News Releases
Lasting Images of Trump’s Minnesota ICE Occupation
National & Minnesota Report
Before the killing of Alex Pretti, the searing images of the ICE Occupation of Minnesota consisted of the (video) of Renée Nicole Good prior to her shooting, the forced march of 56-year old ChongLy Scott Thao, handcuffed and wearing only white Crocs, blue boxer shorts and a small checkered baby blanket on his shoulders being perp walked to the awaiting vehicle in Saint Paul (video)and lastly of 5-year old Liam Conejo Ramos wearing a blue bunny hat and a Spider man backpack in Columbia Heights. This is what the Donald J Trump’s ICE Occupation of the Twin Cities looks like.
56 Days of Minnesota’s Occupation
National & Minnesota
As the temperature remains below freezing and the occupation of ICE in Minnesota continues it’s chilling effect, the decisions by the Orange Faced Imbecile (Donald J Trump) and Combat Barbie (Kristie Noem) have a profoundly adverse impact on the safety and security of our state.
Since they commenced, Operation Metro Surge and thousands of ICE and Homeland Security agents have descended upon the Twin Cities, the lives of our immigrant populations have experienced an upheaval. People of color, who where traditional dress or do not look like people of European ancestry are accosted on the street, in stores or even in their homes and hassled for “Their Papers”, like this is Germany in the 1930’s.
As Trump continues to spout lies, which are unchallenged, as the Republican Congress continues to allow him to act with impunity, and the rest of America waits for the US Supreme Court to curtail him in anyway possible, we all hold our collective breath.
When we think of Trump, these words come first to mind and are virtually interchangeable. Bully, Autocrat, Despot, Dictator, Fascist, Imperialist, Totalitarian, Tyrant, and overall Oppressor.
Definition of an Oppressor-someone who imposes unjust burdens, laws, or unreasonable severity on others, using power cruelly or harshly to keep them controlled, often referring to a tyrant, dictator, or authority figure who treats people with undue hardship or exploitation, rather than just a leader.
Trumps Obsession with Greenland is Ironic
International, National & Minnesota Report
Speaking at Davos, Switzerland, Donald J Trump (R) said, “We’re asking for a piece of ice, its a small ask.” saying, “we should have kept it after World War II.” He seemed to be trying to convince anyone who was listening, that it would be a good thing for you to give me what I want in a veiled threat fashion.
President Trump Delivers a Special Address to the World Economic Forum
Later he starts a screed again Trump also criticizing wind energy—a familiar target which he calls a part of the “new green scam”.
Interestingly, he called out China, claiming, in spite of the fact it has maintained the highest production and installation of active wind-generators for the last 15-years, he is unable to find ” any wind farms in China.” This is easily disputed by satellite images. Gansu, China has one of the largest wind farms in the world.
China generates more wind energy than any other country, Its statistics show that in 2024 China generated 997 terawatt-hours from wind. More than double the US capacity in second place.
Why we find this ironic is the Arctic icecap is melting at a better than 10% annual rate due to global warming/climate change. Meaning, Trump’s obsession against the Green New Deal, withdrawn from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement (2015) make the US an outlier. The fixation on oil and gas especially now after the extraction of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela and US control of its oil assets.
Trump’s Apparent Pullback
Recent reports are after a sharp response from NATO leaders and the world market, Trump has seemed to have pulled back and is willing to accept the US ability to restore its significant presence on the island, which ended in 1992. The ability to mine rare earth minerals is also an available option, but the depth of the ice on Greenland will provide significant challenge, and removing it will add to climate change.
America Is a Republic of Aspiration, Not Cynicism
International, National & Minnesota Report
America was not founded on cynicism, grievance, or domination. It was founded on a radical moral claim: human dignity precedes power. The Declaration of Independence states that “all men are created equal… endowed… with certain unalienable Rights… Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” and that “Governments… derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.” These are not transactional clauses. They are aspirational moral commitments, asserting that legitimacy flows upward from the people, not downward from force.
The US Constitution reinforces this ethic. Its Preamble commits the nation “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility…” not through fear, but through shared responsibility and restraint. The Constitution presumes humility in power. It exists not to glorify authority, but to limit it.
