truly unlikely candidate scores a win tomorrow we might even be treated to talk of a "political Seabiscuit". For myself, I predict a lot of Mint Juleps.
rew adds: I just got word that there will be wifi at the school now, so no bar treks. But I will be taking Smartie for his julep afterwards.
Does Psycho Suzi's have Juleps?
A Real Fiscal Conservative
SEN. MARTY ANNOUNCES $1 QUADRILLION TAX CUT BILL
Since all the righties seem hyper-sensitive lately I'll go ahead and include the disclaimer right here:
ST. PAUL - State Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville) today released details of a proposed tax bill that includes a property tax rebate and which provides for more than $1 quadrillion ($1,000,000,000,000,000 or $1015) in tax reductions over three years.One of these days I really need to figure out how, exactly, I'm related to Sen. Marty, since every single politico asks REW and I that question sooner or later (usually sooner).
"We have a plan for real tax reform and relief," said Sen. Marty. "This is a balanced approach to tax reform which provides tax relief to every working family in Minnesota."
Since all the righties seem hyper-sensitive lately I'll go ahead and include the disclaimer right here:
PLEASE NOTE: This release should not be taken any more seriously then the newest House tax proposal.So, please, wipe the drool off your monitor.
Friday Fun Quiz
Via PZ
| The Pyrrhonian The results are in, and it appears that you have scored 48%... |
| Quietly confident and aloof, the Pyrrhonian recognises that religions exist and that people subscribe to them, but manages to keep well out of it all. Pyrrhonians came to the realisation long ago that all matters of faith are beyond the scope of reason or argument, and thus retains a clear-headed skeptical approach to religion in general. They refuse to place belief in anything for which there is no proof, and regard the majority of theistic claims as irreconcilable. Leading a life of tranquility undisturbed by religious concerns, the position of the Pyrrhonian is enviable, if a little frustrating for others at times. |
 |
My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender:
|
| Link: The Atheist Test written by chi_the_cynic on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the 32-Type Dating Test |
Facts, Schmacts - Updated
Via Wege, the real LA Times list.
Tracy has promised to update when he's sober.
Edited to Add: I guess I really couldn't expect anything more, could I?
Tracy has promised to update when he's sober.
Edited to Add: I guess I really couldn't expect anything more, could I?
I'm either a huge geek
or I finally hit my hipply nostalgic 20's a little late. Whichever it is, I was very excited to hear that Choose Your Own Adventure books are coming back!
I don't see any of the ones I really loved as a kid in this first printing, but I'm sure if they sell well the others will make an appearance. The ones I remember best are, The Mystery of Chimney Rock, Who Killed Harlowe Thrombey?, The Race Forever, and Inside UFO 54-40. I remember that last one as being a particularly tough nut to crack. I don't think I ever got the good ending out of that book, even after I "cheated" and went through and marked each page where a choice was so I could back and undo it if I didn't like the result. Ahh, good times.
I don't see any of the ones I really loved as a kid in this first printing, but I'm sure if they sell well the others will make an appearance. The ones I remember best are, The Mystery of Chimney Rock, Who Killed Harlowe Thrombey?, The Race Forever, and Inside UFO 54-40. I remember that last one as being a particularly tough nut to crack. I don't think I ever got the good ending out of that book, even after I "cheated" and went through and marked each page where a choice was so I could back and undo it if I didn't like the result. Ahh, good times.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Quote of the Day
This bunch can't stand anything that doesn't have the reassuring ring of its own echo chamber.
Here's why it's funny....
The Key Word is "Hostile"
I've just started reading Hostile Takeover, and will be doing a full review in a few days, but I will say right now that the introduction was a geek's dream. In about 15 pages Sirota alluded to The Matrix, Superman, Star Wars, Star Trek, Batman and more Matrix. How he got out without a Lord of the Rings bit I'll never know.
But this post isn't really about this book, it's about political books in general. I mentioned the geek-fest intro to someone at work today, and we started talking about politicians in general. He said something, and I replied, "Well, that's what he's saying in the book. You should read it."
"I don't read books," he replied. "They should make it a graphic novel."
Brilliant! What an untapped market!
So, I can get some talent together to do it, who has the plot?
