Monday, May 30, 2011

Medal of Honor Winner and Family Friend

Medal of Honor Citation: Einar H. Ingman, Tomahawk, Wisconsin

Ingman's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
Sgt. Ingman, a member of Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. The 2 leading squads of the assault platoon of his company, while attacking a strongly fortified ridge held by the enemy, were pinned down by withering fire and both squad leaders and several men were wounded. Cpl. Ingman assumed command, reorganized and combined the 2 squads, then moved from 1 position to another, designating fields of fire and giving advice and encouragement to the men. Locating an enemy machine gun position that was raking his men with devastating fire he charged it alone, threw a grenade into the position, and killed the remaining crew with rifle fire. Another enemy machine gun opened fire approximately 15 yards away and inflicted additional casualties to the group and stopped the attack. When Cpl. Ingman charged the second position he was hit by grenade fragments and a hail of fire which seriously wounded him about the face and neck and knocked him to the ground. With incredible courage and stamina, he arose instantly and, using only his rifle, killed the entire guncrew before falling unconscious from his wounds. As a result of the singular action by Cpl. Ingman the defense of the enemy was broken, his squad secured its objective, and more than 100 hostile troops abandoned their weapons and fled in disorganized retreat. Cpl. Ingman's indomitable courage, extraordinary heroism, and superb leadership reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the infantry and the U.S. Army.[1]

Storm Survival Tactics

2011 has become the most devastating year in the US  for tornado's. Hundreds have been killed and 1000's injured, and many more have been left homeless for days or even weeks. The key to surviving a tornado is being prepared. Planning in advance will save your life and that of your family. There is plenty of information on locating a safe place in your home, and experts in this area have put out tons of information, so I am not going to get into that part of storm survival. What I want to talk about is preparing for the aftermath. I haven't seen much information on that so here it is.

I have a back pack put together that I can grab in a seconds notice and take it with me. It is commonly called a bug out bag, and I have filled with what I think I will need to survive for a day or two my area. Here is what I keep in it. First and foremost is a way to get help to me if I am injured. I have a PLB, Personal Locator Beacon, that I can activate. It sends out a radio signal so rescuers can find me. My choice for this is called a SPOT, it operates on both satellite and on phone signals. I also have my cell phone with me. After that I have a small first aid kit, with two bags of  Qwik Clot, a blood clotting agent for major injuries, 2 survival blankets, small axe, sportsman's saw, knife, portable water purifying straw, fire starting tools, flashlight and a dozen sports bars. I also a have a roll of toilet paper and some wet clothes to clean up with.

Depending on where you live, you might want to have some area specific tools, like a snake bite kit. In any event having a bug out kit, just might save your life, your children, or your neighbors.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Memorial Day

Link to the Star Spangled Banner by Boston Pops


Please show that you remember their service and sacrifice! These brave servicemen and women have given so much for their country; they deserve the recognition and honor that their actions should receive ...

Stand With Our Troops on Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, honor the service, strength, and courage of America’s military. Our troops make sacrifices that most of us can hardly imagine, leaving behind their friends and family to put their lives on the line for us every single day.

Tony Sutton Neds to Be Replaced

Tony Sutton the Chairman of the Republican Party is and has been an embarrassment for GOP constituents, who have had about enough of boorish and inappropriate remarks. Here are a few of his remarks that indicate that he is an unfit leader of the GOP.

"This is no time for dangerous, unpredictable behavior from a bored dilettante who is throwing a temper tantrum for not getting his way." referring to Dayton.
"a bored dilettante'' whose recent behavior has been "erratic.'' again referring to Dayton

He has not had one positive word since taking over as GOP Chairman. His whipping boy Michael Brodkorb is also relying on personal attacks on Dayton and the Democrats, rather than giving actual facts to  the voter. Their consistant reliance on the word compromise is getting to be old, especially when they don't put out the facts to back up their words. Compromise, means a reaching of agreement through mutual concessions. The GOP hasn't given us any reason to believe this version of compromise. Compromise can also mean to put someone or something in danger, such as:  A GOP oversight has compromised the states finances.

The GOP needs to tone it down and quit the childish behavior and Sutton needs to go.