The Statue of Liberty, bearing Emma Lazarus’s The New Colossus—“Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, / The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. / Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, / I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” —stands as America’s moral invitation to the world. It is not an emblem of dominance. It is a declaration of welcome rooted in shared humanity.
Against this moral architecture stands a starkly different vision. In a January 8, 2026 interview with The New York Times, discussing Venezuela and Greenland, Donald J. Trump asserted that the only limit on his power was “my own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me,” adding that he saw no need for international law to govern his actions. This is not rhetorical excess. It is a governing philosophy that elevates personal judgment above constitutions, treaties, courts, and democratic norms.
For a republic grounded in consent, law, and restraint, this assertion is profoundly alarming. Democratic governance does not rest on the self-assessed morality of a single individual. The American system was designed precisely because unchecked self-belief is dangerous. Power restrained by law is liberty; power restrained only by ego is autocracy.
Moral Turpitude: A Deeper Ethical Failure
Moral turpitude refers to conduct that violates fundamental standards of right and wrong. It encompasses fraud, deception, and gross misconduct. It is not about ideology; it is about character.
Trump’s public record reflects this pattern:
- Habitual dishonesty: Tens of thousands of false or misleading statements documented during his presidency.
- Legal adjudications: Conviction in People v. Trump for falsifying business records related to hush-money payments.
- Rejection of democratic outcomes: Efforts to overturn the 2020 election, culminating in the January 6 attack on the Capitol and federal charges alleging conspiracy to defraud the United States.
These are not isolated events. They reveal a sustained willingness to subordinate truth, law, and democratic norms to personal interest.
Trump’s Cynical Vision of America
Where the founders spoke of consent, Trump’s rhetoric demands submission. Where America aspired to justice, he normalizes impunity. Where liberty once welcomed the vulnerable, he demonizes them. His dismissal of international law reflects a worldview in which strength and personal will replace institutional checks.
This is not abstract. In the same interview, Trump spoke casually about military action and territorial ambition without acknowledging the legal or ethical frameworks that traditionally govern such decisions. The implication is clear: power answers to him, not to law.
Law Enforcement and Moral Authority
It must be stated plainly these times are not in the midst of a antithetical Morality Play: legality does not equal morality. Authority does not sanctify abuse. The rule of law depends on transparent, impartial enforcement—not selective retaliation or immunity for allies. When leaders attack judges, prosecutors, juries, and courts unless outcomes favor them, they corrode justice at its foundation.
A justice system without ethical restraint becomes an instrument of domination. That is the opposite of republican government.
The Seven Deadly Sins as an Ethical Lens are Embodied byTrump
Though not a legal code, this classical framework offers a useful moral lens:
- Pride: Persistent claims of unique infallibility and superiority.
- Greed: Blurring public service with private gain.
- Wrath: Vindictive rhetoric toward opponents, journalists, and institutions.
- Envy: Obsession with praise, crowd sizes, and perceived slights.
- Lust: Credible allegations and statements reflecting contempt for consent and dignity.
- Gluttony: Indulgence in spectacle and chaos over disciplined governance.
- Sloth: Rejection of expertise, briefings, and responsibility during crises.
Together, these patterns reflect ethical neglect, not leadership.
America Is More Than This
America is imperfect, but it remains aspirational. Trump’s leadership does not elevate the nation toward its ideals; it drags it toward cynicism and unrestrained power. The founders envisioned a republic that bends toward justice—not one that celebrates dominance backed by fear or force.
The Statue of Liberty lifts a lamp, not a clenched fist. The moral test of leadership is not power retained or fleets deployed, but values preserved.
America deserves better—not because it is flawless, but because it still believes in something higher than fear, coercion, and the blunt power of the cudgel or the Atlantic Fleet.
What Domino Theory in Minnesota Could Look Like
National & Minnesota
As Republicans salivate over the prospects of Governor Tim Walz (DFL) resigning his office, which we highly doubt will happen, if this were to occur, it could have interesting implications not dissimilar to 1978 which is often referred to as the “Minnesota Massacre’.
