The NBA season resumed Thursday night with a pair of games taking place. However, much of the fanfare had little to do with the games themselves.
As promised, the players wore slogans on the backs of their jerseys to bring attention to their favorite social justice causes. Also, the phrase "Black Lives Matter" was painted on the court. And of course, the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans knelt in unison during the National Anthem.
But in light of the egregious human rights abuses in China (where the NBA and its players profit quite handsomely), these actions can be seen as little more than empty rhetoric.
I have been quite consistent in my viewpoint of not being offended by pro athletes' advocacy. Some methods of protest would be ones which I personally would never partake but that doesn't mean I oppose someone else participating. But if players/management are going to decry what they contend are human rights abuses in America but continue to profit from relations with a communist country which engages in even more abhorrent behavior, then I can righteously ignore anything they have to say in the name of "social justice."
In short, the NBA can go pound sand.
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Friday, July 31, 2020
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Special broadcast *today*
I am honored to co-host this broadcast.
To donate to this worthy cause, click here.
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Salem Media Group is joining up with the Twin Cities Salvation Army for a live fund raiser. Here to Help radiothon is set for Thursday, July 30th from 4-6 PM.
The Here to Help objective is to raise $100,000 to provide relief to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 700,000 Minnesotans have been furloughed or laid off from their jobs since March. Some Salvation Army service centers in the Twin Cities have seen requests for food assistance increase tenfold during the pandemic.
“We felt there was something we at Salem Media could do to help our neighbors who are hurting because of COVID-19,” said Nic Anderson, GM, SMG, Twin Cities. “We were moved to create this event in partnership with The Salvation Army—their work on the front lines of the pandemic, helping families reeling from the pandemic’s economic impact, is vitally important.”
Lee Michaels and Brad Carlson from the SMG cluster in Minneapolis-St. Paul will host the radiothon. The SMG cluster includes: AM980 The Mission, AM1280 The Patriot, Business1440, and Wellness1570.
To donate to this worthy cause, click here.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Umbrella Man
There was a conspiracy theory going around that he was a cop looking to sow unrest after his "fellow police officers" killed George Floyd. Given the all black garb he donned, some also surmised he was a member of Antifa, a group which looks for any reason whatsoever to be violent.
Thankfully persistence has paid off in determining the real identity/motivation of "Umbrella Man."
Upon this news being revealed, some progs in my Facebook news feed issued verbal equivalencies to "WE TOLD YOU SO!!!!" This was in response to the incredulity expressed by some in late May over residents destroying their city in the name of justice. The retort to that was often "Oh, it's not people from here. It's probably some MAGA-ite white racists stirring up s--t." Of course that retort wasn't taken too seriously by any rational thinking person given that proggies typically chalk up instances of unrest to "white supremacy," often to find those assertions invalid. However, it appears in this case that the progs' proverbial Sasquatch has been sighted.
All that being said, the vandalizing of the AutoZone took place on Wednesday after Memorial Day, about 48 hours after Mr. Floyd died in police custody. Just the night before, vandalism had occurred at the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct. There was then was the worst of the riots/looting the following Thursday and Friday. To suggest that "Umbrella Man" bares 100% of the responsibility for all four evenings of chaos is woefully disingenuous. During daylight hours that week, there was little (if any) tension among people walking the streets of Minneapolis. It was only when the sun started to set that the lunacy ensued.
As insidious as "Umbrella Man" is and as much as he deserves to prosecuted to the full extent of the law for his incitement that Wednesday evening, he's not responsible for what occurred Thursday and Friday nights. Those who have been arrested for such activities as arson are not going to be exonerated over the actions of "Umbrella Man." To try to spin this any other way is little more than an attempt to distract from city and state officials' dereliction of duty on stemming the tide of unrest.
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Thankfully persistence has paid off in determining the real identity/motivation of "Umbrella Man."
A masked man who was seen in a viral video smashing the windows of a south Minneapolis auto parts store during the George Floyd protests, earning him the moniker "Umbrella Man," is suspected of ties with a white supremacist group and sought to incite racial tension, police said.
