Political discussion group, round two...

The first time I tried this, the bickering and fighting on the Politics forum drowned me out. The link to my current invitation is below.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/grp/975168482.html

We'll see if any interest is generated this time around. 

I'm preparing a post on the current Illinois mess, but I'm trying to figure out a few issues in my head before publishing. Look for it tomorrow!

Mandatory reading

A belated Merry Christmas to everyone! I spent Christmas Day at my in-laws' house in central Minnesota, well away from the distraction of on-line access.

For the "kids" in the family, Christmas morning still unfolds much as it would for those decades younger. We wake up to stuffed stockings and presents under the tree. This year, however, my stocking had an unusual stuffer...

Some of you know that to call me an avid reader is a gross understatement. I had given a list of books to my wife to distribute when she was asked for gift ideas for me. Imagine my surprise when my stocking contained not only a book that wasn't on my list, but one that looked very promising for inspiring a few posts here! The tome in question is by Joe Scarborough, and is entitled "Rome Wasn't Burnt in a Day". 

This book should be required reading for all young conservatives. It is a behind-the-scenes account of the Republican revolution of 1994, and is quite disheartening at first glance. When you read deeper, however, you realize that Scarborough seems to be writing it so that we may learn from the mistakes of that attempt to massively reform the spend-crazy culture of Washington. 

Note the date and time of this post; I'm done with the book. It's a fast read: conversationally-written, excellently paced, etc. It's difficult to not self-examine while reading about the backdoor power-brokering that overwhelmed the idealistic young Congressmen. If you get your hands on a copy, ask yourself whether you identify with the freshmen Congressmen, or the established leadership. If it's the latter and you're in Congress, we're coming for your job.

Getting ready for the legislative session...

I'm guessing that the DFL is going to hit hard at the beginning of the MN legislative session with social issues instead of fiscal ones. Gay marriage will be the first one up, forcing the GOP to take a hard stance and pushing Governor Pawlenty into a corner in preparation for the gubernatorial campaign in 2010. The GOP needs to come back with difficult budget decisions in response to our state's budget crisis, and needs to make sure the public knows which party is putting the critical issues first.

Dems have easy wins in the social arena. They profess to want to help everyone, it gives voters a warm and fuzzy feeling, and they feel like something is being accomplished. The problem is that extending the power of government takes away individual rights.

Pay attention, everyone...this is going to be an interesting session.

Missing the forest for the trees...

A parable:

A man with less-than-perfect credit wants to purchase a new car to replace his current vehicle which is outdated and suffers from numerous mechanical problems. He calls and visits various banks and finds out that only one bank is willing to approve a loan for the amount he needs.

Upon visiting the bank, the man is shown a check made out in his name for the amount he requested. The loan officer tells him that once he agrees to a few specific conditions, the check will be signed and handed over. One of the conditions is that the man carry full comprehensive insurance on the new vehicle. Due to his poor credit, the bank requires him to have a much lower deductible than he would normally prefer, which would result in a slightly higher (but still affordable) premium.

The man is indignant and refuses to agree to the conditions. The loan officer reminds him that if he does not agree, the bank will not issue the loan and the man will not be able to purchase the vehicle. The man angrily leaves the bank without agreement, and therefore without the check.

The next day, his failing vehicle breaks down. He now has no choice but to purchase a new car. He goes back to the bank, and the loan officer tells him that the bank will still be happy to loan him the funds, but now the interest rate has tripled, the deductible requirements are even lower, and the bank gets to control how and where he drives the car.

If only he had accepted the original terms...

Let me pose this question to the UAW leadership.

Which is worse for your members, wage concessions or bankruptcy?

From statehouse to courthouse in Illinois...

I'm so disgusted I can barely see straight.

Yes, I'm referring to Governor Blagojevich of Illinois. What a piece of corrupt trash.

How do people like him and his chief of staff (John Harris) look at themselves in the mirror? I'm sure the money helps, but is there no decency in their souls? Money can't erase a total lack of morals and ethics.

So to you, Governor, let me call it like I see it.

SCUMBAG. That is how you will be known throughout history, and may you enjoy being the guest of the federal prison system when they convict you...and they WILL convict you.

As someone who is contemplating a run for office, this is all the more unsettling. I would like to believe that our leaders are ethical men and women regardless of party, that they truly have our best interests at heart...and then this man gets elected.

It's time to throw the bums out on both sides of the aisle, and we can start with him.