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By Holly Cairns, on January 27th, 2012, I’m joining with another person to provide these, and more, non-partisan services:
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M.A., Education, Saint Mary’s University, Minneapolis, MN
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By MNCentral, on January 26th, 2012, Reforming No Child Left Behind (NCLB) should have been at the top agenda when John Kline (R-MN-02) assumed the Chairmanship of the Education and Workforce Committee last year.
But 2011 was a wasted year … as previously noted, Mr. Kline opted for a five-step approach … one of his steps has been approved by the full House of Representatives while two more are waiting for the Republican-managed House to decide when they want to debate and vote … but two segments are still waiting for his Committee to hold a hearing … and there were no committee hearings last week and none scheduled this week … if 2011 was a wasted year, then Chairman Kline is giving no indication that 2012 will be any better.
As previously noted, Chairman Kline’s Student Success Act includes the elimination of science education testing. That commentary noted the expressed concerns from the Chamber of Commerce that future students would not be trained for the jobs of tomorrow.
Well, now the Chamber of Commerce is a signatory (along with 37 other organizations) objecting to Chairman Kline’s plan.
The highlights of the letter include :
– the draft bill is not an update; it is a rollback.
– the draft also eliminates performance targets, removes parameters regarding the use of federal funds to help improve struggling schools, does not address key disparities in opportunity such as access to high-quality college preparatory curricula, restricts the federal government from protecting underprivileged students, and fails to advance the current movement toward college- and career-ready standards.
– The last time the federal government left accountability completely to the states, two-thirds decided to do nothing; only two states included the performance of individual groups of students in their systems. The rest took action in name only, setting targets too low or too vague to meaningfully drive student improvement. The students we represent cannot withstand the risk of Congress allowing states to return to old habits – aiming low and abandoning children deemed too difficult or inconsequential to educate. The draft, as written, would invite such a result.
– This draft bill also would allow federal dollars to flow but require virtually nothing in return. This is bad for students and bad for taxpayers. Federal funding must be attached to firm, ambitious, and unequivocal demands for higher achievement, improved high school graduation rates, and progress in closing both achievement and opportunity gaps. Any reauthorization of ESEA must, at minimum, require states to set clear goals and provide instructional support so that all students receive an education that prepares them for success in college and careers.
For the sake of the future of the country, maybe it is best if Chairman Kline and the Do-Nothing House continue their “work avoidance” practice and let reform wait until next term … a bill that is “bad for students and bad for taxpayers” is not reform.
Interestingly, when Governor Mitch Daniels (R-IN) gave the Republican response to the State of the Union, he found many problems but praised President Obama “for bravely backing long overdue changes in public education” … the country would be better to expand on President Obama’s efforts than to take a step back with Chairman Kline’s money-giveaway program.
By MNCentral, on January 19th, 2012, Sit right down, kids, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
Listening to Laura Ingraham’s radio program (broadcasted on KOWZ AM-1170 out of Owatonna notable for Mike Parry’s (R-SD-26) “Inside the Senate” program) yesterday, a Winning-Our-Future PAC commercial was aired promoting Newt Gingrich’s candidacy.
Okay, the caucuses will be February 7th and since Mr. Gingrich won the MN-GOP Straw Poll in 2007, it’s probably a good idea to “plant some seeds” now.
Today, a different commercial was aired … this one featured our own Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN-06) in which she salutes potential Commander-in-Chief Gingrich.
“He made an indelible mark that literally changed the course of the United States,” Mrs. Bachmann says in the ad. “Newt Gingrich, thank you!”
The ad concludes with the narrator saying: “Michele Bachmann was right: Newt helped change history once. He can do it again. Go with Newt, the man who can beat Obama.”
Is that an endorsement ?
As you ponder that, considering that there are robo-calls currently in South Carolina :
LAURA INGRAHAM: “Joining us now with an important announcement, you’re not going to want to miss this, former senator from the great state of Pennsylvania, Rick Santorum.”
RICK SANTORUM: “If you’re a conservative, there really is only one place to go right now. I would even argue farther than that. If you’re a Republican, if you’re a Republican in the broadest sense, there is only one place to go right now, and that’s Mitt Romney.”
LAURA INGRAHAM: “Senator Rick Santorum endorsing Mitt Romney unequivocally, without hesitation, that should mean something to all of you. Senator Santorum, thank you so much.”
Hopefully, the South Carolina primary voters realize that that current robo-call is a from 2008 — when Rick Santorum made that announcement on Laura Ingraham’s radio program — not today.
And the implied endorsement by Mrs. Bachmann … those are her words, but the praise of Mr. Gingrich was recorded during the 2010 election campaign, when Mrs. Bachmann introduced the former House speaker at a fund-raising event he headlined for her congressional re-election campaign.
Mrs. Bachmann’s lawyer, William McGinley of the Washington law firm Patton Boggs LLP wrote a letter to South Carolina radio stations, where the ad has been run, saying that the ad was edited in a way to leave voters with the impression that she has endorsed Mr. Gingrich for president. “Your station must not be used as a vehicle to mislead your viewers in this matter.
Put simply, Congresswoman Bachmann has not endorsed Speaker Gingrich nor any other candidate for the presidency.”
Gosh, it looks like KOWZ better be watching there mailbox.
And remember, candidate Gingrich was only going to run a positive campaign … well at least quoting people saying postive things to advance his campaign.
Of course, this inter-party fracas will eventually be resolved … but until then let’s acknowledge the Pants-On-Fire rating awarded to Mitt Romney’s first campaign ad which featured candidate Barack Obama’s words about John McCain being used to imply that it was President Obama’s words.
Using anyone’s words, which have been taken out of context in a ridiculously misleading way, is a pretty pathetic way to run a campaign … yep, at this rate, my trust only belongs to Margo Channing (Bette Davis) of All About Eve fame :
“Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.”
By MNCentral, on January 16th, 2012, “I am happy to announce Senator Coleman as an adviser to my campaign. His advice will be critical as I lay out my vision for improving our economy at home and strengthening our partnerships around the world.”
– Mitt Romney 9/21/2011 Press Release
“It’s a new world and how it plays out, I’m not sure.”
– former Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman commenting on the creation of the Congressional Leadership Fund.
Highlights from the story :
The Congressional Leadership Fund has yet to file any paperwork detailing its fundraising or spending with the Federal Election Commission. Coleman said he doesn’t know how much money the group will raise.
Given Coleman’s track record, it could be tens of millions of dollars.
During the 2010 campaign, Coleman ran a group he founded called the American Action Network that raised more than $30 million and spent $26 million on ads favoring Republican congressional candidates.