A Minneapolis police arson investigator said the act of vandalism at the AutoZone on E. Lake Street helped spark a chain reaction that led to days of looting and rioting. The store was among dozens of buildings across the city that burned to the ground in the days that followed.
"This was the first fire that set off a string of fires and looting throughout the precinct and the rest of the city," Sgt. Erika Christensen wrote in a search warrant affidavit filed in court this week. "Until the actions of the person your affiant has been calling 'Umbrella Man,' the protests had been relatively peaceful. The actions of this person created an atmosphere of hostility and tension. Your affiant believes that this individual's sole aim was to incite violence."
Police identified "Umbrella Man" thanks to a tip that came via e-mail last week, Christensen said.
Upon this news being revealed, some progs in my Facebook news feed issued verbal equivalencies to "WE TOLD YOU SO!!!!" This was in response to the incredulity expressed by some in late May over residents destroying their city in the name of justice. The retort to that was often "Oh, it's not people from here. It's probably some MAGA-ite white racists stirring up s--t." Of course that retort wasn't taken too seriously by any rational thinking person given that proggies typically chalk up instances of unrest to "white supremacy," often to find those assertions invalid. However, it appears in this case that the progs' proverbial Sasquatch has been sighted.
All that being said, the vandalizing of the AutoZone took place on Wednesday after Memorial Day, about 48 hours after Mr. Floyd died in police custody. Just the night before, vandalism had occurred at the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct. There was then was the worst of the riots/looting the following Thursday and Friday. To suggest that "Umbrella Man" bares 100% of the responsibility for all four evenings of chaos is woefully disingenuous. During daylight hours that week, there was little (if any) tension among people walking the streets of Minneapolis. It was only when the sun started to set that the lunacy ensued.
As insidious as "Umbrella Man" is and as much as he deserves to prosecuted to the full extent of the law for his incitement that Wednesday evening, he's not responsible for what occurred Thursday and Friday nights. Those who have been arrested for such activities as arson are not going to be exonerated over the actions of "Umbrella Man." To try to spin this any other way is little more than an attempt to distract from city and state officials' dereliction of duty on stemming the tide of unrest.
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Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Cancel this
This toxic era of "Cancel Culture" is little more than the proverbial schoolyard bully. That is, no amount of evasion or capitulation will ever satisfy it. It's been proven over time the best way to deter a bully is to punch back, even if it requires multiple blows.
Fighting back has also worked for Nick Buckley, a UK man and head of a renown charity, who got into hot water for daring to criticize the organization Black Lives Matter.
Upon lawyering up after being removed from his position with Mancunian Way, the charity reversed course and promptly welcomed back Buckley. I guess staring down the barrel of repudiation in a court of law was too much for MW to bare.
I can only hope these specific instances are the beginning of a trend in ending the very fascist practice of "Cancel Culture." There may be hope for Western values yet!
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A few weeks ago Minnesota State Sen. Scott Jensen, who is also a longtime family physician, reported an anonymous complaint was filed against him with the Minnesota State Board of Medical Practice. It had to do with Jensen's opinions on COVID-19. Since said opinions were not necessarily aligned with (or perhaps even undermined) the draconian Gov. Tim Walz administration, Jensen was accused of providing "reckless advice" when analogizing COVID with the flu.
Instead of kowtowing, Jensen punched back (rhetorically, natch). As a result, he was cleared.
Fighting back has also worked for Nick Buckley, a UK man and head of a renown charity, who got into hot water for daring to criticize the organization Black Lives Matter.
Upon lawyering up after being removed from his position with Mancunian Way, the charity reversed course and promptly welcomed back Buckley. I guess staring down the barrel of repudiation in a court of law was too much for MW to bare.
I can only hope these specific instances are the beginning of a trend in ending the very fascist practice of "Cancel Culture." There may be hope for Western values yet!