MN Legislators have Healthcare for life.

When Minnesota legislators leave office, they take a benefit available to none of their counterparts -- not retired cops, or teachers or governors or even legislators in other states.
They can buy health insurance for themselves and their families at any age, at attractive state rates, with the right to drop in and out of coverage at will.
And every year, some do.
Records reviewed by the Star Tribune show that 30 to 50 ex-lawmakers and dependents obtain coverage through the state each year; over the past five years they incurred state-paid medical costs of roughly $870,000 while paying about $335,000 in premiums.
One unidentified ex-legislator joined a state-sponsored HealthPartners plan in 2001 just five months before enrolling in Medicare. Meanwhile, his family remained on state coverage for another 5 1/2 years -- paying $25,400 in premiums and costing the state $370,000 in medical bills.
The above from the Star Tribune, Sunday Edition.

http://www.startribune.com/premium/122780439.html

Dayton's veto: Game and fish bill too restrictive

The governor vetoed it over new limits on ATV use and angling measures that the DNR opposes.Thanks to the work of the MINNESOTA MUSKIE AND PIKE ALLIANCE and other sportsmen's groups. The GOP reneged on there promises to sportsmen and the DEMs came through. Can you believe it? The fight is not over, now we need to contact our legislators and let them know what we want, and tell the GOP, we don't like to be lied to.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Results of SurveyUSA News Poll #18243

24 Hours After Pawlenty Enters 2012 Presidential Contest, He Fails to Carry Home State of Minnesota in Head-to-Head with Obama: In an election for President in the state of Minnesota today, 05/24/11, the day after Republican Tim Pawlenty officially announced his plan to run for president against Barack Obama in 2012, Pawlenty fails to carry his home state, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for KSTP-TV in Minneapolis-St. Paul. In a hypothetical head-to-head matchup, Obama keeps Minnesota's electoral votes in the Democratic column, 48% to 43% -- not the vote of confidence Pawlenty may have been hoping for from those who know him. Minnesota has been a key battleground state the last several election cycles. Democrats carried MN by 10 points in 2008, by 3 points in 2004, and by 2 points in 2000. Republicans see MN as a key pick-up if they hope to re-take the White House and Pawlenty has little chance to win the White House if he does not carry his home state.
55% of Minnesotans see Pawlenty as either "very" or "somewhat qualified to be president. But: he has a net favorability rating of Minus 3 --- 35% have a favorable opinion of him, compared to 38% who have a negative opinion. MN Independents chose Obama 5:4 over Pawlenty; MN moderates chose Obama 2:1 over Pawlenty.
For perspective, and to give the Pawlenty campaign some comfort, presidential aspirant Michele Bachmann has a net favorability rating of Minus 28 in her home state of MN. Just 27% say she is qualified to be president. In a head-to-head hypothetical matchup against Obama today, Obama defeats Bachmann 57% to 32%.
Minnesota voters are divided on a possible amendment to the state constitution that would define marriage as being between one man and one women. 51% say they would vote for such an amendment if it were on the ballot, 40% say they would vote against. Cell Phone voters oppose; landline voters support.
Minnesota voters overwhelmingly favor a possible amendment to the state constitution that would require voters to present a photo ID when they show up to vote at an election.
State taxpayers 2:1 oppose reaching into their pockets to pay for a portion of the new Vikings Stadium.
Voters blame everyone for the lack of progress on a state budget. A plurality of voters, 36%, want elected officials to cut spending, followed closely by 31% who want legislators to tax the wealthy. But if there is a shutdown of the state government, Republicans, DFL legislators, and the Governor would all be at fault, voters tell SurveyUSA.

Keep The Ball Campaign!

