Sign of the times...

Taken at Chattaway Restaurant... St. Petersburg, Florida

Some thoughts before I go...

Today's the big day. Seems like forever since I told my long time friend, Fernando, that I would fly down to St. Petersburg, to help him drive his food trailer back to Minnesota. While I look forward to the trip, I do go with some reservations.

Of course, I leave Minnesota on the week when temps are going to be close to 70. That's about 20 degrees above average for this of year, around here.

I leave also with the uncertainty of not knowing if Cooper and I will be able to secure the sponsorship needed in order to do the radio show, on AM950. I had a good meeting with with our core sponsor, but if they don't come though, there will be no way we can get this off the ground. At least, I think I have a plan B on that front.

It's also going to be tough taking a week off from the cab. Taking extended time off is something I just don't do. I am also going to TRY to clear my mind of all that's going on politically. This fight over health care reform and the subsequent name calling and other vile acts, have left me exhausted from just paying such close attention to it.

But what I'll miss the most is Lori. In the 5 years we've been together, this will only be the 3rd time we've been apart for more than a day or two. Neither one of us handle that very well. Much of what we do, we do together. However, she doesn't have the same tolerance for long drives that I do and her work schedule would have made it hard for her to take the trip with us. I will send her lots of pictures and pick up, at least, a few souvenirs. But I will miss my true life partner for the 4-5 days that I'll be gone.

It will be nice to take a trip and see a couple of people that I haven't seen since childhood, but I am already looking forward to getting back.

Adios...

A light week on the old blog...

Don't look for a lot from me this next week. I am flying down to Florida to help a friend move a trailer back to Minnesota.

I should be back by Thursday, ready to hit the ground running (well walking swiftly, at least). I will have an eye on the latest happenings and will have plenty of material for next week's show.

Until then, Adios...

What might be our most important show to date...

Show Archive

Even though Cooper won't be on this afternoon, today's show will deal with a topic that the normally fun loving Brian is very upset about, the backlash of racially charged innuendo aimed at black members of Congress, following the the passing of the heath insurance reform bill.

Since then, one member received "mysterious" white powder, while another had a brick thrown through his office window.

Now, every day Americans are having to deal with this over the top hatred. A man with an "Obama" sticker on his bumper had his car rammed by a liquored up Tea Bagger.

Are these isolated incedents or is it developing into something much worse?

I invite you to join me at 4pm Cental Time.

Is it going to take someone losing their life?

A white powder scare, A coffin placed in front of a Congressman's home, shots fired at another's office...

These are just a few examples of incidents over the last couple of days, since the health insurance reform bill became law. Have the fucking Teabaggers just gone completely nuts? Or are these incidents being perpetrated by some whack job(s) with no real dog in the fight, that was looking for a reason to wreak havoc?

Call this what it is... TERRORISM!!!

Is it going to take someone dying before we understand this? Are we still a civilized democracy, where issues are decided at the ballot box or have we gone the way of some un-named third world country, where policy is shaped by intimidation?

Can we blame Limbaugh, Beck, Wiener (Savage), Bortz and Hannity?

Maybe not, but I haven't seen any reports that these individuals, or any other right wing show hosts, are condemning these acts.

Don't think for a moment that this president won't act to protect the country. If this keeps up or escalates, don't be surprised to see some sort of crack down.

Shot Fired at House Minority Whip Cantor’s Richmond Office « The Speakers Lobby

Shot Fired at House Minority Whip Cantor’s Richmond Office « The Speakers Lobby Are we seeing the pattern yet?

Coffin placed in front of Carnahan's house - Jake Sherman - POLITICO.com

Coffin placed in front of Carnahan's house - Jake Sherman - POLITICO.com I haven't heard, has Limbaugh told these nuts to knock it off?

"DROP DEAD": White Powder Package Sent to Weiner's Office | NBC New York

"DROP DEAD": White Powder Package Sent to Weiner's Office NBC New York

This is the kind of crap that will cost the Republicans in the 2010 mid-terms. I'm not delusional enough to think the party is in anyway behind this. Non the less, this type of activity will begin to garner "sympathy" votes.

