Legislators vented during session; now its your turn at the State Fair

Have you ever wanted to tell a politician what you really think? Now is your chance at the state fair. Politicians of all political stripes will be there to answer questions at their respective booths. Trust me its worth the price of admission. Corporations and special interest groups pay big money to get one on one with these people. At least you wont get the run around by some Legislative Assistant who says that the member is not available and if you would like to leave a message. Actually members of both parties are nice people for the most part. The media plays up the partisanship a bit much at times. I realize that there are other parties out there but the Republicans and Democrats have the most members in government.

Sunnis and Shiites refuse to compromise

The feud over federalism continues as Sunnis and Shiites continue to argue about how they want the constitution written. Neither side is backing out on their demands. Sunnis want more say in the process and believe the Shiites are taking power away from them. Shiites however argue that they have that right since they represent more people. The US is encouraging both sides to cooperate but apparently it isn't working at this point. While negotiations are ongoing there has been little progress. The US is concerned that this feud could lead to the US military presence being there longer than necessary. The US has sent an additional 1500 troops for security in light of future votes on the constitution.

Local communities brace for economic loss in the US and around the world due to BRAC

Local communities are bracing for the economic losses that they expect when their bases closes. This is not only effecting communities here in the states but also in places like Europe. The Pentagon has also recommended troop reductions there as well since Russia is no longer a threat. Some communities that have lost bases have been able to recover from the initial economic loss. Many military families could be effected by bases being reduced abroad. The Pentagon would like to create a rapid redeployment troops. This would mean a soldier would leave his family here in the states while there on their temporary assignment in a given country. Some military leaders worry that this will result in reduced re-enlistment.

Ellsworth AFB saved by BRAC

The base closing commission voted to keep Ellsworth AFB. The commisssion determined that the Pentagons cost savings were not there. They felt that there were no cost saving because you would essentially move equipment from one good base to another in Texas. I dont know at this time how the commission has voted on the base in Duluth. However they did vote to move facilities from Ft. Snelling to Wisconsin.

Military intelligence unit: Operation; Able Danger continues to dog 9/11 Commission

Congressman Weldon (R-PA) has continued to criticize the 9/11 Commission for not further investigating Operation Able Danger. Able Danger is the military intelligence unit that was believed to be tracking the masterminds of 9/11 before the attacks. Weldon believes that the some commission staff were not qualified to review the material and decide whether it warranted an in-depth investigation or notify commissioners of the seriousness of the information. Some believe that the commission did not want to blame anyone in the Washington establishment. This may result in an incomplete and inaccurate report on 9/11 which was submitted by the commission.

MN joins National Registry for Sex Offenders

Minnesota has joined online with the National Registry for Sex Offenders. This will make it easier for states and the public where sex offenders are. You can check the federal website at www.nsopr.gov The site is sponsored by the Department of Justice and allows users to submit one query in the nation wide database for their local community. Only the most serious sex offenders, Level 3 are available. Level 3 are the most likely to reoffend. Many states have joined the registry. The Minnesota website is www.doc.state.mn.us/level3/search.asp

French accuse Lance Armstong of doping during Tour de France

The French have accused 7 time winner of the Tour de France and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong of using steroids to gain an advantage against his competitors. The French claim they have a urine sample from 1999. Some people believe the French are just upset that the Tour de France which the French cherish has been won by an American.

DOT to begin phasing in new CAFE standards

The federal Department of Transportation announced yesterday that it will be implementing new CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards. This just basically means efficiency in gas mileage. US auto manufacturers complained that the existing standards were unfair compared to the Japanese who typically make smaller vehicles and were not adjusting to the latest trends in consumer needs. The new standards would exempt larger SUV's such as the Hummer H2 and the Chevy Suburban. Enviromentalists fear that automakers will make some of the smaller SUV's slightly larger so that they are also exempt from the new regulations. The new regulations will be in implemented by 2011.

BRAC Commission overrules Pentagon

The Base Realignment And Closure Commission is charged with getting feedback from affected local communities regarding military bases closure proposed by the Pentagon. Politicians from both parties have lobbied the commission to keep their local bases open. Some businesses could close if some military bases are closed. The Pentagon made these recommendations to save money and run a more effective military and focus on present and future needs. Use the cost savings from closed bases for other uses. The commisssion recently voted and overruled the Pentagon on two recommendations on the East Coast in Maine and Connecticut by a majority vote. Other bases were spared as well. Most bases scheduled will not be that lucky. In that last several rounds 85% of bases scheduled to close were shutdown. The politicans from the effected states have a tough task ahead of them as they try to keep their own jobs. The base closing proposals originally were able to be amended but because it became too political that the recommendations of the commission are now voted up or down.

