News Releases
The Strikes on Iran Were Merely Continuations of Trump’s Flouting of the US Constitution and Blatant Disdain for Any Controls on Presidential Power
National & Minnesota Report
Once knowledge of Donald J Trump’s (R) order of coordinated air and naval strikes on Iran became known, then the criticisms and lauding of the efforts came forward. Each side was, as to be expected, Partisan. The House and Senate Republicans applauded the attack and brushed off the criticism of the ceding of authority for legislative authorization, in favor of blind devotion. The movement of the Never Trumpers, to Loyalist, no make that Fealtist (from fealty). The Democrats playing the well established role of Loyal Opposition. The tread on the Constitution is already tattering the parchment.
Now, we learn the hyperbole of Trump’s word are mere bluster and an analytical assessment says, the attack only set back the Iranian nuclear weapon development by a mere 2-3 months. Although, because of the strike and the willingness of Trump to take a dramatic posture—which is contrary to his past rhetoric about entrance into overseas wars—his counterfactual maneuver put him is the role once again if the irrational actor, the Madman.
This might be beneficial if his adversaries are rational actors, but already the table is set for Iran to be an irrational actor.
Where we sit is a view from the stands, mid-field, in the center seat to the field. Where its possible to read lips and interpret gestures, a distinct advantage is being able to hear like a bat, and a psychic sense of everything factor, including the divergent variables which each member would adopt to get their special piece of the pie.
This is the most transitional Congress in our understanding. The Fat man who is doling out candy isn’t the respective committee chairs but rather el Presidente’. Wait a minute Marbury v Madison (1803). In this instance after the questions about whether or not he is trying extend the Congressional Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) from 2001 and 2002 or challenge to the War Powers Act.
As a reality, the Trumps reason for another Impeachment, after the 2026 elections and swearing in’s in January. This also a discussed issue of importance for Republicans who made mention of the idea.
If a real picture of this Presidential action is to be full
Since World War II, most US presidents have initiated military strikes or interventions without explicit congressional approval, relying on executive authority under the Constitution or the War Powers Resolution of 1973. The exact number depends on how one defines “military strikes” and “congressional approval,” but here’s a breakdown based on historical data:
Prior to the 1973 War Powers Act.
(1945–1953): Ordered US forces into the Korean War (1950) without congressional approval, citing UN authority.
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–1961): Deployed troops to Lebanon (1958) without prior congressional authorization.
John F. Kennedy (1961–1963): Authorized the Bay of Pigs invasion (1961) and naval quarantine during the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) without Congress’s approval.
Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969): Escalated Vietnam War based on the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964), which was not a formal declaration of war but granted broad authority.
After the 1973 War Powers Act. (Of course passed during the Nixon Administration)
For historical context Nixon’s vetoed it but his veto was overridden by Congress.
Richard Nixon (1969–1974): Conducted bombing campaigns in Cambodia and Laos (1969– 1970) without explicit congressional approval.
Gerald Ford (1974–1977): Ordered the Mayaguez operation (1975) without prior congressional consent.
Jimmy Carter (1977–1981): Attempted a hostage rescue mission in Iran (1980) without congressional authorization.
Ronald Reagan (1981–1989): Launched strikes in Libya (1986) and deployed forces to Grenada (1983) without prior approval.
George H. W. Bush (1989–1993): Initiated the Panama invasion (1989) and deployed forces to Somalia (1992) without explicit congressional approval, though the Gulf War (1991) received authorization.
Bill Clinton (1993–2001): Ordered airstrikes in Bosnia (1995), Kosovo (1999), and Sudan/Afghanistan (1998) without prior congressional approval.
George W. Bush (2001–2009): Launched strikes in Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003) with Congressional Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), but later drone strikes and operations often lacked specific approval.
Barack Obama (2011–2017): Authorized Libya airstrikes (2011) and expanded drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia without explicit congressional approval, citing existing AUMFs.
Donald Trump (2017–2021): Ordered missile strikes on Syria (2017, 2018) and the drone strike killing Qasem Soleimani (2020) without congressional authorization.
Joe Biden (2021–2025): Conducted airstrikes in Syria and Iraq (2021–2024) against Iran- backed militias and authorized strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen (2024) without prior congressional approval.
Counting distinct presidents from Truman to Biden, 13 presidents have initiated military strikes or interventions without explicit congressional approval. This excludes cases where broad AUMFs (Congressionaly Authorized Use of Military Force.)(e.g. 2001 or 2002) were cited, as these are debated as “approval.” The War Powers Resolution requires notification to Congress within 48 hours, but compliance has been inconsistent, and presidents often act unilaterally, citing national security or time constraints.