For comparison, in 1978, Republicans won both US Senate seats (Rudy Boschwitz and Dave Durenburger) the Governorship (Al Quie), and the state House saw its first tie. These victories stemmed mainly from Governor Wendell (Wendy) Anderson’s (DFL) resignation and his appointment by the elevated Lt Governor Rudy Perpich (DFL) to the US Senate seat made vacant by the 1976 election of Walter Mondale (D) as Vice-President to President Jimmy Carter (D).
Republicans cried foul, due to Anderson’s effective self-appointment by Perpich. Perpich appointed Murel Humphrey to the seat made vacant in January of 1978 after the death of her husband Hubert H Humphrey II (D-MN). In turn, Bob Short (DFL-MN) prevailed over former Congressman and Minneapolis Mayor Don Fraser (DFL-MN) in a contentious Primary mainly fought over guns and abortion. Both Anderson and Short were seeking to fill out the balance of the respective terms, and each lost, Anderson to Boschwitz and Short to Durenburger.
Perpich lost to Congressman Al Quie (R-MN01). The State House was split 67-67 for the first time in state history.
If and this again is a big IF, Walz were to resign, and with a tied House already in place, it would mean Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL-MN) would be elevated to Governor, and Senate President Bobby Jo Champion (DFL-59, Minneapolis) would become Lt Governor. This situation could impact Flanagan’s bid for the US Senate in her contest with Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN02) and potentially upend this contest. Here a seriously interesting wrinkle could manifest, if Flanagan were also to resign to continue her Senate bid—which is also unlikely, because even being the Governor Minnesota for a short time is a great honor—of course she could then shift over to a gubernatorial race on her own.
If US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) were to seek the Governor’s office in the November election, and win, she would be in a position—after her swearing in—to select her own successor.
Now, because of series of options which we speculatively point out, Klobuchar could appoint Flanagan and then she would be installed and required to run for the seat on her own in the 2028 election. But, this could foster a backlash like 1978 to be played out 40-years later in 2028 as a sequel- Minnesota Massacre II.
Sure, this is all wild speculation, but one factor we think is clear, Flanagan shares any aspect of the adverse impact of the public sentiment over the ‘Fraud Issue’ with Walz as a member of his Administration. Since she has taken credit for issues passed during the Government Trifecta she shoulders equally, the benefits as well as the burdens.
Nearly Three Weeks Until Precinct Caucuses No DFL Candidate has Yet, Emerged
Minnesota Report
It appears the Wait and See of a potential gubernatorial bid by US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is holding others at bay. The announcement, a week ago, of Governor Tim Walz’ (DFL-MN) withdrawal has created a vacuum no one has stepped forward to fill.
This is little buzz or idol speculation, we are hearing outside of Klobuchar, but since this move is as of yet unconfirmed, we all just sit and wait.
A Lament for the Life of Renee Nicole Macklin Good
National & Minnesota Report
We did not know Renee Nicole Macklin Good, but she didn’t need to die. The intense pressure resulting from the mass incursion of federal agents from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), DHS (Department of Homeland Security), the Border Patrol, and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) is not beneficial in our communities.
The videos circulated on social media weave a dire picture of the event on January 7, 2026 when Jonathan Ross while supposedly, fearing for his life, leaned on her SUV, shot and then shot and killed Good, for no Good Reason. We find it interesting for people with a Republican alignment determining the killing as being justified, with Donald J Trump (R), JD Vance (R), and DHS head Kristi Noem (R) rushing to judgment and denying any role for local law enforcement especially the Bureau of Criminal Affairs. This smells of an advanced cover-up.
If safety and are the goals of the federal law enforcement actions, they foster none of it, at all. They are the menace.
This is an example of the heartlessness of the Donald Trump (R) Administration and hopefully, these heinous acts will result in a change in the federal government. If the House were to change hands Articles of Impeachment can ensue for the 3rd time. If by some sort of miracle the US Senate can secure a 60% Democratic Majority then Trump can be the first US President removed from office, which would be a justified action and should have occurred in the first two instances. This would correctly immortalize him as the worst US President in our history, and malign his name, and exstinguish his legacy for the entirety of time.
It is clear the Presidency is the embodiment of America, and the office is cloaked with our ideals of who we are as Americans and what we aspire to be. Donald J Trump (R) soils this thought each and everyday he sits behind the Resolute Desk.