And I thought the liberals had some whack jobs...

Cuban leader applauds US health-care reform bill - Yahoo! Finance

Cuban leader applauds US health-care reform bill - Yahoo! Finance

More than likely an endorsement he wasn't looking for.

Married Life

No Cooper this week...

Brian has a family ememrgency and won't be with us this week. So I will be winging it alone. The show will run for an hour only, starting at 4pm CDT.

Feel free to call in and bust my chops...

Who will fill the void?

I want to start this off today by thanking all those who left good wishes on the birth of my granddaughter. Even those who haven't agreed with me much lately left nice postings on my Facebook page. It just goes to show that just because we may not all agree on every issue, we can still get along like civilized human beings. Once again, thank you to all.

Earlier this week it was reported that the Acorn group has indeed folded. While there is no denying that this group was very poorly managed, I'm concerned that the group of people from the inner city that this organization helped rally for political causes will now have no representation.

The wealthy suburbanite wing of the progressive movement has no problem with being politically active. The middle class, working poor and the downtrodden, on the other hand, seem to be less politically active, unless there is a hot button issue that directly affects them. For the most part, the latter two sections of society are too busy trying to survive to get involved in the political process.

Unlike many people at my income level, I have a little extra time between runs to be able to gather information and to express my opinion via this blog. However, as much as I'd like to, I do not have the time to commit to be a full-time advocate for the poor. This is where groups like Acorn were important.

It is my opinion, that if we are to continue down the path of social justice, the more affluent members of the progressive movement may have to go out into the inner-city to help those individuals get involved in the political process. In other words, if things like healthcare and financial reform are important to you, it will take more than putting a sign in your yard for your particular candidate. You will need to go out into the community and help educate others who may be otherwise too busy to stay informed in the political process.

Adios...

(I have since learned that the organization has changed names and has ordered certain "chapters" to cease and desist. The new name is Community Organizations International.)

My new granddaughter

Aryanna Raven

Early heads up for this week's show...

To my friends who oppose the recently passed health insurance reform law, you will have your chance to air your case on Shannon and Cooper, this Saturday at 4 PM central time. Be prepared, however, to defend the actions of the Tea Party members who chose to use racial slurs and homophobic slang toward certain members of Congress.

This is going to get old in a hurry...

Alright people, I get the anger, I get the frustration, but to hear things like "heil Obama," racial slurs tossed around at several black members of Congress, calling Barney Frank a faggot. What the hell is wrong with you friggin' people?

I get the right of free speech. Matter of fact, I encourage it. And don't think it's just my bleeding heart coming out. I said the same thing when people on the left were mocking George W. Bush on several different occasions. You wonder why no one takes you seriously?

A little humor is fine. But these are serious times for serious people. Nothing at all will get accomplished by name calling and spitting on members of Congress. All you have managed to do is embolden the wackos on the other side of the fence.

Is this the same group of people that I admired for self-reliance, love for God and country? I actually find this quite disgusting.

If this is the best you Tea Party types can come up with in the face of adversity, then you deserve to lose.

You know, this reminds me of that three-year-old at the family restaurant. The one that always throws a temper tantrum. After a while, you just ignore the the kid, for your own sanity. Trust me, that's how most sane individuals throughout this process view you folks on the far right.

My suggestion to you people is to do like I did, in November, take it to the ballot box. Until then, quit your bitching.

Adios...

If Cooper seemed a little crabby last week...

You Repubs had your chance...

I still have quite a few Republican friends, so I will resist the urge to gloat about this victory with the passing of the health care reform bill. But the fact is that I gave those on the right every opportunity to come up with a solution to this issue of health care.

Fact is, this wasn't a big issue to Republicans. Status quo was working just fine for them.

I have never seen such a big disconnect from average everyday Americans in my entire life, as what I've seen from the Republican Party over this healthcare issue. It just goes to show you, that big business is going to win out over the little guy each and every time, when it comes to the policies of the Republican Party.