The "Bumper to Bumper" show implores any fan that catches a home run ball from the opposing team KEEP THAT BALL! Don't let the home run ball terrorists win! Stand up for yourself and keep the ball that you so richly deserve! We have your back, who is with us?
By justingaardclearchannel.com
 

Friday, May 27, 2011

Gaming Increases State Revenue

From the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

Fourth Annual PGCB PAri-mutuel Wagering Benchmark Report Shows Measureable Successes To Commonwealth's Horse Racing And Horse Breeding Industries

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today released the fourth annual Pari-Mutuel Wagering Benchmark Report which shows a clear positive trend on the impact of slot machine play on the Commonwealth's horse racing industry.
The report draws comparisons on the status of pari-mutuel wagering over the five years since slot machine gaming began including its impact on the various indicators of pari-mutuel health for the years 2006-2010.
Highlights of the report include:
  • The success of slot machine gaming has generated over $200 million in tax revenue during 2010 to stimulate the viability of the horse and harness racing industry and enhance agriculture;
  • Purses earned have increased over 250% from $55.9 million in 2006 to $196.4 million in 2010.
  • The total number of live races in Pennsylvania has increased over 43% from 7,958 in 2006 to 11,423 in 2010;
  • Wagering via simulcast export, both in-state and inter-state, increased by 45% from $497.6 million in 2006 to $700.2 million in 2010; and,
  • The total amount wagered on Pennsylvania racing from all sources has increased over 32% from $580.2 million in 2006 to $769.6 million in 2010.
Gaming Control Board Chairman Greg Fajt says this report, along with earlier figures presented by the Department of Agriculture on the  significant job and revenue growth in Pennsylvania's equine industry,  clearly show that the growing revenue generated by slot machine gaming has a direct impact on farmland preservation and a beneficial trickle-down economic impact on the entire agricultural community.
"There continues to be no doubt that the inclusion of slot machine gaming at our six racetrack facilities is having a very positive effect on both the horse racing industry and agriculture," Gaming Control Board Chairman Greg Fajt says. "Not to be lost is also the creation of new jobs related to the horse racing industry, and the improvement of living and working conditions of racetrack workers."
Figures released by the Department of Agriculture in late 2010 showed a 300% increase in equine industry jobs from the start of the decade to 2008 along with a significant increase in track wagering  before and after slot machines first began operating at racetracks.
PGCB Executive director Kevin O'Toole says while all ten of the operating casinos in Pennsylvania are contributing to the rebirth of the state's horse racing industry through slot machine tax revenue, the six "racinos" have shown a significant commitment to make the casino/racetrack partnership work well.
"There is no doubt that the efforts by our Category 1 licensees to construct and renovate quality racino facilities in Pennsylvania has contributed to the revitalization of our horse racing and horse breeding facilities," O'Toole says.
The full report can be downloaded from a special link on the right hand side under the "Information" section on the homepage of the Gaming Control Board's web site, www.pgcb.state.pa.us.
About the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board was established in 2004 with the passage of Act 71, also known as the Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. Pennsylvania's first new state agency in nearly 40 years, the Gaming Control Board is tasked to oversee all aspects of the state's casino industry. To date, with nine of a maximum fourteen casinos in operation, legalized gaming in the Commonwealth has created over 8,000 new living wage jobs, revenue that has provided property tax reduction in each of the past two years for all homeowners, and funds that have reinvigorated Pennsylvania's horse racing industry. A wealth of information about the Gaming Control Board and Pennsylvania's gaming industry can be found at www.pgcb.state.pa.us. At this web site, videos and information on the operation of the PGCB, problem gambling efforts and assistance, future meeting schedules and past meeting transcripts, and a link to request a speaker are among the many items available.

Simple Delicious Sourdough Bread

Everybody thinks there is a secret to making sourdough bread and that it is extremely difficult, well it isn't and here is how to do it.

To start with you need a sourdough starter, very simple.

Take one cup of warm water and one cup of unbleached flour and mix it together in a non- metallic bowl and cover it with a cotton towel and let it sit. It is that simple. After 24 hours, pour half of it out and add one cup of warm water and one cup of flour and cover it let it sit. Do this every day. Soon you will notice bubbles and it is starting to sort of boil up and rise, after 4 or 5 days if it has a slightly sour odor and it raises regularly it is done. The more is raises and the more bubbles the better. If it doesn’t rise and bubble, pour it out and start over.

