December 2010
162 posts
2 tags
Predictions for 2011: National Politics
Nationally, the political climate will be almost entirely dependent on the state of the economy. So how will the economy fare? Honestly, I’m no expert on the economy. But I think 2011 will bring noticeable improvements. What I mean by that is that the economy will grow, and it will be indisputable that it is growing. However, the growth will not be explosive, and while unemployment will...
2 tags
Predictions for 2011: National Politics
Nationally, the political climate will be almost entirely dependent on the state of the economy. So how will the economy fare? Honestly, I’m no expert on the economy. But I think 2011 will bring noticeable improvements. What I mean by that is that the economy will grow, and it will be indisputable that it is growing. However, the growth will not be explosive, and while unemployment will...
1 tag
Predictions for 2011: Technology
A big passion of mine, but one that really doesn’t have a place on this blog, is technology. Since I’m in a predicting mood, I’m going to offer a few technological predictions today. I know this is a political blog, so I’m going to put my predictions below the fold. Those of you that are as obsessive about technology as I am, read on!
All in all, I think 2011 will be an...
mightyflynn asked: Do you think the proposed new Saint Paul baseball stadium will be funded this session?
mightyflynn asked: Do you think the proposed new Saint Paul baseball stadium will be funded this session?
1 tag
Predictions for 2011: Technology
A big passion of mine, but one that really doesn’t have a place on this blog, is technology. Since I’m in a predicting mood, I’m going to offer a few technological predictions today. I know this is a political blog, so I’m going to put my predictions below the fold. Those of you that are as obsessive about technology as I am, read on!
All in all, I think 2011 will be an...
2 tags
Predictions for 2011: Local Politics
What’s going to happen in local politics in 2011? Because I’m some schmuck with a blog, I’m going to take this opportunity to make a bunch of predictions. I’ll revisit these at the end of next year, unless I did a really terrible job.
Legislative session
Goodwill between the Governor and the GOP legislature will last three weeks at most before the session becomes...
Ken Martin launches KenMartin.org →
Ken Martin, the front-runner for the position of DFL chair — and, so far, the only announced candidate, launched a website today to promote his candidacy.
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The Poorhouse: Aunt Winnie, Glenn Beck, And The... →
The Huffington Post’s Arthur Delaney and Ryan Grim offer a fantastic account of how the New Deal saved millions of Americans from the “poor farm,” and the right’s 70-year battle to dismantle the New Deal. This one is a must-read.
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The Poorhouse: Aunt Winnie, Glenn Beck, And The... →
The Huffington Post’s Arthur Delaney and Ryan Grim offer a fantastic account of how the New Deal saved millions of Americans from the “poor farm,” and the right’s 70-year battle to dismantle the New Deal. This one is a must-read.
1 tag
Expand the House of Representatives according to...
A while back, we discussed the idea that the House of Representatives, which hasn’t grown for a century, is now too small. Each Representative* now represents over 700,000 constituents. That’s simply too many for them to be effective. Jon Walker at Firedoglake suggests one option for reform: the “Wyoming Rule.”
As you know, every state, regardless of size, is guaranteed at...
Ken Martin launches KenMartin.org →
Ken Martin, the front-runner for the position of DFL chair — and, so far, the only announced candidate, launched a website today to promote his candidacy.
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The fundamental question on Net Neutrality
Forget about everything you think may or may not be included in eventual legislation on Net Neutrality. Instead, let’s ask a simple question about the future of the Internet.
Thanks to conservative misinformation, there’s been a lot of nonsense tied in with the simple idea of Net Neutrality. Most of their claims about Net Neutrality aren’t based on anything to do with the policy...
2 tags
The fundamental question on Net Neutrality
Forget about everything you think may or may not be included in eventual legislation on Net Neutrality. Instead, let’s ask a simple question about the future of the Internet.
Thanks to conservative misinformation, there’s been a lot of nonsense tied in with the simple idea of Net Neutrality. Most of their claims about Net Neutrality aren’t based on anything to do with the policy...
1 tag
Expand the House of Representatives according to...
A while back, we discussed the idea that the House of Representatives, which hasn’t grown for a century, is now too small. Each Representative* now represents over 700,000 constituents. That’s simply too many for them to be effective. Jon Walker at Firedoglake suggests one option for reform: the “Wyoming Rule.”
As you know, every state, regardless of size, is guaranteed at...
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The real victims of the recession: Wall Street...
You know who I feel really, really bad for? Not the millions of people who have lost their homes and their jobs. No, the ones who have had it the worst have been the Wall Street executives.
Sure, they raked in billions in bonuses while leading our economy inexorably toward collapse. And yes, they continued to receive obscene bonuses even when the economy was collapsing. And admittedly, the Obama...
2 tags
The real victims of the recession: Wall Street...