I was in denial myself. I didn't want to believe that the Republicans didn't care for the average working guy. Remember me? The so-called Redneck Cabbie? I was all for things such as self-reliance and less government intrusion into our lives. All I was looking for was an opportunity to buy my own health insurance. But it became obvious with my high blood pressure and type II diabetes issues, I was never going to be able to purchase health insurance regardless how much it cost. So when I looked to a Republican candidate in the '08 election for a possible solution to this problem, all I got was silence.

Oh there was plenty of talk about the Iraq War, even more about the economy. But Obama, Clinton and Edwards were all talking health care and yes, I was listening.

So, my Conservative friends, it is what it is. Senators Franken and Klobuchar, as well as whoever runs against Michelle Bachmann will have my full support. And if that means I have to put up with a little tree huggin', kumbaya hu-ha, oh well... Maybe some day, you Republicans will listen to all your constituents, not just the ones that can afford to pay ten grand to pose with Sarah.

Adios...

I hate to say this...

With all my good friends in Texas, it pains me to say that I have a hard time believing that this forward thinking president was from from the Lone Star State...

Don't expect the naysayers to go away quietly

Now that the healthcare reform bill is ready for President Obama's signature, expect those who opposed this historic piece of legislation, from the start, to regroup and make the November mid-terms all about this new law, that supposedly nobody wanted.

That's what they will say too... Nobody wanted this bill. Funny... People I talked to were all for it. Those folks holding down 2 full time jobs, at minimum wage, that still couldn't afford health insurance for their families. Nobody at Fox News seems to be polling those people.

Don't underestimate this. The Conservatives are madder than the Stienbrenners when Joe Mauer re-signed with the Minnesota Twins. I can't wait to listen to Limbawl and Whaanity this afternoon.

All I'm saying is that if you were part of this "minority" of people that wanted (or needed) healtcare reform, you need to get out and support those members of the House and Senate that were in your corner through this process. Likewise, if your congressman was one of the obstructionists that did all they could to continue with the staus quo, send them packing, this November. Or else all that has been gained could be lost.

Adios...

Finally, healthcare reform gets a vote...

As someone who was a big supporter of the "single-payer" idea for healthcare, I'm not necessarily thrilled with the bill that's before the House of Representatives for their up or down vote this coming Sunday. That said, I do hope that the House passes this measure so that the president can sign it and at least get some form of health care reform rolling for this country.

Those of us who cannot get affordable health insurance on the open market have waited for a long time for this moment to come.

This is been a long hard battle for Presodent Obama. One, that in the short term, may have cost him some political clout. Somehow, I don't think he cares about all of that. I think, down deep inside, this president feels that he was sent to Washington with a mandate. A "to do list," if you will.

I think if this bill passes, you will hear a gigantic sigh from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, that will be heard halfway to the Mississippi River. At that point, I think the president will be able to carry on with somewhat of a normal agenda.

I got to say I found this whole process of the health care reform debate quite exhausting. Emotionally, I'm drained from all of this. And I wasn't even the one fighting in the trenches.

Win or lose, I want to take this time to thank the president and those brave members of the House and Senate, who have taken a lot of abuse from those on the right . The ones who have spread a ton of mis-information on everything from death panels to spiraling increases in the federal debt.

After this is all said and done, I hope the president gets a chance to relax and maybe enjoy some March and early April basketball.

Adios...

A bit of a retraction...

About a year ago, I posted a video on YouTube about an increased level of gang activity by a Somali youth, here in Minneapolis.

This was on an account that I no longer post to. I've had a year to contemplate this post, which drew nearly 1000 times more hits than I get on a normal video posting and I've come up with these conclusions...

First off, I want to apologize for referring to these people as Somalians, the correct vernacular is Somalis.

Secondly, I want to acknowledge the fact that the level of gang activity by Somali youth is relatively small compared to be bigger issue of gang violence in the city of Minneapolis.

Lastly, I realize that bad apples come from all walks of life. Unfortunately, some of the dealings that I had with Somali cab drivers in the year leading up to the time that video was made left me jaded to the entire Somali community.

There are many things that I do not understand about the Somali culture. That said, there are many things that Somalis do not understand about American culture.

