Sunday, July 12, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Justice Ginsberg Calls 'Em Likes She Sees 'Em
Did you see this? Do you have a problem with this? I do.
This woman has been on the United States Supreme Court since 1993. What a great testimony to the wisdom of the court. She made this statement just days ago, in 2009!!!
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
"Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/magazine/12ginsburg-t.html?pagewanted=4&_r=2&ref=magazine
This woman has been on the United States Supreme Court since 1993. What a great testimony to the wisdom of the court. She made this statement just days ago, in 2009!!!
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
"Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/magazine/12ginsburg-t.html?pagewanted=4&_r=2&ref=magazine
Thursday, July 9, 2009
MNGOP Saves 1000s of Ducks Lives
If you are a waterfowl hunting enthusiast and a republican activist you have a very difficult choice to make this year. Do you go to the MNGOP State Convention scheduled for October 3 in Saint Paul or do you maintain your family tradition of attending the Duck Opener?
I haven't missed a duck opener in a long, long time. It's one of my favorite events of the year. But miss it I will this year. The waders will have to wait another week. Thousands of ducks will live thanks to the MNGOP Executive Committee.
The good news is that MNGOP decided to change from the the original September 19 date of the convention because it is also Rosh Hashanah. It wouldn't be kosher to conflict with the Jewish New Year.
I haven't missed a duck opener in a long, long time. It's one of my favorite events of the year. But miss it I will this year. The waders will have to wait another week. Thousands of ducks will live thanks to the MNGOP Executive Committee.
The good news is that MNGOP decided to change from the the original September 19 date of the convention because it is also Rosh Hashanah. It wouldn't be kosher to conflict with the Jewish New Year.
Vote Early and Often – Minnesota Doesn’t Begrudge an Extra Vote Now and Then
"Election Records Suggest Some People Voted More than Once in 2008 Election
St. Paul – A Wisconsin couple was recently arrested for casting extra votes in the 2008 elections, but it appears that some voters in Minnesota might be getting away with the same crime. Minnesota Majority, a conservative non-profit issue advocacy group, has discovered evidence that at least 280 individuals may have voted more than once in the Minnesota’s 2008 general election. The group compared 2008 voter histories records and discovered that some records exactly matched one another on the criteria of first, middle and last names, year of birth and telephone number.
Before the 2008 election, Minnesota Majority had alerted Secretary of State Mark Ritchie that it had discovered similar double-voting phenomena in the records of previous elections. The Secretary of State’s office suggested that the group contact individual county attorneys in which the apparent violations had occurred.
Minnesota Majority made multiple attempts to contact 30 county attorneys requesting an investigation. Eight months later, 19 county attorneys failed to respond to Minnesota Majority’s request. Two county attorneys flatly refused to investigate. Another county attorney responded by saying he had sent a letter to the voter who had allegedly voted twice reminding her that she was only entitled to one vote and asking her not to do that again.
Minnesota state law requires a county attorney who is informed of a potential election violation to immediately investigate the matter or potentially be charged with a misdemeanor and be subject to forfeiture of his or her office.
“It appears that everyone wants to look the other way when we present evidence of apparent problems in our election system,” said Jeff Davis, president of Minnesota Majority. “The dogma seems to be that Minnesota has this fantastic election system with unparalleled turn-out and clean results beyond reproach. When someone points out evidence to the contrary, nobody wants to hear about it and nothing is done.”
Minnesota Majority plans to provide their new evidence of double voting to the appropriate county attorneys. “We’ve been down this road before. We’ll do our civic duty and alert the appropriate law enforcement officials,” said Davis. “Perhaps this time these officials will obey the law, do their jobs and actually investigate these incidents.”
## [from Minnesota Majority]
St. Paul – A Wisconsin couple was recently arrested for casting extra votes in the 2008 elections, but it appears that some voters in Minnesota might be getting away with the same crime. Minnesota Majority, a conservative non-profit issue advocacy group, has discovered evidence that at least 280 individuals may have voted more than once in the Minnesota’s 2008 general election. The group compared 2008 voter histories records and discovered that some records exactly matched one another on the criteria of first, middle and last names, year of birth and telephone number.