You know who I feel really, really bad for? Not the millions of people who have lost their homes and their jobs. No, the ones who have had it the worst have been the Wall Street executives.
Sure, they raked in billions in bonuses while leading our economy inexorably toward collapse. And yes, they continued to receive obscene bonuses even when the economy was collapsing. And admittedly, the Obama...
2 tags
A real stimulus for Minnesota
One of Mark Dayton’s top priorities is a $1 billion bonding bill at the beginning of his tenure. It’s a policy we should jump on. Not only would it help to jumpstart growth in Minnesota’s economy, it could do wonder for our state’s competitiveness for years to come.
Interest rates are still at all-time lows. We can get a lot of bang for our buck on projects that...
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Our economy's vicious circle, and how to break...
The economy has turned around for many of America’s largest corporations. They have strong profits and increasing revenues. But somehow, their success doesn’t seem to be translating into many new jobs.
Actually, many of these companies are hiring — just not in the US.
Corporate profits are up. Stock prices are up. So why isn’t anyone hiring?
Actually, many American...
2 tags
Our economy's vicious circle, and how to break...
The economy has turned around for many of America’s largest corporations. They have strong profits and increasing revenues. But somehow, their success doesn’t seem to be translating into many new jobs.
Actually, many of these companies are hiring — just not in the US.
Corporate profits are up. Stock prices are up. So why isn’t anyone hiring?
Actually, many American...
1 tag
A majority of support health reform or something...
A majority of Americans oppose health reform! Conservatives trumpet this “fact” constantly as they try to build support for repealing or defunding the Affordable Care Act.
As it turns out, though, there’s a massive hole in this argument. The truth is, many of those who say they “oppose” it are against it because they think it doesn’t go far enough. Steve Benen...
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A majority support health reform or something more...
A majority of Americans oppose health reform! Conservatives trumpet this “fact” constantly as they try to build support for repealing or defunding the Affordable Care Act.
As it turns out, though, there’s a massive hole in this argument. The truth is, many of those who say they “oppose” it are against it because they think it doesn’t go far enough. Steve Benen...
2 tags
Reduce the deficit, but make sure only the old and...
The Republican Party demands that we reduce the deficit! But of course, they also demand that we shovel over more money to the aristocracy as well. The deficit doesn’t matter when we’re talking about tax cuts. The same goes for the military — we’re not allowed to touch that either, according to John Bolton:
…the fact is we’re entering a very uncertain period...
Tax Policy: Motivate the Best to Be The Best – No... →
Ed Kohler asks: Why does our tax policy promote laziness instead of hard work for the rich?
Tax Policy: Motivate the Best to Be The Best – No... →
Ed Kohler asks: Why does our tax policy promote laziness instead of hard work for the rich?
Anonymous asked: Hi Folks....
I am an avid reader of MNPublius, and I thank you all for the great work you do. I have nothing but compliments for the way the site is run, the content, availability, even-handed, intelligent postings, I could go on and on.
I just wonder one thing- and this my own personal feelings- is there any way that you all might be able to NOT have...
I am an avid reader of MNPublius, and I thank you all for the great work you do. I have nothing but compliments for the way the site is run, the content, availability, even-handed, intelligent postings, I could go on and on.
I just wonder one thing- and this my own personal feelings- is there any way that you all might be able to NOT have...
Great moments in polling
Eighty-one percent (81%) of all adults say they will have a large dinner with friends and family on Christmas, while 14% will not.
Two-out-of-three (66%) Americans will open gifts on Christmas morning. Twenty percent (20%) plan to open their gifts the night before. Another 15% are undecided.
This is not made up. It is actual analysis that appeared in Rasmussen Reports on December 24th.
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In 2018, what will Dayton list as his...
Last week, Tim Pawlenty’s administration released a list of “Administration Highlights,” in which they list Pawlenty’s “accomplishments,” such as they are, and generally attempt to spin Pawlenty’s tenure as Governor. The document [PDF] is nothing special, but it does make one think: In eight years, what would we like a similar document from the Dayton...
1 tag
In 2018, what will Dayton list as his...
Last week, Tim Pawlenty’s administration released a list of “Administration Highlights,” in which they list Pawlenty’s “accomplishments,” such as they are, and generally attempt to spin Pawlenty’s tenure as Governor. The document [PDF] is nothing special, but it does make one think: In eight years, what would we like a similar document from the Dayton...
Great moments in polling
Eighty-one percent (81%) of all adults say they will have a large dinner with friends and family on Christmas, while 14% will not.
Two-out-of-three (66%) Americans will open gifts on Christmas morning. Twenty percent (20%) plan to open their gifts the night before. Another 15% are undecided.
This is not made up. It is actual analysis that appeared in Rasmussen Reports on December 24th.
2 tags
The Democrats don't need "rebranding," they need...