We will refer you to the article below to support our premise.
Videos of the ending Good’s life
Trump May Be Unaware of the Political Idiom, Beware the Unintended Consequences
International, National & Minnesota Politics
The Snatch and Grab, early morning abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores may have come off seamlessly. It was a well-orchestrated military incursion. The communications systems were rendered ineffective and brought down, suppression bomb techniques were deployed, and the gates were stormed and the package secured.
The defense systems Maduro had obtained from the Russians and the Chinese failed and the relative comparative value shows American military superiority in this instance. As in the case of potential energy versus kinetic energy, once used it is exhausted and the deployment means its value is fully known. On our side, we know our capabilities and so do our opponents. We expect both sides will gain significant knowledge about each other’s actual capacity.
Sure Maduro is a bad actor, but here are many of those in the world, and likely was facilitating drug activities with limited impact on the United States, more likely on Europe, and clearly was adversely effecting the economy of his nation, through graft and corruption. But the question still looming out there if this were the correct approach, and does this lend credence to the idea of making this type of extraordinary action available to other or the world’s actor, specifically China, and Russia.
Is Xi Jinpin now given the green light, to invade Taiwan, is Vladimir Putin now provided justification to snatch Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We are awaiting the international response, specifically from the United Nations.
By re-invoking the Monroe Doctrine (1822), and focusing so strongly on the Western Hemisphere, Donald J Trump (R) has stepped down into limited consideration of American interests from a Super Power to a Regional Power. The NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) approach is a very little man concept, but not a surprise from this person. He is a Chicken Hawk, a draft dodger, who was too cowardly to be subjected to the draft when he was youthful, and impose his will on other nations when he is aged and decrepit. Old men always send young men to fight their wars for them and take credit for the success, but never the failures.
The fact, only the head of the hydra has been removed but not the body, the criminal effort is still empowered. The inability for Trump to take the higher ground and state his clear justification for the raid on Venezuela as means to restore their democracy, as an attack on Communism in the Western Hemisphere or any other higher moral purpose was rendered moot, when he emphasized the true purpose, OIL.
Trump belittled something which might have been a positive result in this part of the globe and diminished it into an imperial conquest for resources, often seen as colonialism. Sure, when Hugo Chavez rose to power in 1999 as a Communist—and was not hemmed in by then President Bill Clinton (D)—later nationalized the oil industry, actions should have been taken then.
In the aftermath, the Vice President Delcy Rodriguez seemed to be defiant and then cooperative, especially when Trump in an interview with The Atlantic that if she ‘doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.” His words are a threat and clearly intended to coerce the Venezuelan political class to step inline.
The existence of Cuban, Iranian, Chinese and Russian operatives in Venezuela is of great concern and may have been temporarily curtailed. Now, feeling his oats, Trump is training he is setting his sights on Greenland, Colombia, Mexico and Cuba. This could make for an interesting remaining three-years.
As these matters, manifest Canada will become a significant factor. If America obtains Greenland, Canada would be a close neighbor, and thereby impacted. If the US want to secure its safety from Russia and prevent use of the North Pole for infiltration then Canada is a strategic partner. Now, because of the US/Canada tariff disputes, caused by Trump, Canada is no longer our closest ally.
Everything Trump does is transactional and petty and in some regard beneficial to him, his family, people he associates with or people he wants to like him. One of the first things any change in government needs to repair is the Emoluments Clause in the US Constitution (Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 & Article II, Section 1, Clause 7).
Walz Announcement of Not Seeking Reelection
National & Minnesota Report
Today, shortly after 11:00 am Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN), past Vice-Presidential candidate in 2024, announced to the world he will not seek reelection in 2026. He said, he was confident the governorship would remain in DFL hands.
The length of his remarks were short, and he did not remain to field questions from the assembled members of the press. The entirety of the speech was less than 8 minutes in length, and runs from minute 33:37 to 41:09.
Here is the entirety of the remarks he read from at the podium. Here is a YouTube link.
“Good morning, and Happy New Year.
“Like many Minnesotans, I was glad to turn the page on 2025. It was an extraordinarily difficult year for our state. And it ended on a particularly sour note.