If Cangress were to act and opt to curtail the President, which we highly doubt, they would actually reestablish their own lost power, in case you missed it we highly doubt it will happen.
Food for Thought
Publisher Shawn Towle rendered this thought.
I have a hypothesis that is when you hear something truthful it provides harmony in your ear. When you hear a lie it creates dissonance. Now, I learned about logical fallacies when I took a class on logic so let’s see let’s see which of these logical fallacies apply every time Donald John “traitor of our nation” Trump (R) speaks. Let’s see what we learn. Some of the most common logical fallacies are ad hominem attacks-this term refers to a rhetorical strategy where the speaker attacks the character, motive, or some other attribute of the person making an argument rather than the substance of the argument itself, a red herring-is something that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important question, a slippery slope argument-is a course of action is rejected because the slippery slope advocate believes it will lead to a chain reaction resulting in an undesirable end or ends, informal fallacy-arguments that are logically unsound for lack of well-grounded premises, circular argument– one in which the reasoner begins with what they are trying to end with and lastly, a hasty generalization-in which a conclusion that is reached is not logically justified by sufficient or unbiased evidence.
Think about these ideas and each time Donald J Trump opens his mouth to speak, one you know he is lying, but two here are examples of how he is lying. They are logical fallacies, and if the these are inadequate to explain he’ll just create other bullshit lies to justify his words and possibly create another type of logical fallacy. Why? Because a liar always needs to cover his own words.
These Times Need to be Changing
National & Minnesota Report
The title of course, is a reworking of Bob Dylan’s These Times Are a Changing. What in the Hell is happening here in Minnesota. Some disgruntled guy from Vance Luther Boetler lives in Green Isle, MN, southwest of the cities, comes up to Champlin first shoots Sen John Hoffman (DFL-34, Champlin) eight times, his wife Yvette nine times and then proceeds to go to Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman’s (DFL-34B, Brooklyn Park) 8 miles away and kills her and her husband Mark and kills the family dog.
All for what, a political statement? An advancement for Christian Nationalism? Becuase this upstanding citizen is 57 years old and is frustrated at finding a job?
These actions are infrequent in our society, but when they occur they are earth shattering. Historically, places like India or other new nations have seen such violence, but we Americans think we’re immune. We are not.
We fully believe, the intention was not just a political assassination but further a political/tactical assassination. In one fell swoop, the state House is at a 67-66 Republican majority, but as was the case before it takes 68 votes to pass any legislation. Now, the Senate is tied if Hoffman is unable to cast a vote, but it appears he is on the mend.
The hit-list Boetler had in his car, was a series of Democratic and progressive names on it, and any suggestion that this guy was a DFLer or left leaning is completely a BS false flag cover-up. Looking at the Voter Action Network shows he was a 65% Republican, who interestingly enough voted in St Paul Ward 4 in 2024.
Now, how the guy got from Brooklyn Park to Minneapolis is an interesting question, who helped him? How did he get back to Green Isle? Did he act alone, or was this a conspiracy? Are there others out there lying in wait?
This seems to beg the question posed on Saturday during the No Kings rally in St Paul, “How do you recognize a traitor? He’s the one wearing a MAGA Hat.”
Underground Railroad and Prohibition
National & Minnesota Report
There was a person early on in Checks & Balances existence who had a great smile, a gregarious nature and was quite capable of accomplishing a task. His name was Christopher Crutchfield. Now, we learned later in life his desire to and success in creating a reenactment/fear instilling activity/teachable opportunity for people to experience the horrors of life of an enslaved person seeking their freedom by heading north, following the North Star.
This innovation of our friend and later lawyer for our business is emblematic of how someone from St Paul had the vision, the drive and an ability to bring about its fruition.
Additionally, during the beginning of the 20th Century, a process called the St Paul Safe Layover, or the O’Connor System occurred. Big John O’Connor was the police chief in St Paul. His brother Richard (Dick) O’Connor was the Police Commissioner. The two of them brought forth the O’Connor System, where if the criminals of the time paid a bribe, at the Hollyhocks, a St Paul public establishment, and committed no crimes in the Capitol City, they were granted a safe haven and further protections from the prying eyes of the federal government. This was completely in effect from 1922-1933 during Prohibition.
We believe the combination of these two ideas warrant consideration. In the times of Donald J Trump (R) where fear is an important consideration, and targeting of Democratically held governorship’s, ICE’s infiltration of these Sanctuary States is merely a political target.