Stories like this one make me cringe:
Midway through Philip Rucker and Paul Kane’s story about Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s transition to minority leader comes an interesting bit of news. The California Democrat, vilified by Republicans in the last election, has turned to director Steven Spielberg for help rebranding House Democrats.
The Democrats’ problem isn’t...
3 tags
Why we need filibuster reform NOW
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3 tags
Why we need filibuster reform NOW
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One job Pawlenty could have created in Minnesota
How bad is Tim Pawlenty’s record on job creation? So bad that even a job that should have been a shoo-in for a Minnesotan — the commission to paint Pawlenty’s official portrait — went to a Georgian instead.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s choice of Bulgarian-born, Atlanta-based artist Ross R. Rossin — known simply as Rossin — to get the $25,000 commission to paint his official...
2 tags
The case for Net Neutrality
Author’s note: I originally wrote this article back in August. I’m reprinting it with a few changes because I think it’s still a good summary of the issue.
What is Net Neutrality? It’s very, very simple:
Net Neutrality means that Internet service providers may not discriminate between different kinds of content and applications online.
That’s it and...
2 tags
Before the GOP even takes control, Obama is on the...
Yesterday, the most productive Congress in decades finished its business. With a final burst of productivity in the lame-duck session, Congress has made enormous progress on Barack Obama’s agenda over the past two years, even though liberals admittedly aren’t happy with some of the compromises he’s made.
All of the sudden, the headlines are filled with exclamations of...
2 tags
The Democrats don't need "rebranding," they need...
Stories like this one make me cringe:
Midway through Philip Rucker and Paul Kane’s story about Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s transition to minority leader comes an interesting bit of news. The California Democrat, vilified by Republicans in the last election, has turned to director Steven Spielberg for help rebranding House Democrats.
The Democrats’ problem isn’t...
1 tag
One job Pawlenty could have created in Minnesota
How bad is Tim Pawlenty’s record on job creation? So bad that even a job that should have been a shoo-in for a Minnesotan — the commission to paint Pawlenty’s official portrait — went to a Georgian instead.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s choice of Bulgarian-born, Atlanta-based artist Ross R. Rossin — known simply as Rossin — to get the $25,000 commission to paint his official...
2 tags
The case for Net Neutrality
Author’s note: I originally wrote this article back in August. I’m reprinting it with a few changes because I think it’s still a good summary of the issue.
What is Net Neutrality? It’s very, very simple:
Net Neutrality means that Internet service providers may not discriminate between different kinds of content and applications online.
That’s it and...
1 tag
WatchRep. Barney Frank schools a “reporter” who is horrified at the thought that gay and straight people may have to shower together in the wake of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell being repealed.
Democrats, this is what happens when you’re not ashamed of your beliefs. Instead of trying to defend yourselves against these sorts of “gotcha” questions, you should always,...
1 tag
WatchRep. Barney Frank schools a “reporter” who is horrified at the thought that gay and straight people may have to shower together in the wake of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell being repealed.
Democrats, this is what happens when you’re not ashamed of your beliefs. Instead of trying to defend yourselves against these sorts of “gotcha” questions, you should always,...
Anonymous asked: Hi Folks....
I am an avid reader of MNPublius, and I thank you all for the great work you do. I have nothing but compliments for the way the site is run, the content, availability, even-handed, intelligent postings, I could go on and on.
I just wonder one thing- and this my own personal feelings- is there any way that you all might be able to NOT have...
I am an avid reader of MNPublius, and I thank you all for the great work you do. I have nothing but compliments for the way the site is run, the content, availability, even-handed, intelligent postings, I could go on and on.
I just wonder one thing- and this my own personal feelings- is there any way that you all might be able to NOT have...
2 tags
Before the GOP even takes control, Obama is on the...
Yesterday, the most productive Congress in decades finished its business. With a final burst of productivity in the lame-duck session, Congress has made enormous progress on Barack Obama’s agenda over the past two years, even though liberals admittedly aren’t happy with some of the compromises he’s made.
All of the sudden, the headlines are filled with exclamations of...
2 tags
A real stimulus for Minnesota
One of Mark Dayton’s top priorities is a $1 billion bonding bill at the beginning of his tenure. It’s a policy we should jump on. Not only would it help to jumpstart growth in Minnesota’s economy, it could do wonder for our state’s competitiveness for years to come.
Interest rates are still at all-time lows. We can get a lot of bang for our buck on projects that...
1 tag
GOP leader Mitch McConnell: 47 seats is the...
Mitch McConnell’s title, officially, is Senate Minority Leader. But the way he figures it, 49 47 seats is close enough to the majority that he should get to set the agenda now.
Emboldened by Democrats’ decision to scrap an omnibus funding bill and extend the Bush-era tax cuts for two years, McConnell is ready to deploy his larger Republican minority next year, insisting that Democratic...
2 tags
“The early Internet was so accidental, it also was free and open in this sense....”
– Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, in The Atlantic.