After days of looking I finally found the 2001 Berkely speech that has gotten the Right all up in arms.
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/6444523/Sonia-Sotomayors-2001-speech-at-UC-Berkeley
The paragraph that has lead to so much controversy is:
"Whether born form experience or inherent physiological or cultural differences, a possibility I abhor less or discount less than my colleague Judge Cedarbaum, our gender and national origin may and will make a difference in our judging. Justice O’Connor has often been cited as saying that a wise old man and wise old woman will reach the same conclusion in deciding cases. I am not so sure Justice O’Connor is the author of that line since Professor Resnik attributes that line to Supreme Court Justice Coyle. I am also not so sure that I agree with the statement. First, as Professor Martha Minnow has noted, there can never be a universal definition of wise. Second, I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life."
Now, as has been argued by Newt Gingrich and Rush Limbaugh, had a white male nominee said, "I would hope that a wise white male with the richness of his experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a [insert race] female who hasn't lived that life" the demand for him to step down would be story one in all media outlets. I have read all 8 pages of her speech and there are other aspects that concern me from the notion of establishing Law from the judge seat.
To stay informed, I suggest that all read the speech so you can see the racial statement in its context and review her views of the purpose of the Judge. A take away from her speech that I have is that Justice is not blind in her court as it is to be.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Fong Lee: Lesson to be learned
Yesterday a Federal Grand Jury cleared Officer Jason Anderson of accusation of excessive force and planting evidence in the shooting death of Fong Lee. Naturally Fong Lee’s family, friends, and many in the Hmong community are disappointed in the outcome. Tou Ger Xiong said, “Watch out. If a cop thinks you pose a threat, you will be shot and you will be killed.”(As reported in Star Tribune 5-29-09). Tou Ger Xiong is a member of the Coalition for Community Relations.
The message is missed in the case of the shooting death of Fong Lee. The message is when a police officer asks, demands, or tells you to stop then STOP!!! Fleeing from an officer of the law is a prime example of the lack of respect that exists in our society. If you have done nothing wrong then why run? A short explanation and question/answer period with the officer is all that is required.
No one may know for certain if Fong Lee ever had a gun or if the officer planted it. As a society we need to learn from this event. We need to be respectful to the Law. Yes, as in all areas of society, some officers are corrupt and are up to no good. In cases where harassment it taking place a forum exists to address it. Running from the Law is never an option. I have no problem with the officer using any and all means to stop a runner.
To stop the senseless killing of the innocent, assuming the Fong Lee is innocent here, when an officer of the law asks one to stop; just stop and you won’t be shot.
The message is missed in the case of the shooting death of Fong Lee. The message is when a police officer asks, demands, or tells you to stop then STOP!!! Fleeing from an officer of the law is a prime example of the lack of respect that exists in our society. If you have done nothing wrong then why run? A short explanation and question/answer period with the officer is all that is required.
No one may know for certain if Fong Lee ever had a gun or if the officer planted it. As a society we need to learn from this event. We need to be respectful to the Law. Yes, as in all areas of society, some officers are corrupt and are up to no good. In cases where harassment it taking place a forum exists to address it. Running from the Law is never an option. I have no problem with the officer using any and all means to stop a runner.
To stop the senseless killing of the innocent, assuming the Fong Lee is innocent here, when an officer of the law asks one to stop; just stop and you won’t be shot.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Broken Promises: National Sales tax
Washington Post reported yesterday that rumor on Capitol Hill is the consideration of a national sales tax. Now I personally like the idea of a national sales tax only if a flat tax with no tax credits is instituted. The purpose of the national sales tax is to assist in paying for Universal Healthcare and paying down the Trillion dollar deficit that President Obama’s budget brings upon the United States.
President Obama as a candidate said that he will not increase taxes but if he were to sign into law a national sales tax he will do just that. A national sales tax will not hurt the wealthy; rather have dire consequences on the middle class and the poor. President Obama’s $787 Billion stimulus bill and his $1.2 Trillion budget have already saddled my grandchildren with a debt that will be difficult to pay back unless everyone is paying a tax rate of 75%.
Socialism is the goal of President Obama. Shredding the U.S. Constitution is a secondary goal. In his first five months on the job, President Obama has nationalized the banks, fired the CEO of Chrysler, and is on the verge of nationalizing General Motors. With Cap and Trade, Universal Healthcare, and further spending coming down the pipe line, who do Americans think Government will pay for it all? During President Obama’s attack on Credit Card industry, he said that American consumers need to be fiscally responsible. Why is it that our own Government is not leading the cause?
As a private citizen, we do not have the opportunity to raise our incomes like the Government does with taxes. Americans need only look at California. California has a $24M budget shortfall and has looked to the National Government for a handout. Citizens of California are up in arms over the potential cuts that will need to be made to balance their budget. Perhaps voting in representatives with fiscal restraint would not have California in their current situation.
Now I should be fair. President Obama did announce he found $17B in annual earmarks to cut. Then again $17B is a drop in the bucket of a $1.2T budget.
President Obama as a candidate said that he will not increase taxes but if he were to sign into law a national sales tax he will do just that. A national sales tax will not hurt the wealthy; rather have dire consequences on the middle class and the poor. President Obama’s $787 Billion stimulus bill and his $1.2 Trillion budget have already saddled my grandchildren with a debt that will be difficult to pay back unless everyone is paying a tax rate of 75%.
Socialism is the goal of President Obama. Shredding the U.S. Constitution is a secondary goal. In his first five months on the job, President Obama has nationalized the banks, fired the CEO of Chrysler, and is on the verge of nationalizing General Motors. With Cap and Trade, Universal Healthcare, and further spending coming down the pipe line, who do Americans think Government will pay for it all? During President Obama’s attack on Credit Card industry, he said that American consumers need to be fiscally responsible. Why is it that our own Government is not leading the cause?
As a private citizen, we do not have the opportunity to raise our incomes like the Government does with taxes. Americans need only look at California. California has a $24M budget shortfall and has looked to the National Government for a handout. Citizens of California are up in arms over the potential cuts that will need to be made to balance their budget. Perhaps voting in representatives with fiscal restraint would not have California in their current situation.
Now I should be fair. President Obama did announce he found $17B in annual earmarks to cut. Then again $17B is a drop in the bucket of a $1.2T budget.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Suicide: Self-centered, cowardly, selfish act
MSNBC reported this afternoon that a man, Lai Jiansheng, was detained by Chinese authorities because he pushed another man off a bridge that was trying to commit suicide. The China Daily quoted Lai Jiansheng in response to why he pushed Chen off the bridge, “I pushed him off because jumpers like Chen are very selfish. Their actions violate a lot of public interests.” It was reported that 12 suicide attempts have taken place on the same bridge since April.
The China Daily reported that every time a suicide jumper presents themselves “the city had to send police, firemen, rescue vessels, and an ambulance.” Not to mention backing up traffic. What a waste of resources for a self-centered act. Suicide is cowardly. Suicide solves nothing but alleviating the burden of the selfish. Nothing in this world is so grave that one needs to subject others to the grief, bewilderment, and upheaval left in the wake of a suicide.
Lai Jiansheng was arrested for his actions but he should be applauded to resolving the issue quickly. People looking to kill themselves are feeding only their ego and are not considering the wake of turmoil left when success is gained. Hopefully Lai Jiansheng will be released and given the key to his city. Luckily for Chen an airbag was ready to catch him.
The China Daily reported that every time a suicide jumper presents themselves “the city had to send police, firemen, rescue vessels, and an ambulance.” Not to mention backing up traffic. What a waste of resources for a self-centered act. Suicide is cowardly. Suicide solves nothing but alleviating the burden of the selfish. Nothing in this world is so grave that one needs to subject others to the grief, bewilderment, and upheaval left in the wake of a suicide.
Lai Jiansheng was arrested for his actions but he should be applauded to resolving the issue quickly. People looking to kill themselves are feeding only their ego and are not considering the wake of turmoil left when success is gained. Hopefully Lai Jiansheng will be released and given the key to his city. Luckily for Chen an airbag was ready to catch him.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sonia Sotomayor: The Sacrificial Lamb
President Obama announced his nominee for United States Supreme Court by introducing Sonia Sotomayor. Sonia Sotomayor is an U.S. Court of Appeals judge in the Second Circuit. In response to her nomination, the pundits grasped onto her being the first Hispanic to be nominated to the highest court in the land. Who cares!! Skin color, ethnic background, and sex are not criteria to be used when nominating a Supreme Court Justice.
Currently Justice Ginsburg is the only female while Justice Thomas is the only non-white Justice on the bench. Many have looked for President Obama to appoint a more diverse nominee to the bench. With Sonia Sotomayor he gets both the female and ethnic box checked. Over the summer, Miss Sotomayor will be put under the spot light by both parties prior to being voted on by the Senate.
Jeff Rosen, writer for The New Republic, in his story “The Case Against Sotomayor” published May 4, 2009, attempts to look at all sides of the potential nomination of Sotomayor. Rosen reports that “former clerks sing her praises as a demanding but thoughtful boss whose personal experiences have given her a commitment to legal fairness.” My hope is that she does not use the bench as a pulpit which is something many judges do attempt. Rosen goes on to report, when talking about former law clerks of judges on the Second Circuit or federal prosecutors in New York (most Democrats); many are concerned “about her temperament, her judicial craftsmanship, and most of all, her ability to provide an intellectual counterweight to the conservative justices, as well as a clear liberal alternative.”
If she is intellectual enough to provide “counterweight” to conservative voices on bench now, why would President Obama nominate her? One concern I have is a quote, if true, in Rosen’s article by a former clerk of the Second circuit of “she has an inflated opinion of herself, and is domineering during oral arguments, but her questions aren’t penetrating and don’t get to the heart of the issue.” If Sotomayor lacks the ability to ask probing questions then she is definitely not Supreme Court material.
Sen. Schumer in a letter to President Obama stated, “It’s long overdue that a Latino sit on the United States Supreme Court. Sonia Sotomayor and Ken Salazar are two candidates who would make outstanding justices. They have top-notch legal minds, years of experience, moderate approaches to the law, and would make history by being the first Latino on the court.” While I agree that having a diverse look to the Supreme Court is appealing, but we cannot afford it to be done if the candidate does not understand the limited role of a Supreme Court Justice.
Kidding or not, Sotomayor is caught on tape saying, “court of appeals is where policy is made” when addressing potential law clerks in 2005. She did later add that she was not promoting or advocating the concept. It is these types of slips that can give real insight into true belief of the words being said. The interesting part will be if liberals will be okay with her “moderate” view of the law since many liberals are looking for more influence for their cause on the bench.
President Obama’s introduction read like a campaign stop. Earlier I posted that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be the next Supreme Court Justice and I have not given up on that yet. It will be interesting to see how Sotomayor defends her position when she upheld the reverse discrimination case of white and Hispanic firefighters in New Haven, Conn; Ricci v. DeStefano. It will be this interpretation of law that will start the unraveling of Sotomayer and pave the way for Clinton. Previously I spoke on the reverse discrimination case by the New Haven firefighters. Please read further there as this case will become a central component to whether Sotomayor is confirmed.
Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement, “Senate Republicans will treat Judge Sotomayor fairly. But we will thoroughly examine her record to ensure she understands that the role of a jurist in our democracy is to apply the law even-handedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences.” This examination of her record will bring to light the reverse discrimination case of New Haven firefighters as well as the six decisions she made that saw five reversed and one where the court disagreed with her reasoning.