Americans have a tendency to be a little paranoid about things they do not understand. I, like many Americans, have little knowledge about Islam. That's why after 9/11 many Americans felt that those of Islamic faith were all looking to bring harm to them. Much like the reasoning behind the internment of Japanese-Americans after Pearl Harbor.

They say that time heals all wounds. I hope that those who read this understand that I was directing most of my disdain toward bad cab drivers, as opposed to a particular group of individuals. I don't say this very often, but I am sorry to those who might have offended by these comments.

Thank you.

What I meant was...

I suppose my little commentary last night about what I could get for $40 as opposed to the 10 grand that Sarah Palin wants for a photo op might've been a little over the over-the-top, for that I'm sorry. However, if this is the way the Republican Party is trying to reach out to mainstream America I think they've missed the mark. What I'm talking about, is a mid April fund raiser, here in Minnesota, where the former Alaska governor will be making a fund raising appearance for Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. I'm not suggesting that Palin visits area homeless shelters, or anything like that. But who, other than the fattest of fat cats, can afford to have their mug shot taken with this woman? It's obvious to me that Bachmann or the majority of the Minnesota Republicans don't care much about us twenty two-fivers that struggle with the concept of paying fifty bucks for school pictures. The same crowd that wouldn't shell out $10 for this photo op. And most folks I know have better things to do with ten grand. Namely, keep their family on their health insurance plan. Silly priorities... Adios....

Not while I can still get blown for 40 bucks...

In theory, that is... Photo op with Bachmann & Palin: $10,000

The census... Five minutes of your life

I want to address the paranoid few who are thinking about not filling out the census form. Get over yourself and fill the damn thing out. You people that think that the census is just another form of government intrusion really slay me. The census is a tool for the government to figure out where your hard-earned tax money will be spent. If you don't fill it out, some other area of the country will get that money your region might've deserved. Ironically, in Minnesota, those on the far right, the ones most opposed to filling out the census form, may lose one of their biggest champions, as the state stands to lose a congressional seat. The state legislature, the body who is responsible for drawing out the congressional district lines, would surely eliminate the district now held by representative Michele Bachmann. If you really think the federal government cares about your pathetic little existence any more than the reasons that I mentioned, then you seriously need to put down the crack pipe. Adios...

Shannon and Cooper Poll: What's worse?

If you were an airline traveler, which would concern you more? Mister Poll: What's worse?

Fresh ideas needed for an old problem...

Last Saturday, Cooper and I touched on briefly the problem with illegal immigration in this country, specifically from Mexico. Brian and I both have some strong opinions on this matter, however, I think we may differ on our reason for our opinions, as well as a possible solution.

Now, I'm not going to speak for Cooper, he does well enough on his own. What I am going to do is tell you what I think the major problem is, as well as my idea for a solution.

I don't think this issue has anything to do with race or culture. I think we can all agree that the Hispanic culture is steeped in tradition and that Mexican-Americans have made great contributions to our society. The problem is, in my opinion, the overwhelming burden that those here illegally have put on our education and social service systems.

I understand the desire help all those who are in need. It is really the Christian thing to do. But our economy cannot sustain long term funding of programs that are being used by illegals, without some form of compensation. Where would the compensation come from? Well, why not from Mexico? It is their citizens we're caring for, right?

Even if this country were to get a fraction of the cost to educate, feed and give medical care to those here illegally, we'd still be better off than we are right now. And just maybe, if the Mexican government had to chip in for the care of it's citizens that are in this country, they may do more to discourage the practice of jumping the fence to begin with.

Now, I'm not gullible to think this plan has a snowball's chance in Acapulco of coming to pass. But the fact is something practical has to be done, which will require thinking outside the box some.

We will talk about this more, this Saturday.

Adios...