The heated rhetoric from the Great Orange Faced Imbecile stokes the fires of civic discourse and the flaming burn down the house. Nothing spoken from the King of Lies—where each time his lips move, you know he is lying—is beneficial and builds a positive solution.
Our Capitol city and state, needs to oppose the incursion and protect those who seek refuge.
C&B Exclusive Interview With Senator Jim Abeler in the Aftermath of This Weekend’s Shootings
National and Minnesota Report
Our interview with Senator Abeler is here textually and via an audio file.
All right, this is Shawn Towle publisher of Checks & Balances (ChecksandBalances.com) speaking with state Senator Jim Abeler.
C&B: GreetingsSenator how are you doing?
Abeler: People keep asking and it’s very thoughtful that they do. I think I’m doing like so many people I’ve talked to you go from the crying on Saturday to about somebody, you know a good friend has passed and then you thinking that the other ones are gonna pass as well and then and then they thanks to God don’t and then we’re worried about the updates. We’re all happy they caught the guy. And then moving to the point about being concerned for the future of our great democracy, it’s it’s been quite a weekend and so many people kind of rallied together and I actually like that part
C&B: How do you first learn about the assassination attempt on your friend and colleague Senator John Hoffman, and his wife and the assassination of Speaker Emerita, and her husband, Melissa Hortman, of which you served with as a House member.
Abeler: That’s right, now, since 2004. I was the first person she met on the house floor. I happen to be there on the floor like after the election a couple days later she watered in with her kids and so I, who are you and Melissa here’s the retiring room, you’ll probably sit over there somewhere. And so we struck it off then as you all kind of in the same neighborhood representing the North Metro and we had a good relationship strong well never since and so that’s how I met her and then so shocked at 3 o’clock in the morning on Saturday morning. Knock at the door and there’s the police. I open the door in my pajamas. “Hey, how are you doing,” which I would do and naïve now but I would’ve gotten shot just the same as John and in the Hortmans just like unaware. And so they said well, you know don’t be opening the door, to strangers and if you hear something from us or anybody call 911 to make sure that you’re good to go by the time they mention that they have been two people transported from the Hoffman residence and I figured it must be John and then didn’t know which other one if those his wife or his daughter. SO, 3:30 comes along knock at the door and so we called 911 barely find my phone and dozed off again for a minute and there’s the other those guys are legit open the door and then they mention that a legislator from Brooklyn Park and had been shot and they didn’t know that this position of everything and I figured it must be Melissa and so In the police camp out in front of my house ever since all the way up till about 10 o’clock last night and so grateful for that quick response, I think Anoka PD was the first responder to protect any legislator so I gave them credit for that that they were so on top of their game.
C&B: Now, I doubt you would’ve been at target in this case because once they’ve released the hit list that the individual had it was all Democrats or progressive leaning entities, but you didn’t know that at the time. But, you stand in a unique position as a legislator throughout your career you’ve been seen as not an extreme member of your party, the Republican party you buck your party’s last governor template on transportation finance bill to override and which point I will point out there wasn’t a lack there was a lack of enough support in that bill for the Northstar, which now is defunct in served your district. And you’ve worked in concert with Senator Hoffman on the Health and Human Services bills whether you chair he’s a chair and in general you’re often the calm voice of reason on the floor in either body I’ve ever watched you operate in and how do you do this? How do you do this when very extreme elements on your side of the aisle exist and provide a constant refrain, which is not very inclusive at all.
Abeler: Well, unfortunately, the constant refrain is on both sides, which makes me grieve for the system. It’s become more and more polar where the middle of either party has kind of been driven away from the core political process. I decided I don’t know how I decided, but I just tried to habitually represent the people of my area and I live in a purple town anyway and so I was raised not knowing or caring of people’s political stuff was about just we wanted to fix the bridge or get a highway or something and solved police or whatever they were working on time that I barely paid attention to as just a working citizen. And people like that there I think people are hungry for somebody who is willing to actually look after the best idea. Whoever thought of it that is less and less common unfortunately now in our state politics and I suppose even locally it’s triples down.
C&B: Well, I know you did not define yourself as a MAGA member but in your estimation are there good people on both sides is Donald Trump said after the Nazi protest in South Carolina or are the evil elements in the MAGA movement present.