A lot will be made of her comments and case load. One in particular that will see a lot of attention, beside New Haven, is the 1993 case where Sotomayer, as reported in Foxnews article “Sotomayor’s Judicial Record could be Battlefield for Critics, Advocates”, “threw out evidence obtained by police in a drug case, because a detective lied to obtain the search warrant – prosecutors agreed to a plea bargain. However, during sentencing Sotomayor made controversial statements by criticizing the five-year mandatory sentence, calling it an ‘abomination’ that the defendant did not deserve.” Due to a failed search warrant the evidence was thrown out but for her to criticize the mandatory sentence is the type of empathy that many will say does not exist at the Supreme Court level.
The Supreme Court is to interpret law based on the guidelines and amendments in the United States Constitution. Not to interpret law based on upbringing, life experience, or empathy for the excused.
Currently Justice Ginsburg is the only female while Justice Thomas is the only non-white Justice on the bench. Many have looked for President Obama to appoint a more diverse nominee to the bench. With Sonia Sotomayor he gets both the female and ethnic box checked. Over the summer, Miss Sotomayor will be put under the spot light by both parties prior to being voted on by the Senate.
Jeff Rosen, writer for The New Republic, in his story “The Case Against Sotomayor” published May 4, 2009, attempts to look at all sides of the potential nomination of Sotomayor. Rosen reports that “former clerks sing her praises as a demanding but thoughtful boss whose personal experiences have given her a commitment to legal fairness.” My hope is that she does not use the bench as a pulpit which is something many judges do attempt. Rosen goes on to report, when talking about former law clerks of judges on the Second Circuit or federal prosecutors in New York (most Democrats); many are concerned “about her temperament, her judicial craftsmanship, and most of all, her ability to provide an intellectual counterweight to the conservative justices, as well as a clear liberal alternative.”
If she is intellectual enough to provide “counterweight” to conservative voices on bench now, why would President Obama nominate her? One concern I have is a quote, if true, in Rosen’s article by a former clerk of the Second circuit of “she has an inflated opinion of herself, and is domineering during oral arguments, but her questions aren’t penetrating and don’t get to the heart of the issue.” If Sotomayor lacks the ability to ask probing questions then she is definitely not Supreme Court material.
Sen. Schumer in a letter to President Obama stated, “It’s long overdue that a Latino sit on the United States Supreme Court. Sonia Sotomayor and Ken Salazar are two candidates who would make outstanding justices. They have top-notch legal minds, years of experience, moderate approaches to the law, and would make history by being the first Latino on the court.” While I agree that having a diverse look to the Supreme Court is appealing, but we cannot afford it to be done if the candidate does not understand the limited role of a Supreme Court Justice.
Kidding or not, Sotomayor is caught on tape saying, “court of appeals is where policy is made” when addressing potential law clerks in 2005. She did later add that she was not promoting or advocating the concept. It is these types of slips that can give real insight into true belief of the words being said. The interesting part will be if liberals will be okay with her “moderate” view of the law since many liberals are looking for more influence for their cause on the bench.
President Obama’s introduction read like a campaign stop. Earlier I posted that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be the next Supreme Court Justice and I have not given up on that yet. It will be interesting to see how Sotomayor defends her position when she upheld the reverse discrimination case of white and Hispanic firefighters in New Haven, Conn; Ricci v. DeStefano. It will be this interpretation of law that will start the unraveling of Sotomayer and pave the way for Clinton. Previously I spoke on the reverse discrimination case by the New Haven firefighters. Please read further there as this case will become a central component to whether Sotomayor is confirmed.
Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement, “Senate Republicans will treat Judge Sotomayor fairly. But we will thoroughly examine her record to ensure she understands that the role of a jurist in our democracy is to apply the law even-handedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences.” This examination of her record will bring to light the reverse discrimination case of New Haven firefighters as well as the six decisions she made that saw five reversed and one where the court disagreed with her reasoning.
A lot will be made of her comments and case load. One in particular that will see a lot of attention, beside New Haven, is the 1993 case where Sotomayer, as reported in Foxnews article “Sotomayor’s Judicial Record could be Battlefield for Critics, Advocates”, “threw out evidence obtained by police in a drug case, because a detective lied to obtain the search warrant – prosecutors agreed to a plea bargain. However, during sentencing Sotomayor made controversial statements by criticizing the five-year mandatory sentence, calling it an ‘abomination’ that the defendant did not deserve.” Due to a failed search warrant the evidence was thrown out but for her to criticize the mandatory sentence is the type of empathy that many will say does not exist at the Supreme Court level.
The Supreme Court is to interpret law based on the guidelines and amendments in the United States Constitution. Not to interpret law based on upbringing, life experience, or empathy for the excused.
God: Creation vs. Evolution
Last night the History Channel had a program on called “The Link” that could set the concept of evolution on its ear. Ida is a fossilized full skeletal primate that is 47 Million years old. The discovery makes one wonder how evolution has played its part in our current state of life. For many years we have heard how humans are similar to the primate. As science continues to learn more and unearth more evidence of the origins of the human species.
It is amazing and troubling to think our existence on Earth is something that has evolved rather than created. Charles Darwin in his Theory of Evolution put forth the concept that “natural selection acts to preserve an accumulate minor advantageous genetic mutations.” One of the points discussed during the History Channel’s airing of “The Link” was Ida has nails instead of claws. The full skeletal remain always displays pelvic and ankle bones very similar to those of humans.
The troubling part of this discovery arises as one contemplates the role God plays in our lives. Christianity, in the grand scheme of things, has been around for a short time. Even Jewish faith and traditions have been acknowledged for a little longer than Christianity. For some time I have journeyed down the road of Gnosis to expand my understanding the role of God.
Scientific discoveries, like Ida, create more questions and make me feel like I am alone in the desert. Alone in my personal desert, struggle I do with how God and life after death coexists with our daily lives. When the time comes that our Earthly capsules expire, will our spirit rise from the land to join the creator? The question arises from discoveries of animals, and possibly humans, existed 47 Million years ago while current religion is less than 3000 years old.
Religion brings order to our lives for without it chaos would reign. God brings love, comfort, and fear into our lives. Imagine a world where the only meaning of life was survival. Religion acts as a pacifier and gives hope that our lives are more than time spent on Earth. Christians believe that we were created in the image of God.
Are we really? Or did God start the ball rolling with Ida and we have just evolved to our current state?
It is amazing and troubling to think our existence on Earth is something that has evolved rather than created. Charles Darwin in his Theory of Evolution put forth the concept that “natural selection acts to preserve an accumulate minor advantageous genetic mutations.” One of the points discussed during the History Channel’s airing of “The Link” was Ida has nails instead of claws. The full skeletal remain always displays pelvic and ankle bones very similar to those of humans.
The troubling part of this discovery arises as one contemplates the role God plays in our lives. Christianity, in the grand scheme of things, has been around for a short time. Even Jewish faith and traditions have been acknowledged for a little longer than Christianity. For some time I have journeyed down the road of Gnosis to expand my understanding the role of God.
Scientific discoveries, like Ida, create more questions and make me feel like I am alone in the desert. Alone in my personal desert, struggle I do with how God and life after death coexists with our daily lives. When the time comes that our Earthly capsules expire, will our spirit rise from the land to join the creator? The question arises from discoveries of animals, and possibly humans, existed 47 Million years ago while current religion is less than 3000 years old.
Religion brings order to our lives for without it chaos would reign. God brings love, comfort, and fear into our lives. Imagine a world where the only meaning of life was survival. Religion acts as a pacifier and gives hope that our lives are more than time spent on Earth. Christians believe that we were created in the image of God.
Are we really? Or did God start the ball rolling with Ida and we have just evolved to our current state?
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Hamburg City Council Agenda - May 26, 2009
7:00. Call City Council Meeting to Order @ 7:00 PM
· Pledge of Allegiance
· Miscellaneous Business (Public Comments)
· Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
· Old City Business (Memo)
7:10. Fire Department Report
· 2009 FEMA Grant (Application)
7:15. Doug Parrott – S.E.H.
· Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Improvement Project
o Preliminary Engineering Report Update
o Excavating for Force Main Location (Storm Sewer Pond Site)
o MPCA Requirements (Email from Gene Erickson)
o Cost Estimates on Pond Options 1 and 2
o Resolution Number 2009-04
§ Public Hearing June 8th @ 6:30 PM on Improvements
o Revised Schedule
o Funding Options
· Sanitary Sewer Extension (Martha Street)
7:55. To The Home Internet – Shawn Sprengeler
· Wireless Internet Service for City of Hamburg
8:15. Dennis’ Report (Public Works & Utilities)
· Project List (Added Items)
· Estimate for Sidewalk Replacement (Hard Stuff Masonry & Concrete)
o Railroad Street (Maria Ave to Sophia Ave)
· Proposal & Agreement for Seal Coating (Southwest Paving)
o CC/Fire Hall/WTP Parking Lot
· NYA Water Tower
· General Maintenance Schedules
8:25. Deputy Clerk Report
· Deputy Clerk Block
o Delinquent Utility Bills Report
o Minutes for City Council Meetings
8:30. City Clerk/Treasurer Report
· May 13, 2008 Motion – Street Closings for Civic Purposes
· Background Fees (Carver County) – Liquor Licenses
· 2009 Budget Summary & Hours Worked
· Community Center Rentals – Use of Alcohol
· Comprehensive Plan – Zoning Ordinances
o Special Meeting June 9th, 2009 @ 6:00 PM
· Potential Refunding of Existing Bonds (Ehlers & Associates)
· Worksite Wellness - Bike Share Program (Informational)
8:45. City Council Reports
· Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)
· Councilmember Cummiskey Report (Streets)
· Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
· Councilmember Barnes Report (Parks)
· Mayor Malz Report
9:00. Approve Added Claims for May 2009
9:05. Adjourn Meeting
COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES
MAY 2 – Parkside Tavern (Park)
30 – Stacie Dose (Park)
JUNE 6 – Joyce Kroells (Park)
19-21 – Zummerfest Celebration
COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES
MAY 3 – Washington Lake 4-H Club
04 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
12 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
18 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
19 – Neighborhood Meeting (Sewer Project) – 6:30 PM
25 – Memorial Day Holiday – City Offices Closed
26 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
27 – Hamburg Fire Department (Relief Assoc.) – 7:00 PM
30 – CC Rental - Dennis Byerly (Graduation)
JUNE 1 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
8 – Public Hearing (Sewer Project) – 6:30 PM
9 – Special Meeting (Zoning Ordinances) – 6:00 PM
9 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
13 – Community Center Rental – Nathan Amburg
14 – Washington Lake 4H Club
15 – Hamburg Lions Club
21 – Community Center Rental – Diane Weckman
23 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
27 – Community Center Rental – Wallace Kroells
29 – Hamburg Fire Department (Relief Assoc.) – 7:00 PM
· Pledge of Allegiance
· Miscellaneous Business (Public Comments)
· Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
· Old City Business (Memo)
7:10. Fire Department Report
· 2009 FEMA Grant (Application)
7:15. Doug Parrott – S.E.H.
· Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Improvement Project
o Preliminary Engineering Report Update
o Excavating for Force Main Location (Storm Sewer Pond Site)
o MPCA Requirements (Email from Gene Erickson)
o Cost Estimates on Pond Options 1 and 2
o Resolution Number 2009-04
§ Public Hearing June 8th @ 6:30 PM on Improvements
o Revised Schedule
o Funding Options
· Sanitary Sewer Extension (Martha Street)
7:55. To The Home Internet – Shawn Sprengeler
· Wireless Internet Service for City of Hamburg
8:15. Dennis’ Report (Public Works & Utilities)
· Project List (Added Items)
· Estimate for Sidewalk Replacement (Hard Stuff Masonry & Concrete)
o Railroad Street (Maria Ave to Sophia Ave)
· Proposal & Agreement for Seal Coating (Southwest Paving)
o CC/Fire Hall/WTP Parking Lot
· NYA Water Tower
· General Maintenance Schedules
8:25. Deputy Clerk Report
· Deputy Clerk Block
o Delinquent Utility Bills Report
o Minutes for City Council Meetings
8:30. City Clerk/Treasurer Report
· May 13, 2008 Motion – Street Closings for Civic Purposes
· Background Fees (Carver County) – Liquor Licenses
· 2009 Budget Summary & Hours Worked
· Community Center Rentals – Use of Alcohol
· Comprehensive Plan – Zoning Ordinances
o Special Meeting June 9th, 2009 @ 6:00 PM
· Potential Refunding of Existing Bonds (Ehlers & Associates)
· Worksite Wellness - Bike Share Program (Informational)
8:45. City Council Reports
· Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)
· Councilmember Cummiskey Report (Streets)
· Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
· Councilmember Barnes Report (Parks)
· Mayor Malz Report
9:00. Approve Added Claims for May 2009
9:05. Adjourn Meeting
COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES
MAY 2 – Parkside Tavern (Park)
30 – Stacie Dose (Park)
JUNE 6 – Joyce Kroells (Park)
19-21 – Zummerfest Celebration
COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES
MAY 3 – Washington Lake 4-H Club
04 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
12 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
18 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
19 – Neighborhood Meeting (Sewer Project) – 6:30 PM
25 – Memorial Day Holiday – City Offices Closed
26 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
27 – Hamburg Fire Department (Relief Assoc.) – 7:00 PM
30 – CC Rental - Dennis Byerly (Graduation)
JUNE 1 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
8 – Public Hearing (Sewer Project) – 6:30 PM
9 – Special Meeting (Zoning Ordinances) – 6:00 PM
9 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
13 – Community Center Rental – Nathan Amburg
14 – Washington Lake 4H Club
15 – Hamburg Lions Club
21 – Community Center Rental – Diane Weckman
23 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
27 – Community Center Rental – Wallace Kroells
29 – Hamburg Fire Department (Relief Assoc.) – 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Democratic Principles eroding under the Obama Adminstration
Democracy is being challenged by the cloak of “Best interest of the United States”. Two alarming episodes playing out are the continual detaining of suspected terrorist and the message sent by Vice President Joe Biden. Granted the unending detaining of suspected terrorist subjects has been policy since 9-11, the thought that “change” was coming gave a glimmer of hope that America’s United States Constitution may regain its importance.
The President while campaigning for office set forth the notion of closing Gitmo detention center and to deal with those detained. The presumption was that all those housed in the facility would face trial and depending on the outcome would be either released or retained per court ruling. During the past week, President Obama and former Vice President Cheney have traded barbs on the issue of closing Gitmo and CIA memo results. Congress stripped out $80M that was to fund the closing of Gitmo due to no clear plan by the White House.
After the dueling speeches by Obama and Cheney, surrogates on all sides have laid out the plans going forward. One of the moves indicates that some detainees will be held “indefinitely” because they pose a threat to the United States even though proof, in the court of law, does not agree. The US Constitution protects the liberties of people accused of crimes from unnecessary punishment and a right to a speedy trial. Set aside the point that Bush has done the same thing as America voted for “change” in the last election cycle.
President Obama has proved, i.e. firing of CEO’s, that the US Constitution is a piece of paper worthy of nothing. It should not shock anyone that part of the plan for Gitmo detainees is to remand them indefinitely. The other affront to Democracy is being done through the message Vice President Biden is sent the Lebanon.
On Friday, Vice President Biden landed in Lebanon to carry the message that future US Aid to Lebanon hinged on the outcome of upcoming “Democratic” elections. Vice President Biden stated after a meeting with President Suleiman, “I do not come here to back any particular party or any particular person. I come here to back certain principles.” The United States has labeled Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
Hezbollah has made inroads in recent elections by becoming an emerging force in the “Democratic” process. Hezbollah response to Vice President Biden’s statements is one of caution and “strong suspicion as to the real reason behind it”. Good or bad, if we are to stay true to our ideals of Democracy then the Obama Administration is not to dangle US Aid in front of the Lebonanese people in an effort to sway their vote.
Continuing the platform of “change” will lead America down the road of ruin and forever alter our liberties and pursuit of happiness within our own borders.
The President while campaigning for office set forth the notion of closing Gitmo detention center and to deal with those detained. The presumption was that all those housed in the facility would face trial and depending on the outcome would be either released or retained per court ruling. During the past week, President Obama and former Vice President Cheney have traded barbs on the issue of closing Gitmo and CIA memo results. Congress stripped out $80M that was to fund the closing of Gitmo due to no clear plan by the White House.
After the dueling speeches by Obama and Cheney, surrogates on all sides have laid out the plans going forward. One of the moves indicates that some detainees will be held “indefinitely” because they pose a threat to the United States even though proof, in the court of law, does not agree. The US Constitution protects the liberties of people accused of crimes from unnecessary punishment and a right to a speedy trial. Set aside the point that Bush has done the same thing as America voted for “change” in the last election cycle.
President Obama has proved, i.e. firing of CEO’s, that the US Constitution is a piece of paper worthy of nothing. It should not shock anyone that part of the plan for Gitmo detainees is to remand them indefinitely. The other affront to Democracy is being done through the message Vice President Biden is sent the Lebanon.
On Friday, Vice President Biden landed in Lebanon to carry the message that future US Aid to Lebanon hinged on the outcome of upcoming “Democratic” elections. Vice President Biden stated after a meeting with President Suleiman, “I do not come here to back any particular party or any particular person. I come here to back certain principles.” The United States has labeled Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
Hezbollah has made inroads in recent elections by becoming an emerging force in the “Democratic” process. Hezbollah response to Vice President Biden’s statements is one of caution and “strong suspicion as to the real reason behind it”. Good or bad, if we are to stay true to our ideals of Democracy then the Obama Administration is not to dangle US Aid in front of the Lebonanese people in an effort to sway their vote.
Continuing the platform of “change” will lead America down the road of ruin and forever alter our liberties and pursuit of happiness within our own borders.
Friday, May 22, 2009
TARP III: State Bailouts!!!!!
The other day Californians went to the polls to cast their vote of five measures. 4 of the measures were to divert or raise taxes while the one that passed restricted to Congressional pay raises to years without budget shortfalls. Now Gov. Schwarzenegger is faced with a government shutdown in the great state of California. Rumors on Capitol Hill are the National Government may bailout California. WHAT!!!
I do not pay federal taxes to help another state because their Governor and Legislature feel the need to over spend and spread socialistic programs. As Rep. Bachus of Alabama said, “Congress does not need to put the American taxpayer on the hook for more losses.” Rep. Bob Filner of Chula Vista, CA, feels a loan guarantee, “sounds like a good idea. We’re providing loan guarantees to everybody else.”
Treasury Secretary Geithner “made no commitment one way or the other” reported the LA Times to Rep. Culberson’s question,”Mr. Secretary, will you categorically rule out bailing out California or any other states with our tax dollars?” Too many states are over spending and realizing that increasing taxes are not the answer to budget woes. Now it will be interesting since California has 53 members of Congress; including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
States like Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas, and Alaska told President Obama to keep the stimulus money but have made a few exemptions since their original statements. With all the other socialistic ideals being touted by the Obama Administration, the concept of states throwing away their Constitutional rights for guarantee loans is right up President Obama’s alley. Every company that has been given TARP funds or other assistance has seen Chavez style takeovers.
If States start receiving TARP funds or similar assistance, we as American citizens might as well repeal the US Constitution and prepare ourselves for General Mao and the “Little Red Books”. Any Congressman (woman) that votes for a change in legislation will be casting a vote in direct violation of the US Constitution. The role of the Federal Government is not to provide funding to States that spend out of control and put themselves in fiscal quagmires.
Let California and Michigan be lessons to rest of the states in the Union. High taxes, unbalanced budgets, massive social programs, and over spending leads to unemployment, loss job creating business, civil unrest, and Federal Government takeover. At all levels of Government fiscal restraint is required. We can no longer look to increase taxes, no matter what form they take, to solve our budget owes. It is time for Government to be smaller, work smarter, and strike a balance.
LA Times article: “Federal officials unsure about California bailout” May 21, 2009. Peter Nicholas and Richard Simon.
I do not pay federal taxes to help another state because their Governor and Legislature feel the need to over spend and spread socialistic programs. As Rep. Bachus of Alabama said, “Congress does not need to put the American taxpayer on the hook for more losses.” Rep. Bob Filner of Chula Vista, CA, feels a loan guarantee, “sounds like a good idea. We’re providing loan guarantees to everybody else.”
Treasury Secretary Geithner “made no commitment one way or the other” reported the LA Times to Rep. Culberson’s question,”Mr. Secretary, will you categorically rule out bailing out California or any other states with our tax dollars?” Too many states are over spending and realizing that increasing taxes are not the answer to budget woes. Now it will be interesting since California has 53 members of Congress; including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
States like Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas, and Alaska told President Obama to keep the stimulus money but have made a few exemptions since their original statements. With all the other socialistic ideals being touted by the Obama Administration, the concept of states throwing away their Constitutional rights for guarantee loans is right up President Obama’s alley. Every company that has been given TARP funds or other assistance has seen Chavez style takeovers.
If States start receiving TARP funds or similar assistance, we as American citizens might as well repeal the US Constitution and prepare ourselves for General Mao and the “Little Red Books”. Any Congressman (woman) that votes for a change in legislation will be casting a vote in direct violation of the US Constitution. The role of the Federal Government is not to provide funding to States that spend out of control and put themselves in fiscal quagmires.
Let California and Michigan be lessons to rest of the states in the Union. High taxes, unbalanced budgets, massive social programs, and over spending leads to unemployment, loss job creating business, civil unrest, and Federal Government takeover. At all levels of Government fiscal restraint is required. We can no longer look to increase taxes, no matter what form they take, to solve our budget owes. It is time for Government to be smaller, work smarter, and strike a balance.
LA Times article: “Federal officials unsure about California bailout” May 21, 2009. Peter Nicholas and Richard Simon.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
$80M Gitmo Closure debate
Both President Obama and former Vice President Dick Cheney spoke today on the issue of torture and Gitmo closing. President Obama still plans to close Gitmo within 1 year while “ordering a review the cases of all detainees at [Gitmo]”. According to President Obama there are 240 detainees currently being housed at Gitmo. Just this week, Congress striped out the money required by President Obama to close Gitmo because the plan lacked clarity.
Many in Congress fear that detainees will be relocated into their districts. This makes me laugh since many of these same Congressmen, and women, are demanding and applauding President Obama’s decision to close Gitmo. Yet, their vote of offers a different opinion on their support of the President’s plan to close Gitmo. During President Obama’s speech today, he alluded to the creation of a new facility to house those deemed “to dangerous” to be placed in current high security prisons. Why?