Now take 11/2 cups of your starter and put it in a non-metallic bowl, add 1 cup warm water, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons sugar and mix it together. To that slowly add 5 cups of flour until the dough becomes too thick to mix with a spoon. Turn it out on a floured surface and knead it until it is no longer sticky, you may have to add a little flour. Once you have kneaded the dough for a few minutes, pound it flat and put it in an oiled non-metallic bowl, I use pam to oil the bowl and let it rise, usually 6-8 hours.

After the dough has risen, pour it out on a floured surface, form it into an oblong ball, with a sharp knife, cut two deep X marks into and it is ready for the oven.

Do not preheat the oven. Using a spritzer, spritz a small amount of water on the top and put it in the oven. Put the dough in the oven and set it at 400 degrees and setting the time at 40 minutes.  After 40 minutes check the bread, it should have turned golden brown and crispy. If not let it go for another 5 minutes. Ovens vary in their temperature settings so yours may need an extra few minutes.

When done take it out, let it set for 10 minutes, then dive in to wonderful sourdough bread.

Ah yes, your starter. Ad one cup warm water and one cup flour, mix it together and put in a non- metallic container, I use a porcelain container I bought a garage sale with a top on it that seals fairly tight, and put it in the refrigerator. Once every 7-9 days take it out stir it, pour half of it out, and add the same portion back in and let it sit for about 8-10 hours and put it back in the refrigerator. I like to take about 1/3 of my starter in a jar and freeze it so I always have something to start from in case something happens to the fresh starter in the refrigerator.

Letter to Senator Benson

I am disappointed in the GOP over a couple of things. Perhaps the biggest thing I am disappointed in is Michael Brodkorp. He was obviously the voice of the GOP during the session. He is very rude , arrogant and obnoxious. He treats the constituents like we are very stupid. I for one have a PhD in Human Resources, with a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelors in Psychology. I was a government employee in two states for 21 years and in the corporate world for another 20, these included working for two of the largest companies in the world. GE and Johnson Controls. I currently am a Business Consultant. When someone like Brodkorp talks down to people, makes very ignorant statements, it is very upsetting. Upsetting to the point where I am sure other long time GOP’ers like myself don’t want to vote GOP anymore, because we are so turned off by the rhetoric that is being fed to us. There were a couple of times when I actually tweeted him and told him to shut up, because his statements were outrageous and repetitive and I was hearing about it from acquaintances.
I am also disappointed in the leadership of the GOP, for several reasons. One, they did not and do not recognize the strategy of the Democrats and I am afraid that is going to be costly in the next election. The GOP needs new leadership, someone who has strategic management experience. Here is why. It is obvious the Dem’s strategy is to play the role of the underdog and act like they are being kicked around. Believe me it is working, especially with people like Brodkorp spouting off in everybody’s face and constantly falling into the Dem’s strategy and kicking them around. Have you seen the pathetic images of Dayton in the papers, that is part of the strategy. Secondly prior to the session the leadership made some promises to the sportsmen of Minnesota and they reneged on their promises.  I belong to several sportsmen’s groups that have a couple of million Minnesotans as members. Many are angry and many of them will not vote GOP again, they have turned to Dayton to veto the DNR bill.  Specifically they are angry at killing the No Retreat bill, and at changes made to the DNR bill. I know for a fact one of the groups has just hired a firm to represent their interests at the legislature and have hired another company to build a new web site to put the information out on the GOP leadership and, has asked the NRA-ILA for help in fighting the GOP leadership. During the campaign all GOP candidates talked about creating jobs, but nothing happened that was put out to the public during the session. That was a very poor strategy and should have been a key talking point.
The GOP has to stop talking that it the passed a budget bill with no new taxes. Obviously that is only technically true, with cuts, everybody knows that the local governments will have to raise real estate taxes and that statement is going to come back to haunt the GOP. Also every long time GOP’er like myself knows that historically, no new revenue, has never been part of the conservative platform. Innovation with revenue has always been available, casino’s, innovative fee’s, etc.
It really is necessary that the GOP get a spokesman, who will get in front of the people, listen to what they are saying and then be able to speak for the GOP in a professional manner. Currently the impressions being left are terrible. The GOP also needs to control some of the knee jerk reactions by some of the legislators themselves, apologies afterwards don’t cut it. Early on the GOP got caught up in the Voter ID and gay marriage bill. That was bad strategy. They should have attacked the budget first and forgot about those two bills until later. As it turns out the session will probably be remembered for those two bills, one which stands a good chance of being defeated by the voters, and the second costing a lot of money in a constitutional court battle. The voter ID bill, in all likelihood, may violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution unless the state provides free voter ID cards, in fact at the time I blogged about this.  So again poor strategy by leadership.
There also should have one compromise and I have heard it over and over again. The GOP should have bought into taxing the rich. I have heard more comments about the GOP representing the rich than almost any other comment. We have a lot of people out of jobs and that one compromise would have gone a long way to make the voters happy.
I hope you take this in the manner in which is intended, as constructive information and not criticism.
Respectfully;