Abeler: That’s interesting question they are evil elements in both in all the movements. What we have lost is the normal restraint that people used to have which finds voice in either the left or the right nnd there are violent people everywhere in this world who think that’s a good way to solve something I don’t think MAGA is characterized by evil people who are extreme and I don’t think the DSA is on the progressive left can be characterized by people who are evil or extreme people that have deeply held beliefs, that they see not being recognize or being if they were harder, they’re gonna get some of their police recognized. We’re in a a very country. We have never been so closely divided the legislature became trifecta for the Democrat Democrats by 161 people changing their mind and Afton and so and now we have you know 101 Democrats and 100 Republicans. And when I first got there 27 years ago, there was commonly people of all stripes voting on bills they thought was correct, they thought it were correct. And that you would often have in the house 60 Republicans and seven Democrats. Or 60 Democrats and seven Republicans thing excuse me 68, so where there is a significant margin of people on the opposite side without the bill was good. They were gonna vote that is steadily shrunk away to the point that the trifecta, as a mentality has taken over. So, it’s winter take all no we our moment we’re gonna get all we can get for our place. I’ve noticed that when you work with size and get some policy matter. The rest in the collaborative way it seldom gets overturned. I’ve also noticed when things are decided by by a one vote their margin that people cannot wait to undo the elements that passed that way the other side gets into power and. It drives fundraising and drives political activity. We must take over so we can dictate our will, and it’s bad and it’s on both sides and. What people don’t recognize when I ran for the US and state wide I recognize talking to people what they want on a bipartisan base says I look in their eyes work together get things done. We are not doing that now and that is really a loss.
C&B: So then you would disagree with one of my fundamentals that I’ve always offered, which is compromise is capitulation, you disagree with that sentiment.
Abeler: Right you have to compromise. You don’t get everything you want if you think you get everything you want and you’re probably gonna get nothing. In most cases unless you have all the power if you just look at the two world so get the Minnesota attractive thing that accomplished many things that many people on the left to go like this is amazing. And many people on the right to agree daily, but then you have a trifecta factor in Washington and the same people that are so happy that they use their power to move all their issues in Minnesota are angry that the Right is moving as power to move issues that they find important they fail to recognize that many things that got past as a trifecta we’re abhorrent to the people on the right and so to me that’s not good government, on either side. The best work is done when people offer another insight and you get thoughtful legislation that will stand the test the time that is not happening in Minnesota with the it’s with the new with the house Is required to come to at least some discussion with the right and they were frankly out of practice and in Washington, where people wake up every morning, deciding how they can criticize the other side for being horrible and foolish. That doesn’t lend itself on honorable compromise either, but as the power swings and you get more of this this battle that goes on which I don’t think helps anybody so no I don’t at all agree that compromise capitulation compromise is necessary if you just pray it’s honorable.
C&B: But then turn there’s the aspect of when you take a position in opposition outside of a fiscal matter the idea of capitulation is that you know there’s a question about what do you stand for? What are your identities? What’s your identity politics and and so I guess, how do you define your moral compass?
Abeler: Well, I can tell there’s nothing worse than identity politics frankly. Why, you know why does the person who’s African-American have to be the one to stand up African-American issues I care about that as well. I worked with BobbyJoe Champion on the African-American family restoration act. I’ll just try to find a way to have less people of color in this case, African-Americans being placed the children placed out of their homes and child protection because it was it was like a huge ratio just proportion and the same thing for the tribes and we worked with with the MIFPA on the ICRA programming in Minnesota with Mary Kunesh who happens to be a tribal member who championed this. So, has to do with caucasian matter whatever that might be or you have to be from Mars to take care of issues that only Martians care about you know.
C&B: Are you saying there’s Martians on Earth? Now Jim are you making news?
Abeler: Yeah, this is this is my breaking announcement but it’s amazing that you have to be in the categories of individual of that particular subset of humanity to have any voice or credibility on it and that’s what you’re going to work on you know so then only I still work on chiropractic issues and teachers should only work on education then and as a, but where is the statesmanship. Where the people to look at the big picture and like what’s good for Minnesota? What’s good for our country? I might not even wanna do the thing that’s good for the country but if I know it’s good for the country then I better do it. We have lost that in the favor of what it’s gonna hurt the category of my subset of my community and then no matter what about the rest I’m sorry it doesn’t help you in fact that I’m taking your money to help my group, and that’s not governing that’s just simply being you know caring a lot your own backyard and I care about the North Metro but I also as I ran for the US Senate and I’d realize that the whole state of Minnesota out there and I went to 650 places in 14 months and I went to places I didn’t even know we had I saw every topography every demographic and it broaden my thinking and so I think it’s time for some broader thinking with these folks to think that they’re there just to help the Hispanics or the African-Americans or the chiropractors or whatever and to care about what happens to people who don’t happen to be in those categories of individuals we’ve lost that and these sort of things that go on now where people react like oh look at who this person was, but did the shooting therefore, we have to hunker down and you know, fight the fight harder and when in reality, the rhetoric that goes on gins up these kind of folks who might’ve otherwise sat quietly and both on the left down the right and that’s not good for Minnesota or for America.
