See ya next decade

My day job will be taking me out of town thru New Years Eve, so blogging will likely be non-existent until 2020. 

In checking my numbers, the total number of posts here in 2019 is the lowest number I've put forth since 2011. A lot of factors contributed to that, not the least of which being that I traveled more for my job this past year than at any point in my 25+ year career in my vocation. Also, continuing to point out the sh*t show that is American politics can be quite draining. As such, I have been devoting more time to other activities (particularly in my faith) in an effort to provide a diversion. 

So what will 2020 bring? Given it's a presidential election year, we can say with certainty that the nuttiness won't die down. 

Until then..................

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Quick Hits: Volume CCVI (MN sports edition)

- With their loss at home to the Green Bay Packers Monday night, the Minnesota Vikings playoff position is locked in. They will be the #6 seed in the NFC. That means if the season ended today, the Vikes would travel to New Orleans the first weekend in January to take on the Saints.

Sure it's a buzzkill the Vikings didn't win the NFC North division and thus will have to be on the road every postseason game they play. But the silver lining is they don't have to go all out on Sunday in their final regular season game against Chicago, which means banged up guys (i.e. RBs Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison) get an extra week of rest. And since the Vikes have been one of the more healthier teams in the NFL this season in terms of avoiding catastrophic, season-ending injuries, they should be in great shape for that presumptive matchup against the New Orleans Saints on wildcard weekend.

I'm certainly not ready to proclaim the Vikings D.O.A. come playoff time.


- After a decent start to this NBA season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have reverted back to being hot garbage after losing to a pathetic Golden State Warriors team Monday evening. The Wolves have now lost eleven consecutive games.

But hey, at least they like their head coach.


- Speaking of hot garbage, have you read any of "Twins Twitter" of late? There have been literally hundreds of "fans" lamenting how the club has yet to land the impact starting pitcher which front office brass Derek Falvey and Thad Levine had prioritized going into this offseason. Yes, the usual vapid chanting points are being put forth, whether it's "CHEAP POHLADS" or "This team will never trade prospects to get better, they're content being one-and-done every postseason." The thing I find most amusing is when I convey on social media what is perceived as even a tacit defense of the Twins hierarchy, the angst-riddled "fans" attempt to ridicule my perspective.

Here's the thing. If we arrive at Spring Training in February and the Twins have not made significant improvements on a 101-win team which still has a solid young nucleus, then Falvey and Levine will deserve the wrath which fans will undoubtedly heap upon them. Even though the Twins either lost out on or passed on realistic pitching options via free agency (i.e. Zack Wheeler, Madison Bumgarer and Hyun-Jin Ryu), that doesn't mean they are "punting" on acquiring another starter. Apparently some of these thumb-sucking "fans" don't realize that trades can be made as well.

Bottom line is Levine was in the front office of the Texas Rangers when they went to consecutive World Series in 2010 and 2011. Falvey was part of the Cleveland Indians brass when they were in the Series in 2016. The duo took over a 103-loss team and within three years were at the helm of a club who won 101 games. In my mind, they've earned the trust to make moves necessary to upgrade the club on the field. World Series aren't won in December, folks. Get a grip.

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It's the hap-happiest season of all......

It's my final broadcast of 2019, so here's hoping we finish the year strong. Today's edition of The Closer gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time.

Would you believe I have more stories of ineptitude within the MN Dept. of Human Services? Welp...believe it!

I will also weigh in on the Trump impeachment saga. In the motif of "If a tree fell in woods and no one was there to hear it, did it make a sound?," if the U.S. Senate doesn't receive the House-passed articles of impeachment, was Trump even impeached?

At 1:15, friend of the show Sen. Karin Housley (R-St. Mary's Point) will call in to discuss her efforts to modernize Minnesota's liquor laws as well as her looking to thwart government's intrusiveness into small businesses.


So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

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As predicted

The Democrat-controlled House passed both articles of impeachment against President Trump.

The first vote, 230-197, was to impeach him for abuse of power and was almost entirely on party lines; it was followed quickly by a second 229-198 vote that the president obstructed Congress.