NYC: Taxi drivers' meter scam bilked riders out of $8.3M-plus

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/2010-03-13-taxi-scam-new-york_N.htm NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of New York City taxi drivers overcharged passengers by more than $8.3 million over the past two years by setting their meters at a rate that was supposed to be used for trips to the suburbs, the Taxi and Limousine Commission said Friday. At least 1.8 million trips were wrongly charged at the suburban rate, which is double the rate within city limits, the commission said. -------------------------- It would seem to me that the NYC taxi commission is asking for this problem by allowing this higher suburban rate. I understand the reasoning behind it, but let them charge a surcharge for leaving the city as opposed to a different rate all together, something you know will be exploited.

Keeping up with the Jones

I finally broke down and bought an I-Phone last night. AT&T has them on special for a hundred bucks now. All I can say is SWEET!!!

I've wanted one of these things for quite a while now. I had settled for another kind of smart phone that worked OK, but nothing like this.

Of course, I won't do anything stupid like trying to text while I am driving. But I'll have at least a couple hours of downtime each day to get to know my new toy... eh... tool...

Adios...

Brought a tear to my eye...

I was listening to Ed Schultz today. He played a clip from his TV show, where he interviewed a lady whose son he'd lost his battle with colon cancer.

The lady said her son had health insurance, but was dropped when his doctor suspected his illness and ordered monthly colonoscopies. The young man could not afford the $1000 exam, so he went without the procedure.

After several months, his condition worsened. He was down to 115 pounds and was vomiting fecal matter. Mercifully, he passed away.

The sad thing is, this story is not unique. The United States is the wealthiest country in the world, yet day after day, people die, from conditions that could be treated, if they only had health insurance.

Congress has been volleying the heathcare reform issue around for over a year now. While the current senate bill does not contain important elements, like the public option, it is the best thing we as those who believe in reform can home for at this time. So let's stop the bullshitting around and get this thing passed.

In it's simplest form, the current legislation will stop insurance companies from dropping people that get seriously ill and require them to provide coverage regardless or pre-existing conditions.

I encourage anyone that reads this to get of your ass and call or e-mail your representative and senators and tell them to get this bill to the president's desk.

Adios...

Racino Now? Not quite yet....

The idea of having a "racino" added to two Twin Cities area horse tracks has been tabled in a Minnesota Senate hearing. The measure is not dead, this was a strategic move by supporters. I want to know why in an era of tight budgets and zero additional tax mentality, is the idea of allowing gaming to help finance such essentials as education and funding for a new stadium for the Vikings (yes, that is an essential) such a tough decision to make. My only problem is why have it in locations that are just as out of the way as the existing Indian casinos? Why not build a casino near the Mall of America or one of the downtowns? Or why not allow for "bartop" machines? The bigger question is why does it seem that our local legislature is so deeply in bed with the area tribes that TAXPAYING Minnesotans feel like the other woman? I'll take "WEALTHY LOBBYISTS" for $1000, Alex. It's no secret that the tribes are shelling out a ton of money to the campaigns of potential legislators on both sides of the isle. Those lobbyists are just there to make sure Chief Muey Wampum is getting return on his investment. How else would such a ridiculous treaty that essentially barred any form of real competition to these tribal gold mines been agreed too? There are much smarter (that's not real hard) people than me working on this. Former state rep, Dick Day seems confident that either by hook or crook (those are my words) he'll be able to get this measure passed through the current legislature. It was quite a political gamble on his part to give up his seat to lobby for what seemingly is what most regular joes in this state want. I wish him the best of luck (pun intended). Adios...

With aid comes responsibility...

As you know by now, I am an advocate for helping the working poor and those who are trying to better their lives through education.

But you know, I understand the frustration with those who abuse the system. Those of us who get state assistance should try not to burden the system with our bad habits.

I think someone that gets medical assistance should be trying to get some help beating that pack a day of heaters or half gallon of ice cream routine that's shortening their lives and breaking the bank of the program that taxpayers are funding.

And damn it, if you get today's equivalency of food stamps, try to make the allotment last more than a week. There are families that have over a 100k in household income that can't afford steak and lobster once a week. Somehow, it's not right that someone that gets government aid in order to eat blows the entire wad on ritzy items, only to hit up the food shelves half way through the month.

Abuse of entitlement programs only emboldens those who feel that there is no place for government in helping Americans wit everyday necessities.