Why spend more money on a new facility? Gitmo is the state of the art. The concept is a waste of money and will not lessen the stigma of Gitmo. The move is similar to his promise to bring troops home from Iraq only to send them to Afghanistan or Pakistan. It’s a shell game. Americans wake up and see what is going on here.
Vice President Cheney, although not as eloquent, hit back hard at the accusations made by the current administration. The terrorist that were captured are not “prisoner of war” as President Obama claims. They are terrorist. That simply fact is the basis of the legal rendering made by President Bush’s legal team. As a terrorist they are not covered by the Geneva Convention.
The President has the right to declassify any CIA document. What is being suppressed or covered up by not releasing the CIA memos that former Vice President Cheney says justifies the use of EIT’s on the three detainee’s post 9-11. As former Vice President Cheney alluded to, the EIT’s were only used on three detainees and only after all other methods were exhausted.
In watching the MSNBC reaction to both speeches was entertaining because Chris Matthews and his group are so in the pocket of President Obama. Pat Buchanan is the token conservative in the ocean of liberals. It was entertaining on how Matthews lobbed up softballs to the other liberal commentators and avoiding Buchanan. Hardball has gone soft.
The issue moving forward is no longer the definition of torture. The move forward is what to do with the detainees after Gitmo is closed. As an American taxpayer, I do not want to pay for a new facility when Gitmo serves the exact purpose a new facility will perform. It is a flat waste of money and with future Americans being taxed with a multi-trillion dollar deficit.
“To rule out future use of enhanced integration techniques,” according the former Vice President Cheney will only “weaken” our security. I agree with that. EIT’s should not be the first method of extracting information but it should be an option.
Many in Congress fear that detainees will be relocated into their districts. This makes me laugh since many of these same Congressmen, and women, are demanding and applauding President Obama’s decision to close Gitmo. Yet, their vote of offers a different opinion on their support of the President’s plan to close Gitmo. During President Obama’s speech today, he alluded to the creation of a new facility to house those deemed “to dangerous” to be placed in current high security prisons. Why?
Why spend more money on a new facility? Gitmo is the state of the art. The concept is a waste of money and will not lessen the stigma of Gitmo. The move is similar to his promise to bring troops home from Iraq only to send them to Afghanistan or Pakistan. It’s a shell game. Americans wake up and see what is going on here.
Vice President Cheney, although not as eloquent, hit back hard at the accusations made by the current administration. The terrorist that were captured are not “prisoner of war” as President Obama claims. They are terrorist. That simply fact is the basis of the legal rendering made by President Bush’s legal team. As a terrorist they are not covered by the Geneva Convention.
The President has the right to declassify any CIA document. What is being suppressed or covered up by not releasing the CIA memos that former Vice President Cheney says justifies the use of EIT’s on the three detainee’s post 9-11. As former Vice President Cheney alluded to, the EIT’s were only used on three detainees and only after all other methods were exhausted.
In watching the MSNBC reaction to both speeches was entertaining because Chris Matthews and his group are so in the pocket of President Obama. Pat Buchanan is the token conservative in the ocean of liberals. It was entertaining on how Matthews lobbed up softballs to the other liberal commentators and avoiding Buchanan. Hardball has gone soft.
The issue moving forward is no longer the definition of torture. The move forward is what to do with the detainees after Gitmo is closed. As an American taxpayer, I do not want to pay for a new facility when Gitmo serves the exact purpose a new facility will perform. It is a flat waste of money and with future Americans being taxed with a multi-trillion dollar deficit.
“To rule out future use of enhanced integration techniques,” according the former Vice President Cheney will only “weaken” our security. I agree with that. EIT’s should not be the first method of extracting information but it should be an option.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Hamburg's I/I Reduction Project
Last night a neighborhood meeting was held at City Hall in Hamburg, MN to discuss sanitary and storm sewer improvements project. The area that project will affect is:
· An area located between Brad St, George St, Park Ave, and Robert Ave.
· An area located south of Park Ave/CSAH 50 and east of the City Park
The meeting took place at 6:30 with city engineer Douglass Parrott walking through the project and the area affected. About 20 people showed up for meeting which is about half of the households that would be affected by the improvements being suggested.
Although the conversation was more informational a handful of residents asked additional questions to clarify specifics of the project. The estimated total cost of the project is $1.25M of which $371,733 is for the improved sanitary sewer system that would run through the backyards of those that live on Kim Ave, David Ave, and Robert Ave.
City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen outlined the plan for obtaining financing. The hope is that Hamburg can obtain 20% of from money allocated to states by the Federal Stimulus plan, a $90,000 TMDL grant, and the rest through a low interest loan. The fall back is the establishment of monthly storm sewer fee, assessments, and possible increase in property taxes.
Additional cost will occur by homeowners in the area to gain sewer connection since the plan is only extend the pipe from the new sewer line to the 10 foot easement line and it would be up to the homeowner to make the connection. To combat the sub-pump situation, the project proposal suggests putting in a 12” drain tile system parrallel to the new sanitary system that will allow homeowners to tap into. The tapping into the system will be an optional choice with an additional cost unless the City Council makes it mandatory.
The next step is a public hearing on June 8th. Little blue cards were given out for those not comfortable speaking their concern in public. For those residents of Hamburg that read my blog and add comments, I will take pass those concerns along to the City.
· An area located between Brad St, George St, Park Ave, and Robert Ave.
· An area located south of Park Ave/CSAH 50 and east of the City Park
The meeting took place at 6:30 with city engineer Douglass Parrott walking through the project and the area affected. About 20 people showed up for meeting which is about half of the households that would be affected by the improvements being suggested.
Although the conversation was more informational a handful of residents asked additional questions to clarify specifics of the project. The estimated total cost of the project is $1.25M of which $371,733 is for the improved sanitary sewer system that would run through the backyards of those that live on Kim Ave, David Ave, and Robert Ave.
City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen outlined the plan for obtaining financing. The hope is that Hamburg can obtain 20% of from money allocated to states by the Federal Stimulus plan, a $90,000 TMDL grant, and the rest through a low interest loan. The fall back is the establishment of monthly storm sewer fee, assessments, and possible increase in property taxes.
Additional cost will occur by homeowners in the area to gain sewer connection since the plan is only extend the pipe from the new sewer line to the 10 foot easement line and it would be up to the homeowner to make the connection. To combat the sub-pump situation, the project proposal suggests putting in a 12” drain tile system parrallel to the new sanitary system that will allow homeowners to tap into. The tapping into the system will be an optional choice with an additional cost unless the City Council makes it mandatory.
The next step is a public hearing on June 8th. Little blue cards were given out for those not comfortable speaking their concern in public. For those residents of Hamburg that read my blog and add comments, I will take pass those concerns along to the City.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Abortion: Governments only role is to regulate
Over the weekend President Obama gave commencement at Notre Dame amidst controversy. Many thought the Catholic Church ought not to allow the President to speak or give him an honorary degree. The controvesary arises from President Obama’s and Catholic Church doctrine being in opposition on the stance of abortion. While I understand Notre Dame hierarchy’s decision to have the President of the United States to speak at commencement; I hold reservation to giving him an honorary degree.
Arizona State University decided to not bestow President Obama with an honorary degree due to “not having accomplished anything of importance” which President Obama mocked during his commencement speech at Notre Dame. Now, I don’t exactly agree with Arizona State’s decision, I would support the Notre Dame’s board if they had not given an honorary degree. Notre Dame has a significant moral issue with President Obama on the stance of abortion.
Opponents of the honorary degree suggest that Notre Dame is giving credence to President Obama’s stance on abortion. This I agree with. Where I differ with the opponents of President Obama speaking at commencement is having him speak. President Obama’s appearance does not translate into Notre Dame accepting his position on abortion; rather it displays a willingness to have open dialogue on the topic. Last year St. Thomas did not want Bishop Desmond Tutu because of his view only later to reconsider.
Abortion is an issue that stokes strong emotions. I applaud President Obama for acknowledging that two sides of the issue exist and his plea to for all involved looking for “common ground”. Abortion is a personal choice and is something a man cannot have. The Government should not be involved in the decision of whether one has an abortion or not. Where Governments role is to ensure the standard of care is at an acceptable level similar to a heart transplant.
Since a man cannot have the abortion, it really comes down on the shoulders of the woman. The woman will bear the emotion and physical scars of the abortion for her lifetime. Some women are capable of handling multiple abortions while others simple cannot. The issue of whether abortion is legal or not is mute. Parents and communities do have the responsibility of educating the youth on the potential outcome of sexual activity.
Simply put, abortion is not something the Government is to prevent from happening; rather abortion is something the Government is allowed to regulate. The regulation of abortion as to the standards of the procedure and how late into the pregnancy is the extent the Government ought to be involved in the issue. Personally, I do not believe in abortion because of my motto of “If you play the game, you live with the consequences.” Now, I will not ask my Government to stop a woman to having an abortion nor will I shun her for doing so.
Let’s allow Government to regulate it, leave it legal, and increase the education of the youth to all aspects of sexual activity. Keeping the knowledge from the youth only tempts them further. Information on potential outcomes of sexual activity will not increase sexual activity among the youth. It will enlighten people to their actions have consequences and it is time to be responsible for oneself.
Arizona State University decided to not bestow President Obama with an honorary degree due to “not having accomplished anything of importance” which President Obama mocked during his commencement speech at Notre Dame. Now, I don’t exactly agree with Arizona State’s decision, I would support the Notre Dame’s board if they had not given an honorary degree. Notre Dame has a significant moral issue with President Obama on the stance of abortion.
Opponents of the honorary degree suggest that Notre Dame is giving credence to President Obama’s stance on abortion. This I agree with. Where I differ with the opponents of President Obama speaking at commencement is having him speak. President Obama’s appearance does not translate into Notre Dame accepting his position on abortion; rather it displays a willingness to have open dialogue on the topic. Last year St. Thomas did not want Bishop Desmond Tutu because of his view only later to reconsider.
Abortion is an issue that stokes strong emotions. I applaud President Obama for acknowledging that two sides of the issue exist and his plea to for all involved looking for “common ground”. Abortion is a personal choice and is something a man cannot have. The Government should not be involved in the decision of whether one has an abortion or not. Where Governments role is to ensure the standard of care is at an acceptable level similar to a heart transplant.
Since a man cannot have the abortion, it really comes down on the shoulders of the woman. The woman will bear the emotion and physical scars of the abortion for her lifetime. Some women are capable of handling multiple abortions while others simple cannot. The issue of whether abortion is legal or not is mute. Parents and communities do have the responsibility of educating the youth on the potential outcome of sexual activity.
Simply put, abortion is not something the Government is to prevent from happening; rather abortion is something the Government is allowed to regulate. The regulation of abortion as to the standards of the procedure and how late into the pregnancy is the extent the Government ought to be involved in the issue. Personally, I do not believe in abortion because of my motto of “If you play the game, you live with the consequences.” Now, I will not ask my Government to stop a woman to having an abortion nor will I shun her for doing so.
Let’s allow Government to regulate it, leave it legal, and increase the education of the youth to all aspects of sexual activity. Keeping the knowledge from the youth only tempts them further. Information on potential outcomes of sexual activity will not increase sexual activity among the youth. It will enlighten people to their actions have consequences and it is time to be responsible for oneself.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Who is lying: Pelosi or CIA?