That kind of money could have an enormous affect on House races across the country, especially in a year when House Republicans will likely be playing defense, said Paul Ryan, a lawyer with the Campaign Legal Center, a group that advocates for stricter limits on money in politics.
“It doesn’t take as much money to make a difference in a House race,” Ryan said. “A super PAC can come into a House race and spend a couple of million dollars and have that be a very, very significant piece of the total spending in that race and have a very big influence on voters.”
Hmmm … Norm Coleman, who has already headlined a fundraiser for Raymond Cravaack (R-MN-08) (who not surprisingly received a donation from Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC), while Coleman’s American Action Network (AAN) PAC purchased ads last year in the Duluth News Tribune supporting Mr. Cravaack.
Mr. Coleman’s American Action Network had its impact in the 2010 elections targeting Tim Walz (D-MN-01) and prompting a review of then Senator Coleman’s statements about the role of PAC and his plea that “Enough is Enough.”
Meanwhile, Representative Walz is already under attack … as the Mankato Free Press reported criticism of
“Walz for holding “jobs and the economy hostage by refusing to support the Keystone XL pipeline.”
That topic was also the theme of automated phone calls sponsored by national Republicans to southern Minnesotans last month, although it’s a somewhat confusing line of attack because Walz was one of 10 House Democrats to vote for a Republican proposal.
Hmmm … Norm Coleman is an advisor to Mitt Romney,
Norm Coleman heads-up a PAC that supports Republicans for the House,
Mitt Romney’s PAC gives money to Republican House member’s re-elections,
Norm Coleman’s PAC targets Democrats providing shady information …
Wow …
by losing his Senate seat, Norm Coleman is more influential today (and I will be a whole lot richer) without any responsibilities to the public.
And obviously NO co-ordination between the PAC and the Advisor … Yep, only in a Citizen’s United Corporate World.
By MNCentral, on January 14th, 2012, QUERY : How should a Committee Chairman respond when the President proposes consolidating a number of overlapping federal agencies ?
A. Hold hearings and quickly send the legislation to the President for signature and implementation.
B. Hold hearings and let Party Managers decide when (and if) they want the Full House to vote on it.
C. Question whether the President using this as a political ploy.
D. Define you own reform plan, wait for Party Managers to tell you to proceed and question the President’s motives when he tries for further consolidations in other functions of government.
Hmmm … John Kline (R-MN-02), the Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee has apparently answered D by issuing this press release after President Obama proposed consolidating a number of overlapping federal agencies:
“A maze of bureaucracy often undermines important services workers, educators, and employers need. The Government Accountability Office has identified roughly 47 separate job training programs spread across nine federal agencies and 82 teacher quality programs administered by ten agencies. Clearly, there’s room to simplify our government, and that’s why the House Education and the Workforce Committee has made education and job training reform central parts of our legislative agenda. We have already taken bold steps to eliminate dozens of inefficient education programs, and this year the committee will advance sensible reforms that streamline the nation’s job training programs.
“While today’s announcement by the president is encouraging, it remains to be seen whether this is a partisan ploy or the first step in a concerted effort to usher in a smaller and more accountable government. I look forward to reviewing the details of the proposal, and hope it is the start of a larger effort by the administration to finally rein in the size and cost of the federal government.”
Whoa … hit the Reset button, Chairman Kline.
The Press Release starts by mentioning that there are overlapping programs in the Education area …. hmmm … but Chairman Kline fails to mention that the Obama FY 2012 budget request for the Department of Education eliminates 13 discretionary programs and proposes to consolidate 38 current Elementary and Secondary Education Act programs into 11 new programs … thus the President is asking Congress to approve that would address some of these overlapping programs.
On April 6, 2011, Chairman Kline gaveled in a House Education and the Workforce Committee hearing to discuss the lack of coordination in job training and teacher quality programs and that fragmentation has hampered program evaluation and contributed to administrative burdens.
The result is that on May 13, 2011, Chairman Kline’s committee received HR 1891 Setting New Priorities in Education Spending Act which includes more programs than the Obama Administration had suggested … but that’s the purpose of Congressional oversight … all they have to do is pass the legislation and send it to the President for approval or veto. Chairman Kline’s Committee approved the legislation on June 14, 2011 and sent it to the full House for approval …
In addition to Education, on December 8, 2011, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC-05) H.R. 3610, the Streamlining Workforce Development Programs Act, which consolidates 33 workforce training programs into 4 funding streams … but that has not had any hearings yet by Chairman Kline.
It’s now, 2012 … over eight months since Chairman Kline started this process … and the Republican-managed House has FAILED to schedule a vote … yet, Chairman Kline press release implies that they have done no wrong … when it should be stated that they have Done-Nothing.
Despite the failings of the Chairman Kline and the Republicans, President Obama has now requested congressional approval to merge the Commerce Department’s core business-related functions with five smaller agencies: the Small Business Administration, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Export-Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Trade and Development Agency.
Further, President Obama requested that Congress guarantee an up-or-down vote within 90 days on any consolidation he proposes that would save money and reduce the size of government as 1,000 to 2,000 jobs would be cut through attrition resulting in an estimated savings $3 billion over a decade.
Thus, Chairman Kline’s press release … questioning the motives, instead of grabbing the opportunity and enacting improvements.
If there is any “partisan ploy”, it might be by the Republicans whose only goal seems to be to make Barack Obama a one-term President.
During the War of 1812, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry famously said : “We have met the enemy and they are ours”, well in the War for a More Efficient Government, the expression is : We have met the enemy and they are the Do-Nothing Congress.
With Congress struggling for an 11% approval rate, its long past the time for all these delays and vacations, it’s time to get to work … 90 days is more than enough time.
Get er done.
By MNCentral, on January 13th, 2012, QUERY : Why is it that my respect grows for politicians after they leave office ?
ANSWER : ‘Cause they are finally free to be statesmen and not beholden to Party Managers … but why do they wait so long to be honest with their constituents ?
The MN-GOP has had more than their share of problems lately, yet the most revealing might be the Thornton Debacle.
The New Ulm Journal called it a “Clumsy power play” asking “Does anybody in the House GOP caucus know what they are doing?” Surmising “Apparently, the Republicans wants to fund different types of projects and wanted to put someone in charge who would do their bidding. If that was the motivation, Republicans acted with a stunning lack of finesse.”
For the New Ulm Journal to slam the Republican Party, is a newsworthy story in itself … yet, they seem to be doing that more frequently lately …
For those not familiar with the Thornton Debacle, Minn Post’s story provides a good overview.
Here are the highlights :
Susan Thornton, director of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) was fired.
The LCCMR, which was formed in 1963, is a nonpartisan outfit that makes recommendations on how money from the Lottery trust fund should be used in bettering the Minnesota environment.