Ken Kjer

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Minnesota Muskie and Pike Alliance (MMPA)

MINNESOTA MUSKIE AND PIKE ALLIANCE

Minnesota Muskie and Pike Alliance (MMPA) - Who are we?
The Minnesota Muskie and Pike Alliance is a coalition of fishing clubs in the state of Minnesota focused on maintaining and improving fishing opportunities for muskie and trophy northern pike in the state. Originally named the Minnesota Muskie Alliance our focus was limited to the improvement of the muskie fishery. In the course of this activity it became clear that no efforts were being expended by any organization in a like manner for northern pike. Our members however value trophy northern pike as well as muskies. To allow us to lobby at the capitol for northern pike as well as muskies, our charter was changed this year to include northern pike.
Minnesota Muskie and Pike Alliance (MMPA) Legislative Fund - What are we asking for and why?
To increase our effectiveness and political clout at the capitol the MMPA has engaged a professional lobbyist and is initiating a Legislative Fund.
The Minnesota Muskie and Pike Alliance (MMPA) Legislative Fund is money collected by the MMPA political action committee to be used to support legislative candidates aligned with the goals and causes of the MMPA. These goals are the maintenance and advancement of the muskie and trophy northern pike fishery in the state of Minnesota.
Annually new issues arise at the capitol which threaten the Muskie or pike fishery and require organized opposition to defeat or modify to a non-threatening state. A number of opposition organizations have used political activity to attempt to modify regulations through the introduction of bills at the state legislature that would negatively impact the muskie and trophy northern pike fishery in the state. In 2011 these include rescinding spearing bans, reducing the number of lakes with slot limits on northern pike and introduction of a two line fishing amendment.
These opposition groups have been successful in their efforts because of a political sophistication greatly exceeding ours. They are able to bypass the recommendations of the DNR through petitioning of their legislators. They are persistent in their efforts and unwilling to look for a common ground for compromise. We have determined we need to respond with equal or greater political savvy.
The two actions we have initiated are to rectify this situation. The Legislative Fund provides us part of this leverage. Your contributions will be directly used in this cause. They are controlled entirely by the MMPA committee and used only in the state of Minnesota.
While your contribution to the Legislative Fund is vital, your willingness to participate via email and/or personnel communications with your local legislator is equally important. As a contributor to the Fund you will be advised through email and access to our website of pending legislation at the Capitol and asked to respond to both the committees and your legislator. We will provide our position to forward on “as is” or edited as you see fit.
Please help make this happen by contributing to the Fund and join in the Legislative response Team.
Fill out the contribution form and mail to the address indicated with cash or check. Contributions cannot be accepted from corporations or from out of country. Maximum contribution is limited to $20. Contributions are not tax deductible.
Thank you for your help. We cannot do this without your assistance.