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Monday, July 27, 2020
Box Score of the Week
Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies - June 1, 2012
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The Dodgers starting infield this game: Scott Van Slyke (1B), Jerry Hairston, Jr. (2B), Ivan DeJesus, Jr. (3B) and Dee Gordon (SS). This marked the first time in MLB history that an entire starting infield consisted of sons of former major leaguers. Add in the fact that Tony Gwynn, Jr. was the starting center fielder and you had five sons of former MLB players in the same batting order.
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The Dodgers starting infield this game: Scott Van Slyke (1B), Jerry Hairston, Jr. (2B), Ivan DeJesus, Jr. (3B) and Dee Gordon (SS). This marked the first time in MLB history that an entire starting infield consisted of sons of former major leaguers. Add in the fact that Tony Gwynn, Jr. was the starting center fielder and you had five sons of former MLB players in the same batting order.
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Sunday, July 26, 2020
Hold on to your promise, you can use it for a crutch.....
It's the final Sunday of July 2020, but the Northern Alliance Radio Network rolls on. Today's edition of my 2-hour radio show The Closer gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time.
We'll discuss Gov. Tim Walz's face mask mandate for Minnesota and how is doesn't have as much to do with science as he conveys.
At 1:30 I will be joined by firearms specialist/crisis management expert/founder of Archway Defense Peter Johnson. I've asked Peter to join the broadcast to weigh in on the St. Louis couple being charged for brandishing weapons when BLM protesters walked near their private property.
Then at 2:15, technology wonk D. Greg Scott will check in to discuss the high profile Twitter breach which caused many verified accounts to be frozen.
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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We'll discuss Gov. Tim Walz's face mask mandate for Minnesota and how is doesn't have as much to do with science as he conveys.
At 1:30 I will be joined by firearms specialist/crisis management expert/founder of Archway Defense Peter Johnson. I've asked Peter to join the broadcast to weigh in on the St. Louis couple being charged for brandishing weapons when BLM protesters walked near their private property.
Then at 2:15, technology wonk D. Greg Scott will check in to discuss the high profile Twitter breach which caused many verified accounts to be frozen.
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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Friday, July 24, 2020
You forgot something
Some wokescold posted the following as an argument for the "morality of wearing a face mask," specifically for states which do not require them.
You know what else is "legal?" Abortion. So does that mean my standing up for life makes me a criminal? If so, I can absolutely live with that.
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Thursday, July 23, 2020
If Dr. Fauci's analysis were a ceremonial first pitch......
Earlier this week, Dr. Anthony Fauci inexplicably praised New York's handling of COVID-19.
So if we're to analogize those insights to a ceremonial first pitch, it would probably look something like this:
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“We've got to do the things that are very clear that we need to do to turn this around," Fauci told PBS NewsHour. "Remember, we can do it. We know that when you do it properly, you bring down those cases. We've done it. We've done it in New York."
"New York got hit worse than any place in the world. And they did it correctly by doing the things that you're talking about," added Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases -- and a member of the White House coronavirus task force.
New York state has seen more than 400,000 cases of coronavirus and nearly 28,000 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University; it has the most COVID-19 cases of any state in the U.S.
So if we're to analogize those insights to a ceremonial first pitch, it would probably look something like this:
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Wednesday, July 22, 2020
You knew it was comin'.....
My personal behavior amid the COVID-19 pandemic will not be changing given I've been in the habit of wearing a face mask while in public. That said, a statewide one-size-fits-all mandate makes little sense to me.
If you look at the data, the vast majority of positive COVID cases in Minnesota have occurred in the metro area where a good number of cities and businesses already had mandates. But even before said mandates, it appeared many Twin Cities and metro area residents were donning masks. However, to extend this outstate is a silly exercise given that social distancing is more practical in those areas. Dr. Michael Osterholm also emphasized this point in a piece posted Wednesday (emphasis mine).
If one was hearing Gov. Walz for the first time Wednesday, one might ascertain his logic is sound. But the problem is he's made statements over the previous four months which didn't age well.
For the record, Minnesota had 1,552 COVID deaths as of Wednesday, with 75-80% coming from long-term care facilities (with Walz's disastrous policies having a hand in that). And the only time ICU beds were even approaching the beginning of a crisis was due to a flood of patients who had put off "elective" procedures for a month or two. Sadly their circumstances became more dire due to the delays.