Before the 2008 election, Minnesota Majority had alerted Secretary of State Mark Ritchie that it had discovered similar double-voting phenomena in the records of previous elections. The Secretary of State’s office suggested that the group contact individual county attorneys in which the apparent violations had occurred.
Minnesota Majority made multiple attempts to contact 30 county attorneys requesting an investigation. Eight months later, 19 county attorneys failed to respond to Minnesota Majority’s request. Two county attorneys flatly refused to investigate. Another county attorney responded by saying he had sent a letter to the voter who had allegedly voted twice reminding her that she was only entitled to one vote and asking her not to do that again.
Minnesota state law requires a county attorney who is informed of a potential election violation to immediately investigate the matter or potentially be charged with a misdemeanor and be subject to forfeiture of his or her office.
“It appears that everyone wants to look the other way when we present evidence of apparent problems in our election system,” said Jeff Davis, president of Minnesota Majority. “The dogma seems to be that Minnesota has this fantastic election system with unparalleled turn-out and clean results beyond reproach. When someone points out evidence to the contrary, nobody wants to hear about it and nothing is done.”
Minnesota Majority plans to provide their new evidence of double voting to the appropriate county attorneys. “We’ve been down this road before. We’ll do our civic duty and alert the appropriate law enforcement officials,” said Davis. “Perhaps this time these officials will obey the law, do their jobs and actually investigate these incidents.”
## [from Minnesota Majority]
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Governor's Race Will Unite MN House Republicans
With all due respect here's a counterpoint to the opinion expressed by Twice Blessed HERE at Conservative Cravings:
There is nothing like a robust endorsing process to infuse a flagging party with new energy and fresh perspective. In stead of imploring the House republicans to narrow their choices for Governor, I think this is a more the merrier proposition. The suggestion that members are going to compromise their integrity to use floor votes as leverage in the governor's race is an unfortunate insult to the folks we have serving in the House that have also stepped forward to pursue the GOP endorsement for Governor.
We need more leaders in the republican party. I believe that sincerely with regard to the precincts all the way up to the folks who represent us in Washington. We have spent far too much energy in the GOP tearing each other down. Instead of focusing on constructive ideas to move us forward some of our cadre have expended huge energy spreading rumors and defaming good people who they call "colleague" out of the other side of their mouths.
The House GOP made a great decision a few weeks ago when they chose Kurt Zellers as Minority Leader. Kurt being chosen is the first step toward uniting what was a fractured caucus and paving the way toward true teamwork, widely shared responsibilities and widely shared credit.
Fear not! The House GOP Caucus is poised to thrive in 2010. The gov endorsement race is only going to improve our stead.
There is nothing like a robust endorsing process to infuse a flagging party with new energy and fresh perspective. In stead of imploring the House republicans to narrow their choices for Governor, I think this is a more the merrier proposition. The suggestion that members are going to compromise their integrity to use floor votes as leverage in the governor's race is an unfortunate insult to the folks we have serving in the House that have also stepped forward to pursue the GOP endorsement for Governor.
We need more leaders in the republican party. I believe that sincerely with regard to the precincts all the way up to the folks who represent us in Washington. We have spent far too much energy in the GOP tearing each other down. Instead of focusing on constructive ideas to move us forward some of our cadre have expended huge energy spreading rumors and defaming good people who they call "colleague" out of the other side of their mouths.
The House GOP made a great decision a few weeks ago when they chose Kurt Zellers as Minority Leader. Kurt being chosen is the first step toward uniting what was a fractured caucus and paving the way toward true teamwork, widely shared responsibilities and widely shared credit.