So to those who rely on these programs, try to use a little common sense. Or someday, you could find yourself with no help at all.

Adios...

Poverty stricken Americans need to be more self advocating

I think it's well known that President Obama got a great deal of support, during the election process, from individuals that were at or below the poverty level. Yet, a year after "mandate for change" went into effect, with Obama taking office, the people that put him there seem to have gone back to their routines, leaving the president dangling in the wind while trying to enact the change people voted for.

It's not that the poor have turned to the teabaggers or anything like that. They just seem to think that by electing Obama, all their problems would be solved. Anybody that knows anything about politics knows that's not how it works.

The conservative minority is having no problem letting their voices be heard. Unless the working poor in this country start speaking out and get their congressmen busy passing the agenda this president has laid out, failure is imminent.

I know it's not easy. I balance working 50 to 60 hours a week with blogging and doing the radio show on the weekends. That doesn't make for a lot of free time. But it has to be done.

This president needs our support. I've said it before, people need to advocate for themselves, instead of expecting someone else to do it for them.

It's time to turn off the the TV and get to work.

Adios...

Long time WCCO-TV reporter passes...

My heart goes out to the WCCO-TV family, with the news of the passing of 20 year veteran reporter Darcy Pohland.

Looking forward to a good weekend...

One of the nice things about living in Minnesota is watching winter finally lose its icy grip and enjoying a nice gradual thaw. This process may take a little longer this year, as we got a little more snow than this region has been accustomed to. Although, according to the weather experts, this has been about a normal year for snowfall.

I haven't decided what we're going to do tonight, after work. Lori and I usually will take the day off from the kitchen on Fridays and try one of our area restaurants. I may treat her to her favorite steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse

I'm really looking forward to Saturday. Brian and I are hitting on all cylinders with the hybrid radio show. We seem to have similar ideologies, but enough of a generational difference to make for great discussions.

After the show, I'll be joining my buddy, Murph to watch some indoor baseball. Yes, I miss baseball so much that I'm willing to tolerate an evening in the dome to catch the Gophers playing Oklahoma State. But, boy I can't wait for that new ballpark to open.

I think I may take Sunday to get out and enjoy an early spring day outdoors. I may take a short walk. Anoka has done a pretty good job of getting the streets and sidewalks clear. About a mile in the fresh air should do me good.

All in all, It should be an enjoyable weekend. I hope you get a chance to get out and soak some of it up.

Adios...

Is Daley Trying To Score 2nd NFL Team For Chicago?

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Chicago has always has been a Bears town. But there's at least some talk today about the Bears no longer being "the only game in town." It started when CBS 2's Mike North on Monsters & Money in the Morning revealed that a former NFL commissioner was in town visiting Mayor Daley. "Paul Tagliabue walked out of City Hall yesterday," North said. "He was visiting with the mayor, I don't know what it was about. But he walked out. And I said 'wasn't that Paul Tagliabue?' He said, 'that's right.'" Reporting Jay Levine CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine spoke with Mayor Daley Wednesday and asked him what they were talking about. "The Olympics," Daley said. A kind of post-mortem of Chicago's failed 2016 bid. Tagliabue told us by e-mail that he's "no longer involved with the NFL." But given his history with the league and its owners, and the mayor's longtime desire to lure a second team to Chicago, it's hard to believe it didn't come up. It did, the mayor admitted. "I've been talking about it. I've been trying to get people; a lot of private investors out there would love to do it," Daley said. When asked if he spoke with Paul Tagliabue about it, since he was seen leaving Daley's office Tuesday, the mayor said: "That was first about the whole U.S. Olympics. Of course, I pitched it about how Chicago is such a great sports town." Daley said Tagliabue's reaction was, "Well, like anything else, he said you'd have to go through the process and all that." Daley's never really gotten over his beloved Chicago Cardinals leaving the South Side for St. Louis in 1960. He actually had a chance to get them back from Arizona 40 years later. "That was the time Mayor Daley had a chance to eliminate Soldier Field, leave it as a memorial, build a new stadium, 80,000 fans and have two teams," said ESPN.com's Lester Munson. "He could have done it then, he probably could have had the Cardinals then." Instead, he chose to construct the smallest stadium in the NFL, hurting his chances to get the second team many Chicagoans would love to have. "That would be huge," one Bears fan said. For both the love of the game and because they're running out of patience with the Bears. "I would just hope for something better than what we have now," a woman said. "Give me a second team as soon as you can get it here, that's fine with me," a man said. Munson agrees. "From the fans' point of view, the best thing that could happen would be a second team coming here into Chicago to make it tough on the Bears," Munson said. "What do the Bears want? That's the last thing they want. They want a total monopoly over NFL football." But some fans agree with the Bears. "I think the market is perfect the way it is," one fan said. "I don't think you should mess with that at all." "The Bears are legendary," said another fan. "They got history here. A brand new team trying to start off new, competing against the Bears? I don't see it." Mayor Daley sure does. "San Francisco has two teams, New York has two teams. Of course, anybody would love to have a second national football league franchise here in Chicago. That would be perfect," said Mayor Daley. For Daley and many fans? Yes. For an NFL owner without a bigger stadium? Not so much. Better to build a new stadium in Los Angeles, which doesn't have a team than share smaller quarters with the Bears, who don't want any part of them.