House Speaker Pelosi just needs to shut up. In her press conference last week she made the claim that the CIA “misled” her in September of 2002 and was not told that water boarding was being done, especially on Abu Zubaydah. Friday, after Speaker Pelosi’s grandstand, CIA Director Leon Panetta stated, “CIA officers briefed truthfully on the interrogation of Abu Zubaydah, describing ‘the enhanced techniques that have been employed’”.
According the law of the land, it is a crime to lie or mislead Congress. If this is the case, why is it okay then for Speaker Pelosi is able to stand there and lie to the American Public? The surprising message being lost here is the lack of defense of Speaker Pelosi by the White House. Why might this be?
Perhaps it is because the CIA did let Congress know of the techniques being used to ferret out information. On CNN’s State of the Union, Rep. John Boehner said, “If the speaker is accusing the CIA and other intelligence officials of lying or misleading the Congress, then she should come forward with evidence and turn that over to the Justice Department so they be prosecuted. And if that is not the case, I think she ought to apologize to our intelligence professionals around the world.”
As I am writing a promo came on MSNBC for Hardball. Chris Matthews’s teaser put forth the question if the Republican Party is using the Pelosi CIA attack as a distraction to Bush era policy. Now, I understand that Chris Matthews is a commentary but many people in our realm feel he is a news reporter. Why doesn’t the liberal media focus on Pelosi’s retort to CIA Panetta’s charge that she was given full disclosure?
Speaker Pelosi shifted her focus from the CIA to the Bush administration when she put out the statement last Friday, “My criticism of the manner in which the Bush administration did not appropriately inform Congress is separate from my respect for those in the intelligence community who work to keep our country safe.” Really? Is Speaker Pelosi for real? As it has been reported, she first claimed that she was never briefed only to later soften her stance then to an outright blast of the CIA.
It was the role of the CIA to inform Congress of the techniques used, which according to CIA Panetta was done in September 2002. I would love to see a truth commission as it will bring to light to truth. My only concern is if the media will report the facts and not add their bias.
According the law of the land, it is a crime to lie or mislead Congress. If this is the case, why is it okay then for Speaker Pelosi is able to stand there and lie to the American Public? The surprising message being lost here is the lack of defense of Speaker Pelosi by the White House. Why might this be?
Perhaps it is because the CIA did let Congress know of the techniques being used to ferret out information. On CNN’s State of the Union, Rep. John Boehner said, “If the speaker is accusing the CIA and other intelligence officials of lying or misleading the Congress, then she should come forward with evidence and turn that over to the Justice Department so they be prosecuted. And if that is not the case, I think she ought to apologize to our intelligence professionals around the world.”
As I am writing a promo came on MSNBC for Hardball. Chris Matthews’s teaser put forth the question if the Republican Party is using the Pelosi CIA attack as a distraction to Bush era policy. Now, I understand that Chris Matthews is a commentary but many people in our realm feel he is a news reporter. Why doesn’t the liberal media focus on Pelosi’s retort to CIA Panetta’s charge that she was given full disclosure?
Speaker Pelosi shifted her focus from the CIA to the Bush administration when she put out the statement last Friday, “My criticism of the manner in which the Bush administration did not appropriately inform Congress is separate from my respect for those in the intelligence community who work to keep our country safe.” Really? Is Speaker Pelosi for real? As it has been reported, she first claimed that she was never briefed only to later soften her stance then to an outright blast of the CIA.
It was the role of the CIA to inform Congress of the techniques used, which according to CIA Panetta was done in September 2002. I would love to see a truth commission as it will bring to light to truth. My only concern is if the media will report the facts and not add their bias.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Pelosi is caught red handed
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a news conference today in an attempt to clear the air on her knowledge of water boarding. Prior to the meeting today, House Speaker Pelosi contended that she was never briefed on the use of harsh tactics, i.e. water boarding. In her press conference today, she contracted her previous statement when she announced that in September 2002 she was briefed on “enhanced interrogation techniques” were going to be used. The CIA is still contending that both House Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Porter Goss were briefed on the “use of EITS”.
The five months after September 2002 briefing, the CIA briefed Chairman Harmon who in turn, according to her press conference, was “informed” about the CIA briefing of Chairman Harmon and the use of EITS. Now President Obama is doing an about face on releasing additional photos of prisoner abuse. Why? As the debate of CIA Memos continues, it will be interesting to see what the “truth” commission is able to ferret out.
Former Vice President Cheney has been asking for further CIA memos to be released to the public and House Speaker Pelosi asked that the briefing she was given in September 2002 be released as well. The use of water boarding is just one EIT used, so is House Speaker Pelosi okay with the rest but draws the line at water boarding?
Will America see a Nixon cover-up or will President Obama finally have the opportunity to break away from the choke collar that House Speaker Pelosi has on the White House?
You can see House Speaker Pelosi attempting to absolve herself from any responsibility of the use of EITS. Judge for yourself.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2009/05/pelosi_accuses_cia_of.html?hpid=topnews
The five months after September 2002 briefing, the CIA briefed Chairman Harmon who in turn, according to her press conference, was “informed” about the CIA briefing of Chairman Harmon and the use of EITS. Now President Obama is doing an about face on releasing additional photos of prisoner abuse. Why? As the debate of CIA Memos continues, it will be interesting to see what the “truth” commission is able to ferret out.
Former Vice President Cheney has been asking for further CIA memos to be released to the public and House Speaker Pelosi asked that the briefing she was given in September 2002 be released as well. The use of water boarding is just one EIT used, so is House Speaker Pelosi okay with the rest but draws the line at water boarding?
Will America see a Nixon cover-up or will President Obama finally have the opportunity to break away from the choke collar that House Speaker Pelosi has on the White House?
You can see House Speaker Pelosi attempting to absolve herself from any responsibility of the use of EITS. Judge for yourself.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2009/05/pelosi_accuses_cia_of.html?hpid=topnews
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Hamburg City Council Agenda - May 12, 2009
Agenda from May 12, 2009 Hamburg City Council. Future posting will be done prior to meeting. Please note an I/I Abatement Program meeting will be held on May 19th at 6:30 pm.
7:00. Call City Council Meeting to Order @ 7:00 PM
· Pledge of Allegiance
· Miscellaneous Business (Public Comments)
· Agenda Review (Added Items) and Adoption
· Old City Business (Memo)
7:05. Fire Department Report
· 2009 FEMA Grant (Application)
· Joint Powers Agreements – Article in LMC Magazine
7:10. Dennis’ Report (Public Works & Utilities)
· Project List (Added Items)
· Water Main Leak (Brad Street)
· 2009 Budget Cuts – LGA Loss for 2009
· Estimates for Sidewalk Replacement
o Railroad Street (Maria Ave to Sophia Ave)
· Estimates for Seal Coating
o CC/Fire Hall/WTP Parking Lot & Donald Avenue
· NYA Water Tower
· General Maintenance Schedules
7:40. Deputy Clerk Report
· Deputy Clerk Block
o Delinquent Utility Bills Report
7:45. City Clerk/Treasurer Report
· I/I Abatement Program
o Neighborhood Meeting – May 19th, 2009 @ 6:30 PM
· Comprehensive Plan – Zoning Ordinances
o Special Meeting June 9th, 2009 @ 6:00 PM
· Carver County Base Fiber Optic Ring
o Fiber Optic Ring Route
o Additions via Laterals Based upon Funding from Stimulus Funds
· Clarke Mosquito Control – Outdoor Pest Control Dates for 2009
· To The Home Internet
· Community Center Rentals – Use of Alcohol
8:05. City Council Reports
· Councilmember Mueller Report (Sewer & Water)
· Councilmember Cummiskey Report (Streets)
· Councilmember Trebesch Report (Buildings)
· Councilmember Barnes Report (Parks)
· Mayor Malz Report
8:15. Approve Claims List for May 2009
8:20. Adjourn Meeting
COMMUNITY HALL & PARK ACTIVITIES
MAY 02 – Parkside Tavern (Park)
30 – Stacie Dose (Park)
COMMUNITY CENTER (FIRE HALL) ACTIVITIES
MAY 03 – Washington Lake 4-H Club
04 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
12 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
18 – Hamburg Lions Club Meeting
25 – Memorial Day Holiday – City Offices Closed
26 – Hamburg City Council Meeting – 7:00 PM
27 – Hamburg Fire Department (Relief Assoc.) – 7:00 PM
30 – CC Rental - Dennis Byerly (Graduation)
Liberals should be ashamed
After a smear campaign by the Left, the crown will not switch hands in California. Yesterday Donald Trump vindicated Miss California Carrie Prejean by announcing that Ms. Prejean will retain her crown. The Left did their best attempt to discredit Ms. Prejean because she answered Perez Hilton’s question not to their liking. Ms. Prejean predicated her response by stating that she did not mean to offend anyone while she elaborated on her personnel take on the issue of marriage.
Instead of recognizing, accepting, and understanding her belief that marriage is to be between a man and a woman, the Left moved on to produce swimsuit pictorials in hopes to disgrace Ms. Prejean and pageant officials. Thankfully the shameful propaganda spewed by the Left did not work. I find it a bit ironic that the Left demands open-mindedness on the topic of marriage but if anyone voices their opposition they are ignorant and intolerant. Who is really being intolerant?
President Barak Obama while campaigning for the Presidency agrees with Carrie Prejean on marriage. Why is the Left not trying to smear him? Did they think that Ms. Prejean was an easier target because she is a beauty queen? How appalling!!
Where are the Gay and Lesbian community and National Organization of Women? If I was a part of either organization, I’d be embarrassed by the pathetic attempt to discredit Ms. Prejean just because she has a view different than ours. How are we, as a society, to move forward so everyone is able to enjoy the freedoms and pursue liberty free of government constraint if someone, i.e. Ms. Prejean, cannot voice her opinion?
Instead of recognizing, accepting, and understanding her belief that marriage is to be between a man and a woman, the Left moved on to produce swimsuit pictorials in hopes to disgrace Ms. Prejean and pageant officials. Thankfully the shameful propaganda spewed by the Left did not work. I find it a bit ironic that the Left demands open-mindedness on the topic of marriage but if anyone voices their opposition they are ignorant and intolerant. Who is really being intolerant?
President Barak Obama while campaigning for the Presidency agrees with Carrie Prejean on marriage. Why is the Left not trying to smear him? Did they think that Ms. Prejean was an easier target because she is a beauty queen? How appalling!!
Where are the Gay and Lesbian community and National Organization of Women? If I was a part of either organization, I’d be embarrassed by the pathetic attempt to discredit Ms. Prejean just because she has a view different than ours. How are we, as a society, to move forward so everyone is able to enjoy the freedoms and pursue liberty free of government constraint if someone, i.e. Ms. Prejean, cannot voice her opinion?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Media Double Standard; Gore vs. Cheney
Since leaving office Vice President Al Gore has been at the forefront of Global Warming debate. Although Vice President Gore tends to duck real debates on the topic, Vice President Dick Cheney is challenging the current administration on the CIA memos. Why is it that the media is demonizing Vice President Cheney while they have a lovefest with Vice President Gore?
The media, for a large part, has driven the liberal agenda while ignoring the facts of the day. A double standard is firmly established by the media when dealing with issues of conservative or liberal. Put aside the argument of defining torture; let’s demand that all the CIA memos be released to end the debate. President Obama has already made the decision that harsh tactics used are defined as torture and is willing to move forward with prosecution of those that wrote the legal opinions.