C&B: Well, I asked you about your moral compass. Can you tell me your faith?
Abeler: Yeah, I’m a, the Lord is my rock and I lean on him. I’m not sure what category. On the evangelical side, choking, on the evangelical side for me and I believe the Bible what it says and I read it every day and I just come from there and understanding that everybody doesn’t agree with with that and this is a country of religious freedom as well so you get to disagree with anything I think you get to have you know you get to choose your faith there may be consequences to that in the long run, but that’s between you and your creator so that’s my moral compass.
C&B: Always good to be in disagreement, but not be disagreeable.
Abeler: Right, right?
C&B: There’s another element rising though, and I’m concerned about this and at least it sounds like there’s some ties to heinous actor again alledged in Lance Boelter, he was a member of the Christian Nationalist movement which, as I understand, it is former religious nationalism that focuses on Christian views, and it’s followers in order to teach prominence or dominance in political, cultural and social life. Is that concerning?
Abeler: I really have no time for any extremist on any part of the spectrum. They don’t represent. They represent their own little nitch. That’s another example of people that are doing this identity thing so if it’s bad for him to do that and it is. It’s just as misguided to think that because I’m a certain demographic that that’s all I’m gonna care about. So, they’re dangerous at worst and at best, they’re just myopic and they’re gonna work on things that don’t help the whole of us. Government exist to serve the whole it has. It should have a limited range of duties and responsibilities in Minnesota that the constitutional duties are education, transportation, and public safety, we’ve added in as a cultural social contract concern for the elderly and the people with disabilities and people economic distress, and that’s pretty much a cultural Minnesota value that we hold. But how far we go that is often a debate, but so, but it exists for the good of the whole and that’s why we tax ourselves to things we agree on that makes sense and the more we get into things run by more people who were of a narrow or a category when we wind up paying for things that are not probably supported and that makes people frustrated and it creates a whole discussion about tax and spend and I actually you’ve given this little budget probably had the people that took the brunt of the cuts, the brunt, were the people that had the lease means in less capacity, the elderly seniors people are disabilities the greatest like 80% of cuts were in that niche. I’m not sure anybody meant that but that’s the way it wound up and so you gotta really remember, what’s the goal and to help those who are certainly with the least options.
C&B: Well, actually, I did have a proposal that would’ve solved all of those problems which is a state run casino in Saint Paul, which is devoid of many things and even riverboat gambling in Saint Paul. I think those things would’ve given a revenue stream and I think we could address the moral compass question about you know, gambling, and vices, and things like that which is most of what the things we tax are here in the state I mean, would you agree?
Abeler: I think we should tax more of the people that do podcast reporting. I think there’s a market there and if you like it then you can get a rebate if it’s like you know. I don’t I’m not a big fan of expanding gambling but I know having some friends who lost their homes due to foolishness and their addictive behavior of the machines. It concerns me and so it’s even though I think the majority of my district would like me to support some of that. I have a hard time getting there, and you asked about my moral compass. I try to be true to the things that I believe. And people that seem to respect that OK and I guess if they really want somebody who’s gonna be pro gambling if they really want that then they’ll replace me with somebody who it is but anyway, so that’s the thing of it. It’s not a golden parachute and I think you have to look at Frank at all the society on the cultural cost and how many now families who are. They’re now divorced because of it now have kids that are in the system somehow And you know all the emotional and mental health challenges of those families in the aftermath and so that’s what my argument is count all the cost and then tell me it’s worthwhile and then we can see what the real math is. That’s all.
C&B: Well, then, what about this from a leadership perspective is Donald Trump’s rhetoric causing these extreme actions that were with witnessing or is he just a symptom of a larger problem and if so, what is that problem?