Israeli military calls off raid after soldier posts details

(CNN) -- The Israel Defense Forces called off a raid after one of its combat soldiers posted information about the operation, including the time and place, on Facebook, the IDF said Wednesday. "On Wednesday, we are cleaning up (the village). Today - arrest. On Thursday, God willing, we will be home," the soldier, who was not identified, posted on the social networking site, according to IDF. The post was removed after other soldiers in the company saw it online and reported it to their commanders, IDF said. "The division commander decided to cancel the operation out of concern that the information had reached hostile groups and would harm IDF forces," it said. The soldier was sentenced to 10 days imprisonment and was removed from his battalion and all combat postings, IDF said. His combat certificate also was revoked. IDF soldiers are prohibited from posting classified information online, including photographs of military interests.

Are We Headed for a Soviet-Style Collapse? - Dmitry Orlov

This is something I've worried about too...

Top Tea Party Leader Was Paid By GOP Biz Group's Campaign

A top Tea Party leader who has publicly distanced his group from the GOP was recently paid by a campaign run by an influential California Republican business organization, to gather signatures for a ballot initiative that's long been a key goal of the state party. Mark Meckler, one of two national spokespeople for the Tea Party Patriots, was recently paid $7,500 for "petition circulation management" by the "Citizen Power Campaign Supported by the Lincoln Club of Orange County," according to state disclosure records. Meckler's involvement with the campaign was first reported last month by the website Red County. Read More

Murderapolis revisited?

Coming into the first week of March and Minneapolis already has recorded 10 murders. I think that's more than half the number for the entire year of 2009. Why the sudden increase?

The city got off to a bad start early in the year when 3 Somali men were killed in an apparent robbery attempt of an east Franklin Avenue store. Most of the trouble however, has been on the north side.

Neighborhood leaders are pointing to increased gang activity. While that is a distinct possibility, I think the recent scrutiny of the police department with all the outcries of brutality may have emboldened some of these hoodlums who are now less afraid of being roughed up by the cops. Lets face it, there was a direct correlation between the number of complaints of over aggressive officers and the refreshingly low instances of violent crime the city enjoyed last year. Are cops afraid now to go all out to pursue these thugs out of fear of reprimand or dismissal?

I have long held the opinion that if you don't break the law, you have nothing to fear from law enforcement. Remember, criminals don't follow any rules. Handcuffing police officers by overanalyzing their methods of enforcement will only serve those who have little to no regard for the law or the community.

I think its time for these community leaders to get behind their police department if they want see this alarming number of murders drop.

Adios...

