by PDW58

There is an eye-opening article that leads the Trib this morning about the MN Pollution Control Agency. It would seem that they are following the lead of Big Brother in DC and letting industry dictate the pollution standards in this state. There is a law on the books that requires states to submit plans for reductions in mercury emissions from in-state sources. The MPCA plan consulted industry about the plan but denied input from environmental groups saying they could establish their case during the comment period. Sound familiar?

The new energy bill running through Congress is going to take us back to the "China Syndrome" days of yesteryear, as nuclear power gets the preferred "alternative" status. Why the heck can't the Midwest reps get together and force some of those porky billions to build transmission lines that utilize wind energy? Minnesota and other prairie states could make billions on it and it how many countries do you have to invade to import wind?

We seem to be getting another round of letters in the paper debunking evolution. You know, there is a fundamental philosophy difference between science and creationism. With creationism, confilicts are dismissed with "accept it on faith" while in science, they aren't afraid to say "I don't know, let me investigate". Progress ceases when faith is interjected as your only explanation-- so I'll take the "I don't knows" any day.

Later..

Category: Minnesota Politics

by PDW58

I'm a firm believer that politicians never take any action that hasn't been thoroughly vetted and examined for personal political effect. That is what makes Bill Frist's and Tim Pawlenty's recent stances so interesting. Frist hasn't made any secret of his desire to run for President. But when you are a Republican, that has generally meant you kiss the a**** of as many Christian conservatives as you can find. Enter stem cell research... Obviously, Frist knows something about the national polling on this and the Fundamentalists aren't on the +50 side. But why would he take such a public stance on something that is controversial and could make nomination difficult? My speculation would be that we are seeing the beginnings of a serious rift in the national GOP.

Then there's Tim Pawlenty.. he signed that no new tax pledge to get the GOP nomination. He essentially has broken it, if you believe in the influence of the Tax Evaders League. Again, this smells more like self-preservation than a person looking for a national stage. The same rift may be developing in this state. From these lips to God's ears.....

Just another thought on the Politics in Minnesota newsletter from the Janacek/Blois combo. They mentioned some made-up rumor that Molnau might want off the ticket next time... pure speculation based on some policy disagreements. The Trib goes off half-cocked and does a follow up with Molnau who promptly denies all of it. That is really giving Sara J. way too much credit... that crap was just filler.

Things have been quiet on the Coleen Rowley front... I'm sure everyone is wondering whether the money's going to be there. The first reporting period is going to be crucial.

With Hatch looking more and more like a gubernatorial candidate, the speculation might start on who's going to run as the DFLer for attorney general. I always thought that's what Matt Entenza has been gearing up for all along, but being so close to getting the Speaker job must be tempting. Personally, I don't think Entenza is Speaker material... he doesn't build trusting relationships with his own caucus and that is even more essential for the Speaker job. We will wait and see...

Till next time....

Category: Society

by PDW58

I got permission from this blog's oversight team to start posting some rambling thougts. I get into politics pretty heavily.. I don't write opinion pieces -- this blog already has a lot of that, but I thought maybe I could add some thoughts along the way about what I observe in this political climate. Short snipets that may interest some and bore others, but good bathroom reading....

Let's take CAFTA for instance. How in the world can any self-respecting representative of MN agriculture vote for that? Change one lousy vote in the House and the thing goes down -- we got 3 schmucks representing us that have to look in the mirror and say I screwed Minnesota ....Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Kline, and Mr. Ramstad. Funny how the only Republican with any balls was Gil. Go figure.

The legislative Democrats finally stood their ground on the budget, too. Its too bad it took a legislative shutdown to finish the deal but then last year they would have caved -- the climate change is moving left..

How ironic was it to see Mark Kennedy and Patty Wetterling sharing the stage on a push for Dru's Law which made it out of committee.

Anybody see that Cheri Yecke piece in the Trib about how she feels conservative women are routinely criticized for how they look by liberal pundits? What a crock... by the way, could she get a hairdo that doesn't reek of poodle skirts??? ... come to think of it, Carol Molnau looks like a 'before' picture of Linda Tripp... Michelle Bachmann gets make-up tips from Katherine Harris, and Mary Kiffmeyer uses enough hair spray to get her own personal ozone hole... Hey, this is too easy. But seriously, how stupid is it, for a conservative to fault liberals for personal insults. They invented it.

I am still trying to figure out the Bill Frist 180 on stem cells. What he is supporting still isn't enough, but it sure is a clear break from Bush. Could he be trying to prove his MD license should still be considered valid? He almost lost all medical credibility during the Schaivo scam. The Fundamentalists ain't going to like it!

The new Politics in Minnesota newsletter sure has a Republican slant to it. Of course, if Sara Janacek is the mover involved, it has to. The Democrats are represented by Blois Olson -- I'm still trying to figure out what he has on his resume to get that job. Seems to me he managed a horrible 1st District House race about 10 years ago and stumbles all over himself on Almanac once in awhile. Guess that's what passes the Janacek test...

Oh well, maybe that's enough trash for now.... back later.