A 17-member commission — five state senators, five state reps and seven citizens appointed by a combo package of the Senate, House and governor — recommends, by consensus, to the Legislature how the money should be spent.
Legislatures of the past have “tweaked” funding.
But when Republicans took control of the Legislature, the tweaks turned into major changes. Funding for projects that might involve such issues as global warming was slashed, according to some commission members. Those funds then were used to backfill budget areas that were being cut by the Legislature.
Thornton, according to commission member Jeffrey Broberg, was warned by Republican legislators that “she wasn’t working closely enough with the caucus.”
Broberg said that Thornton responded by saying that the commission is nonpartisan and that it was her job to work on behalf of Minnesotans.
Dennis Frederickson has a little insight into the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) having served twenty years including a stint as Co-Vice Chair.
In an interview, with the New Ulm Journal, Mr. Frederickson said he is confused and frustrated by the current debacle surrounding the firing and un-firing of LCCMR Director Susan Thornton.
Dennis Frederickson is a Republican and was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1980 and has been reelected every year until retiring in 2010.
Thirty Years of Service …
Thirty Years of Addressing Citizens Needs …
Thirty Years of Wisdom Gained by Listening.
Here are the highlights of the NUJ story :
Frederickson, speaking only as a prior member, said he was utterly baffled by the Republicans’ actions.
“I can’t recall any situation like this. From what I understand, the majority of commission members were very supportive of Susan,” said Frederickson, “I haven’t heard a single reason why [they fired her], much less a good one.”
Frederickson said the LCCMR was established explicitly to be nonpartisan and that it was reconfigured just six years ago to incorporate public input by adding seven citizen members. He said commission was highly successful in staying nonpartisan because all its members prioritized hard facts over any political component.
“That’s what made it such a pleasure to be able to serve on [the commission]. Everyone took the job so seriously and collegiality was expected on the commission,” said Frederickson, “I think the situation is very unfortunate for this reason: the commission added seven citizens explicitly so the public would have more input.”
He also said the commission had an admirable record of fiscal responsibility because of how thoroughly it vetted and tracked any funds it provided. He said the commission was diligent at checking throughout the year to make sure the group that received the funds were using them in the best way possible.
Regarding Thornton, he said that he knew her as being a hard worker who had the support of the majority of the commission. Thornton herself has developed a reputation for asking very tough fiscal questions of those seeking the commission’s funds. Some accusations, include ones from the LCCMR Co-chair Nancy Gibson and Co-vice chair Jeff Broberg, claim that the firing was an effort to oust Thornton’s strict oversight and bring the commission in line with Republicans’ agendas.
“I feel it’s completely inappropriate for any long time, dedicated staff member to be treated how Susan was treated, “said Frederickson, “I wish I had any idea why they did it.”
That question – “I wish I had any idea why they did it” — would seem to be appropriate for many of the antics the MN-GOP has pulled since assuming power in the Minnesota Legislature.
This new crop of Republican legislators seem to march to their own drummer … with no respect for opposing views even if it is from experienced legislators who were elected under the Republican banner … case in point, Mike Parry (R-SD-26) and his July 5 2011 tweet during the state government shutdown : “With all due respect, Mondale & Carlson need to stay in their rockers unless they can get Dayton to do the right thing …. RESIGN!”
“With all due respect” is something that does not seem to be offered to Republicans who do not walk the plank … just ask Arne Carlson, Al Quie, George Pillsbury, Peggy Leppik, Neil Peterson, Dennis Ozment, Roger Scherer, David Jennings, Ed Oliver, Lynne Osterman, Dave Bishop, Bill Schreiber, Art Seaberg, Rod Searle, Dave Durenberger, Doug Kelley, Joanell Drystad, and Al Olson … all who are currently banned from participating in Republican Party activities by the Republican Party State Central Committee.
The “MN-GOP Power Play” will lead to more people wondering if they can be trusted with any responsiblity.
By MNCentral, on January 11th, 2012, This week, U.S. Ambassador at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne Verveer and Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) visited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh. 
Representative McCollum has introduced legislation that declares child marriage to be a human rights abuse, and advocates for the elimination of child marriage as a U.S. foreign policy goal.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed her commitment to contain terrorism, militancy and women and child trafficking alongside continuing efforts to strengthen democracy.
“Bangladesh is upgrading its national capacity to combat the menace of trafficking in persons,” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that her government is relentlessly working for people’s empowerment, especially that of women.
In this context, she mentioned that the direct election to the seats reserved for women in all local government bodies, election of parliament members, appointment of a good number of women ministers, secretaries, justice of higher courts and police officers. “Democracy must continue in the country. Without democracy there’ll be no development in any country,” Prime Minister Hasina added that her government during its previous term had taken initiatives to reach healthcare services to the doorsteps of people through community clinics and the country was fully freed from polio.
Previously, Representative McCollum visited Israel.
Sadly, the role of women in Israel society may not be advancing as much as one would think.
While Representative McCollum was in Bangladesh, the Puah Institute held a conference in Jerusalem – “Innovations in Gynecology/Obstetrics and Halacha [Jewish law]”. According to United Jerusalem, pressure from ultra-Orthodox Jewish leaders reached a new level this week with a major conference on gynecological advances permitted only males to address the audience. At least two male Israeli doctors have withdrawn from making presentations at this week’s Puah event once they were made aware of the exclusion of women (or at least once public outrage over the exclusion became apparent.) Although there are many qualified female professionals, but none will be permitted to speak as the two sexes are not allowed to mix at its events. Puah receives considerable funding from the Health Ministry (while Congress increased the amount of American taxdollars are being provided to Israel.)
This conference was held after the recent tension in the Jerusalem suburb of Beit Shemesh. Some haredi residents of Beit Shemesh, a suburb of some 80,000 people, are upset about the opening in September of a new Modern Orthodox girls’ school, Orot, across the street from their neighborhood. Confrontations between haredi Orthodox activists and Modern Orthodox opposite the school have waxed and waned since the beginning of the school year, and often resulted in violence.
Haredi protesters have thrown eggs and bags of excrement at the young girls and called them “sluts” and “shiksas.” Haredi opponents of the school say the girls and their mothers dress immodestly, with sleeves and skirts that are not sufficiently long.
Recently, approximately 2,000 defenders of the girls — secular and Modern Orthodox — struck back with a rally at the school against attempts to exclude women from the public sphere in Israel.
“Free Israel from religious coercion” read one sign at the rally. “Stop Israel from becoming Iran” read another.
“We are struggling over Israel’s character not only in Beit Shemesh and not only over the exclusion of women but against all the extremists who have come out of the woodwork to try and impose their worldview on us,” opposition leader Tzipi Livni, head of the Kadima Party, said at the rally.