But this post isn't really about this book, it's about political books in general. I mentioned the geek-fest intro to someone at work today, and we started talking about politicians in general. He said something, and I replied, "Well, that's what he's saying in the book. You should read it."
"I don't read books," he replied. "They should make it a graphic novel."
Brilliant! What an untapped market!
So, I can get some talent together to do it, who has the plot?
Ridiculous Ratings
Have I mentioned before how little respect I have for the ESRB? Of course I have.
As I previously said during the video game crisis du jour of 2005, "Hot Coffee Mod: Nation Held Hostage", the whole ESRB system is a joke in the first place. Now I'm starting to wonder if they even know how to operate a computer.
Oblivion Game Rating Changed to 'Mature'
The second charge is even worse. Bethesda Softworks is being punished for what other people are doing with their product. Does this mean if someone pulled a Tyler Durden and added a frame of pornography to a Disney movie we could sue Disney? Does that make sense? This isn't just a move which shows the people at the ESRB don't understand video gaming, it's a signal that don't even understand the nature of the product they're supposed to be rating.
As I previously said during the video game crisis du jour of 2005, "Hot Coffee Mod: Nation Held Hostage", the whole ESRB system is a joke in the first place. Now I'm starting to wonder if they even know how to operate a computer.
Oblivion Game Rating Changed to 'Mature'
The latest best-selling game by Bethesda Softworks LLC will be relabeled with a new rating that prohibits sales to children under age 17. The game -- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion -- will now carry a "mature" rating, equivalent to an "R" rating for movies.First off, anyone who has played any of the Elder Scrolls series knows that these titles have a lot more in common with The Lord of the Rings than Grand Theft Auto. Sweeping, sprawling fantasy epics that include violence, true, as pretty much every epic does, but nothing gratuitous-no torture, no graphic wounds. Sex? Very very little, and nearly all of what little there is is suggested. None of it is graphic, and certainly nothing done with prurient intent. These games are ones that I would certainly have no problem allowing a teenager to play. The idea that these deserve shelf space next to titles like "Grand Theft Auto" or "Manhunt" is ridiculous.
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board, a trade organization that reviews video game content, announced yesterday that it had discovered "more detailed and intense depictions of blood and gore" than it saw in its pre-release review.
The board also objected to a software modification that was circulating among gamers on the Internet that allowed players to create topless versions of female characters in the game.
The second charge is even worse. Bethesda Softworks is being punished for what other people are doing with their product. Does this mean if someone pulled a Tyler Durden and added a frame of pornography to a Disney movie we could sue Disney? Does that make sense? This isn't just a move which shows the people at the ESRB don't understand video gaming, it's a signal that don't even understand the nature of the product they're supposed to be rating.
Rehabiliting Cold-War Liberalism
There is a fantastic article in the New York Times Magazine about how modern liberalism has lost its message and vision in regards to foriegn policy, and about the need to look to great liberal political minds of the Cold War era, especially Reinhold Niebuhr, to help understand once again what was traditionally one of our strengths. Here's a little bit to whet your appetite:
Found via the website with the great name: Pandas That Won't Screw To Save Their Species
The liberal story began with a different fear about America. If cold-war conservatives worried that Americans no longer saw their own virtue, cold-war liberals worried that Americans saw only their virtue. The A.D.A.'s most important intellectual - its equivalent of James Burnham - was the tall, German-American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. Niebuhr was a dedicated opponent of communism, but he was concerned that in pursuing a just cause, Americans would lose sight of their own capacity for injustice. "We must take, and must continue to take, morally hazardous actions to preserve our civilization," he wrote. "We must exercise our power. But we ought neither to believe that a nation is capable of perfect disinterestedness in its exercise nor become complacent about particular degrees of interest and passion which corrupt the justice by which the exercise of power is legitimized." Americans, Niebuhr argued, should not emulate the absolute self-confidence of their enemies. They should not pretend that a country that countenanced McCarthyism and segregation was morally pure. Rather, they should cultivate enough self-doubt to ensure that unlike the Communists', their idealism never degenerated into fanaticism.Now, go read the rest.
Found via the website with the great name: Pandas That Won't Screw To Save Their Species
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
The Two Faces of Steve Sviggum
Rep. Steve Sviggum today:
It's a good thing for Republicans in this state that Rep. Krinkie is still around so they have one actual conservative to point to when they need to try to maintain their credibility.