“For the last several years, an organized group of criminals have sought to take advantage of our state’s generosity. And even as we make progress in the fight against the fraudsters, we now see an organized group of political actors seeking to take advantage of the crisis.
“I won’t mince words here. Donald Trump and his allies – in Washington, in St. Paul, and online – want to make our state a colder, meaner place. They want to poison our people against each other by attacking our neighbors. And, ultimately, they want to take away much of what makes Minnesota the best place in America to raise a family. They’ve already begun by taking our tax dollars that were meant to help families afford child care. And they have no intention of stopping there.
“Make no mistake: We should be concerned about fraud in our state government. We cannot effectively deliver programs and services if we can’t earn the public’s trust. That’s why, over the past few years, we’ve made systemic changes to the way we do business.
“We’ve gone to the legislature time and again to get more tools to combat fraud. We’ve fired people who weren’t doing their jobs. We’ve seen people go to jail for stealing from our state. We’ve cut off whole streams of funding, in partnership with the federal government, where we saw widespread criminal activity. We’ve put new locks on the doors of our remaining programs, and we’ve hired a new head of program integrity to make sure those locks can’t be broken.
“All across the state, Minnesotans are hard at work on this problem. Advocates, administrators, investigators are on the front lines defending the integrity of our state’s programs, and I want to thank them for their efforts.
“There’s more to do. A single taxpayer dollar wasted on fraud is a dollar too much to tolerate. And while there’s a role to play for everyone – from the legislature to prosecutors to insurance companies to local and county government – the buck stops with me. My administration is taking fast, decisive action to solve this crisis. And we will win the fight against the fraudsters.
“But the political gamesmanship we’re seeing from Republicans is only making that fight harder to win.
“We’ve got Republicans here in the legislature playing hide-and-seek with whistleblowers.
“We’ve got conspiracy theorist right-wing YouTubers breaking into daycare centers and demanding access to our children.
“We’ve got the President of the United States demonizing our Somali neighbors and wrongly confiscating childcare funding that Minnesotans rely on.
“It is disgusting. And it is dangerous.
“Republicans are playing politics with the future of our state. And it’s shameful. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: We welcome ideas from anyone, in any party, who wants to help us continue to stay ahead of the criminals.
“And we welcome the involvement of the federal government. I’m grateful to the career professionals at the U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI who are helping us win this fight.
“But I cannot abide the actions of the political leadership in Washington – these opportunists who are willing to hurt our people to score a few cheap points. They and their allies have no intention of helping us solve the problem – and every intention of profiting off of it.
“Which brings me to this: 2026 is an election year. And election years have a way of ramping up the politics at a time when we simply can’t afford more politics.
“In September, I announced that I would run for a historic third term as Minnesota’s Governor. And I have every confidence that, if I gave it my all, I would succeed in that effort.
“But as I reflected on this moment with my family and my team over the holidays, I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all. Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences.
“So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.
“I know this news may come as a surprise. But I’m passing on the race with zero sadness and zero regret. After all, I didn’t run for this job so I could have this job. I ran for this job so I could do this job. Minnesota faces an enormous challenge this year. And I refuse to spend even one minute of 2026 doing anything other than rising to meet the moment. Minnesota has to come first – always.
“That’s what I believe servant leadership demands of me. And as an optimist, I will hold out some hope that my friends on the other side of the aisle will consider what servant leadership demands of them in this moment. We can work together to combat the criminals, rebuild the public’s trust, and make our state stronger. But make no mistake: If Republicans continue down this path of abusing power, smearing entire communities, and running their own fraudulent game at the expense of Minnesotans – we will fight back every step of the way.
“I’m confident that a DFLer will hold this seat come November. I’m confident that I will find ways to contribute to the state I love even after I’ve left office next January. But there will be time to worry about all that later.
“Today, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make Minnesota America’s best place to live and raise kids – from our new paid leave policy to our child tax credit to our free lunch program.
“And I’m doubly proud of the incredible team we’ve put together to make that vision a reality. Thank you to every member of my staff, and every state employee, who’s part of this fight. We need you on the job to tackle the important work ahead.
“Most of all, I want Minnesotans to know that I’m on the job, 24/7, focused on making sure we stay America’s best place to live and raise kids. No one will take that away from us. Not the fraudsters. And not the President. Not on my watch.”
