Gladys Reyes Benefit Account

Gladys Reyes is a 6th grader who goes to school at Heritage Middle School in W. St. Paul MN. Sunday evening eleven year old Gladys was hit and dragged almost a half mile by a van. She is in critical condition and her right arm has been amputated.

I am including this here because her family does not have any insurance. I strongly urge all of you to contribute to the benefit account that has been set up to help out. We never know when a tragedy will strike us. Now is the time to help out a family right here in our own community. You can contribute to the Heritage Middle School's Gladys Reyes Benefit Account at any US Bank.

Can a monolithic school system serve the common good?

I was talking with a good friend the other day about our school system. He claims that nothing can be done until the teachers union is overthrown. That as far as the teachers and their union is concerned, it's teachers first, students second, and taxpayers third. As a parent in school district 197 I have recently found out that our district spends about $8 million more than the state average. Still they ask for more, with scare tactics and veiled threats of cutting services to our children and the community.

During my campaign I expressed my desire to put control of the schools back in the hands of the teachers, principals, and parents. I am against the bloated bureaucracy of the administration. The problem with this is no one wants to get involved. While out campaigning last fall I spoke with a women involved with one of the local PTA's. She said that with over 1000 students at one of the local high schools, only eight parents show up at any given time. I find this to be unacceptable. So I have recently decided to go to PTA meetings. I am just as guilty of not showing up at these.

I am including a link to Craig Westover's opinion piece that was published in today's St. Paul Pioneer Press. I find it very thought provoking. Here it is,

http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/news/opinion/16582855.htm

Is Hugo Chavez a threat?

Today on Fox News there was a discussion on Hugo Chavez and Venezuela. It was mentioned that 6 Palestinians with Venezuelan identification were found trying to cross the Mexican border. I was also mentioned that he has possibly provided funding for the training of Al Qaida.

They also reported that our National Guard cannot fire on armed illegal immigrants. This just happened recently. One Mexican illegal was said to have had an AK47. They are told to call the Border Patrol. I believe that "Rules of Engagement" are a joke. For the good of our men in uniform, they should be allowed to go forth and kick butt as needed!

Is anyone paying attention??? Here's at least one German who is!

This was sent to me by Jeanette. Kudos to Jeanette!


If any of you still feel that this war on terror is a mistake, here is an opinion from an unexpected source. It's fascinating that this should come out of Europe. Mathias Dapfner, Chief Executive of the huge German publisher Axel Springer AG, has written a blistering attack in DIEWELT, Germany's largest daily paper, against the timid reaction of Europe in the face of the Islamic threat. This is a must-read by all Americans. History may well certify its correctness.

EUROPE - THY NAME IS COWARDICE
(Commentary by Mathias Dapfner CEO, Axel Springer, AG)

A few days ago Henry Broder wrote in Welt am Sonntag, "Europe - your family name is appeasement." It's a phrase you can't get out of your head because it's so terribly true. Appeasement cost millions of Jews and non-Jews their lives, as England and France, allies at the time, negotiated and hesitated too long before they noticed that Hitler had to be fought, not bound to toothless agreements.

Appeasement legitimized and stabilized Communism in the Soviet Union, then East Germany, then all the rest of Eastern Europe, where for decades, inhuman suppressive, murderous governments were glorified as the ideologically correct alternative to all other possibilities. Appeasement crippled Europe when genocide ran rampant in Kosovo, and even though we had absolute proof of ongoing mass-murder, we Europeans debated and debated and debated, and were still debating when finally the Americans had to come from halfway around the world, into Europe yet again, and do our work for us.

Rather than protecting democracy in the Middle East, European Appeasement, camouflaged behind the fuzzy word "equidistance," now countenances suicide bombings in Israel by fundamentalist Palestinians. Appeasement generates a mentality that allows Europe to ignore nearly 500,000 victims of Saddam's torture and murder machinery and, motivated by the self-righteousness of the peace movement, has the gall to issue bad grades to George Bush... Even as it is uncovered that the loudest critics of the American action in Iraq made illicit billions, no, TENS of billions, in the corrupt U.N. Oil-for-Food program.

And now we are faced with a particularly grotesque form of appeasement. How is Germany reacting to the escalating violence by Islamic Fundamentalists in Holland and elsewhere? By suggesting that we really should have a "Muslim Holiday" in Germany? I wish I were joking, but I am not. A substantial fraction of our (German) Government, and if the polls are to be believed, the German people, actually believe that creating an Official State "Muslim Holiday" will somehow spare us from the wrath of the fanatical Islamists.