Fear not! The House GOP Caucus is poised to thrive in 2010. The gov endorsement race is only going to improve our stead.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Do Non-Citizens Have the Right to Vote in Minnesota?
from Minnesota Majority
Election records suggest non-citizens cast ballots in the 2008 election
St. Paul – In the course of its ongoing research into irregularities into Minnesota’s election system, Minnesota Majority has discovered evidence that non-citizens may have voted in the 2008 election.
In September 2008, Representative Laura Brod (R, New Prague) contacted Secretary of State Mark Ritchie with concerns that non-citizens were apparently present on Minnesota’s voter registration rolls. State law requires drivers licenses issued to non-citizens residing in Minnesota on temporary visas must bear the mark “status check.” That mark acts as a flag to law enforcement officials to check the expiration date of the individual’s visa to verify they are still legal visitors. Visa information also appears in the computerized Department of Public Safety Records. A comparison of DPS records with the statewide voter registration list revealed several non-citizens had somehow become registered to vote, which is in itself illegal.
Several weeks prior to the election, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie held a press conference in which indicated that he was unaware that the DPS had, for nearly two years, been providing his office with a monthly list of drivers’ license records containing non-citizen visa information. He thanked Representative Brod for bringing the issue to his attention. He also assured the public that his office would be checking this information prior to the election and that appropriate challenges would be issued at polling places to prevent non-citizens from voting.
A review of 2008 election records by Minnesota Majority shows that many of the non-citizens Representative Brod originally brought to the attention of the Secretary of State prior to last year’s election are still on active voter registration rolls and several actually appear to have voted in the 2008 general election.
“I can’t understand it,” said Jeff Davis, Minnesota Majority’s president, “Representative Brod provided the Secretary of State with the list of names. She pointed right at the problem. Secretary Ritchie acknowledged the problem and said that he had corrected it. But now we find that election records show these people are still on the rolls and several actually voted. If these records are accurate, this is an unconscionable failure to safeguard the integrity of our elections.”
Minnesota Majority has also received reports from election poll watchers that same-day registrants with “status check” flags on their identification cards were allowed to register and vote in the 2008 election. A formal complaint filed by one poll watcher states that an official from the Secretary of State’s office told precinct election officials that the words “status check” on a voter’s identification card was not justification to deny a vote to anyone. Only non-citizens have driver’s licenses or state-issued identifications marked “status check” as this is an indication that the person is visiting the US on a visa.
##
Election records suggest non-citizens cast ballots in the 2008 election
St. Paul – In the course of its ongoing research into irregularities into Minnesota’s election system, Minnesota Majority has discovered evidence that non-citizens may have voted in the 2008 election.
In September 2008, Representative Laura Brod (R, New Prague) contacted Secretary of State Mark Ritchie with concerns that non-citizens were apparently present on Minnesota’s voter registration rolls. State law requires drivers licenses issued to non-citizens residing in Minnesota on temporary visas must bear the mark “status check.” That mark acts as a flag to law enforcement officials to check the expiration date of the individual’s visa to verify they are still legal visitors. Visa information also appears in the computerized Department of Public Safety Records. A comparison of DPS records with the statewide voter registration list revealed several non-citizens had somehow become registered to vote, which is in itself illegal.
Several weeks prior to the election, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie held a press conference in which indicated that he was unaware that the DPS had, for nearly two years, been providing his office with a monthly list of drivers’ license records containing non-citizen visa information. He thanked Representative Brod for bringing the issue to his attention. He also assured the public that his office would be checking this information prior to the election and that appropriate challenges would be issued at polling places to prevent non-citizens from voting.
A review of 2008 election records by Minnesota Majority shows that many of the non-citizens Representative Brod originally brought to the attention of the Secretary of State prior to last year’s election are still on active voter registration rolls and several actually appear to have voted in the 2008 general election.
“I can’t understand it,” said Jeff Davis, Minnesota Majority’s president, “Representative Brod provided the Secretary of State with the list of names. She pointed right at the problem. Secretary Ritchie acknowledged the problem and said that he had corrected it. But now we find that election records show these people are still on the rolls and several actually voted. If these records are accurate, this is an unconscionable failure to safeguard the integrity of our elections.”