Abeler: I think all the rhetoric is causing this. Certainly, Donald Trump has rhetoric Governor Walz went to South Carolina 10-days ago and said Democrats need to be meaner, like really, what kind of rhetoric is that the first thing out of his mouth after the shooter was that was discovered that Melissa was killed was that we’ve gotta stop this political stuff like that and he politicized it already you listen to the national Democratic leaders in the Senate and in the House. They spent all their time with rhetoric. Oh, this is terrible. You know if the Democrats cured cancer the Republicans wouldn’t give them credit for it, and if the Republicans thought of to find a way to get world peace that would actually work and be free, the Democrats would say it falls short. At some point we’ve got to get away from everybody saying, I’m right you’re wrong and instead of saying, can you let me listen to your idea? Let’s incorporate part of your idea into my plan into our plan and I think whoever did that first would be in power forever and yet they think that it’s great to say how bad somebody is. The reason that they send all those negative as they apparently work and it drives down the support for somebody they see maybe people don’t vote anymore and they think it wins an election, but they lose the war. They lose the long range view of the long range welfare of our country by doing that and so the question that you really have to ask the question that then the Representative Pawlenty asked as we were working our way to redistricting in 2002 to keep the majority to do what and I think that’s the real question of people need to ask what is that we’re trying even to do? Lower taxes that more access to various things that people on access to have more money for families you know help business. What is that that we really need to do the people I run into my little berg here in North Metro I just wanna have a chance to live their life and be left alone. They don’t mind helping their neighbors. They help them on their own. They don’t mind helping their neighbors, they don’t mind chipping in with their taxes to help people who have problems and challenges. But they just want to keep it off their back and you know that that’s not very sexy to put an ad. We’re gonna keep it off your back and I run on improving education you know safe streets to talk abut improving some of the roads up our way we finally got Highway 10 is paid for done and on the way to being done, after 20-years, I think of a new campaign ad I guess like work on some other highway. So that’s where what are the people really want and most people vote with their feet and they don’t go do anything they finally show up to vote for one of two choices like that’s the choices we got you know the choices we had was Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, I mean, do you think those are the two best people in the country did Joe Biden and Donald Trump were the two best choices I mean seriously of all the people that you could’ve found that you know, and then they all yeah we want our guy like our woman and then like and like my goodness and frankly, you haven’t asked, but I’m telling you my concern going forward with all this concern about shooting public officials, which is now on the list of choices for people who are mentally unstable. Good people are not gonna go near this place to get more people on the edges. We’re gonna be passionate and jealous and willing to put their lives to accomplish their particular identity politic and I’ll be at left or right and I’m really worried about that and sad as this thing goes forward.
C&B: All right, would you agree that this was not just a political assassination but a political tactical assassination specifically hitting Senate district 34 with John as the senator and Melissa one of the house members you have a house in the advantage for Republicans until a special election’s called you have a Senate that will be without John until John has the capacity to vote and I’d have to look back. I don’t I don’t think they change the rules but based on the rules that they had before COVID and things like that Kari Dziedzic you can actually vote remotely, can John can use a phone, I don’t know.
Abeler: Actually, John can vote remotely. He could vote remote today. I think you gotta be careful about tactical suggestions about anything. I have no idea why people would do this. As I said, I am not willing to ascribe a motive to somebody. I remember talking to a lawyer friend of mine, talking about intent. You can look at an action. The judge, in this case, is all kind of should we look inside of his head to see what’s in there. A little graphic, but you can’t look, you can’t see anything by looking at a person’s eyes. You can see what they did and you can hate it, and I hate it, what this fellow did. But I have no idea of that. There will be plenty of discussions about that to come, which, frankly, is going to further divide us and push us more down the road. The very things we want less of. And so, I’m interested in trying to build a positive construct going forward here and to make sure that people get away from the divisive rhetoric, which only gins up people like this guy, who is whatever he is, but other people who might be equally vulnerable, but their perspective can be way different than this guy’s. That’s the best I got.
C&B: All right. In closing, how, after this horrific act, can Minnesota and America heal again?
Abeler: About the very thing I said, you know, we’re going to pass some law maybe about something, but already murder is illegal, so I can make it more illegal. People, but so, we need to get to the point where somebody says, you know, hey, that was a good idea. And you’re not in our party, but I like your idea. Let’s put that into our political, into our one-party bill that you have. Let’s find a way to build, to complement each other, instead of every turn in front of the microphone in Washington or St. Paul and going, look at how horrible these people are. Let’s get away from saying our party should be meaner and instead our party should be kinder. Some people talk about a kinder, gentler thing. I need to go back to that. You live a marriage the way that works, where you criticize your spouse all the time. And as a longtime spouse, I’m highly criticizable and I’ve earned it. But at some point you want them to say, thank you. Let’s go enjoy each other. And that’s my advice. And let’s create a world where people who have divergent points of view and some people who are extreme, let’s talk about this. Let’s help you through. Let’s engage people in a positive, humanely, thoughtful dialogue. Let’s rebuild our bill. There’s a lot of things that are good to rebuild, but let’s keep building our country. And the, you know, we’re so fortunate here with all the freedoms. And let’s make Minnesota the state everybody wants to come to. So, that’s what I got.