One cannot help but recall Britain's Neville Chamberlain waving the laughable treaty signed by Adolph Hitler and declaring European "Peace in our time". What else has to happen before the European public and its political leadership get it?

There is a sort of crusade underway, an especially perfidious crusade consisting of systematic attacks by fanatic Muslims,focused on civilians, directed against our free, open Western societies, and intent upon Western Civilization's utter destruction. It is a conflict that will most likely last longer than any of the great military conflicts of the last century - a conflict conducted by an enemy that cannot be tamed by "tolerance" and "accommodation" but is actually spurred on by such gestures, which have proven to be, and will always be taken by the Islamists for signs of weakness.

Only two recent American Presidents had the courage needed for Anti-appeasement: Reagan and Bush. His American critics may quibble over the details, but we Europeans know the truth. We saw it first hand: Ronald Reagan ended the Cold War, freeing half of the German people from nearly 50 years of terror and virtual slavery. And Bush, supported only by the Social Democrat Blair,acting on moral conviction, recognized the danger in the Islamic War against Democracy. His place in history will have to be evaluated after a number of years have passed. In the meantime, Europe sits back with charismatic self-confidence in the multicultural corner, instead of defending liberal society's values and being an attractive center of power on the same playing field as the true great powers, America and China.

On the contrary - we Europeans present ourselves, in contrast to those"arrogant Americans", as the World Champions of "tolerance", which even (Germany's Interior Minister) Otto Schily justifiably criticizes. Why? Because we're so moral? I fear it's more because we're so materialistic, so devoid of a moral compass. For his policies, Bush risks the fall of the dollar, huge amounts of additional national debt, and a massive and persistent burden on the American economy - because unlike almost all of Europe, Bush realizes what is at stake - literally everything.

While we criticize the "capitalistic robber barons" of America because they seem too sure of their priorities, we timidly defend our Social Welfare systems. Stay out of it! It could get expensive! We'd rather discuss reducing our 35-hour workweek or our dental coverage, or our 4weeks of paid vacation... Or listen to TV pastors preach about the need to "reach out to terrorists. To understand and forgive".

These days, Europe reminds me of an old woman who, with shaking hands, frantically hides her last pieces of jewelry when she notices a robber breaking into a neighbor's house. Appeasement? Europe, thy name is Cowardice.

"The Atkins Diet"

As mentioned previously, Joe Atkins is considering a run for U. S. Senate in 2008. Atkins says he's thinking about running because he wants to put Washington DC on an "Atkins diet." Which means less war and more focus on prescription drugs and affordable health care." I talked to Joe today and told him that I liked the idea of an "Atkins Diet" and that he should take that diet to the state capitol and put the governments spending of taxpayers money on an "Atkins Diet!"

Capital Call In at Town Square TV

On Thursday, January 25th on Town Square Television was a show called Capitol Call In. It is a show that allows the local citizens of northern Dakota County to call in and ask our elected officials questions. In attendance were Representatives Joe Atkins, and Rick Hansen from district 39 and Karla Bigham from Cottage Grove. Also present was Senator Katie Sieben. Senator James Metzen was absent from the festivities.

Because of the public concern over their self imposed increase in per diem, and my own curiosity, I decided I had better call in.

I introduced myself and asked, "In the last seven years Senator Metzen has taken $66,630.00 in per diem. Joe Atkins, you took $24,446.00 in the last four years. Rick Hansen, you have taken $13,266.00 in the two years you have been in office. How do you justify taking so much in per diem when you all live within ten minutes of the capitol, and how do you justify a 45% increase in per diem? All four of them basically defended their actions by claiming the pay is so low and that they take a slightly less percentage then do out state legislators. None addressed the issue of the 45% increase. Joe Atkins claimed my numbers were a little high. I went to the TV station the following day and purchased a copy of the show so I will be posting the transcript of certain issues discussed at a later date.

I was just reading the Senate Journal for January 8th 2007. In it James Metzen declares 15 miles for a round trip from his home to the capitol and back. Senator Leroy A. Stumpf of district 1 has declared 649 miles round trip. I believe this man deserves all the per diem he can get!

Saturday, January 27th I gave Joe Atkins a call to let him know that I was quite confident that my figures were correct and where I got my information. I had to tell this to his answering machine. Today Joe called me back and agreed that my figures were indeed correct.