Rep. Steve Sviggum last week:
House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, said [Rep. Krinkie's tax bill] would draw a sharp contrast between Republicans and DFLers, who have proposed several tax increases this year, including a half-cent metrowide sales tax to fund new Twins and Vikings stadiums.
Sviggum supports the current Twins stadium legislation that would authorize Hennepin County to impose a 0.15 percent countywide sales tax to pay for about 75 percent of the $522 million stadium project.3So when Sviggum proposes a tax it's okay but when Democrats propose a tax for the same purpose it's wrong? Good to know.
It's a good thing for Republicans in this state that Rep. Krinkie is still around so they have one actual conservative to point to when they need to try to maintain their credibility.
Kos and Effect
The Kos Effect - in exchange for a ride around town and a few beers, we ended up with at crowd of 100+, a new chapter starting in June in St. Paul, more new faces than I can ever even attempt to keep track of, and some friends from yore who came back out the woodwork (I'm looking at you, John and Dave!)
I arrived at 5:45 to find most of our regular table was already filled (I stuck around a little late to listen to the beginning of Markos's interview on Ktalk, which the Wege summarizes pretty succinctly.) By about 6:45, only a half an hour after Markos arrived, the bar was quite literally overflowing.
Mid signing (with a line that never seemed to end), Markos offered to speak to the crowd, and I told he didn't have to. "Just relax, have fun."
"I think I should say something."
"Okay," I agreed.
Thank goodness he spoke, as a) I think many people in that bar might have throttled me had he not gotten onto the stage and b)I haven't seen someone so loved by a crowd since the Obama rally. Other than a little awkwardness on my part (when he asked me to introduce him I told him I'd mispronounce his name. "Just call me Markos," he reassured me. God, I hate speaking in front of people.), the speech was perfect, with just the right amount of humor, anger, and base firing-up needed for this group.
How much did the people love him? I was in the back of the bar talking during his questions and answer period, and was shushed by some people in the back of crowd. Yep, shushed. In a bar. In the back. After a few proddings from some rather rambunctious anti-socials who tried to get me to take the shusher outside and start a rumble, I meekly went out myself, instead.
After the questions came more signing, to the point where I was nearly afraid to get my own books down in the fear that I might permanently cripple him. But I had Bruce's signed (heh) and had my own done, and well as a picture and a hug.
Markos and rew, sittin' in a tree
Even after everything Markos had done for us, both for bloggers across the country, the face of politics in general, and just that night at DL, the first thing he did was apologize to me.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't thank you, or Drinking Liberally when I talked."
Markos has or will visit at least 30 DL's across the country on his book tour. He spent all day doing interviews where he mentions our group, and brought in the largest crowd that we have ever seen at the 331, and he apologizes for not thanking us? I don't know how I can ever thank him enough, and the beers and books can't even begin to start.
By 8:30 I was wiped, and ready to head home with Smartie. I didn't get hardly any chance to talk to the Bitch, which I was very upset about. And to all of the bloggers and other attendees I only had a few minutes to chat with, I'm sorry I didn't have more time.
When we got home, I realized with a bit of sadness and more than a bit of frustration that something is missing from Minnesota politics right now. I started to recognize it at the Obama rally, and finally figured it out last night; we are missing our superstars in politics. Where is the Minnesota candidate who would bring in this size of crowd? Who is the politician that everyone would change their schedule around for to meet him or her in a bar and talk one on one? Where is the person that would make someone shush me in order to not miss a word?
I'm not quite sure yet, but if you have any ideas, please ask him or her to come to Drinking Liberally. I want to keep feeling that kind of excitement.
Other posts from the night are Flash, MNCR, Guru,Charlie, Aaron, and of course, PZ.
More photos are here, and Chuck has video here.
Finally, a shoutout to "curb-blogger" (who are you?) and to the man who bought a copy of Crashing the Gate at Arise! and read the whole thing before coming to the 331 so he could talk to Kos about it intelligently.
I arrived at 5:45 to find most of our regular table was already filled (I stuck around a little late to listen to the beginning of Markos's interview on Ktalk, which the Wege summarizes pretty succinctly.) By about 6:45, only a half an hour after Markos arrived, the bar was quite literally overflowing.
