Did you miss "Become a Citizen Journalist" on July 21, 2007? Click above to see Eric Black's speech to mnpACT!
Garrison Keillor
Minnesota Network for Progressive Action
Our Mission
The mission of mnpACT! is to build a progressive community based upon the
core values of respect, dignity and opportunity, by educating people about
progressive ideas, advocating for progressive issues, and electing
progressive candidates to local, state and federal offices.
As we approach April 15th, I'm sure a lot of people will be talking taxes. And of course, our Congressman John Kline will be patting himself on the back as the ultimate friend of the taxpayer.
But consider this.
For all of Kline's crusading against "pork", how much does that save you on your Federal Tax return? That money all goes to Washington, not one dime less because of Kline's "crusade".
And then consider this.
Not only are the Minnesota Super Bowl rings, we all started to get excited about, going to New Orleans, but a good portion of your Federal taxes are fixing levees in the bayou and not roads in Minnesota.
Not only are the former corporate offices of Northwest heading down to Atlanta as they become Delta Airlines, but your Federal . . .
"The American economy can recover, but it will be in spite of the Democrats’ big government, special interest policies – not because of them.”
John Kline is confident about the economy. So confident that he considers his do nothing approach another indication of its resilience.
When Kline discusses Democratic policies, he neglects to mention the one Republican contribution that he supported -- the banking bail out.... to make sure Wall Street was taken care of going forward.
Since then, he has ignored pleas for mortgage help. Despises the Jobs Program. He voted against any stimulus. Has refused to pass forward requests from his district for help with infrastructure projects. And he has repeatedly worked against working men and women in their quest for union representation.
Sarah Palin, Tea Party Entrepeneur, has discovered a way to get through the recession unscathed. She talks.
Not well at times, but she's good at that platitudey thingey.
I listened to part of her speech on C-SPAN last night. (I couldn't get through all of it, because it sounded too much like the 2008 Republican campaign.)
Sarah tells us the "hopey changey" thing is dead and that the Tea Partiers have founded the new age of politics. They are our future.
Yikes.
I was a little surprised that the hope of Democracy has changed:
"Around the world, people who are seeking freedom from oppressive regimes, wonder if ALASKA is still that beacon of hope for their cause."
Darn. I always thought it was America itself. I'm not sure that Sarah gave Alaska a full shot at . . .