I recently read an opinion piece written by Phil Krinkie titled "Black robes and powdered wigs." This was published in the St. Paul Legal Ledger on January 22nd. He addresses the per diem increase by writing, "A Minnesota state senator could now receive up to an additional $210 each week just for meals - and that is in addition to the $31,500 salary. Of course they took this action in committee without a vote of the full Senate - what courage."

The per diem has been increased from $66 to $96 per day. I believe that the legislative session is 140 days. Divide $31,500 by 140 and you get $225. How many of us common folk earn $225 per day let alone get an additional $96 a day lunch money.

Krinkie goes on to say, "Should state senators earn more than minimum wage? Of course they should. But who are they really concerned about? Their actions out of the gate in 2007 would illustrate they are more concerned about their own wallets than that of average Minnesotans."

Right on Phil!

One point I must look into is what committee approved the increase. I will keep you posted.

Obi Sium Will Not Run in 2008

I received a letter in the mail from Obi Sium who ran for Minnesota's 4th Congressional District seat in the 2006 election. He states that he will not run in 2008. The underlying factors being lack of money and volunteers. I share his concerns. My campaign started late in the game and I did what I could, he had two years where I had two months. I feel that all efforts in our great state were focused on the Tim Pawlenty and Mark Kennedy campaigns. Here are some excerpts from his letter:

I would like to thank you for your support of my candidacy for the U. S. House of Representatives in Minnesota's 4th Congressional District. I am proud to be an American and a Republican.

I am glad I did run. I have no regrets whatsoever. I met thousands of people. I was tremendously blessed and encouraged by these folks I met. I prayed that I could be a blessing to them in return.

I raised only $85,00.00 for the campaign. I had very few volunteers helping with the campaign. No literature was mailed. No television ads were broadcast. When folks went to the voting booth, most of them did not know who Obi Sium was. However, I worked very hard, 14-18 hours a day. The dedicated volunteers and I dropped over 100,000 pieces of literature at homes and apartments. Considering the over all situation, maybe getting 30% of the votes was not all bad after all.

My analysis is that the factors, namely money an volunteers, needed for a successful campaign are not there. At this point, I am not running for the 2008 election. I would consider running again in 2010 only if I am sure I am able to raise $1.0-1.5 million and over 100 volunteers.

I know you will continue to uphold the principles that made America the envy of the world. On my part, I plan to continue to add my voice to yours.

Sincerely,

Obi Sium

This a great letter from a great person. I share his feelings to a certain degree. The big difference between us is that he worked on his campaigned two years, where I only had two months. A foreman I once worked under told me, "A good leader accepts all blame, and passes on all credit." I take full responsibility for my campaign and I am very thankful to those who helped. I could not have done it with out them.

Shocking Senatorial Votes

This was sent to me this morning by a concerned citizen.
Thanks to Hal.

"Never argue with an idiot; they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience." ~ anonymous
The following senators voted against making English the official language of America :
Akaka (D-HI)
Bayh (D-IN)
Biden (D-DE)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Boxer (D-CA)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Clinton (D-NY)
Dayton (D-MN)
Dodd (D-CT)
Domenici (R-NM)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D-WI)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Harkin (D-IA)
Inouye (D-HI)
Jeffords (I-VT)
Kennedy (D-MA)
Kerry (D-MA)
Kohl (D-WI)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Leahy (D-VT)
Levin (D-MI)
Lieberman (D-CT)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Murray (D-WA)
Obama (D-IL)
Reed (D-RI)
Reid (D-NV)
Salazar (D-CO)
Sarbanes (D-MD)
Schumer (D-NY)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Wyden (D-OR)

Now, the following are the senators who voted to give illegal aliens Social Security benefits. They are grouped by home state. If a state is not listed, there was no voting representative.
Alaska: Stevens (R)
Arizona: McCain (R)
Arkansas: Lincoln (D) Pryor (D)
California: Boxer (D) Feinstein (D)
Colorado: Salazar (D)
Connecticut: Dodd (D) Lieberman (D)
Delaware: Biden (D) Carper (D)
Florida: Martinez (R)
Hawaii: Akaka (D) Inouye (D)
Illinois: Durbin (D) Obama (D)
Indiana: Bayh (D) Lugar (R)
Iowa: Harkin (D)
Kansas: Brownback (R)
Louisiana: Landrieu (D)
Maryland: Mikulski (D) Sarbanes (D)
Massachusetts: Kennedy (D) Kerry (D)
Montana: Baucus (D)
Nebraska: Hagel (R)
Nevada: Reid (D)
New Jersey: Lautenberg (D) Menendez (D)
New Mexico: Bingaman (D)
New York: Clinton (D) Schumer (D)
North Dakota: Dorgan (D)
Ohio: DeWine (R) Voinovich(R)
Oregon: Wyden (D)
Pennsylvania: Specter (R)
Rhode Island: Chafee (R) Reed (D)
South Carolina: Graham (R)
South Dakota: Johnson (D)
Vermont: Jeffords (I) Leahy (D)
Washington: Cantwell (D) Murray (D)
West Virginia: Rockefeller (D), by Not Voting
Wisconsin: Feingold (D) Kohl (D)