The problem for Dems now is support for impeachment is under water whereas Trump's approval rating has actually gone up since hearings began. With that in mind, the Democrats know they can't allow the articles to founder in the GOP-controlled Senate, so it would appear they're now in panic mode.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) said he's approached every member of House leadership about (delaying sending the articles to the Senate) and received responses ranging from interest to outright support. He said Pelosi, in particular, "indicated she was interested and considering it."

"As long as we have the articles of impeachment under our control, we have an opportunity to prevent a travesty," Blumenauer said.

Blumenauer argued that the House could use the delay to continue to build on its evidence for impeachment, and possibly to score additional legal victories that could unlock troves of new evidence and witness testimony that the Trump administration has withheld from Congress. Some of those court cases could be decided within weeks.

"You can continue to build the record, you can get information and you argue for fairness and don't surrender until it's clear that this is in the best interest of the process," Blumenauer said.

I read that as a tacit admission that House Democrats really haven't built a strong case and that they know it. I'm sure last month they felt as though they could use what they gathered as a cudgel to undermine Trump's reelection efforts. However, it now appears to have had the opposite affect.

This is what happens when you let the kook fringe of your party basically bully you into these proceedings. Enjoy 2020, Dems.

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#RockTheRedKettle

For the seventh time in the past eight years I have been asked to participate in Celebrity Bell Ringing on behalf of the Salvation Army!



From the 2018 event. Definitely the most generous use of the word "celebrity."


The event will take place this Friday in the East Rotunda of the Mall of America, with a variety of personalities taking on a 1-hour shift from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

So why do I support an organization such as this and encourage you to do so? Well.....


What your donations buy
• $10 buys three hot meals and hygiene supplies for one person
• $30 provides a night of shelter, a hot shower and a meal for one person
• $150 feeds a four-person family for a week


Where your money goes
• Four hot meal programs and eight food shelves
• After-school programs for children of all ages
• Rent and utility assistance for families in crisis
• Drug and alcohol rehabilitation
• Counseling, family mentoring, spiritual outreach
• Disaster relief
• Seasonal programs that provide coats, school supplies, Christmas gifts, and more


So if you'd be so kind, please drop some spare change in a SalArmy red kettle as you're out and about this holiday season.

God bless y'all!

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Divine guidance all around

Not much to add to this story. Just press "play."

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We love the '80s!!!

If I had to rank my favorite appearances on the Northern Alliance Radio Network, this past Saturday's appearance on Mitch Berg's broadcast is definitely in my personal top 5. Along with NARN alum Ed Morrisey and charter member King Banaian, we each conveyed our submissions for the three worst TV sitcoms of the 1980s.

We got started halfway through hour one and continued all the way through hour two.

Definitely check 'em out if you're so inclined.







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What did you expect? Fools often sometimes forget.....

Heckuva Sunday lineup today with the Northern Alliance Radio Network from 1:00 until 3:00 PM Central Time and then Vikings-Chargers at 3:05. As always, a lot to get to on today's edition of The Closer. 

In the first hour we'll discuss some local issues, including more ineptitude at the MN Dept. of Human Services. Also, the city of Minneapolis is so bad for business that Burger King restaurants aren't even allowed.

At 2:00 pm CT, political wonk Matt Mackowiak will join the broadcast to give his perspective on impeachment as well as the IG report on FISA abuses.


So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

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Seriously?

Lemme just say that I'm not a big fan of engaging in ad hominem form of argument, regardless of which side of the political aisle is partaking. It says to me that one is unable to adequately dissent in a debate so one engages in character attacks in an effort to discredit the opposition.

President Trump is often guilty of this, but one of his latest tweets offered up one of his most egregious affronts (and that's saying a lot).

This was in response to 16-year old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg being named Time magazine's Person of the Year.

First off, personally attacking anyone instead of their ideas, as stated earlier, is bad form. But to take shots at someone who is not even an adult (one with documented mental health issues to boot) is both inappropriate and non-productive. And for the leader of the free world to demonstrate such behavior??? Beyond the pale.

If anyone should be subject to criticism, it's the adults in Greta's life who are using her as a veritable human shield. We're told that we're supposed to heed Ms. Thunberg's warnings of an upcoming apocalypse due to lack of action on climate change but don't you dare subject her viewpoint to critical analysis because "OMG SHE'S ONLY 16!!!" These would have been fine insights for Trump to convey but, unfortunately, he has never been one to indulge in nuance.