Minnesota Muskie and Pike Alliance
Legislative Fund
Working to Preserve, Promote and Advance Muskie Education and Research in Minnesota
PO Box 474, Rogers, MN. 55374-0474
Minnesota Muskie and Pike Alliance Legislative Fund
Contribution Form
Contributor name:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Telephone:
Email:
I have enclosed a personal check or cash of:
___ $2 ___ $5 ___ $15 $20 ___ $(For contributions of $20 and over state law requires employment information must be provided. Please complete box below. The MMPA Legislative Fund does not accept contributions in excess of $20.)
Make checks payable to: MMPA Legislative Fund
___ I understand this is a non-tax deductible contribution.
Check one
 Yes, I would like to get email updates from the MMPA and product and service offers from the manufacturers and retailers that support the MMPA.
 Yes, I would like to get email updates from the MMPA but not product and service offers from the manufacturers and retailers that sponsor the MMPA.
 No, I would prefer not to get any email information from either the MMPA or its supporters.
Occupation:
Employer:
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Lobbyist Reg. No.:
Mail to: MMPA Legislative Fund, PO Box 474, Rogers, MN 55374-0474

Free Drivers Licenses in MInnesota

In the 1966 case of Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections the Supreme Court overruled its decision in Breedlove v. Suttles, and extended the prohibition of poll taxes to state elections, declaring that the imposition of a poll tax in state elections violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The State of Minnesota cannot force anyone to pay for voting. Passing a law that requires a person to have a an official ID is fine, as long as that ID card is free. So the State of Minnesota has one of two choices, they give everyone who registers to vote a free voter ID card, or they can give us all free drivers licenses or if you don't drive a free state ID card. Charging for a voter ID card would be the same as charging to vote and would violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

More concretely, the Equal Protection Clause, along with the rest of the Fourteenth Amendment, marked a great shift in American constitutionalism. Before the enactment of the Fourteenth Amendment, the Bill of Rights protected individual rights only from invasion by the federal government. After the Fourteenth Amendment was enacted, the Constitution also protected rights from abridgment by state leaders and governments, even including some rights that arguably were not protected from abridgment by the federal government. In the wake of the Fourteenth Amendment, the states could not, among other things, deprive people of the equal protection of the laws.

14th Amendment

Amendment XIV

Section 1.

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Section 2.

Representatives shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the executive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such state.

Section 3.

No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

Section 4.

The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

Section 5.

The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

How Much Are We Paying Them?

State Elected Officials’ Compensation
Salaries for the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, secretary of state, judges, and
legislators are established by state law and by the legislature, depending on the position.

Salaries for constitutional officers:
As required by the Minnesota Constitution, salaries for constitutional officers are
prescribed by law. Art. V, § 4. Current annual salaries are as follows:
Officer Salary % of Governor’s Salary
Governor:   $120,303 ---
Attorney General:   $114,288, 95% of governors salary.
State Auditor:  $102,258         85% of governors salary.
Secretary of State:   $90,227   75%  of governors salary.
Lieutenant Governor: $78,197  65%  of governors salary.

The most recent salary increases were in January 2003, when a law took effect
establishing salaries for constitutional officers as a percentage of the governor’s
salary. Laws 2001, 1st spec. sess., ch. 10, art. 1, § 2. The most recent salary
increase for the governor was 2.5 percent in January 1998.
The governor can veto legislation establishing compensation for constitutional positions.

Salaries of Legislators:
The Minnesota Constitution provides that legislators’ compensation is set by law.
The annual salary for representatives and senators is $31,140. The House and the
Senate each can designate three leadership positions to receive up to 140 percent of
the compensation of other members of the legislature (this is an additional $12,456
per year).

The most recent salary increase for legislators was 5 percent in January 1999. The
constitution also says that “no increase of compensation shall take effect during the
period for which the members of the existing House of Representatives may have
been elected.” Art. IV, § 9. Because the constitution says that legislators’ salaries
are set “by law,” the governor can veto legislation setting legislators’
compensation.

Legislative per diem In addition to salary, legislators are eligible to receive a per diem payment when
engaged in official business. The House rate is $77 per day and the Senate rate
$96 per day.

Who is Winning?

I just tweeted that the youngsters in the GOP think that shutting the state government down will hurt the Democrats. It won’t, it will hurt the GOP. Why do I say that? Well, I have been watching the entire process for the last several months and the Democrats have had an effective strategy, and planned or unplanned, it is working. They are making themselves out to be the underdogs who are being beat up by the GOP. Have you looked at the pictures in the news of Mark Dayton? He looks like a beaten down person, the looks on his face is one of a pathetic person who is trying as hard as he can, but can’t quite get there.