Minnesota Majority has also received reports from election poll watchers that same-day registrants with “status check” flags on their identification cards were allowed to register and vote in the 2008 election. A formal complaint filed by one poll watcher states that an official from the Secretary of State’s office told precinct election officials that the words “status check” on a voter’s identification card was not justification to deny a vote to anyone. Only non-citizens have driver’s licenses or state-issued identifications marked “status check” as this is an indication that the person is visiting the US on a visa.
##
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Delano Amazes Me!
I was going to say that the 4th of July defines Delano. But as I think it through, Delano also defines the 4th of July. Whatever the case, the experience of the 4th of July in Delano is an adventure in patriotism, community pride and just plain old decent neighborliness (if that's even a word).
Last week a nomadic band of carnival workers moved into the field just east of the levy. It's as if they showed up in an instant with virtually no disturbance to the town. A day later the rides were set up and everything wa ready to go. For $22 per kid they had unlimited access to the rides on Thursday night. You don't really comprehend the Delano 4th of July carnival until you talk to a seven year old about his anticipation of the event. Even the locals who don't partake in the fun tolerate the bands playing til midnight. The carnival has been around as long as anyone can remember. Being there is to experience a slice of Americana that you don't see too often any more.
The 4th of July started for me at 3 Crows on River Street. All-American pancakes replete with decorative flag and all. The parade launched at 10:30am as the rain clouds began to clear. And the parade is what really touched me this year.
Congressman Michele Bachmann lead the group of Wright County Republicans, riding on the back of Star West Chev's SST convertible. For as much crap as Michele endures in the media it was simply incredible to watch the parade onlookers welcome her with outbursts of applause and a general sense of respect.
Tom's experience was heartwarming. Our parade group was huge, thanks largely to Steve Hackbarth's John Deere and Stacy Morse and David FitzSimmons coordination. So many reached out to thank Tom for the work he has done in Saint Paul. Many of them voiced their support for Tom to run for Governor. The sweaty hockey player shook a lot of hands. And he heard from a lot of people. It was awesome to behold.
The fireworks last night were the best I've ever seen. But as well run as the whole 4th of July experience was in Delano, it really comes down to the fact that Delano is a community that stands for something. It's a community that reveres Independence Day. Thank you Delano!
God Bless Delano! God Bless America!
Last week a nomadic band of carnival workers moved into the field just east of the levy. It's as if they showed up in an instant with virtually no disturbance to the town. A day later the rides were set up and everything wa ready to go. For $22 per kid they had unlimited access to the rides on Thursday night. You don't really comprehend the Delano 4th of July carnival until you talk to a seven year old about his anticipation of the event. Even the locals who don't partake in the fun tolerate the bands playing til midnight. The carnival has been around as long as anyone can remember. Being there is to experience a slice of Americana that you don't see too often any more.
The 4th of July started for me at 3 Crows on River Street. All-American pancakes replete with decorative flag and all. The parade launched at 10:30am as the rain clouds began to clear. And the parade is what really touched me this year.
Congressman Michele Bachmann lead the group of Wright County Republicans, riding on the back of Star West Chev's SST convertible. For as much crap as Michele endures in the media it was simply incredible to watch the parade onlookers welcome her with outbursts of applause and a general sense of respect.
Tom's experience was heartwarming. Our parade group was huge, thanks largely to Steve Hackbarth's John Deere and Stacy Morse and David FitzSimmons coordination. So many reached out to thank Tom for the work he has done in Saint Paul. Many of them voiced their support for Tom to run for Governor. The sweaty hockey player shook a lot of hands. And he heard from a lot of people. It was awesome to behold.
The fireworks last night were the best I've ever seen. But as well run as the whole 4th of July experience was in Delano, it really comes down to the fact that Delano is a community that stands for something. It's a community that reveres Independence Day. Thank you Delano!
God Bless Delano! God Bless America!
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