Investigative journalism, as I stated yesterday, is dead in America. Americans deserve to know the truth and not pieces of the truth. It is time to remove the double standard and report the truth. To end the debate on the CIA memos is easily done by releasing all the memos surrounding the issue. If people are tired of hearing Vice President Cheney then demand President Obama release all CIA memos that are the topic.
At the same time, it is time for a national debate to take place. It is time for Vice President Gore to debate one-on-one with John Christy.
The media, for a large part, has driven the liberal agenda while ignoring the facts of the day. A double standard is firmly established by the media when dealing with issues of conservative or liberal. Put aside the argument of defining torture; let’s demand that all the CIA memos be released to end the debate. President Obama has already made the decision that harsh tactics used are defined as torture and is willing to move forward with prosecution of those that wrote the legal opinions.
Investigative journalism, as I stated yesterday, is dead in America. Americans deserve to know the truth and not pieces of the truth. It is time to remove the double standard and report the truth. To end the debate on the CIA memos is easily done by releasing all the memos surrounding the issue. If people are tired of hearing Vice President Cheney then demand President Obama release all CIA memos that are the topic.
At the same time, it is time for a national debate to take place. It is time for Vice President Gore to debate one-on-one with John Christy.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Is real Journalism dead?
What happened to journalism in America? I understand that with our 24/7 news cycle more pressure is on the various news sources to retain viewership. As I sit here looking for a job, I have the television on in the background. A typical day starts with Morning Joe on MSNBC then a switch to CNN around 11 am. After lunch, I turn the channel back to MSNBC to watch Press Secretary Robert Gibbs daily briefings. All the while I am reading about 10 websites – newspaper, blogs, and other – in my attempt to gain a greater understanding of the issues of the day.
These so-called news programs need to be called out. Newspapers need to be called out. They are all yellow journalists. No longer does the Woodward/Bernstein investigative reporting exist in America. Journalists, mainly those on television, are more in the business to expand their own ego. Why cannot the 24/7 news cycle (MSNBC, CNN, and Fox) report the news without the side commentary or slant of those reporting the news.
The late concept in the electronic media is the aligning with political ideologies. We have MSNBC in with liberals while Fox is aligned with conservatives. The news has always had a bias and rarely do they have a columnist or a host that runs the middle ground. This was obvious during the historic Presidential election of 2008.
In some backroom agreement the major hitters in the industry agreed to put in depth reporting of Sen. Obama on the back burner. The Fox channel was one of a few outlets that tried to vet all candidates properly. The trouble is they were vilified as a right-wing extreme channel due to their intense scrutiny of Sen. Obama. I wonder though if the perception of intense scrutiny was a result of other major news outlets were ignoring virtually everything questionable about Sen. Obama’s past.
It was during the 2008 Presidential election process that journalism fell off the cliff. The climb back to reporting the news without bias may never come. It is truly sad that our country has succumbed to the journalist hacks in the blogosphere that pass themselves off as news reporters. When will America demand better unbiased reporting?
These so-called news programs need to be called out. Newspapers need to be called out. They are all yellow journalists. No longer does the Woodward/Bernstein investigative reporting exist in America. Journalists, mainly those on television, are more in the business to expand their own ego. Why cannot the 24/7 news cycle (MSNBC, CNN, and Fox) report the news without the side commentary or slant of those reporting the news.
The late concept in the electronic media is the aligning with political ideologies. We have MSNBC in with liberals while Fox is aligned with conservatives. The news has always had a bias and rarely do they have a columnist or a host that runs the middle ground. This was obvious during the historic Presidential election of 2008.
In some backroom agreement the major hitters in the industry agreed to put in depth reporting of Sen. Obama on the back burner. The Fox channel was one of a few outlets that tried to vet all candidates properly. The trouble is they were vilified as a right-wing extreme channel due to their intense scrutiny of Sen. Obama. I wonder though if the perception of intense scrutiny was a result of other major news outlets were ignoring virtually everything questionable about Sen. Obama’s past.
It was during the 2008 Presidential election process that journalism fell off the cliff. The climb back to reporting the news without bias may never come. It is truly sad that our country has succumbed to the journalist hacks in the blogosphere that pass themselves off as news reporters. When will America demand better unbiased reporting?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!!!
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms!!!
Last night the weekly bonfire took place because Friday's rain delay. We started it early, 6 pm, after getting back from Mothers Day dinner. Slowly the neighbors filed out of their abodes and joined the ring of fire. Most of the usual subjects were there but a few were not. Conversation was brisk and topics changed rapidly.
Around 10 pm the sky above clouded up and threatened the bonfire by unloading a brief shower. Those sitting around braved the rain and I even think someone broke out a bar of soap. Good thing because someone was definitely stinking up the joint.
The herd thinned and the bonfire died down around midnight but the party didn't stop there. It moved indoors where Cinemax was live an well. Between sips of whiskey, a suggestion was made to make breakfast. Being the gracious host, I got out the skillet and proceeding to warm it up. A neighbor prep the eggs while I manned the hash browns.
After a couple more tumblers of whiskey, breakfast was ready for consumption. The night ended with laughter and good eats. Woke this morning to a half full tumbler of whiskey. What a waste!!! Not a big bloody mary guy, I decided the best medicine was to make good use of the half full tumbler. The hair of the dog on Mother's Day was whiskey and ice tea. Hit the spot.
Last night the weekly bonfire took place because Friday's rain delay. We started it early, 6 pm, after getting back from Mothers Day dinner. Slowly the neighbors filed out of their abodes and joined the ring of fire. Most of the usual subjects were there but a few were not. Conversation was brisk and topics changed rapidly.
Around 10 pm the sky above clouded up and threatened the bonfire by unloading a brief shower. Those sitting around braved the rain and I even think someone broke out a bar of soap. Good thing because someone was definitely stinking up the joint.
The herd thinned and the bonfire died down around midnight but the party didn't stop there. It moved indoors where Cinemax was live an well. Between sips of whiskey, a suggestion was made to make breakfast. Being the gracious host, I got out the skillet and proceeding to warm it up. A neighbor prep the eggs while I manned the hash browns.
After a couple more tumblers of whiskey, breakfast was ready for consumption. The night ended with laughter and good eats. Woke this morning to a half full tumbler of whiskey. What a waste!!! Not a big bloody mary guy, I decided the best medicine was to make good use of the half full tumbler. The hair of the dog on Mother's Day was whiskey and ice tea. Hit the spot.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Oligarchy to Monarchy; The death of Democracy
The defection of Arlen Specter to the Democrat Party was touted as a victory by Democrats and a blessing by Republicans. Pundits, namely those on MSNBC, are giddy at the upheaval taking place within the Republican Party as moderates are finding there is no room for them. Regardless if you are liberal, conservative, or moderate we are all witnessing something very dangerous taking place in America politics; creation of a one-party system.
An oligarchy already exists on the national political scene. Third party candidates rarely get the exposure, exceptions are Nader and Perot, required to launch a major offensive. The Republican Party is becoming a regional party and may lose their footing on the main stage. While those on the left are cheering, it presents American Democracy in a precarious situation. With no other party established on the national scene, the regionalization of the Republican Party will doom Americans to choosing from one party.
Every national election other candidates are listed on the ballot, without the ability to participate in national debates, they do not get the national exposure the current Oligarchy enjoys. What America requires to save Democracy is more political parties for Americans to choose from. All too often Americans vote for or against the two major parities. President Obama talks a great game and adopted the Clinton game book on his path to the White House.
The mastery of the Clinton playbook by President Obama is a prime example of voters going to the poll to cast their vote based on emotion rather than logic. The Republican Party message of fiscal responsibility was muddled as President Bush abandoned his conservative heritage by opening up the pocket book in the final two years of his Presidency. The departure from fiscal responsibility created the perfect storm for a “liberal” liberal to be voted in. The Republican hierarchy realized this by putting forth their sacrificial lamb; Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin.
The $3.6T budget proposed by President Obama increases the realization of a one-party system as Americans become slaves to the Government. Ironic that many compare President Obama to President Lincoln as Lincoln fought to free the slaves and Obama is fighting to enslave all Americans. I challenge every America to find candidates that best represents their core beliefs and vote for them. The Democrat and Republican Parties are not the only games in town.
Continuing to use the mentality of it’s a “waste of a vote” will destroy Democracy in America. I am suggesting or recruiting for any party rather to find a candidate that fits your core beliefs to rally behind. If one does not exist then perform your patriotic duty and become that candidate. More candidate choice is demanded for the survival of Democracy in the United States.
An oligarchy already exists on the national political scene. Third party candidates rarely get the exposure, exceptions are Nader and Perot, required to launch a major offensive. The Republican Party is becoming a regional party and may lose their footing on the main stage. While those on the left are cheering, it presents American Democracy in a precarious situation. With no other party established on the national scene, the regionalization of the Republican Party will doom Americans to choosing from one party.
Every national election other candidates are listed on the ballot, without the ability to participate in national debates, they do not get the national exposure the current Oligarchy enjoys. What America requires to save Democracy is more political parties for Americans to choose from. All too often Americans vote for or against the two major parities. President Obama talks a great game and adopted the Clinton game book on his path to the White House.
The mastery of the Clinton playbook by President Obama is a prime example of voters going to the poll to cast their vote based on emotion rather than logic. The Republican Party message of fiscal responsibility was muddled as President Bush abandoned his conservative heritage by opening up the pocket book in the final two years of his Presidency. The departure from fiscal responsibility created the perfect storm for a “liberal” liberal to be voted in. The Republican hierarchy realized this by putting forth their sacrificial lamb; Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin.
The $3.6T budget proposed by President Obama increases the realization of a one-party system as Americans become slaves to the Government. Ironic that many compare President Obama to President Lincoln as Lincoln fought to free the slaves and Obama is fighting to enslave all Americans. I challenge every America to find candidates that best represents their core beliefs and vote for them. The Democrat and Republican Parties are not the only games in town.
Continuing to use the mentality of it’s a “waste of a vote” will destroy Democracy in America. I am suggesting or recruiting for any party rather to find a candidate that fits your core beliefs to rally behind. If one does not exist then perform your patriotic duty and become that candidate. More candidate choice is demanded for the survival of Democracy in the United States.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Parental Rights vs. Government Intervention in New Ulm trial
Today in New Ulm a trial is taking place between the state of Minnesota and a family right to choose medical treatment for their child. The child in question is 13 years old and the disease it Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Traditional medicine recommends six rounds of chemotherapy and radiation that has a 95% success rate. The first round of chemo made the child sick and worried the parents as to the treatment. The family religious belief is Nemenhah which feels such treatment violates their religious beliefs.
The family has turned to a medicine man to administer an alternative treatment of supplements and vitamins. Instead of the state respecting the family’s choice and allowing the treatment to run its course they are stepping in because it’s “in the best interest of the child.” Unfortunately, the main stream healthcare system does not look fondly upon alternative medication.
Why does mainstream healthcare not tap into the rich use of alternative medication? The answer is the drug companies. There is no way for the drug companies to make a profit on alternative medicines and some fear that their expensive medications will be replaced. I am not suggesting a wholesale exchange rather an exchange of ideas.