On the other hand, there is the GOP who is trying to ram the word the compromise down people’s throats. They have not chosen there spokesman very well in Mike Brodkorb. His main word again is compromise, but his statements and tweets have very little substance. The other statement they are beating to death is balanced budget, but nobody has seen the budget, so we are supposed to take their word for it. They are also talking about balancing the budget, while making cuts, without raising taxes. Well that is not exactly true.  My GOP representative, when I questioned her about it, told me that the state doesn’t have anything to do with raising property taxes. While that may be technically true, cutting money to cities has a trickledown effect and the only way local government can produce revenue to operate is to raise real estate taxes or drastically cut back on services. The GOP’s biggest mistake is that they are putting off a lot of GOP constituents, by being loudmouth and braggarts, which is not the best way to win friends and influence people. In a very loud voice they have continually bragged about their balanced budget, cutting taxes and no new revenue.

The GOP collectively and individually made several tactical mistakes during the session. One of the mistakes made by the GOP, and I understand the NRA/ILA may get involved, is to turn on the gun owners and sportsman of the state. Prior to the session starting, the GOP promised to pass the No Retreat bill, as it has come to be called. However the GOP leaders killed that bill. The mistake made here is that there are hundreds of thousands of gun owners in the state that don’t have a concealed carry permit and don’t wish to get one, but have guns at home. This bill affected them also, not just the few thousand concealed carry holders. The biggest mistake though is making the fisherman angry and there are millions of them. The GOP slashed the DNR spending bill and that greatly affects the fisheries in the state. Musky fishing in Minnesota has become a tourist attraction and the bill as passed will ruin a good percentage of Musky lakes according to several fishermen’s groups, as well as affect the walleye fisheries. These groups have long memories and very active participants. One of which now has a drive going to get the governor to veto the bill, and their email is on this blog.

Individually the GOP representatives have been none responsive to their constituents when ask direct questions. Most of the answers look like preplanned boiler plate. One of the representatives Tony Cornish made a huge mistake when responding to an email pertaining to the very unpopular gay marriage bill. His response of “Give it a Rest”, evoked a huge response and he tried to ineffectively talk his way out of it. Groups such as these have long memories and I doubt if there will be forgiveness.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Omnibus Game and Fish Bill/GOP Shows More True Colors to Sportsmen

The legislature voted on a Game and Fish bill that is very detrimental to the fishery and sets horrible precedence.

They have limited the number of special and experimental Pike lakes to 90 from 125, these lakes are showing great signs of improvement in Pike size as well as Walleye stocking success, now many angler supported lakes will be cut because a few Darkhouse spearers don't like to follow the laws anglers do.

Cass Lake will be opened to spearing after 20+ years of being closed, since the closure the lake has become one of our best Muskie and Pike waters, the legislation also spells out that the DNR commissioner can not regulate spearing on the lake.

It also allows a popular ski resort to drain water out of the Poplar River putting Steelhead Trout and Coaster Brook Trout at considerable risk for freezing out in the cold months, MN fisherman have spent millions over the years to protect Coasters and now our legislators passed a bill to threaten them further.

It eases pollution standards for discharges to public waters. 

For these and other reasons please call Governor Dayton's office and ask he Veto the bill, we have no time left; Call today Wednesday may be too late. Pass the word to family and friends
800-657-3717 or 651-201-3400

Message to Christians/The Gay Marriage Bill

I have always found it interesting that when it came to religion, everyone takes what is said by their local pastor as God’s word, and in that word there can be no doubt. I came from a Catholic family, attended Catholic Grade School and was fortunate enough to have a cousin who was a priest, and as a result of that, I had a more familiar understanding of priests and pastors. I came to understand that they are not always right and that they are just employees, doing what they are told. I also need to preface this article with the fact that I am not gay, and I am not a gay supporter, what I am is a supporter of civil rights and having investigated a few homicides in my past employment, I have also learned not to believe everything I am told and to check the facts. I decided to write this because it appears to me that many of our good priests, pastors, and other ministers from other religions, either are not telling it all, telling the truth, or just don’t plain know it.