Yet another is a series of daily reminders how we live in very stupid times.

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Was it worth it?

Wait, so there was no bribery or treason? Huh.

House Democrats on Tuesday introduced two articles of impeachment against President Trump alleging abuse of power and obstruction of Congress regarding his interactions with Ukraine, touching off a rapid-fire sequence that could result in a momentous floor vote in a matter of days.

“The framers of the Constitution prescribed a clear remedy for presidents who so violate their oath of office,” said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y. "No one, not even the president, is above the law.”

His office later posted text of the articles, which declare Trump's actions warrant impeachment, trial and removal from office.

Since the Dems have the majority in the House, these articles will likely pass and Trump will become the third POTUS in history to be impeached. However, the trial in the Senate will fall far short of the 67-vote threshold for removal from office, to which we'll pivot exclusively to the 2020 election cycle.

Sure, these hearings seemed to have backfired on Dems since the needle has moved from a slight plurality favoring impeachment to now a plurality opposing. That said, I'm skeptical it will have a significant impact either way on Trump's reelection efforts given we move so seamlessly from outrage-to-outrage. As far as how it will affect Congressional elections? I don't believe either chamber (Dem majority in House; GOP majority in Senate) will change hands as a result.

But hey, a lotta book deals to be had I'm sure, so this whole saga will be deemed "worth it" to some people.

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How do those bus wheels feel, Barack?

Is this all because Obama didn't endorse Uncle Joe or even reciprocate his overture to be best pals?

Woah.

Watch Joe Biden attack Barack Obama's foreign policy credentials.

🍿🍿🍿 pic.twitter.com/62i0Tq75cq

— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) December 9, 2019

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We'll try to stay blind to the hope and fear outside....

I will be back in the Patriot bunker today for my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour broadcast gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time.

In the first hour I will weigh in on the Trump impeachment and how the mainstream media is looking to influence underwhelmed Americans. Also, there's been a few newsworthy items from current and former Democrat presidential candidate this past week. 

On the local scene, the MN Dept of Human Services is still utterly dysfunctional. 

At 2:15, friend of the show D. Greg Scott will stop by. Greg will be talking about over-eager prosecuting attorneys and internet hysteria, particularly as it pertains to an incident involving his 11-year old grandson. FYI, there was a write-up in the Star Tribune regarding his grandson's saga. 

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

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Pining for the days of yore

Dave Durenberger, who represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate from late 1978 thru early 1995, has, for as long as I can remember, lamented the rightward lurch of the Republican party. In fact, during his time in the Senate in the '80s, Durenberger was a frequent critic of then President Ronald Reagan's conservative agenda. In 2010 he endorsed Independent Tom Horner for Minnesota Governor.

Last year Durenberger authored a book entitled (what else?) When Republicans Were Progressive, which I am going to guess is little more than a tireless exercise lamenting how the GOP is no longer of his ilk, which are Democrats in nicer suits. I'm not sure how I didn't discover this project until now, but whatever.

Oh, by the way? Durenberger had a co-author on this particular publication, a person who also happens to be a local journalist. Given Durenberger's background and content of the book, would you care to guess the identity of said co-author? If you follow Minnesota politics at all, this should be the proverbial layup.

Once you've ventured a guess, you can learn the co-author's name here ===> (link).

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Quick Hits: Volume CCV

- As I've mentioned many times in this space, the political left loves its identity politics. As such, a small town young mayor like Pete Buttigieg (who is openly gay) can be a formidable candidate for the Democrat presidential nomination. But while progressives love the identity politics angle with Mayor Pete, there's now a growing concern he may not be "WOKE" enough.

A headline from an article in Out, which is a publication aimed at an LGBT audience:

Pete Buttigieg Volunteered for the Homophobic Salvation Army.

Leftists love to proclaim they are morally superior when it comes to compassion for those in need. The Salvation Army has been feeding the hungry as well as providing clothing and shelter for those in need for literally more than a century. Yet because the organization subscribes to a biblical worldview of marriage (one the flies in the face of Buttigieg's relationship, a notion that doesn't seem to bother him), it's better for needy people to seek assistance elsewhere or something.

Oh, and good luck proggies with the "Mayor Pete enables homophobia" chanting point.