Mid signing (with a line that never seemed to end), Markos offered to speak to the crowd, and I told he didn't have to. "Just relax, have fun."
"I think I should say something."
"Okay," I agreed.
Thank goodness he spoke, as a) I think many people in that bar might have throttled me had he not gotten onto the stage and b)I haven't seen someone so loved by a crowd since the Obama rally. Other than a little awkwardness on my part (when he asked me to introduce him I told him I'd mispronounce his name. "Just call me Markos," he reassured me. God, I hate speaking in front of people.), the speech was perfect, with just the right amount of humor, anger, and base firing-up needed for this group.
How much did the people love him? I was in the back of the bar talking during his questions and answer period, and was shushed by some people in the back of crowd. Yep, shushed. In a bar. In the back. After a few proddings from some rather rambunctious anti-socials who tried to get me to take the shusher outside and start a rumble, I meekly went out myself, instead.
After the questions came more signing, to the point where I was nearly afraid to get my own books down in the fear that I might permanently cripple him. But I had Bruce's signed (heh) and had my own done, and well as a picture and a hug.
Markos and rew, sittin' in a treeEven after everything Markos had done for us, both for bloggers across the country, the face of politics in general, and just that night at DL, the first thing he did was apologize to me.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't thank you, or Drinking Liberally when I talked."
Markos has or will visit at least 30 DL's across the country on his book tour. He spent all day doing interviews where he mentions our group, and brought in the largest crowd that we have ever seen at the 331, and he apologizes for not thanking us? I don't know how I can ever thank him enough, and the beers and books can't even begin to start.
By 8:30 I was wiped, and ready to head home with Smartie. I didn't get hardly any chance to talk to the Bitch, which I was very upset about. And to all of the bloggers and other attendees I only had a few minutes to chat with, I'm sorry I didn't have more time.
When we got home, I realized with a bit of sadness and more than a bit of frustration that something is missing from Minnesota politics right now. I started to recognize it at the Obama rally, and finally figured it out last night; we are missing our superstars in politics. Where is the Minnesota candidate who would bring in this size of crowd? Who is the politician that everyone would change their schedule around for to meet him or her in a bar and talk one on one? Where is the person that would make someone shush me in order to not miss a word?
I'm not quite sure yet, but if you have any ideas, please ask him or her to come to Drinking Liberally. I want to keep feeling that kind of excitement.
Other posts from the night are Flash, MNCR, Guru,Charlie, Aaron, and of course, PZ.
More photos are here, and Chuck has video here.
Finally, a shoutout to "curb-blogger" (who are you?) and to the man who bought a copy of Crashing the Gate at Arise! and read the whole thing before coming to the 331 so he could talk to Kos about it intelligently.
This post is not about Kos
But it is about how badly the Republicans have screwed up the country:
Canada's dollar now worth 90 U.S. cents
Canada's dollar now worth 90 U.S. cents
Canada's dollar rose above 90 U.S. cents Tuesday -- the first time it's been worth that much since the Camp David accord for Middle East peace was signed, the Jonestown massacre took place in Guyana, the Bee Gees topped the pop music charts with "Stayin' Alive" and Guy Lafleur and the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Boston Bruins for the Stanley Cup.That's right, Bushanomics has messed up our economy so badly that it has allowed the Canadian hordes to almost overtake us. That's quite a shot to the old national pride, eh?
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Crashing Out
Fantastic night at DL! We stopped counting at a hundred so I have no idea how many people actually made it out tonight, but the 331 was definitely packed to the rafters with a beaming enthusiastic crowd..it felt less like a regular DL event and more like a revival. Markos killed, all of our DL special guests made it and I met more liberal bloggers than I could have possibly talked to. REW will have the comprehensive roundup tomorrow. For now, we're both a little burned out and we're going to turn in a little early tonight.
-Smartie
-Smartie
All Things Considered
Polinaut was kind enough to have them post up audio right away over here.
Edited to add: Bob got his question answered...
Edited to add: Bob got his question answered...
Crashing the Gate-A Mini-Review
When Kos was on The Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert asked him how much he charged people to read DailyKos. When Kos replied "nothing", Colbert cocked an eyebrow and asked in his most deadpan style, if he was writing his blog for free, why should anyone bother to pay for the book?