The Cacophony of the Drum Beats Have Reached a Crescendo; Walz Expected to Announce He Will Not Seek Reelection
National & Minnesota Report
We first wrote this article on Feb 19, 2025, Why Walz and DFLers Need to Realistically Assess Their Political Opportunities. We followed it up with this piece on June 27, 2025, Walz and Reelection. Social Media has produced a steady churn of anti-Walz material, and with so much blood in the water, the sharks have continued to circle. The resulting reality appears to be, Walz will be the fall boy for the fraud scandal.
We have heard the Walz Camp, were polling on the question, and have expected the news would be bleak. The conversations we have had with people close to the source, made mention of the fact, it was likely only his wife Gwen and daughter Hope and other people too close to be objective, who were providing support for a reelection bid.
On December 30th, the Star Tribune published a number of Letters to the Editor, which included the following from a worthy, retired, and well-respected former media source David Nimmer, the entirety of the letter is published below. Readers Write: Fraud, Christmas Ornaments.
With all indicators leading to this conclusion, the question which arises is who on the DFL side will seek the office. The list is not long, but some automatic names which would likely appear include, Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL-MN), but she has already announced her campaign for Sen Tina Smith’s (DFL-MN) the vacant US Senate Seat, besides we doubt she would be able to being soiled by this fraud issue because of her close proximity and aggressive claims of a partnership with Walz throughout their two-terms in office. Another is, Attorney General Keith Ellison (DFL-MN), but he may carry some of the residual carry over, and he like Walz has not had a dominant statewide performance number securing a mere 50.37% in 2022. This also bring to mind the acronym ABG, All But Governor, and the number of people who have tried to ascend from the state’s top lawyer to the state’s top office, which has not been very fruitful across the nation.
We have heard the other US Senator’s name, Sen Amy Klobuchar (DFL-MN) bandied about previously and her time in Washington DC and distance from this issue could be an asset. Her polling numbers which used to be metoric, have taken a hit with the existence of Donald J Trump (R) on the ballot and being factor in all elections since 2016. In 2024, she carried the state with 56.20%, versus 60.31% in 2018, and 65.23% in 2012.
We have thought the best name to consider being Sen John Hoffman (DFL-34, Champlin). He has shown a fiery spirit prior to the tragedy of the shooting he and his wife Yvette suffered along with the assassination of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman (DFL-MN), her husband Mark and their dog Gilbert.
In spite of the announcement of his intention to seek reelection to the state Senate last weekend, we have advanced his name. As a survivor of gun violence, and someone who has clearly shown his willingness to the hard work in the legislature, regularly carry a huge weight of legislative bills, he is well-versed in the issues of concern for Minnesotans statewide.
It appears an old sentence might again have new life. “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the party,” which was a touch typing drill created by Charles E. Weller.
Text of the Nimmer Letter.
Gov. Walz, thanks for your service to the state of Minnesota. I voted for you twice, believing you show compassion, concern and courage in trying to improve the human condition. I also admire your honesty: Your personal net worth reflects the world I live in, not that of multimillionaires, technology manipulators or “media influencers” who garner attention.
But, governor, it’s over — time for you to step aside. The bureaucracy in your administration has failed in a significant way. Whether the welfare fraud is millions or billions of dollars, it is egregious. And the buck stops at your desk. No matter how skilled the media influencer is, he or she cannot tie up a pretty, or believable, package. It’s happened on your watch and you spent part of your watch on the last year away from Minnesota, crisscrossing the country running for vice president.
So you know what happens, governor, when you wait too long to do the right thing. You damage your party, you ignore the bigger picture, and you leave constituents like me no reasonable choice in the voting booth. Young successors are present in the DFL hierarchy. Let ‘em fight it out. Let ‘em make a case. Give ‘em a chance.
You might be able to excuse Feeding Our Future and the millions squandered by the dozens already convicted or pleading guilty. That should have alerted your administrators to the new welfare programs, which are always subject to trials and troubles before the rules and regulations become bureaucratic rituals.