In addition, there was another event that featured protesters wearing yellow badges; others were dressed in prisoner uniforms symbolizing the prosecution of Jews by the Nazi regime during World War II. The protesters were trying to express by way of analogy that they are being persecuted for their Jewish way of life by Israel’s secular majority.
Meanwhile, back in America, Republican candidates for President are trying to one-up each other on who would be a better friend to Israel … when the real question should be : Who will be a friend of the Israeli women and the women of the rest of the world ?
By MNCentral, on January 11th, 2012, FOLLOW-UP : Keystone Should Be Tied to STOCK Act
The day after the Financial Services Committee held a three-session hearing on the legislation, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) indefinitely postponed the markup session stating that “a large group of bipartisan members of the committee felt the legislation was flawed and being recklessly moved solely in response to media pressure. Members of both sides of the aisle wanted more time to gather information and develop appropriate alternatives.”
The paragraph above is from a commentary concerning the power of the Majority Leader to stop 80 Republican Members as well as Democrats who are among the 241 co-sponsors from voting on H.R.1148 – Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act.
The question is Who is this large group ?
Considering that the Financial Services Committee has a number of Members who are listed as co-sponsors … why won’t the Members who object identify themselves ?
The Committee Members had chances to ask questions of the witnesses … and most seemed to be supportive … although I do recall that Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) seemed to be a little uneasy about the proposed legislation.
Interestingly, reviewing the personal wealth of Congresswoman Biggert reveals assets totaling in excess of totaling $2,647,063 … maybe as high as $9,380,000.
Congresswoman Biggert is rated the 56th wealthiest Member of the House of Representatives.
Looking at her portfolio, there are many companies local to her home state and large investments in US Treasuries … but then there is an investment that sticks out … Congresswoman Biggert has held Trans Canada stock since 2004.
TransCanada is Keystone XL.
Congresswoman Biggert has supported the Keystone XL project … tweeting her disappointments yet never acknowledging her personal investment.
Congresswoman Biggert is not the only Member of Congress to have a direct investment in Trans Canada … and it is perfectly legal for Members to invest in public companies … but that should come with some responsibility to not profit from insider information that they learn as a Member of Congress. Current insider trading laws do not apply to nonpublic information about current or upcoming congressional activity. As such, members of Congress aren’t technically obligated to keep information confidential related to congressional activity. So, for instance, if a lawmaker learns an upcoming bill will grant a company a large government contract, which could boost that company’s stock, he or she is free to buy that stock ahead of the bill’s public introduction.
Tim Walz’s STOCK Act has a broad group of supporters … Majority Leader Cantor needs to stop the stonewalling … the House will return from its current extended hiatus on January 17 and the Financial Services Committee should move this legislation forward as its first objective of 2012 … it’s long overdue.
By MNCentral, on January 10th, 2012, QUERY : How should a Congressman be judged … based on attendance or legislative accomplishment ?
“If you don’t like what is being said, change the conversation.”
- Don Draper – Mad Men- Episode 29 “Love Among the Ruins”
With an approval for Congress at 11%, John Kline’s PR machine must be listening to Don Draper as Mr. Kline is getting quite a bit of publicity for his participation in Roll Call votes.
In fact, the PR machine must be pleased that it wasn’t just a story on MinnPost or in the small town papers like the Northfield Patch, Apple Valley Patch, but the Red Wing Republican-Eagle devoted an Editorial to acknowledge his feat :
John Kline notched a “perfect” in 2011. He was one of a dozen U.S. House members who cast all 948 recorded votes taken last year.
[SNIP]
The record is impressive: He didn’t shy away from tough votes, and he didn’t miss any.
Equally important, Kline spent time “at home,” regularly meeting with locals and listening to their concerns so he can work on their behalf in Washington. That’s representation.
Impressive ? That’s representation ?
If somebody is at the top of the list then there must be people at the bottom, … that would be Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Maurice Hinchey (D-NY-22) who announced on April 22 that he has been diagnosed with colon cancer, and Michele Bachmann (R-MN-06) … what no mention of Ms. Bachmann’s attendance ? ? ?
Remarkably, the timing of the Republican-Eagle’s praise is interesting since it was virtually one year to the day that Representative Giffords who was holding a Congress on the Corner event when she was shot (you know “meeting with locals and listening to their concerns so she can work on their behalf in Washington” … how many of those type of events did Mr. Kline hold versus staged meetings with supporters?).
If you want to praise someone for not “shying away from tough votes” then Representative Giffords participation in the debt-ceiling vote was the example to cite … that was Impressive. That’s Representation.
Participation in Roll Call votes is what voters expect … but let’s be honest, how many of the 948 Roll Call votes were really “tough votes” and how many were as controversial as re-affirming “In God We Trust” as the nation’s motto ?
But voters also expect that their Representative would participate in the legislative process.
As a candidate, John Kline campaigned on Repealing and Replacing Obamacare, Reforming No Child Left Behind, and Creating Jobs.
As Chairman of Education and Workforce Committee, John Kline has the ability to move legislative items for Roll Call votes … that’s the representation the Second District thought they were getting.
While the House did pass a Repeal of healthcare on January 19th by a vote of 245-189, Chairman Kline has not moved any legislation forward on the Repeal side … in fact, Chairman Kline has moved very few pieces of legislation out of committee :
H.R. 1891 SETTING NEW PRIORITIES IN EDUCATION SPENDING ACT
Introduced 5/13/2011
Approved by Committee 6/14/2011by a vote of 23-16
House Status : Waiting for the Republican-managed House to authorize debate and final passage.
H.R. 2117 PROTECTING ACADEMIC FREEDOM IN HIGHER EDUCATION ACT
Introduced 6/3/2011
Approved by Committee 7/22/2011 by a vote of 27-11
House Status : Waiting for the Republican-managed House to authorize debate and final passage.
H.R. 2218 EMPOWERING PARENTS THROUGH QUALITY CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT
Introduced 6/16/2011
Approved by Committee 7/22/2011 by a vote of 34-5
Approved by House on 9/13/2011 by a vote of 365-54
Awaiting Senate Bill (most likely S 1566)
H.R. 2445 STATE AND LOCAL FUNDING FLEXIBILITY ACT
Introduced 7/7/2011
Approved by Committee 7/25/2011 by a vote of 23-17
House Status : Waiting for the Republican-managed House to authorize debate and final passage.
H.R. 2465 Federal Workers’ Compensation Modernization and Improvement Act
Introduced 7/8/2011
Approved by Committee 7/13/2011 by a voice vote.
The bill passed the House under Suspension on November 29, 2011, by voice vote.