C&B: Do you have anything that you’d like to say in a close?
Abeler: I appreciate the chat. And I appreciate that you and I can disagree in a thoughtful way. And that’s the political dialogue. I think that you and I, even with our disagreements on some of these items, can find common ground here and move the ball forward. And, you know, improving the rhetoric, improving our budget, improving Minnesota. And that’s the hope I have. That’s why I stay. That’s why, you know, I’m going to run again. Hopefully the people want to give me a chance to go back and continue to work. And that’s my commitment to everybody.
C&B: Well, thank you for your time and thank you for your service.
Donald Trump is a Traitor and a Domestic Enemy to the United States
National & Minnesota Report
Every member of the United States Military swears a solemn oath:
“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me…”
This oath is a binding commitment—not to a man, a political party, or a fleeting ideology—but to the Constitution and the enduring principles of the American Republic.
Yet today, Donald J. Trump, as President but still operating under the self-assumed mantle of Commander in Chief, continues to defy and desecrate that oath—not only his own, but the sacred promises made by the men and women in uniform. His repeated efforts to manipulate and militarize the armed forces for personal and political ends are not theoretical—they are historical fact and ongoing threat.
His infamous order in 2020 to forcibly clear peaceful protestors from Lafayette Square using military force marked a defining moment of domestic abuse of power. This was not an isolated event. Recent disclosures reveal renewed efforts by Trump and his allies to politicize the Department of Defense, and more alarmingly, they now lay the groundwork for invoking the Insurrection Act as a tool of suppression in any future administration. These are not projections—they are published strategies, confirmed by his inner circle and campaign planners.
Such conduct, past and present, defines Trump as a domestic enemy to the Constitution.
In a functioning constitutional democracy, these actions would have long since triggered irrevocable consequences. Twice, Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives, including for his role in inciting the January 6th insurrection. Twice, the Senate failed to convict him—a historic failure of institutional courage and a betrayal of constitutional stewardship.
Now, again as Commander in Chief, Trump wages an escalated war—not merely against political opponents, but against the very system of checks and balances that undergirds American democracy. His language is not metaphorical; it is militarized. His plans are not hidden; they are published. He calls openly for retribution, threatens and implements, mass deportations, vows to purge the civil service, and all this after having declared his intention to “be a dictator on day one.”
This is not politics—it is the operational architecture of authoritarianism.
In Los Angeles and other American cities, we are already witnessing the consequences. Local governments face increasing pressure, communities live under threat, and legal norms are tested daily. The precedent is being set: dissent equals disloyalty; pluralism equals weakness; civilian control equals obstruction.
The Supreme Court, particularly in its recent reluctance to definitively limit executive power, has created dangerous ambiguity—space in which autocracy can take root. Meanwhile, military leadership, bound by a culture of deference, risks becoming either unwilling accomplice or silent bystander if it fails to resist illegal orders and unconstitutional mandates.
This is no longer a hypothetical crisis. It is a constitutional emergency unfolding in real time.
The targets are many—immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, urban voters, journalists, civil servants, elected officials, and any local or state government that resists subjugation. What Trump seeks is not law and order, but dominance and submission.
All branches of government—and every individual sworn to uphold the Constitution—must act with clarity and resolve. The oath to defend the Republic does not expire when challenged. It is not conditional. It is absolute.
This is not just another election cycle. This is the slow motion unraveling of democracy by design.
Wow, if This is True or Not it is Hillarious
National & Minnesota Report
It might not be true, but this social media post on Truth Social seems like it could be true, and if not it is really on the mark. What is attributed to him, which again might not be true but is a great collection of names, and it is this:
STOP CALLING ME NAMES! I will not tolerate being called TACO, Ole YamTits, Orange Shitgibbon, Man-Baby, Tiny Hands, Diaper Don, Mushroom Dick, Toupe’d Fucktrumpet, Trumplethinskin, Diaper Don, Grifter-in-Chief, Don the Con, DonOld, The Lyin’ King, Rug-wearing Thundernugget, Farty-Seven, The Orange Shitler, or That Orange Fuck! Don’t make me throw ketchup at the wall, because I will.
Now we will add to the list, because we regularly call him the Fat, Orange Faced Imbecile and yes, we have used Diaper Don repeatedly.
When Will Democratic Governors and Mayors Stand Up to Trump to Stop Deportations?