Unfortunately for Gov. Walz, enough people have tuned him out due to the doomsday scenarios that never came to fruition. That and the complete pass given to social justice protests which featured no social distancing and intermittent face mask usage.
It's gonna be interesting to hear Walz's rationale next week on why kids shouldn't go back to school in the fall. The "science" he loves to tout would support them going back but his teachers union supporters will likely be singing a different tune.
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Gov. Tim Walz announced a statewide mandate Wednesday requiring Minnesotans to wear face masks in stores, public buildings and other places where people gather indoors, a dramatic extension of his emergency powers in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic that still appears on the upswing in many states.
The new rule takes effect Saturday and would apply to most indoor spaces outside people’s homes, as well as in some circumstances outdoors where social distancing is difficult. Diners, for example, would be expected to wear masks while they’re entering and moving around in restaurants, but not while they’re eating or drinking. Exceptions would also be granted for young children and people with special medical conditions.
“If we can get a 90 to 95% compliance, which we’ve seen the science shows, we can reduce the infection rates dramatically, which slows that spread and breaks that chain,” Walz said. “This is the way, the cheapest, the most effective way for us to open up our businesses, for us to get our kids back in school, for us to keep our grandparents healthy and for us to get back that life that we all miss so much.”
If you look at the data, the vast majority of positive COVID cases in Minnesota have occurred in the metro area where a good number of cities and businesses already had mandates. But even before said mandates, it appeared many Twin Cities and metro area residents were donning masks. However, to extend this outstate is a silly exercise given that social distancing is more practical in those areas. Dr. Michael Osterholm also emphasized this point in a piece posted Wednesday (emphasis mine).
Don't, however, use the wearing of cloth face coverings as an excuse to decrease other crucial, likely more effective, protective steps, like physical distancing.
If one was hearing Gov. Walz for the first time Wednesday, one might ascertain his logic is sound. But the problem is he's made statements over the previous four months which didn't age well.
Tim Walz said with 95% certainty MN would have 20K deaths. ICU beds were supposed to be in crisis this week. That’s with masking, mitigation, distancing.— Max Rymer (@MaxRRymer) July 19, 2020
It’s time to totally reopen, protect our nursing homes, & end emergency powers. Models were wrong. The doomsday is not real.
For the record, Minnesota had 1,552 COVID deaths as of Wednesday, with 75-80% coming from long-term care facilities (with Walz's disastrous policies having a hand in that). And the only time ICU beds were even approaching the beginning of a crisis was due to a flood of patients who had put off "elective" procedures for a month or two. Sadly their circumstances became more dire due to the delays.
“Getting people to buy into wearing the mask is what you’re trying to do,” Walz said. “The mandate is not to punish people, it’s to put the emphasis behind doing that.”
Unfortunately for Gov. Walz, enough people have tuned him out due to the doomsday scenarios that never came to fruition. That and the complete pass given to social justice protests which featured no social distancing and intermittent face mask usage.
It's gonna be interesting to hear Walz's rationale next week on why kids shouldn't go back to school in the fall. The "science" he loves to tout would support them going back but his teachers union supporters will likely be singing a different tune.
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Monday, July 20, 2020
Box Score of the Week
The MLB All Star Game would have taken place last Tuesday had the 2020 season started as originally planned.
With that, let's check out the ASG from 1950.
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This 14-inning contest was the first MLB All Star Game in history to go into extra innings.
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With that, let's check out the ASG from 1950.
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This 14-inning contest was the first MLB All Star Game in history to go into extra innings.
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Sunday, July 19, 2020
Dreamed a long day just wandering free....
It's Sunday, which means another edition of my radio show The Closer. Today's 2-hour broadcast gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time.
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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In the first hour I'll weigh in on some local goings-on, including the stunning elitism and hypocrisy displayed by the Minneapolis City Council. Also, is Rep. Ilhan Omar in jeopardy of losing reelection in the Fifth Congressional District?