CO Congressman Tom Tancredo Exhibits Bold, Authentic Leadership

Colorado congressman wants black, Hispanic caucuses abolished.
By Laurie Kellman, Associated Press
Last update: January 25, 2007 – 4:04 PM

WASHINGTON -- White House hopeful Tom Tancredo said Thursday the existence of the Congressional Black Caucus and other race-based groups of lawmakers amount to segregation and should be abolished.

"It is utterly hypocritical for Congress to extol the virtues of a colorblind society while officially sanctioning caucuses that are based solely on race,'' said the Colorado Republican, who is most widely known as a vocal critic of illegal immigration.

"If we are serious about achieving the goal of a colorblind society, Congress should lead by example and end these divisive, race-based caucuses,'' said Tancredo, who is scheduled to pitch his long-shot presidential bid this weekend in New Hampshire.

Tancredo's request, relayed in a letter to Administration Committee Chairwoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, D-Calif., revived his effort to change House rules to abolish the groups. Besides the Congressional Black Caucus, Democrats also have a Hispanic caucus with 21 members, and Republicans have a comparable Hispanic conference with five full members and 11 "associate'' members who are not Hispanic.

The request comes in the wake of reports that freshman Rep. Stephen Cohen, D-Tenn., was refused admission to the Congressional Black Caucus because he is white. All 43 members of the caucus are black.

Cohen said in a statement that he told a reporter that he would be honored to join the caucus but did not apply, "nor has the CBC denied membership to me.

''However, the group would not have permitted Cohen to join, its new chairwoman told The Associated Press. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., said the caucus decided early on that official membership would be restricted to blacks.

Tancredo is chairman of the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus, which seeks to toughen border security to stem illegal immigration. He also opposes guest worker programs and immigration proposals by President Bush.

Visions of the Anointed

New York's mayor Hizzoner Bloomberg and the members of his coalition of mayors from around the country are on a crusade to force people outside of his city to live under repressive anti-gun laws such as those in New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco. We have some of these mayors living in our midst right here in Minnesota. We had better keep an eye on them before we lose any of our rights. I recently heard the phrase "Visions of the Anointed." This has to do with our elected officials who feel that they are entitled to more than just representing us, but feel that they are anointed by the people to fulfill there visions and to force them upon us. Here is a list of Minnesota mayors who feel anointed. Included are the links to their offices so you can contact them and express your visions to them!

Mayor Gary F. Van Eyll
Chaska, MN

Mayor Herb W. Bergson
Duluth, MN

Mayor R.T. Rybak
Minneapolis, MN

Mayor Chris Coleman
St. Paul, MN

SENATE VERSION OF NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-CARRY BILL INTRODUCED

U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) recently introduced S. 388--the Senate version of H.R. 226, a national Right-to-Carry reciprocity bill that would provide national reciprocity for state carry licensees. This legislation would allow any person with a valid carry permit or license issued by a state to carry a concealed firearm in any other state if they meet certain criteria. The bill would not create a federal licensing system; it would simply require the states to recognize each other's carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses.

Danny Bonaduce Tells it Like it Is

My cousin sent me this video. I believe it is very entertaining and worthy of sharing with the world. Thank God there are people in Hollywood who have a grip on reality.

http://hotair.com/archives/2006/12/16/video-truthers-vs-danny-bonaduce/

I am sure you will be proud of Danny Bonaduce after you view this. I know I am.