H.R. 2587 PROTECTING JOBS FROM GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE ACT
Introduced 7/19/2011
Approved by Committee 7/25/2011 by a vote of 23-16
Approved by House on 9/15/2011 by a vote of 238-186
Awaiting Senate Bill (most likely S 1523 or S 1720)
H.R. 3094 WORKFORCE DEMOCRACY AND FAIRNESS ACT
Introduced 10/05/2011
Approved by Committee 11/10/2011 by a vote of 23-16
Approved by House on 11/30/2011 by a vote of 235-188
Awaiting Senate Bill (most likely S 1843)
That’s right … for the legislative year, Chairman Kline can boast that he has moved seven bills out of the Committee (that the Republicans control) and three are still waiting for a vote by the full House and none have been approved by the Senate nor signed by the President.
As previously noted, the No Child Left Behind reform still has two bills to be addressed next year (in addition to the above listed HR 1891, HR 2218 and HR 2245) … so that’s an incomplete project for the first session of the 112th Congress.
Creating jobs … well HR 2587 and HR 3094 may have more to do with union-busting that job-creating.
Mr. Kline’s PR machine is promoting this as a “Perfect Year” … Well, voters that grade on “accomplishment” instead of “attendance” may have a different view.
The first session of the 112th Congress began on January 6th and has accomplished little … the second session will not begin until after John and Vicky Kline return from their taxpayer-funded vacation along with Speaker Boehner and his wife, Debbie, to Brazil.
Yep, 2012 will be an easier year for Mr. Kline to keep that “perfect” record in tact … after all, the House will work only 109 days in 2012 after being scheduled to work only 127 days in 2011 … less work days should mean less Roll Calls … and less accomplishments for the Republican-controlled Do-Nothing Congress.
By MNCentral, on January 9th, 2012, ADAGE : Ignorance is Bliss.
What a week it was for John Kline (R-MN-02) … first there was a quick press release responding to President Obama’s recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board … calling it an Affront to Will of the American People.
The backdrop of the story is that The National Labor Relations Act provides for a five-seat board and since the term ended on January 3, 2012, the board was left with only two members and thus no quorum … and no way to handle cases. Heck, President Obama nominated Terry Flynn to the board Jan. 5, 2011, who had served as the Republican chief counsel at the NLRB for nearly 7 years, yet his nomination has languished in the gridlock perpetuated by this Do-Nothing Congress.
Yet, I have to agree with Mr. Kline that is an Affront to the Will of the American People to charge taxpayer’s a salary and fail to do the assigned job … Mr. Kline spent the time sending Tweets and appearing on radio programs instead of making his case on the House Floor.
After all, the House was in session … right ?
Yes, the Do-Nothing House of Representatives was convened into session at 10:00:38 on January 6th … as Speaker John Boehner (R-OH-08) designated the Honorable Jeff Denham (R-CA-19) to act as Speaker pro tempore for day. After the morning prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Assistant House Minority Leader James Clyburn (D-SC-06) began speaking :
Mr. Clyburn : Mr. Speaker, Democrats are here ready to work. We can’t wait. We need to extend the payroll tax cuts for the middle class. Where are the Republicans? I call for the payroll tax cut conference committee to get to work.
But as it was on December 21, 2011, Republican-managed House refused to let him speak, banged the gavel at 10:04:49, left the room, and again turned off the cameras. Yep, back to the backrooms where special deals can be made.
Mr. Kline is complaining about lack of Congressional involvement in the confirmation process yet, the Republican-managed House refuses to address the job that needs to be done.
Seems that maybe the Republicans want to do things in the dark without involvement of Democrats.
Hmmm … gosh, it just seemed so long ago when Mr. Kline gave the Republican Party Weekly Address on healthcare reform :
“Democrats have crafted this legislation behind closed doors, creating a partisan blueprint that – at last count – clocked in at more than 1,000 pages. It’s complicated, it’s convoluted, and it’s quite simply not going to work. It’s time to press the ‘reset’ button. Health care reform doesn’t have to be a partisan battle.”
Of course, that was healthcare … a subject that the parties have had lengthy battles for decades … but there was a few areas that Republicans and Democrats could generally work together to find common ground.
For example, in a bipartisan manner with then Education Committee Chairman John Boehner playing a strong role, The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was reworked more than 10 years ago as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
Today, both parties agree that NCLB is in need of dramatic reform. The Senate Education Committee in a bipartisan vote has approved legislation but the House Committee on Education and the Workforce is dragging out its work.
The Chairman, who happens to be John Kline issued a statement last month of the status — “There were several areas where we forged new agreement, but others in which we ultimately could not come to a consensus.”
The lack of consensus has resulted in Chairman Kline taking action … as MPR reported at 3:15 on Jan. 6th (a Friday afternoon generally considered to be too late for a lot of media coverage) that he has finalized the legislation.
Chairman Kline’s Student Success Act Summary should be a concern for everyone … unless you believe in the Adage – Ignorance is Bliss.
“To reduce the burden of over-testing on our nation’s students, the bill eliminates the federal requirement that states administer assessments in science.
Yep, the resolution to the climate change debate and other scientific-based questions is to promote Ignorance.
The MPR story described Chairman Kline’s legislation as “a retreat by the federal government in education policy”.
Retreat when America is failing.
On the last National Assessment of Educational Progress, the so-called “nation’s report card” nearly 80 percent of 12th graders fell short of science proficiency. The World Economic Forum ranks the United States 48th in math and science. This poor performance has resulted in fewer scientists and engineers. Only one third of the undergraduate degrees earned by American students are in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field, compared with 63 percent in Japan and 53 percent in China.
Apparently Chairman Kline did not get the letter from the US Chamber of Commerce :
“The United States must expand domestic sources of talent, and companies and organizations are strongly committed to dedicating resources toward improving education and specifically promoting STEM education in the U.S. The demand for these skills continues to increase and we believe encouraging more young Americans to choose careers in those fields is essential to a strong economy.”
How quickly Chairman Kline must have forgotten what was discussed at the August meeting The Case for Being Bold: A New Agenda for Business in Improving STEM Education which included Mr. Kline as a speaker.
Currently NCLB requires states to test students at least three times during elementary, middle, and high school years … but eliminate the testing requirement will mean that American cannot be described as failing … as well as re-enforces the anti-science reputation of the Republican Party.
In an increasingly knowledge-based economy, Chairman Kline’s proposal rewards failure (and promotes bliss).