But it did not. The policy and programs may have their heart in the right place, helping those in poverty or who struggle with disabilities and addictions. The eyes of your administration were not. They missed the red flags federal investigators did not: Feeding Our Future, Housing Stabilization Services (HSS), autism assistance (Medicaid) and child care assistance.
And this list doesn’t include the flawed rollout for the new Real ID driver’s license that cost millions of dollars and resulted in backlogs, delays and replacement issues. The cost for all of this may eventually pale in comparison to the financial largesse heaped on the Trump family from corporations and captains around the world. But this comes in my backyard and is a real departure from the checks and balances I thought we had in Minnesota.
It’s the reality, governor. And as a former news reporter and now senior citizen, I’ve learned something about real life: It’s not always fair. And it’s impossible to ignore if you want to lead a useful and honest life. I know you must have considered bowing out. You have had a great run. But you’ve reached the finish line.
David Nimmer, Oakdale
The writer is a former managing editor of the Minneapolis Star.
2018 State Fair Polls
Once again, we attended the Great-Minnesota-Get-Together and stopped by the legislative booths in the Education Building. We collected the Annual Polls from the House and Senate. As we have said, this often is an indicator of where the majorities legislative...
NPR Censors Opposition Comments on RCV
The NPR show 1A ran a program on Ranked Choice Voting today, and Checks & Balances Publisher Shawn Towle sought a spot on the panel. When called back by producer Andi McDaniel he was informed the panel was full but could submit a comment through the voicemail...
Corroborating Information on the Knoblach Story
Last year, we published a controversial and disturbing piece on House Ways & Means Chairman, Jim Knoblach (R-14B, St Cloud) regarding claims made by his daughter on her Facebook...
Pawlenty’s Second Deferral (He called us first with the news.)
Originally posted April 20, 2001 When the Vice-President of the United States calls someone who may believe is the person actually in charge, you stop and take notice. So seems to have been with the state House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty (R – 38B,...
Does Checks & Balances Deserve Credit/Blame for Bachmann’s Political Rise?
Originally published April 04, 2000 Original Title: Another Change in Parties? KSTP talk radio host Jason Lewis openly speculated on his program about the possibility of other members of the legislature leaving the Republican Party for greener pastures with the DFL....
2017 House State Fair Poll
Minnesota Report Official Ballot Minnesota House of Representatives 2017 State Fair Poll Question 1. Should handheld cell phone use be illegal when operating a motor vehicle, except in emergency situations?...
Rep Jim Knoblach Facing Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Daughter
Some disturbing information has come to our attention, alleging Rep. Jim Knoblach (R-14B, St Cloud) engaged in an abusive relationship with his daughter Laura, which if true are damning. We have received screenshots from her personal Facebook page, which has since...
2016 House State Fair Poll
We at Checks & Balances are continuing our tradition of publishing the State Fair Polls found at the State Fair booths in the Education Building. Official Ballot Minnesota House of Representatives 2016 State Fair Poll Question 1. Do you support an increase in the...
Legislative Return/Special Session 2020
Minnesota Report We are hearing the legislature will likely be recalled for Special Session June 12th, which is just before Governor Tim Walz’ (DFL-MN) last peacetime emergency declaration is set to expire. In order to declare another one, he will need to receive...
Alcohol From Restaurant to You
Minnesota Report The House and the Senate have agreed to allow alcohol sales to be purchased from restaurants, during the COVID-19 crisis, but only beer and wine. The problem with this is with liquor stores still open the cost will be higher without an added benefit,...
Caution is the Best Medicine
Minnesota Report As Donald J Trump (R) continues to discuss his preparation and planning, combined with his pressure to open up the United States for business again on May 1st, he does so in a potential conflict with the state’s governors. Here in Minnesota, he will...
What to Expect from the Legislature Today?
Minnesota Report The agenda for the legislature is limited and focused on issues surrounding the COVID-19 Virus and there are a number of ways it is adversely affecting our state. A view of the times for consideration by the House Rules and Legislative Administration...
What the House Looks Like During COVID-19
Minnesota Report Watching yesterday’s proceedings of the Minnesota House of Representatives during the passage of extension of Worker’s Compensation Benefits to First-Responders and other personnel who contract COVID-19 in the course of doing their jobs, was an...
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