Joe Atkins is Considering a U.S. Senate Run

DFL Representative Joe Atkins of Inver Grove Heights says he's thinking about running for the U.S. Senate in 2008. Atkins was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2002. He was also mayor of Inver Grove Heights from 1993 through 2002. Atkins says he's talking to state lawmakers and folks outside of the Legislature about a possible run. He is known to be a pretty good fundraiser. He was the treasurer of the House DFL Caucus in the most recent election. Atkins says he's thinking about running because he wants to put Washington DC on an "Atkins diet." Which means less war and more focus on prescription drugs and affordable health care."When asked about Al Franken's candidacy, Atkins said "I have a great deal respect for him. I think he's a funny guy."Atkins says he'll make his decision after the legislative session. Franken and Atkins are two of the DFL names being discussed as potential challengers to GOP Senator NormColeman in 2008. Democrats in Washington D.C. are targeting Coleman.

Klobuchar's Lack of Response

Last Saturday I had to email Amy Klobuchar and ask how she could vote against our constitutional rights, (see previous post). I have not received a response. One thing I could count on from Norm Coleman and Mark Dayton was a prompt response. I hope she has not forgot about us folks back home.

Klobuchar Votes "Nay"

BENNETT-MCCONNELL AMENDMENT PASSES SENATE!
NRA-ILA Grassroots Activism Protected
The U.S. Senate has voted 55-43 to accept an amendment to S.A. 3, the "Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act", removing an onerous proposal that would have drastically limited the First Amendment rights of Americans in the political process. Offered by Sens. Robert Bennett (R-Utah) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the amendment removed Section 220 that would have forced ordinary citizens to register with the federal government as "lobbyists," with all the attendant restrictions, costs, and penalties.
"The First Amendment protects an unqualified 'right of the people to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.' That is a sacred right of the American people." said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox. " Sec. 220 would have, for the first time in American history, severely regulated and restricted 'the voluntary efforts of members of the general public to communicate their own views on an issue to Federal officials.'
"On behalf of 4 million NRA members and tens of millions of gun owners, hunters, and sportsmen across the country, I want to thank Senators Robert Bennett and Mitch McConnell for their leadership in preserving political free speech for all," concluded Cox. "We are also grateful to the 53 other senators who voted for the Bennett-McConnell Amendment."
While this was no doubt a victory for NRA, gun owners, and freedom, enemies of the First and Second Amendments are alive and well in the 110th Congress, and no doubt will continue to assault our rights. Our thanks to all of you who contacted your U.S. Senators on this most important issue.
To see how your Senators voted, please visit http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.1677.11.666632.

Anti Gun Bills in the Works in U. S. Congress

Any one who knows me well knows I am a firm supporter of the second amendment, and that I often times carry a side arm. I have just found out that the anti gun liberal democrats of our U. S. Congress are at work with several new bills intent upon infringing upon our rights. Here they are,

H.R. 428 ( http://tinyurl.com/38k7mk ), entitled "To require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ban toys which in size, shape, or overall appearance resemble real handguns." Yes, you read that right. The Democrats are pushing the banning of _toy_ guns, if they resemble real guns in size, shape OR overall appearance.

There's also "The NICS Improvement Act," H.R. 297 ( http://tinyurl.com/2q88lf ). NICS, of course, is the national firearms background checks for the public required by the Brady law. This bill is intended to provide grants to state court systems for the improvement in automation and transmittal of disposition records. Basically, some states systems are not providing information to NICS in a timely or accurate manner, or not at all, and this is intended to speed up and make more accurate said states criminal and mental health data bases and there link to NICS.

The most Draconian bill thus far, is "The Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2007," H.R. 96 ( http://tinyurl.com/2m8vmr ). This misleadingly-named bill -- a gun-hater's dream come true -- systematically destroys not just the Second Amendment but a number of your other rights as well.Says Alan Korwin of HR 96:"Under the original draft, currently legal gun shows are outlawed without prior federal permission. Gun show promoters must agree to warrant less searches in order to operate, and may be arrested if private citizens talk at the show about gun sales they wish to complete away from the show. The right to assemble peaceably at a gun show or even plan for one, carries stiff prison terms unless federal licenses are issued in advance. I am not making this up."Massive new bureaucracy is created because all shows and their exhibitors must be registered 30 days before the show, then again 72 hours before the show, and again five days after the show. That's in addition to registering anyone who walks in, plus "any other information" the Secretary of the Treasury decides, by regulation, is necessary on vendors, attendees, and the show itself."The Democrats whose motto should be "disarming the American people while the country is at war" has already started their war against the American people even though they have controlled the House of Representatives for less than 30 days. It's clear that disarming the American people is of more importance to the Democrats than Social Security, immigration or health care.