Sad, but just like the failure to perform the Confirmation process, Chairman Kline’s decision to “craft this legislation behind closed doors” may be partisan motivated … President Obama would like to see NCLB reformed … as Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee had warned :
Given that the HELP Committee was able to come to bipartisan agreement on a strong bill to reauthorize ESEA, I sincerely hope Chairman Kline will reconsider his decision to not pursue a bipartisan bill. There is widespread agreement that No Child Left Behind needs to be fixed for the sake of our nation’s children, and I hope we will not abandon the longstanding tradition of bipartisanship when it comes to the education of our kids. Without a bipartisan bill coming out of the House, I believe it would be difficult to find a path forward that will draw the support we need from both sides of the aisle to be able to send a final bill to the President that advances education for America’s students.
Chairman Kline’s anti-science agenda is taking the country backwards … and voters do not need to have the lights ON to see that.
Then again, Chairman Kline could just hit the Reset … end girdlock, respond to the Chamber’s plea, respond to students and parents needs, but that could mean being open to compromise.
By MNCentral, on January 7th, 2012, Disgusting.
When the stories started circulating about some of the 33 tweets attributed to Mike Parry, I was disgusted … and thought that voters would never elect someone who professed such vile language, but I was wrong and now State Senator Mike Parry (R-SD-26) is actively campaigning to unseat Tim Walz in Minnesota’s First District.
For those that have forgotten, there was the 3:14 May 26, 2009 tweet “read the exclusive on Mr O in Newsweek. He is a Power Hungry Arrogant Black Man”, or Mr. Parry asking “What is it with Dems and pedophiles?” and others that were scrubbed. Mike Parry’s words were concerning but what should be more troubling is his explanation during a Waseca County News interview in which he seemed to be blameless and with a faulty memory “If it’s on my account I wouldn’t know how that one got on there”.
Sure makes you wonder what was stated on the other scrubbed tweets.
When Mike Parry was issuing his tweets, he was a private citizen (with the right of Freedom of Speech to profess his opinions), yet one would hope that an elected legislator would exercise a little caution. As a State Senator, Mike Perry has been known to say some rather partisan comments like his July 5 2011 tweet during the state government shutdown : “With all due respect, Mondale & Carlson need to stay in their rockers unless they can get Dayton to do the right thing …. RESIGN!”
… but Senator Perry can now take a backseat to Mike O’Neal, the Speaker of the House in the Kansas state legislature.
As reported in the Lawrence Journal-World:
O’Neal writes, “Sorry, just had to forward this latest holiday message! I’ve had worse hair days but this is pretty funny.”
In an email he forwarded to fellow House Republicans that refers to first lady Michelle Obama as “Mrs. YoMama” and compares a photograph of her to a picture of the Grinch.
“Twins separated at birth?” the subject line of the email says.
The forwarded portion of the email also states, “I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing Mrs. YoMama a wonderful, long Hawaii Christmas vacation — at our expense, of course.”
Disgusting.
Worse yet, is the spin to defend the email, as Alyson Rodee, who is O’Neal’s communications director : “Political cartoons are a part of American culture. It’s hard to see how Mike O’Neal poking fun at himself and forwarding a lighthearted political cartoon about the first lady’s extravagant spending of taxpayer funds during a time when many Americans are financially struggling is newsworthy.”
And that was not the only email. O’Neal had forwarded to House Republicans that referred to President Obama and a Bible verse that says “Let his days be few and brief.” The email states: “At last — I can honestly voice a Biblical prayer for our president! Look it up — it is word for word! Let us all bow our heads and pray. Brothers and Sisters, can I get an AMEN? AMEN!!!!!!”
Mike Parry or Mike O’Neal seem to be part of the problem … as Steve Quist wrote — The problem isn’t the government, it is the politicians we elect.
We need politicians who think for themselves and who think about Minnesota values and the future of Minnesota. They need to consider how the decisions they make will affect the next few generations, if not every generation going forward. They need to work together to be creative and considerate of everybody in their district, not just the people who support them or give them money.
We need politicians who are proud of working together and proud to get things done that make Minnesota better, not politicians who are proud that they created a chasm in public, insulted the other party in a clever way, or proud that their name is in the news.
I’m hoping for a movement of moderates to reengage with the parties that have pushed them out over the last 2 to 3 decades. There is no place for ideological extremists in mainstream politics.
Voters will have a choice this November … Personal attacks will never lead to progress … do you want progress or gridlock ?
By MNCentral, on January 6th, 2012, QUERY : Do you measure job growth based on what one company does or what the industry does ?
Mitt Romney told Fox News: “This is a president who lost more jobs during his tenure than any president since Hoover. This is two million jobs that he lost as president.” Wannabe-CEO-in-Chief went on to discuss his time at the private equity firm Bain Capital, “I’m very happy in my former life; we helped create over 100,000 new jobs.”
Romney’s supporters claim 100,000 growth in jobs is largely based on three companies that Romney helped to finance while at Bain Capital: Staples (a gain of 89,000 jobs), The Sports Authority (15,000 jobs), and Domino’s (7,900 jobs).
Let’s take the simple one first … Domino’s … if a Domino Pizza franchise opens up in your community and adds a full time manager, a handful of counter people/cooks and some delivery people, no doubt that is job creation (others can debate the economic impact of wages on the community). Now, it is possible that the community may buy more pizzas making this a growth industry, but it is also likely that “Old Tony’s Pizzeria” that has been a staple in the community for a generation, will lose some business … as “Old Tony’s” loses business, he reduces his staff … and eventually, since he does not offer delivery, ends up shutting down and all his employees are let go …
“Old Tony’s Pizzeria” has been housed in the same building for decades paying property taxes and supporting the “old neighborhood” … there has been some remodeling but the building has long been paid for … he supported the local Little League and bought ads in the High School sport teams’ programs … a true asset to the community.
“Old Tony” himself planned for his retirement that his son, “Young Tony” would keep the business going and sending him profit checks to supplement his Social Security …. alas, that’s all gone …
Oh, and that new Domino’s franchise that just opened up … it’s rented a spot in the new strip mall away from downtown … the strip mall that has easy access with public monies that paid for the road construction … and who knows, maybe the location is in an Enterprise Zone whereby creating (for example, 10 jobs at $11.95 yielding a State Tax Credit.
But yes, Mitt Romney can stake claim to job creation … but Glenn Kessler of The Washington Post pointed out another problem with this tally. It’s “based on current employment figures, not the period when Romney worked at Bain.”
Alas, wannabe-CEO-in-Chief Romney does not factor in the bankruptcies at other Bain investments, such as American Pad & Paper, Dade International, and LIVE Entertainment.
For more about Romney’s Bain days and questions about his actual involvement versus profiting as an investor, please read this previous commentary.
Yet, wannabe-CEO-in-Chief Romney is correct that there have been jobs losses during the Obama presidency … for example, just last year there were 183,064 government job eliminated. John Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, wrote “Washington is under immense pressure to cut spending and it looks like every deal to extend tax cuts, raise the debt ceiling and pass the budget will come with measures to cut spending, which can be expected to result in more job cuts.”