It was a good joke and like all good jokes contained a kernel of truth. Why should anyone buy Crashing the Gate? I'll admit, during the first several chapters of the book I had my doubts as well. They are largely a round up of events in this country since 2000 events both large (such as the invasion of Iraq) and small (such as a Rhode Island primary fight). Interesting, but individually this is all information that anyone interested in politics has probably seen already.
As it turns out, however, that is all just setting the stage. Once the authors have compiled a detailed list of these events, they use them to show the various missteps and inactions by the Democratic Party and how the national leadership has failed the Party.
The larger point is not just how the national has failed since 2000, but how we on the Left have continuously failed to build any long term answers comparable to the Right's machine of think tanks, talk radio, college recruiting, etc. The argument, then, becomes clear. While it's entirely likely the Democratic Party will continue to win its share of elections in the future the Right has been so good about getting its message out that the country is slowly becoming more conservative. We need to make the Party more viable, true, but more importantly we need to take back the soul of the country. To do this we need to stop thinking only in four year election cycles and stop focusing on single issues. We need to come together as a comprehensive progressive coalition that includes labor, civil rights, womens' issues, environmentalism, etc. with the single message of how we will make this country greater than ever.
It's a stirring and thought provoking message. Let's hope we can all, in our own ways, implement it.
It was a good joke and like all good jokes contained a kernel of truth. Why should anyone buy Crashing the Gate? I'll admit, during the first several chapters of the book I had my doubts as well. They are largely a round up of events in this country since 2000 events both large (such as the invasion of Iraq) and small (such as a Rhode Island primary fight). Interesting, but individually this is all information that anyone interested in politics has probably seen already.
As it turns out, however, that is all just setting the stage. Once the authors have compiled a detailed list of these events, they use them to show the various missteps and inactions by the Democratic Party and how the national leadership has failed the Party.
The larger point is not just how the national has failed since 2000, but how we on the Left have continuously failed to build any long term answers comparable to the Right's machine of think tanks, talk radio, college recruiting, etc. The argument, then, becomes clear. While it's entirely likely the Democratic Party will continue to win its share of elections in the future the Right has been so good about getting its message out that the country is slowly becoming more conservative. We need to make the Party more viable, true, but more importantly we need to take back the soul of the country. To do this we need to stop thinking only in four year election cycles and stop focusing on single issues. We need to come together as a comprehensive progressive coalition that includes labor, civil rights, womens' issues, environmentalism, etc. with the single message of how we will make this country greater than ever.
It's a stirring and thought provoking message. Let's hope we can all, in our own ways, implement it.
DL tonight
On top of the guest of honor, we have appearences by our beloved PZ, a verified Bitch, the mysterious Guru, the knowledgeable BJ, and possibly 75% of The Wege Brothel.
And of course the other usual fools.
If I'm missing you, let me know.
Also, there will be books on sale at the 331 for you procrastinators. Checks and cash only, please.
Updates: word in from MNCR (assuming his car doesn't break or there's a holiday he doesn't know about, I'm sure ;-)), and Charlie (who I could have sworn I already blogrolled), too.
Edited to add...should I make everyone wear a nametage that says, "No, I don't have a blog," or "Yes, I have a blog, its......" Seems like it would make things a lot quicker.
And of course the other usual fools.
If I'm missing you, let me know.
Also, there will be books on sale at the 331 for you procrastinators. Checks and cash only, please.
Updates: word in from MNCR (assuming his car doesn't break or there's a holiday he doesn't know about, I'm sure ;-)), and Charlie (who I could have sworn I already blogrolled), too.
Edited to add...should I make everyone wear a nametage that says, "No, I don't have a blog," or "Yes, I have a blog, its......" Seems like it would make things a lot quicker.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Crash This Party - Updated
They will be autographing books starting at noon at the Arise! Bookstore. Following that, they will be swinging by Drinking Liberally at the 331 Club in the evening for the after party.
All bloggers, blog fans and anyone interested in where politics are going in the 21st century: this is an event not to be missed. More details as they become available.
Rew adds: Markos will be doing an interview on "All Things Considered" at 2:30 until 3:00 pm, and then doing the Lambert and Janacek Show from 5:00 until 5:30 pm.
Also, it looks like Markos is flying solo on this one.
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