- Death. Taxes. Ineptitude within the MN Dept. of Human Services.





In between his time of concocting Executive Orders for a "Climate Emergency" and advocating for a state lawsuit against e-cig manufacturers, Gov. Tim Walz I'm sure is ON THIS!


- If there are a list of "nevers" in the political world (which these days seems to be no-holds barred), at the very top of the list is never invoke a Hitler/Nazi analogy or comparison. Somewhere not too far down said list would be never publicly speak the names of elected officials' pre-adult kids.

One of the Dems' lapdogs key witnesses at Wednesday's impeachment hearing didn't heed the latter.

Prof. Pamela Karlan now invoking 13-year-old Barron Trump to dunk on @realDonaldTrump.

Cool cool. pic.twitter.com/gXkgzHB910

— Jason Howerton (@jason_howerton) December 4, 2019

You can just tell by listening to that person that she isn't the type who should even attempt levity.

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She gone!

As the year 2020 draws nearer, many of the 20+ Democrat presidential candidates will fall by the wayside. In case you doubted that there were too many folks vying for the Dem nomination, the fact that so few hardcore politicos knew the likes of Steve Bullock and Joe Sestak were even in the race (before both dropped out Monday) should be a cue.

Anyhow, it's gettin' real now as a once perceived A-list candidate has moved on.

Kamala Harris is dropping out of the presidential race, she told staff on a call Tuesday.

This is another cautionary tale for leftists who desire to go all in on identity politics. So enamored were proggies with the prospects of electing the first female POTUS (and one of color to boot) that Harris, for a time, was among the top 3 in polling among Dems. However, the identity dynamic justifiably starts to fade when the campaign is inept.

Perhaps the most delicious parts of this development?

One is Tulsi Gabbard, the candidate whom Dems loathe the most due to her epic takedown of Harris in one the debates, remains in the race.



via GIPHY


And second?

With Kamala Harris out, the debate stage in December at this point will be all white candidates. Striking for a field that was historically large and historically diverse. Here's who has qualified:

Biden
Buttigieg
Klobuchar
Sanders
Steyer
Warrenhttps://t.co/lTSRuuX6WX

— Matt Viser (@mviser) December 3, 2019

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Ski U BLAH!

Gopher nation was beyond delirious in anticipation of the most consequential Badgers-Gophers football game perhaps in the history of the rivalry. And within the first couple minutes of Saturday's game, we were given instant gratification when QB Tanner Morgan found WR Rashod Bateman for a 51-yard touchdown bomb on their first possession. Alas, it would be the only exhilarating moment for Gopher faithful in a 38-17 Wisconsin rout.

From a talent standpoint, the two teams were pretty evenly matched. But when it came to in-game coaching, Badgers' coach Paul Chryst (whom the Gophs seriously considered hiring in 2011 before choosing Jerry Kill) completely outclassed Gophers head man P.J. Fleck.

Well, it sure was nice having Paul Bunyan's Axe for one year. 

After the game, coach Fleck spoke very passionately and eloquently about the program's future. 

Coach Fleck with a POWERFUL closing statement.

A message to the true fans and the critics.

Even a @DisneyFrozen reference in there! #Gophers pic.twitter.com/MX3o3iqIPC

— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) December 1, 2019

There's no question that Fleck has brought credibility to a program that has rarely had it in more than a half century. As such, I am optimistic he will be able to attract solid players to Minnesota which will give them a chance to compete for Big 10 West titles. But I am hesitant to get too excited due to Fleck's head-scratching decisions he makes in game, particularly in the two Gophers losses this season. Given he's been a head coach in Division I college football for seven years now, these types of blunders shouldn't be occurring with such regularity. It's nice that he takes the burden on his shoulders when they've lost, but after a while the words become hollow when you're kicking away winnable games.

But perhaps the worst part of this loss? Having to listen to certain self-loathing "fans" who lament having their hopes built up for a Rose Bowl berth only to have them shattered, then expressing regret in becoming too emotionally invested. I would be willing to bet that a good number of those thumb suckers hadn't even watched a Gophers game in full before this season. If that indeed is the case, then they have no concept how being hopeful yet disappointed is far superior to hopelessness. Get a grip, people.

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