So government jobs are down … after all, hasn’t the Republican mantra been that Government must be downsized … but what about private industry jobs ?
For the 2011 calendar year, BLS data shows the U.S. private sector has now added 1.89 million jobs in 2011, well ahead of the previous year’s private-sector total of 1.2 million, and the best year for businesses since 2005. Since March 2010, American businesses have created 3.13 million jobs. (In 2008, the private sector lost 3.8 million jobs, and in 2009, the private sector lost 5 million jobs.)
Too bad that politicians keep basing their campaigns on “fear” and “distortion” … let’s make 2012 the Year of the Informed Citizen.
For example, remember when “fear”-invoking Congressmen, like John Kline (R-MN-02) belittled healthcare reform as a “jobs killer“ yet, as mentioned above, the private sector has grown jobs. And the largest segment of job growth occurred in the health care industry which added more jobs in 2011 than any other industry … from today’s jobs report: “Health care continued to add jobs in December (+23,000); employment in hospitals increased by 10,000. Over the year, health care employment has risen by 315,000.”
Oh, and in case you missed it 302,000 manufacturing jobs were added between February 2010 and November 2011 as US Manufacturers are recovering … and the Detroit automakers all reported market share gains in 2011, the first time they were all able to do so since 1988.
Yep, beware the Pizza Man and his Fear-mongering Friends … heck, the Restore Our Future PAC only took in $12,231,700 last year … so they can buy a lot of pizzas (and create a lot of jobs delivering their distorted information.)
By MNCentral, on January 2nd, 2012, “The most powerful force on earth is the spontaneous cooperation of a free people.”
— Woodrow Wilson
2011 saw an unprecedented engagement of people confronting their established government. The Arab Spring saw the demise of governments in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya … while Yemen and Syria are facing tipping points … and protests in Greece, England and of course, the Occupy movement in America.
Yet, the one that did not get the headlines by America’s media was the one that Erik Paulsen (R-MN-03) blogged about during his lobbyist-paid trip to Israel … writing Just before my arrival there was domestic protests that began over objections to the high cost of cottage cheese and housing. The size of the crowds at the various protests ranged from 250,000 to 400,000 … and the result was that the Government of Israel has made changes.
December 12th 2011
The Israeli Knesset has just passed an amendment which will raise Israeli tax rates for many in 2012.
The amendment follows peaceful but earnest demonstrations in Israeli streets last summer calling for lower living costs, and recommendations of a Commission headed by Manuel Trajtenberg.
The higher tax rates are meant to finance some of the reforms considered necessary.
Here is an overview of the new Israeli tax measures which take effect January 1, 2012:
* Company tax: The company tax rate on profits will be increased from 24% to 25%, and future scheduled reductions are repealed.
* Personal income tax: The top rate of income tax will rise from 45% to 48% on annual income from business or employment over NIS 489,480 (this will be adjusted shortly for inflation). Middle class earners will pay 21% tax instead of 23% on the NIS 103,929 – 168,840 annual income bracket.
* Investment income: The regular tax rate on dividends, interest, loan discount, capital gains and land appreciation will go up 5% for individuals. The regular rate will increase from 20% to 25%. The rate for dividends paid to major shareholders (holding 10% or more) will increase from 25% to 30%.
Yes, “The most powerful force on earth is the spontaneous cooperation of a free people.”
The Israeli Government is responding to its citizens concerns and needs …. oh, and so is the American Taxpayer …
President Obama signed a bill Friday that includes a provision to expand U.S. military assistance to Israel. Despite a tough economic climate and expected U.S. budget cuts – including drastic cuts to the U.S. military budget – U.S. lawmakers will provide $236 million in fiscal 2012 for the Israeli development of three missile defense programs: “Arrow-2″, “David’s Sling”, and “Arrow-3″ medium-range interceptor. The bill, which was introduced in May and approved by Congress this week, would have the U.S. provide additional support to the annual $3 billion for ten years that the U.S. is already committed to under the Memorandum of Understanding.
So, Erik Paulsen voted against extending the tax cut for working families, but had no problem with increasing foreign aid … despite the fact, the American Department of Defense will be is facing mandatory cuts.
Oh, and the Israeli Government is not done yet … “In a few days, I will submit to the cabinet what I believe is the proper balance between defense needs, economic needs and social needs, including free compulsory education from the age of three… which we will institute in 2012,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of the cabinet meeting today.
Hmmm … maybe the next time Mr. Paulsen takes one of those lobbyist-paid trips, he should ask the Israeli’s how they respond to their citizens’ needs so much quicker and better than America ?
By MNCentral, on December 30th, 2011, Potential Commander-in-Chief Michele Bachmann has followed in Ronald Reagan’s footsteps … well, in a way, as Ms. Bachmann appeared yesterday on the legendary 50,000 watt WHO 1040-AM, the same station where Ronald Reagan got his start in radio.
Ms. Bachmann got to sit in the “Hot Seat” while Jan Mickelson, the leading conservative radio personality in Iowa, invited callers to express their concerns.
Needless to say, Ms. Bachmann has a way to cool off any “Hot Seat” … ask a simple question, like “What time is it ?” and the Bachmann response will be “It’s time to Repeal Obamacare” … never a straight answer to a direct question, just utilizing her talking points to stay on message …. endlessly.
One caller posed a question that was probably not on candidate Bachmann’s short list of expected questions … asking about America’s electric gird … the high-voltage transmission lines — the “interstate highways” of our electric system — the electric grid that has suffered from decades of under-investment.
The current outdated system is costly, vulnerable and inadequate which hinders transmission of America’s virtually unlimited domestic clean lowest-cost energy to ratepayers.
At a recent Midwestern Governors Association, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad said “Efficient energy transmission is a key component to growing Iowa’s economy and keeping energy costs low.”
This caller had a real world question … one that would affect Iowans … and he wanted to know what the role of the Federal Government should be (implying that he wanted involvement.)
Ms. Bachmann response did not address the critical question of “transmission” but instead responded with her talking point advocating for “an all-of-the-above energy strategy.”
As Ms. Bachmann rambled on about unleashing domestic exploration, the host, Jan Mickelson, interrupted “I must throw out the ‘F-word’ ” … at which Ms. Bachmann gave a look, then smiled and said “oh, you mean “Fracking” … that was not a concern for Ms. Bachmann … after all, the impact to the environment has not been a concern for Ms. Bachmann as she has referred to climate change as manufactured science and questions the human role in the warming of the earth. Ms. Bachmann voted to bar the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases in April 2011 and voted against enforcing limits on carbon-dioxide pollution in June of 2009.