Two things are taking place during this trial in New Ulm. The first is parental rights while the second is the demonizing of alternative medicine. Parents are constantly told they need to do more for their children. Now the state is saying that if medical professionals offer a recommendation and one does not heed it, the state will step in. WHAT!!! This is a prime example of Americans not keeping Government in check.
I pray and hope the judge interprets the law correctly and allows the parents to seek alternative medication per their religious rights. What I don’t want to see is the judge, regardless of the decisions, to legislate from the bench. The pushing of social agenda’s from the bench by judges is not why they were appointed/elected. The role of the judge is to interpret the case before based on the law of the land.
The family has turned to a medicine man to administer an alternative treatment of supplements and vitamins. Instead of the state respecting the family’s choice and allowing the treatment to run its course they are stepping in because it’s “in the best interest of the child.” Unfortunately, the main stream healthcare system does not look fondly upon alternative medication.
Why does mainstream healthcare not tap into the rich use of alternative medication? The answer is the drug companies. There is no way for the drug companies to make a profit on alternative medicines and some fear that their expensive medications will be replaced. I am not suggesting a wholesale exchange rather an exchange of ideas.
Two things are taking place during this trial in New Ulm. The first is parental rights while the second is the demonizing of alternative medicine. Parents are constantly told they need to do more for their children. Now the state is saying that if medical professionals offer a recommendation and one does not heed it, the state will step in. WHAT!!! This is a prime example of Americans not keeping Government in check.
I pray and hope the judge interprets the law correctly and allows the parents to seek alternative medication per their religious rights. What I don’t want to see is the judge, regardless of the decisions, to legislate from the bench. The pushing of social agenda’s from the bench by judges is not why they were appointed/elected. The role of the judge is to interpret the case before based on the law of the land.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Supreme Court Justice Hillary Clinton
Over the past few days I have extended the distance I take Mischka for a walk from 1.5 miles to 3 miles. Since Mischka is heeling without being reminded, the walk is a lot quieter. The peaceful walk, except for the occasional barking dog or car passing, has allotted my mind greater freedom to explore events, concepts, and ideas without interruption. During our walk on Wednesday my thoughts traveled back to the Democrat Primary and the ultimate selection of Sen. Obama as their nominee.
My focus was not on the eventual historic bid for the White House rather on rival that did not get tapped; Sen. Hillary Clinton. Many whom I talked with when Democrat nominee Obama tapped Sen. Joe Biden to be the tickets Vice President thought Obama made a poor decision. The misstep of Sen. Biden instead of tapping Sen. Clinton looked to be fatal then the Republican Party gave the Democrats a gift when they added Gov. Palin to the ticket.
The adding of Gov. Palin allowed the conversation of the non-appointment of Sen. Clinton to subside. Why is it that Sen. Obama did not choose Sen. Clinton to form the ultimate “Dream” ticket? Was it perhaps a larger picture was being painted? The bigger picture being painted is the Supreme Court.
On President Obama’s 100th day in office, Justice Souter notified the President of his intention to retire from the bench. The news stirred up the mass media as to what type of person President Obama ought to choose for the highest court in our land. Currently the Supreme Court has one female and one black with the remaining Justices being white males. The pressure on President Obama is to appoint a minority female to the bench.
President Obama has established a list of criteria that he will look for in the next Supreme Court Justice. The number one criteria being empathy while top Democrats are looking for President Obama to appoint a non-judge type. I believe that President Obama will appoint a female but it will not be a minority.
Thinking back to the primary and the fallout after Sen. Biden was tapped to be the Vice President instead of Sen. Clinton, perhaps the media missed the second great story to come from last year historic election season. It appeared that the Clinton’s were on the outside looking in as the Democrats pushed toward the White House but that was all a façade.
The ground was being laid to pave the way, if Democrat nominee Obama was elected, for Sen. Clinton’s appointment to the Supreme Court. Granted the right Justice had to step down as to make the choice of Sen. Clinton the right one. The next Supreme Court Justice will be Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The pondering point is if the President will offer up a sacrificial lamb prior to Secretary of State Clinton’s confirmation hearing.
My focus was not on the eventual historic bid for the White House rather on rival that did not get tapped; Sen. Hillary Clinton. Many whom I talked with when Democrat nominee Obama tapped Sen. Joe Biden to be the tickets Vice President thought Obama made a poor decision. The misstep of Sen. Biden instead of tapping Sen. Clinton looked to be fatal then the Republican Party gave the Democrats a gift when they added Gov. Palin to the ticket.
The adding of Gov. Palin allowed the conversation of the non-appointment of Sen. Clinton to subside. Why is it that Sen. Obama did not choose Sen. Clinton to form the ultimate “Dream” ticket? Was it perhaps a larger picture was being painted? The bigger picture being painted is the Supreme Court.
On President Obama’s 100th day in office, Justice Souter notified the President of his intention to retire from the bench. The news stirred up the mass media as to what type of person President Obama ought to choose for the highest court in our land. Currently the Supreme Court has one female and one black with the remaining Justices being white males. The pressure on President Obama is to appoint a minority female to the bench.
President Obama has established a list of criteria that he will look for in the next Supreme Court Justice. The number one criteria being empathy while top Democrats are looking for President Obama to appoint a non-judge type. I believe that President Obama will appoint a female but it will not be a minority.
Thinking back to the primary and the fallout after Sen. Biden was tapped to be the Vice President instead of Sen. Clinton, perhaps the media missed the second great story to come from last year historic election season. It appeared that the Clinton’s were on the outside looking in as the Democrats pushed toward the White House but that was all a façade.
The ground was being laid to pave the way, if Democrat nominee Obama was elected, for Sen. Clinton’s appointment to the Supreme Court. Granted the right Justice had to step down as to make the choice of Sen. Clinton the right one. The next Supreme Court Justice will be Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The pondering point is if the President will offer up a sacrificial lamb prior to Secretary of State Clinton’s confirmation hearing.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Favre Flu displaces Swine Flu in Minnesota
A day after Trent Dilfer reported receiving a text message from Brett Favre on whether he will return to the NFL in 2009 the “NO” appears, at least right now, to be a maybe. Coach Brad Childress will be meeting with the ageless veteran Favre at an undisclosed location later in the week according to the pundits on ESPN. The Favre fever has temporarily replaces Swing Flu in Minnesota.
Many pundits feel the Vikings are a quarterback away from a Super Bowl Champion. Now, the brain trust went out and signed Sage Rosenfels to come in and compete with Tarvaris Jackson. If the Vikings wanted an older quarterback why not go after someone like Garcia (who has signed with the Raiders)? Favre broke down as the season wore on while Garcia, and others, remained stout as the season wore on.
Granted the signing of Brett Favre will increase ticket sales and get more national television coverage. What happens after 2009? Will Favre be willing to come in and teach Jackson or will the blinders be on? I know many bleeding purple are foaming at the mouth as the rumors swirl about Favre wearing a purple 4. Buyers beware with Favre. Now if Percy Harvin can hook the hold man up with some good pain killers, then the Vikings decision to move forward with Favre signing may give them the upper hand in the NFC.
I understand that Viking fans want to win the big game after four gut wrenching chances and a missed field goal in the NFC Championship game, but at what cost? Adding Favre could mean adding John Madden. While, being a loyal Raider fan, I acknowledge the wealth of knowledge that Madden has stored away in his cranium, but are Viking fans prepared to hear Madden’s man-crush of Favre. The Madden cruiser will become a mainstay at Winter Park. Watch out Paul Allen!!!!
Favre is no doubt a Hall of Fame quarterback and a proven winner. With all that in play, the Vikings are best to not go down this road. If Childress does decide to bring in Favre, I will, like the rest of America, sit back and watch the circus that will take place. Not to mention the divorce rate increase between Minnesota and Wisconsin football fans.
Many pundits feel the Vikings are a quarterback away from a Super Bowl Champion. Now, the brain trust went out and signed Sage Rosenfels to come in and compete with Tarvaris Jackson. If the Vikings wanted an older quarterback why not go after someone like Garcia (who has signed with the Raiders)? Favre broke down as the season wore on while Garcia, and others, remained stout as the season wore on.
Granted the signing of Brett Favre will increase ticket sales and get more national television coverage. What happens after 2009? Will Favre be willing to come in and teach Jackson or will the blinders be on? I know many bleeding purple are foaming at the mouth as the rumors swirl about Favre wearing a purple 4. Buyers beware with Favre. Now if Percy Harvin can hook the hold man up with some good pain killers, then the Vikings decision to move forward with Favre signing may give them the upper hand in the NFC.
I understand that Viking fans want to win the big game after four gut wrenching chances and a missed field goal in the NFC Championship game, but at what cost? Adding Favre could mean adding John Madden. While, being a loyal Raider fan, I acknowledge the wealth of knowledge that Madden has stored away in his cranium, but are Viking fans prepared to hear Madden’s man-crush of Favre. The Madden cruiser will become a mainstay at Winter Park. Watch out Paul Allen!!!!
Favre is no doubt a Hall of Fame quarterback and a proven winner. With all that in play, the Vikings are best to not go down this road. If Childress does decide to bring in Favre, I will, like the rest of America, sit back and watch the circus that will take place. Not to mention the divorce rate increase between Minnesota and Wisconsin football fans.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Gaming Expansion: Win Win for all in Minnesota
Marge Anderson chief executive of the Millie Lacs Band of Ojibwe wrote a counterpoint in the Star Tribune today on the issue of adding slots to Canterbury Park and Running Aces horse tracks. The counterpoints were given in response to an article, Time for the state to look seriously at slot machines?, written by Neal St. Anthony that raised issue of Sen. Dick Day’s annual attempt of adding slot machines at Canterbury Park and Running Aces to help increase revenue for the state. Over 20 years ago the State entered into a gaming compact with Minnesota Tribes that gave them a virtual monopoly on gaming in Minnesota. The compact does not collect corporate taxes from any of the Minnesota Tribes.
The DFL and Marge Anderson make an argument that expanding gambling will harm Minnesotans and not raise the revenue it touts it will. Expansion of gambling goes on in the tribal casinos. While I worked at one of the local tribal casinos, the expansion of gambling took place. New slot machines popped up in every nook and cranny and remodeling was done to make more room as well.
Marge Anderson fears that adding slot machines to both horse tracks will automatically translate to a huge reduction of 2,900 people employed at Grand Casino locations in Minnesota. Anderson raised objection to the claim that horse tracks are “private operators who hire people and pay taxes” as that is what Grand Casino does as well. The claim is true, Grand Casino does pay employee payroll tax and makes the claim of paying property taxes as well. Meanwhile not one tribal casino pays corporate income tax, the tribal casino is a tax haven in that respect.
I also worked for one of the two horse tracks and understand the reasoning why many made the switch from tribal casino to non-tribal casino; respect. Tribal casinos do not observe, at least when I worked there, the equal employment act that other companies in the United States must do. If slot machines were added to Canterbury Park and Running Aces, the concern by Marge Anderson that employment would fall may be due to the employment practices of the tribal casino.
Las Vegas, although is impacted by recession, has done well with a competitive landscape of multiple casino options. Competition is better for the consumer. Marge Anderson asks at the end of her counterpoint, “How could opening the door to gaming expansion be right for Minnesota when it hurts so many Minnesotans?”
Simply put, it will improve the service level by increasing the competition. The service level will have to be elevated by all involved in the casino industry. The employee will benefit as well as the consumer. It is time to end the monopoly and increase revenue by adding full gaming options to Canterbury Park and Running Aces.