Congressman Patrick McHenry wants Ronald Reagan's face put on $50 bill

Congressman Patrick McHenry wants Ronald Reagan's face put on $50 bill A congressman is looking to change the face of the $50 bill – literally. Rep. Patrick McHenry, a Republican from North Carolina, wants to give Ulysses S. Grant the boot and replace his visage with former President Ronald Reagan. "Every generation needs its own heroes," McHenry said in a statement. ---------------------------- Fitting that it would be on a fifty. Most poor folks never see 'em.

Grade schooler "pushing tin?"

I suppose I should be up in arms about this report about a young boy, presumably the son of one of the paid controllers, giving instructions to a taxiing airplane Kennedy Airport, but I'm not... Really...

Without knowing for sure, I can only assume that the kid's father was right behind him, telling him exactly what to say. Is it something that should happen on on a regular basis, well no, but like they say in hockey, no blood no foul. I'm sure that a write up and a standard lecture may be in order, but lets not go overboard in disciplining a father that was attempting to be a good role model.

Adios...

Big Olympic hockey game could produce dividends

I'm not a real big hockey fan, but I did watch the Gold Medal game, Sunday. I am one of many that thinks if the NHL game were played like that, they draw a bigger audience. My biggest hangup with the NHL brand is the huge European presence, when it seems that the best players in the world are from right here in North America. I hope they build on the momentum of this phenomenal game and meld a few more American players into the mix. Adios... (I know... How lazy...)

Jerry Brown announces run for California governor | Reuters

Jerry Brown announces run for California governor Reuters SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - State Attorney General Jerry Brown on Tuesday formally announced his run for governor with a promise to "get California working again," setting the stage for a likely November showdown with former eBay chief Meg Whitman, the Republican front-runner.

Sen. Bunning's one-man filibuster is over - On Politics: Covering the US Congress, Governors, and the 2010 Election - USATODAY.com

Sen. Bunning's one-man filibuster is over - On Politics: Covering the US Congress, Governors, and the 2010 Election - USATODAY.com Lawmakers have reached an agreement to end the one-man filibuster by Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., that has blocked an extension of health and unemployment benefits since last week. The Senate will take a series of votes Tuesday night, culminating in a final vote on the $10 billion bill. The legislation would provide a 30-day extension of federal employment benefits for the unemployed as well as a 65% subsidy to help people who have lost their job pay for health insurance under the COBRA program.

T-Shirt for Sale... The Reagan Doctrine

Show your friends you know the real Ronald Reagan...

Utah senator proposes cutting the 12th grade - News

Utah senator proposes cutting the 12th grade - News Budget shortfalls in Utah have prompted Republican Utah State Senator Chris Buttars to present a proposal that would eliminate the grade 12. With a budget gap topping $700 million, the proposal reflects the desperation of Utah lawmakers and has outraged students and educators throughout the state. Estimating the plan could save $60 million, Buttars has since toned down his original proposal by suggesting senior year become optional, provided students complete required credits early. This would mean high schoolers would be pushed into the real world as early as 16. No other state has proposed cutting senior year as a solution to budgetary problems.

The value of good friends...

Yesterday, I was going through my Facebook friends list. I have about the average number of contacts on my list, which comprises of family, current friends, people I went to school with and those I've met on line through this blog. A little over 150 in number. I can honestly say of that number, I am in regular contact with about 30. I really enjoy Facebook. I don't get into the games like FarmTown and CafeWorld, instead I follow updates and engage in chatting to keep up on their lives.

I've never been a social butterfly, despite my outgoing personality. I've had a few close friends, usually those who tolerate my sometimes abrasive attitude. That said, I value each and every person that I've been lucky enough to call a friend.

Lately, a person that I thought were friends have became judgmental and have been inclined to poke their nose into areas of mine and Lori's life that I feel may be a bit off limits. When called in this, the individual "unfriended" us from her Facebook account. Am I alone in thinking that might be a bit petty?

I don't relish losing friends, even those that I may only speak to a couple times per year. I try not to do things to upset my friends, but I will call you, if need be, on being a busy body or passing judgement on things you know little to nothing about.

Like I've said before, live and let live and pay closer attention to what going on, on your side of the fence. This is the secret, in opinion to mantling long and valued friendships.

Adios...