In the second hour, I'll discuss how virulent anti-Semitism is not being given nearly the same scrutiny as racism against black people.
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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Friday, July 17, 2020
Absolutely horrifying
When you read accounts of the Holocaust, it's difficult to fathom the enormity and tragedy of it all. You also hear of things similar to it happening around the world, but you just can't comprehend it.....until you actually see it first hand.
But remember. An NBA general manager showing solidarity with Hong Kong is an egregious offense.
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Uighurs sitting, bound and blindfolded, waiting to be loaded onto train cars and taken — somewhere.— PariahDog1312🗽⚖️ (@PDog119) July 15, 2020
Drone footage from an unknown hero in China.#Uighur pic.twitter.com/l9CTfyM2iT
But remember. An NBA general manager showing solidarity with Hong Kong is an egregious offense.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Quick Hits: Volume CCXXIII
- It's official. The Washington Redskins nickname was retired as of this past Monday morning.
Did you happen to notice who the first group of people mentioned to keep "apprised" of the team's thinking? Yep. The sponsors.
Make no mistake, this change wasn't any virtuous action in the midst of our "ever evolving society" or due to honoring the wishes of the Native American community (who, as of four years ago, overwhelmingly stated they weren't offended by the name Redskins anyhow). This was about big business (i.e. FedEx and Nike) threatening to disassociate themselves from the team.
This was reminiscent of my Vikings club in September 2014 when they backtracked on allowing Adrian Peterson to play the week after it was revealed he physically abused one of his kids. The Vikings relented once Radisson Hotels threatened to pull their financial support, so AP was placed on the Commissioners exempt list for the final 14 games of that season.
Regardless of the obvious rationale for the name change, virtue signaling progs will still claim victory.
- Just gonna leave this here:
- A surprise development in Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District.
In a D+22 district, the DFL primary is essentially the general election, so this is a huge deal.
I don't pretend to have my finger on the pulse of what is happening in CD5, but I can't help but wonder if the constituents have grown tired of Omar's perpetual shenanigans. After all, there are plenty of progressives who can chalk up the same voting record as Omar, sans the outlandishness. Omar's predecessor, Keith Ellison, was just as radical but didn't actively seek the spotlight. As such, he never lost a reelection contest by less than 36%.
This'll be worth watching.
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— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) July 13, 2020
Did you happen to notice who the first group of people mentioned to keep "apprised" of the team's thinking? Yep. The sponsors.
Make no mistake, this change wasn't any virtuous action in the midst of our "ever evolving society" or due to honoring the wishes of the Native American community (who, as of four years ago, overwhelmingly stated they weren't offended by the name Redskins anyhow). This was about big business (i.e. FedEx and Nike) threatening to disassociate themselves from the team.
This was reminiscent of my Vikings club in September 2014 when they backtracked on allowing Adrian Peterson to play the week after it was revealed he physically abused one of his kids. The Vikings relented once Radisson Hotels threatened to pull their financial support, so AP was placed on the Commissioners exempt list for the final 14 games of that season.
Regardless of the obvious rationale for the name change, virtue signaling progs will still claim victory.
- Just gonna leave this here:
Private security for Minneapolis Council members totals $152K. Just below threshold needed for full council approval (and public knowledge). https://t.co/IOB3Nyx4b7— Tom Lyden (@LydenFOX9) July 14, 2020
- A surprise development in Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District.
Millions of dollars are pouring into the primary race for Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District, where opposition to Minneapolis U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar is fueling an unprecedented surge in donations to her top Democratic opponent, political newcomer Antone Melton-Meaux.
Melton-Meaux, a mediation lawyer who emerged on the DFL scene late last year to challenge Omar, told the Star Tribune he raised a staggering $3.2 million between April and the end of June, with $2 million cash left in the bank before the Aug. 11 primary. He dramatically outraised Omar, who took in $471,624 during the same time period. Omar’s campaign said she has $1,111,861 left on hand ahead of the primary election.