"... in the evening the youth came to him [Jesus], wearing a linen cloth over his naked body. And he remained with him that night, for Jesus taught him the mystery of the Kingdom of God. And thence, arising, he returned to the other side of the Jordan." —The Secret Gospel of Mark, The Other Bible, Willis Barnstone, Editor, Harper & Row, San Francisco, 1984, pp. 339-342.

OK, here is the barn burner, YES FATHER; there was a time when same sex marriage was a Christian right.

“Prof. John Boswell, the late Chairman of Yale University’s history department, discovered that in addition to heterosexual marriage ceremonies in ancient Christian church liturgical documents, there were also ceremonies called the "Office of Same-Sex Union" (10th and 11th century), and the "Order for Uniting Two Men" (11th and 12th century).

These church rites had all the symbols of a heterosexual marriage: the whole community gathered in a church, a blessing of the couple before the altar was conducted with their right hands joined, holy vows were exchanged, a priest officiated in the taking of the Eucharist and a wedding feast for the guests was celebrated afterwards. These elements all appear in contemporary illustrations of the holy union of the Byzantine Warrior-Emperor, Basil the First (867-886 CE) and his companion John.

Such same gender Christian sanctified unions also took place in Ireland in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, as the chronicler Gerald of Wales (‘Geraldus Cambrensis’) recorded.

Same-sex unions in pre-modern Europe list in great detail some same gender ceremonies found in ancient church liturgical documents. One Greek 13th century rite, "Order for Solemn Same-Sex Union", invoked St. Serge and St. Bacchus, and called on God to "vouchsafe unto these, Thy servants [N and N], the grace to love one another and to abide without hate and not be the cause of scandal all the days of their lives, with the help of the Holy Mother of God, and all Thy saints". The ceremony concludes: "And they shall kiss the Holy Gospel and each other, and it shall be concluded".

Another 14th century Serbian Slavonic "Office of the Same Sex Union", uniting two men or two women, had the couple lay their right hands on the Gospel while having a crucifix placed in their left hands. After kissing the Gospel, the couple was then required to kiss each other, after which the priest, having raised up the Eucharist, would give them both communion.

Records of Christian same sex unions have been discovered in such diverse archives as those in the Vatican, in St. Petersburg, in Paris, in Istanbul and in the Sinai, covering a thousand-years from the 8th to the 18th century.

The Dominican missionary and Prior, Jacques Goar (1601-1653), includes such ceremonies in a printed collection of Greek Orthodox prayer books, “Euchologion Sive Rituale Graecorum Complectens Ritus Et Ordines Divinae Liturgiae” (Paris, 1667). This from a web posting by Thos. Payne @ http://www.christianity-revealed.com/cr/files/whensamesexmarriagewasachristianrite.html

In ancient China, same-sex marriage was also understood by one of the major religions. The Buddhist religion believes in reincarnation, which is the idea that when someone dies, his or her spirit returns to the world in a new body, as another person or animal. Buddhists also believe that once a couple is married, they are destined to love and marry each other again in each of their lives. Therefore, if a man and woman are married in one life, and then come back in their next life as two women, they are destined to marry again as two women. Since Buddhism, offered a reasonable explanation for same-sex marriages, many people accepted them.

I could go on with this, but the historical facts are: The scriptural basis for the fight against gay marriage is a lie, plain and simple. Modern Christianity is cherry picking the scriptures. If gays are biblically ordered to be second-class citizens, then so are women.

Here is what the experts say.

Statement on Marriage and the Family

Arlington, Virginia--The Executive Board of the American Anthropological Association, the world's largest organization of anthropologists, released the following statement on February 26, 2004 in response to President Bush's call for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage as a threat to civilization:

    The results of more than a century of anthropological research on households, kinship relationships, and families, across cultures and through time, provide no support whatsoever for the view that either civilization or viable social orders depend upon marriage as an exclusively heterosexual institution. Rather, anthropological research supports the conclusion that a vast array of family types, including families built upon same-sex partnerships, can contribute to stable and humane societies.

    The Executive Board of the American Anthropological Association strongly opposes a constitutional amendment limiting marriage to heterosexual couples.

Enough said.