The host used this subject as a segue to a discussion of Iran, who has repeatedly warned over the past week, that it could impose sanctions on oil exports and threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz — which could impact the movement of roughly 15 million barrels of oil per day that serves the world market.
Ms. Bachmann’s response was that America needs to be self-sufficient on oil production so that America would be impervious to any Iranian actions.
OK, that prompts a couple of questions …
IF, America was self-sufficient, would we reduce our military presences overseas … and thus reduce the military budget ? Has Potential Commander-in-Chief Bachmann promised those reductions ?
IF America was self-sufficient, would Israel use military action without regard to America’s concerns for stability in the region ?
IF America was self-sufficient, how would the American companies (and the petroleum-exporting states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) that currently rely on the Strait of Hormuz to move their oil products to the Indian Ocean mind that they would not have the U.S.taxpayer-funded military patrolling the waters ?
Potential Presidentress Bachmann seemed to laugh off the Iran situation as one that could easily be ignored if domestic production was increased … well, there is another “F word” that comes to mind — Ms. Bachmann is living in Fantasyland.
In the meantime, consider this article from the Wall Street Journal : U.S. exports of gasoline, diesel and other oil-based fuels are soaring, putting the nation on track to be a net exporter of petroleum products in 2011 for the first time in 62 years.
Another reporting from The Wall Street Journal : The number of rigs in the United States has been soaring during the Obama years. Oil drilling is up nearly 60 percent in the past year alone.
And from CNN : Gasoline: The new big U.S. export
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — The United States is awash in gasoline. So much so, in fact, that the country is exporting a record amount of it.
While Ms. Bachmann may want people to think the “F-word” should refer to “Fracking”, Well-Informed Voters consider the “F-word” should only refer to FACTS.
By MNCentral, on December 29th, 2011, 2011 was a year that made tabloid journalism feeding Low-Information Constituents the norm, thus the resolution for 2012 needs to be the return of the Well-Informed Voter.
The Republican Party is in the midst of determining who their Presidential nominee will be … yet the focus has been misplaced on irrelevant matters.
Michele Bachmann (R-MN-06) seemed to garner a lot of grassroots support and then the “questions” were raised about her “debilitating migraine headaches that led to hospitalizations”.
Questioning her fitness for the job was easier than questioning her facts or philosophies.
Potential Commander-in-Chief Bachmann effots to displace this irrelevent health issue is take on her challengers using her perception of the world. Ms. Bachamann’s latest salvo evokes a “mushroom cloud” event :
“Ron Paul would be a dangerous president. He would have us ignore all of the warning signs of another brutal dictator who wants to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. I won’t. He would wait until one of our cities is wiped off of the map until he reacted. I won’t wait,” she told reporters yesterday.
Potential Commander-in-Chief Bachmann may get some Iowa caucus-goers to forget the migraine concerns … that’s what Low-Information voters do … however Well-Informed Voters would ask what does Israeli sources say … from their local newspaper, Haaretz reports that Mossad chief Tamir Pardo said “A nuclear-armed Iran wouldn’t necessarily constitute a threat to Israel’s continued existence.”
Further, Haaretz interviews Dr. Leon Hadar, an Israeli and U.S. citizen who knows Ron Paul :
“He is just against foreign aid, and does not see any reason to grant an aid to the country that is a member of OECD. We should remember it’s the primaries, and the Republican party establishment is not happy about his popularity, because on many issues his positions run contrary to the traditional party’s agenda.”
While Ms. Bachmann was discounted by her migraines, infidelity caused heartache for a few other Republicans. Minnesotans are aware of the headlines involving State Senator Amy Koch, but not the “facts” … and those may never be reported. On the presidential campaign, Herman Cain finally left the stage after reports of sexual harassment allegations and a long-term affair proved to be a problem, yet his unsure responses on foreign affairs over Libya and Ubeki-beki-beki-beki-stan-stan did not cause the concern that it should have.
Another Republican candidate, Rick Perry showed off his “education” by announcing during the November 9th debate that he would reduce the size of government …
Perry: And I will tell you, it is three agencies of government when i get there that are gone. Commerce, Education, and the — what’s the third one there? Let’s see…Okay. Commerce, Education, and the —”
Ron Paul: EPA?
Perry: EPA, there you go.
Moderator: Seriously — is epa one you are talking about?
Perry: No, sir, no, sir. we are talking about the – agencies of government — EPA needs to be rebuilt.
Moderator: you can’t — you can’t name the third one?
Perry: The third agency of government I would — I would do away with Education, the Commerce…Commerce and, let’s see. I can’t. The third one, I can’t. Sorry. Oops.
Low-Information Iowa caucus-goers are still considering Rick Perry Presidential future, yet a review of candidate Perry’s college transcript and his C, D and F grades in Chemistry may explain Governor Perry’s questioning of various scientific facts. Actually, the transcript would suggest that he is the last person to advocate shutting down the Department of Education … instead, Governor Perry should be advocating greater performance out of the educational system.
These three quick examples illustrate that Voters need to become Well-Informed before the onslaught of lobbyist-paid PAC television commercials define the candidates.
In 2012, we do need not politicians that are created by the lobbyist-paid Political Action Committees … we need leaders … and thinkers … and competence.
Steve Quist recently penned his thoughts :
I keep hearing people say that our government is broken, that bureaucracies don’t work, that we can’t trust the government. But that is completely false. The problem isn’t the government, it is the politicians we elect. Time and time again we vote for a person simply based on a party affiliation, or we vote for the person who was lucky enough to catch us at home when they knocked on our door. We use one issue to decide who to vote for and we discount the others based on one issue.
That is no way to elect somebody to repair a system that you consider broken. If we want things to work, we need to elect people who are thoughtful, creative, considerate, and who see the big picture.
In 2012, we need to begin electing politicians who are willing to look at evidence and statistics, and use that data to decide how to vote on an issue, not vote on an issue based on a pledge that was signed to get the endorsement of a special interest group, or vote based on how the politicians affiliated party feels in general about issues of that type.
We need politicians who think for themselves and who think about Minnesota values and the future of Minnesota. They need to consider how the decisions they make will affect the next few generations, if not every generation going forward. They need to work together to be creative and considerate of everybody in their district, not just the people who support them or give them money.
We need politicians who are proud of working together and proud to get things done that make Minnesota better, not politicians who are proud that they created a chasm in public, insulted the other party in a clever way, or proud that their name is in the news.
Well said, Steve.
To be a Well-Informed Voter, ignore the television ads and read the Fact-Check websites and mark you calendar to re-read Steve’s The type of politician we need in 2012 on the first of every month.
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