Northwest and mechanics wage P.R. war as strike continues

Northwest and the mechanics continue a public relations battle in the media to win support from the public. As the strike continues both sides trade accusations. Northwest is putting on happy face and saying that the airline is flying its normal schedule. The mechanics argue that there have been a higher number of cancellations and delays. It has yet been determined whether the replacement mechanics will be able to handle the pace over the long term. Most have experience and come from other airlines who faced bankruptcy. Northwest may face the possibility of bankruptcy which could void any contract that the mechanics union may agree to.

Pat Robertson's call for assasination of foreign leader irresponsible

Pat Robertson's call for assasination of the Venezuelan leader is irresponsible. While he is a very smart man, he should leave those types of decisions to the professionals in government. The State Department issued a statement calling Robertson's comments ridiculous and is not the position of the US government. Robertson believes that Venezuela could become a communist state.

New York City transportation system to get security upgrade

New York City plans to spend over 200 million in surveilance cameras in subway stations, tunnels and bridges. This system is designed to capture video and has motion sensors built in to the system. Allows system to detect potential problems and alert authorities to suspicious behavior and packages. The technology is not available yet for the subways or buses.

Conn. to Challenge No Child Left Behind in court

The State of Connecticut is the first to challenge the Bush administration on its education goal of No Child Left Behind. The state is challenging the federal government in court on the grounds that it is an unfunded mandate to the states.

Minnesota State Fair starts Thursday!

Vote on Constitution delayed again

The Speaker of the Iraqi National Assembly adjourned for the day without voting on the constitution as the first extended deadline passed. The Speaker said that he did not want the constitution voted on without the support of the Sunnis. The Sunnis make up 20% of the Iraqi population. Gave a few more days to garner support.
The US has put a happy face stating that while we are not at the goal that we are making progress and close to deal. This while the US was putting pressure on the Iraqis to meet the first deadline.

Sunni opposition to current draft of Constitution could lead to civil war

If the Sunnis cannot agree to the current draft of the constitution it could lead to civil war as deadline just a few hours away. The feud has been over the issue of federalism. The Shiites and the Kurds have the votes to pass the current draft of the constitution. The National Assembly could be disbanded if issues are not resolved. Some experts believe a deal will be reached minutes before the deadline.

Some pharmacists sue IL Governor over new law

Some pharmacists in Illinois are suing the governor over a new law that has been enacted. The new law requires pharmacists to sell a very controversial morning after pill commonly known as RU-486. Pharamcists in some states are allowed to not sell certain items if they have moral or religious objections. RU-486 has been legal in most western European countries. In the US pro-life advocates argue that this is a form of abortion while pro-choice advocates argue that this is just another birth control option available for women.

Few problems at Airport so far as strike continues

Northwest is reporting that they have had just a few problems since the strike started on Friday. The true test experts say will come in the next few days as they get into the regular work week when the number of planes in service will increase. The unions mechanics say that there has already been a slow down due to replacements and that Northwest has already started its fall schedule instead of labor day. None of the other Northwest's unions have honored the mechanics picket lines which makes it harder for the mechanics to make there case.

Sunnis seek help as deadline nears

As the deadline nears the Sunnis are asking help from the US and UN because the current draft of the constitution favors the Shiites and the Kurds. This fight is primarily over federalism which would determine how strong the central government will be. The Sunnis fear that the current draft would give favor to the Shiites and the Kurds who make up 80% of the Iraqi population and control over future oil wealth. The Sunnis were the minority group who were in power under the former Saddam regime.

Increase in gas price fuels demand for hybrids

With gas prices continuing to climb alternative energy such as hybrid vehicles have become quite popular. Just a few years ago the hybrid vehicles were not selling well. However its a different story now that gas prices have skyrocketed in recent months. A year ago a gallon of gas was $1.79 now its around $2.60. Many dealers say they cant keep hybrids stocked long enough to meet consumer demand.
China has been part of the problem as their demand for oil has increased substantially therefore increasing the worlds demand for oil.