The DFL and Marge Anderson make an argument that expanding gambling will harm Minnesotans and not raise the revenue it touts it will. Expansion of gambling goes on in the tribal casinos. While I worked at one of the local tribal casinos, the expansion of gambling took place. New slot machines popped up in every nook and cranny and remodeling was done to make more room as well.
Marge Anderson fears that adding slot machines to both horse tracks will automatically translate to a huge reduction of 2,900 people employed at Grand Casino locations in Minnesota. Anderson raised objection to the claim that horse tracks are “private operators who hire people and pay taxes” as that is what Grand Casino does as well. The claim is true, Grand Casino does pay employee payroll tax and makes the claim of paying property taxes as well. Meanwhile not one tribal casino pays corporate income tax, the tribal casino is a tax haven in that respect.
I also worked for one of the two horse tracks and understand the reasoning why many made the switch from tribal casino to non-tribal casino; respect. Tribal casinos do not observe, at least when I worked there, the equal employment act that other companies in the United States must do. If slot machines were added to Canterbury Park and Running Aces, the concern by Marge Anderson that employment would fall may be due to the employment practices of the tribal casino.
Las Vegas, although is impacted by recession, has done well with a competitive landscape of multiple casino options. Competition is better for the consumer. Marge Anderson asks at the end of her counterpoint, “How could opening the door to gaming expansion be right for Minnesota when it hurts so many Minnesotans?”
Simply put, it will improve the service level by increasing the competition. The service level will have to be elevated by all involved in the casino industry. The employee will benefit as well as the consumer. It is time to end the monopoly and increase revenue by adding full gaming options to Canterbury Park and Running Aces.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Medical Marijuana passed by Minnesota Senate
April 29th the Minnesota State Senate passed Senate bill SF0097 with a 36-28 vote to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Many believe that marijuana is a “gateway” drug. The use of medical marijuana is meant to assist those suffering from the pains of cancer and HIV/AIDS; not for recreational use. How is the use of medical marijuana different then one in a hospital bed pushing the morphine button?
In the article, Minnesota Senate approves medical marijuana by Mark Brunswick, former county sheriff Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen is reported to have said, “I’m here to tell you there is a potential opportunity for abuse here, and kids are watching to see what we in the Legislature are going to do.” Sen. Ingebrigtsen is short-sighted and raises a sky is falling approach. With anything there is a chance for abuse. Every person entering into the policy academy brings along with them an opportunity of abuse. Are we not more intelligent or respectful of each other to go beyond the argument of potentially abuse?
My own Senator, Julianne Ortman, was quoted in the article of her concern of theft and violence. I attempted to contact Sen. Ortman last week but have not heard anything back on her concerns. Adding medical marijuana to legal activities in Minnesota is not going to increase theft or violence, this is just another sky is falling approach.
The bill has moved onto the House. I did contact Rep. Kohls to get his position. Rep. Kohls echoed the concern of protection. Rep. Kohls is opposed to the current form of the bill because of the way it prescribed and dispensed and if one has a doctor note it does not prevent them to buy it off the street. “If we could get that done, my concerns would be resolved,” stated Rep. Kohls.
I applaud the Senate in passing a medical marijuana bill and it is time for Minnesotans to display accountability when dealing with this issue. I agree with Rep. Kohls that tighter control on dispensing of medical marijuana to ensure those suffering from cancer and HIV/AIDS are obtaining their marijuana from legal avenues. Hopefully the House can correct this piece to the legislation passed by the Senate.
In the article, Minnesota Senate approves medical marijuana by Mark Brunswick, former county sheriff Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen is reported to have said, “I’m here to tell you there is a potential opportunity for abuse here, and kids are watching to see what we in the Legislature are going to do.” Sen. Ingebrigtsen is short-sighted and raises a sky is falling approach. With anything there is a chance for abuse. Every person entering into the policy academy brings along with them an opportunity of abuse. Are we not more intelligent or respectful of each other to go beyond the argument of potentially abuse?
My own Senator, Julianne Ortman, was quoted in the article of her concern of theft and violence. I attempted to contact Sen. Ortman last week but have not heard anything back on her concerns. Adding medical marijuana to legal activities in Minnesota is not going to increase theft or violence, this is just another sky is falling approach.
The bill has moved onto the House. I did contact Rep. Kohls to get his position. Rep. Kohls echoed the concern of protection. Rep. Kohls is opposed to the current form of the bill because of the way it prescribed and dispensed and if one has a doctor note it does not prevent them to buy it off the street. “If we could get that done, my concerns would be resolved,” stated Rep. Kohls.
I applaud the Senate in passing a medical marijuana bill and it is time for Minnesotans to display accountability when dealing with this issue. I agree with Rep. Kohls that tighter control on dispensing of medical marijuana to ensure those suffering from cancer and HIV/AIDS are obtaining their marijuana from legal avenues. Hopefully the House can correct this piece to the legislation passed by the Senate.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Friday Night Bonfire
Last night the weekly bonfire started without me as I had two games of softball to play at 8 and 9 pm. We went 1-1 for those wondering. When I arrived back from softball the glow of the bonfire was readily seen from the county road as I passed through town. After getting my beverage of choice, I proceeded to join the conversation. A few neighbors had come and went but several remained. Once again the conversation was all over the board. It ended up dying down on the topic of Hamburg and the increases we have all seen since moving here.
When I first arrived in Hamburg, almost six years ago, our water and sewer bill was on a quarterly basis. Not to long after that it become a monthly bill but at the same amount as the quarterly bill. The reason for the hike was water quality mandates put forth by government agencies. To my recollection I have not heard of one illness or death arising in Hamburg due to poor water quality.
Now Hamburg is facing another issue trying to grow the town through new housing and businesses. The trouble is our sewer and water system is already taxed to it limit. In order to meet the government guideline requirements, the city needs to expand the system and repair an aging sewer system. The few neighbors that remained wondered what can be done and why are our city council members not doing their job.
I tried my best to convey the message that Hamburg City Council and Clerk have been trying to the best of their abilities to deal with the situation. To assist we as residents can call and write our representatives to gain assistance. Citizen action is the bane of every elected official. It is time to become active. Write and call Sen. Ortman and Rep. Kohl's on the state level. As well Carver County Commissioner James Ische. It wouldn't hurt to contact Sen. Klobucher and Rep. Kline to voice concerns about government mandates that are not funded.
When I first arrived in Hamburg, almost six years ago, our water and sewer bill was on a quarterly basis. Not to long after that it become a monthly bill but at the same amount as the quarterly bill. The reason for the hike was water quality mandates put forth by government agencies. To my recollection I have not heard of one illness or death arising in Hamburg due to poor water quality.
Now Hamburg is facing another issue trying to grow the town through new housing and businesses. The trouble is our sewer and water system is already taxed to it limit. In order to meet the government guideline requirements, the city needs to expand the system and repair an aging sewer system. The few neighbors that remained wondered what can be done and why are our city council members not doing their job.
I tried my best to convey the message that Hamburg City Council and Clerk have been trying to the best of their abilities to deal with the situation. To assist we as residents can call and write our representatives to gain assistance. Citizen action is the bane of every elected official. It is time to become active. Write and call Sen. Ortman and Rep. Kohl's on the state level. As well Carver County Commissioner James Ische. It wouldn't hurt to contact Sen. Klobucher and Rep. Kline to voice concerns about government mandates that are not funded.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Homosexuals beware
The Star Tribune conducted a poll of Minnesotans about same-sex marriage. According to the poll, published in May 1, 2009 Metro section, a “slight” shift is taking place in regards to same-sex marriage. Many states, most recently Iowa, have rewritten law to allow same-sex marriage. The topic of same-sex marriage is a lightning rod and a polarizing conversation. Although homosexuals are celebrate every state that passes law allowing same-sex marriage; homosexuals need to be leery of “progress”.
President Obama’s Stimulus Bill earmarked money to assist in making all medical records electronic. Another goal of President Obama is universal health care. On the surface these two items appear to be mutually exclusive and harmless. As medical records become electronic it will make it easier create a national medical record system. The guise of creating a national data bank for medical records will be for the ease of sharing client files.
Don’t be fooled. The push for electronic files, national databank, and universal healthcare are all signs of increase intrusion into our personnel lives. One may be asking themselves how this adheres itself to same-sex marriage.
Back in 1993 the journal Science Dean Hamer, PhD, reported the discovery of a “gay gene”. In an article posted on WebMD Health News(Jan. 28, 2005), Brian Mustanski, PhD at University of Illinois, stated, “It builds on previous studies that have consistently found evidence of genetic influence on sexual orientation, but our study is the first to look at exactly where those genes are located.” Dr. Mustaski is referencing a study done to compare chromosome of both parents to help identify DNA that supports the existence of the “gay gene”.
Now if a “gay gene” does exist and the government establishes the national databank of medical files and universal healthcare, how soon will a test be created to discover if the unborn fetus contains the gene? I typically am not a conspiracy theorist but I am a big picture thinker. Looking at all the small pieces that are being put in place, homosexuals need to be aware of the consequences of what they seek.
Now, I am not saying that if you decide to live your life with a member of the same-sex that it is right or wrong. I am merely putting all homosexuals on notice. As I have stated in a previous blog post, the government should not be in the business of marriage. As more states allow same-sex marriage only furthers the government’s ability to track, record, and identify homosexuals.
Combine the same-sex marriage license data, national medical database, universal healthcare, and the identification of a “gay gene” and we have a recipe for genetic manipulation to eradicate the United States of homosexuals. It is time for homosexuals to stand behind the flag of smaller government and demand a shift from marriage licenses to certification of civil unions.
President Obama’s Stimulus Bill earmarked money to assist in making all medical records electronic. Another goal of President Obama is universal health care. On the surface these two items appear to be mutually exclusive and harmless. As medical records become electronic it will make it easier create a national medical record system. The guise of creating a national data bank for medical records will be for the ease of sharing client files.
Don’t be fooled. The push for electronic files, national databank, and universal healthcare are all signs of increase intrusion into our personnel lives. One may be asking themselves how this adheres itself to same-sex marriage.
Back in 1993 the journal Science Dean Hamer, PhD, reported the discovery of a “gay gene”. In an article posted on WebMD Health News(Jan. 28, 2005), Brian Mustanski, PhD at University of Illinois, stated, “It builds on previous studies that have consistently found evidence of genetic influence on sexual orientation, but our study is the first to look at exactly where those genes are located.” Dr. Mustaski is referencing a study done to compare chromosome of both parents to help identify DNA that supports the existence of the “gay gene”.
Now if a “gay gene” does exist and the government establishes the national databank of medical files and universal healthcare, how soon will a test be created to discover if the unborn fetus contains the gene? I typically am not a conspiracy theorist but I am a big picture thinker. Looking at all the small pieces that are being put in place, homosexuals need to be aware of the consequences of what they seek.
Now, I am not saying that if you decide to live your life with a member of the same-sex that it is right or wrong. I am merely putting all homosexuals on notice. As I have stated in a previous blog post, the government should not be in the business of marriage. As more states allow same-sex marriage only furthers the government’s ability to track, record, and identify homosexuals.
Combine the same-sex marriage license data, national medical database, universal healthcare, and the identification of a “gay gene” and we have a recipe for genetic manipulation to eradicate the United States of homosexuals. It is time for homosexuals to stand behind the flag of smaller government and demand a shift from marriage licenses to certification of civil unions.
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