National & Minnesota Politics
We believe the United States is heading toward a constitutional crisis, and possibly another Civil War. The recent call-up of the California National Guard in Los Angeles, reportedly in coordination with federal immigration enforcement, sets a troubling precedent. It raises deep questions about the militarization of domestic policy and the use of state forces to carry out controversial federal agendas.
Donald J. Trump (R) has a long history of inflammatory rhetoric and controversial policy moves, particularly concerning immigration. As Commander in Chief, it is within the president’s authority to activate the National Guard in cases of national emergency. But using it as a tool to advance political objectives—especially against vulnerable populations—teeters dangerously close to authoritarianism. There is a pussy in the President’s office, a weak, sniveling, Chickenhawk, which is the expression people use when describing people who dodged the draft, in Vietnam, and now show bluster and stage false flag operations.
Trump himself notoriously avoided military service during the Vietnam War. Despite attending New York Military Academy, records show that he received five draft deferments, one of which cited alleged bone spurs—medical claims that have been widely questioned, including by Trump’s own former lawyer. This history has led several military leaders, including Generals James Mattis, H.R. McMaster, and John Kelly, to question his fitness to lead or understand military sacrifice. It’s been reported that some even privately referred to him as “President Bone Spurs.”
Trump’s presidency was marked by bravado but little personal accountability—particularly when it came to deploying others to enforce harsh policies. His administration’s family separation policy at the border and the deployment of federal officers against protestors in cities like Portland were both condemned by international human rights groups and former American military leaders.
The current moment demands leadership at the state level. If the federal government is weaponizing state military forces for politically motivated immigration raids, Democratic governors and mayors must act as a counterbalance. Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA), known for his vocal opposition to Trump, must now back that rhetoric with bold action—perhaps even risking arrest if necessary, as a symbolic stand for constitutional governance and human rights.
California National Guardsmen swore an oath not to any one man, but to the Constitution. It is worth asking: If federal orders violate the spirit of that Constitution, will they refuse to comply, even at risk of court-martial? Are we prepared to see bravery not just from elected officials, but from ordinary soldiers and public servants willing to say, “No more”? Where is the bravery to stand up to the Big, Fat, Orange-Faced Imbecile?
Our democracy relies on those willing to push back when power overreaches. It’s not just about one man. It’s about defending a nation from fear-based policies that threaten our very foundations.
Steamrolling Special Session Underway
Minnesota Report
Today, Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) called the legislature back into a Special Session. The terms of the agreement are the session will end by 7:00 pm. At the opening, HF1-HF14 were introduced and an emergency declared, meaning the bills were given there 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading and placed on the floor for debate.
Because of the tied House at 67-67, it will be interesting to see, if either DFL or the Republicans put forward the requisite votes to pass these fourteen legislative bills. The main obstacle in HF 1 is the elimination of the healthcare cover of undocumented immigrants. This is a Republican requirement to be able to pass all of the budget bills, so it will likely be only one person who votes for it, which will likely be Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman (DFL-36B, Brooklyn Park)in this case and most likely Speak Lisa Demuth (R-13B, Cold Spring) later.
One serious consideration, is the pure and simple fact, passage of this legislation doesn’t prevent the undocumented from going to an Emergency Room, to get medical care, which is far more expensive than standard care.
We will watch the proceeding and shall share the recorded votes.
Rumor: Carter Eyeing Governor’s Seat and Other St Paul Issues
Minnesota Politics
We have hear an interesting “rumor” about St Paul City Mayor Melvin Carter III (DFL-St. Paul) and if true, he is axiously waiting for Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) to announce his future plans and is looking seriously at a gubernatorial run. Now, we’re unclear as to if it would be as an incumbent or as an unencumbered candidate out of office. What we mean is does he actually even run for reelection, especially if he were to be beaten.
We know of a poll, which was done in St Paul, which had a head-to-head match up with Carter, with declared candidate Yan Chen (DFL), City Council President Rebecca Noecker (DFL-St Paul, Ward 2) and former St Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell, were unsure of party label he would apply. Now, Axtell performed the best, but in each instance Carter prevailed, interestingly, Noecker, finished last.
As we previously wrote, in our article Support Building Against St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III — Why? Incompetence. The amount of strong support for Carter is flagging. Many people are saying they believe a credible candidate has a shot at unseating him, and looking at his January Campaign Finance Report he only had $26,000 in the bank, which is not much to rely on.
In a multi-candidate Ranked Choice Voting contest, the lowest vote recipients votes are all subject to “Batch Elimination” if it is determined they have no path to victory calculated from the remaining votes.
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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