Atkins and Hansen's Per Diem

I just received the information on Rep. Atkins and Hansen's per diem. Thes two both live within 10 minutes of the capitol.

Representative Richard Hansen

2005 Per diem - $7,854
2006 Per diem - $5,412

Total Per Diem - $13,266


Representative Tom Atkins

2003 Per Deim - $6,027
2004 Per Deim - $4,655
2005 Per Deim - $7,552
2006 Per Deim - $6,212

Total Per Diem - $24,446

You can find out about your Representative by calling Paul Schwiezer, House Comtroller at 651-296-4372.

For now, cease-fire on social issues

The Pioneer Press reports today that abortion and gay marriage have been put aside for other issues this legislative session. No one has introduced a bill targeting these issues yet. Senator Metzen feels, (as do other Dem's) that Minnesota law takes care of the gay marriage issue.We all know how much we can count on the judges to look out for us. As it is, 60 percent of Minnesotans would like the opportunity to vote on a possible marriage amendment. Tom Prichard, executive director of the Minnesota Family Council said his organization will fight any move toward civil unions, which he calls "pseudo-marriage."

Scott Fischbach, executive director of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life says the abortion issue will keep coming up. Good. MCCL held their annual rally today and will continue to push for a ban against state-funded abortions. Good. Fischbach says "We are in a different situation this year. We are in a situation where both the House and Senate are controlled by those who are against us. We had gotten into a pattern over the last four or five years ... Now, the mold is gone."

Meanwhile, abortion-rights groups are eager to recoup some of the family planning money they had lost during the past several years.

Right now the state spends about $7 million every two years on family-planning grants. Current law would cut that funding to $5 million every two years.

Sarah Stoesz, president of Planned Parenthood wants to see that increased to $15 million every two years. She says,"That is fundamentally the most important aspect of health care for young women and men." Today, she and supportive legislators will officially unveil this years agenda.

That agenda may include revisiting the $2.5 million in annual grants to organizations that help pregnant women but do not directly back abortion, called the Positive Alternative Act.

Stoesz said she'd be interested in changing the program or shifting the money elsewhere. Sounds to me like she would only be happy if our tax dollars went to fund state sponsored abortions.

Our Outdoors

I am glad to see that Senator Norm Coleman has introduced a bill that would authorize borrowing $400 million to purchase wetlands. As a Minnesota outdoors man, I believe that our two greatest assets are our children, and our outdoors. I do not wish it to happen that some day, if you drive from the Twin Cities to Duluth, you will see nothing but roof tops and vinyl siding. According to the Minnesota Republican Platform, it reads, "No net gain for DNR lands." This is where I stray from the party. I have lived in Houston TX and the sprawl is outrageous. Minnesota has more land open for public hunting than Texas. I believe that any public lands purchased is an investment in the future. For our own enjoyment, and for drawing out state tourist dollars. In Texas, people who can afford it, lease great amounts of ranch land. This can run in the ten's of thousands of dollars. The outdoors of Minnesota belong to all of us. The poor and the wealthy. One trend I disagree with is here in the Twin Cities, it seems as if every piece of park lands has to have paved walkways. I believe it is necessary to preserve places where we still have to step over a mossy old log, or get our feet wet in a marshland.

Senator Metzen's per diem

After our legislators recently voted themselves a 45 percent increase in per diem I was angry and then curious. I started calling around various state offices untill I got ahold of the Senate Fiscal Services Office. The good people there told me that they only keep records for seven years. After requesting records on Metzen's per diem, here is what I received,

Mr. Jungbauer,
You requested Senator Metzen's per diem amounts. 2000---2006
2006 8,382.00
2005 10,362.00
2004 8,580.00
2003 10,956.00
2002 9,306.00
2001 11,820.00
2000 7,224.00

Total 66,630.00

Senator Metzen lives only 10 minutes from the capitol!! Lucky for us tax payers he is ineligable for housing expenses. Notice 2005. That is when the senate shut down and went into extra session.

If you wish to check up on your own senator, here is the contact info. She will require you to fax a formal request for this info.
Eileen M. Lunzer
651-296-2339

Hello and welcome to my blog site

Hello. My name is Bill Jungbauer and welcome to my blog site. I will be busy keeping an eye on Minnesota politics. I will keep you posted on whats going on at the capitol, my opinions on the issues and my interest in running for office in 2010. I recently ran for the office of state senate in Minnesota senate district 39. I did not win, but I learned many things concerning politics in our great state.