The fundraising gap would be striking for any newcomer challenging an incumbent, but it’s especially notable in a race against Omar, a freshman Democrat and member of “the Squad” who has risen to prominence as one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress. Omar herself is a prolific fundraiser, fueled in part by her national profile and her unabashed criticism of President Donald Trump.
In a D+22 district, the DFL primary is essentially the general election, so this is a huge deal.
I don't pretend to have my finger on the pulse of what is happening in CD5, but I can't help but wonder if the constituents have grown tired of Omar's perpetual shenanigans. After all, there are plenty of progressives who can chalk up the same voting record as Omar, sans the outlandishness. Omar's predecessor, Keith Ellison, was just as radical but didn't actively seek the spotlight. As such, he never lost a reelection contest by less than 36%.
This'll be worth watching.
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Monday, July 13, 2020
Box Score of the Week
Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers - June 14, 2019.
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Obviously I'm familiar with the concept of intentional walks issued by pitchers. But an intentional balk???
In this game, Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen does indeed opt for an intentional balk with his team up two runs with two outs in the 9th inning and a runner on second.
Here's the breakdown:
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Obviously I'm familiar with the concept of intentional walks issued by pitchers. But an intentional balk???
In this game, Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen does indeed opt for an intentional balk with his team up two runs with two outs in the 9th inning and a runner on second.
Here's the breakdown:
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Sunday, July 12, 2020
By moonlight we ride ten thousands side by side.........
Another Sunday edition of my radio show The Closer is on tap for today. The 2-hour broadcast gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time.
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.....
-------------------------------------------------------
In the first hour I'll talk local issues, specifically Dr. Scott Jensen (who's also a MN state senator out of Chaska) being targeted for straying from the Walz administration's COVID narrative. I'll also discuss results of a back-to-school survey given to parents by the MN Dept. of Education.
In the second hour I'll weigh in on the New York Times wondering aloud that perhaps epidemiologists were undermined due to progs advocating for large gatherings to protest social justice. Also, the perpetual folly that is "cancel culture."
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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Friday, July 10, 2020
Back to school?
In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, much of the re-opening of public places has focused on whether or not to send kids back to school classrooms. Jim Geraghty of National Review lists the most important criteria to take into consideration.
Along those same lines, The American Academy of Pediatrics is strongly encouraging the idea that kids should be back in their classrooms and shares tips on how to do so safely.
But perhaps the group most eager to see kids back in school? Well if you believe a survey conducted by the Minnesota Dept. of Education, it's the parents.
This is providing quite the dilemma for Gov. Walz, as he just said the other day that he would have been more confident three weeks ago if asked about the prospects of opening schools than he is today.
As an aside, it appears the Pioneer Press changed the headline of the initial posting of the story I linked to above. The current headline reads "Survey of MN parents: 11% not comfortable sending kids back to school, 24% unsure, 64% OK with it." But check out the URL to this piece:
Hat tip to my pal Ben Kruse of the Up and At 'em podcast for pointing this out to me. The initial headline suggests that the 35% of parents who did not say they are OK with sending their kids back to a classroom are all reluctant to do so. That is casting some serious projection on the 24% who replied "unsure." To me, a number of people answering "unsure" could likely be waiting for additional information, specifically protocols that would be put in place should schools open back up. But can that mindset be labeled as "reluctant?" That seems a bit of a stretch.
In the end, this all boils down to how much risk school districts want to assume. My wife has been a public school teacher for 26 years, and she can tell y'all first hand what a germ factory her school is even in non-pandemic times. To the degree coronavirus exacerbates that (given that kids are less susceptible but adults more so) will be an interesting calculation.
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- The continued absence of in-person schooling is having bad effects — and in some cases, really bad effects — on our children and must end as soon as possible.
- The danger of the coronavirus to children is less than the danger to adults, but that does not mean there is no danger; a small percentage of children develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Most have recovered, but not all.
- Children can carry the virus and unknowingly spread it to any adults they encounter; schools employ quite a few adults — teachers, principals, administrative staff, janitors — some of whom are in high-risk categories.
Along those same lines, The American Academy of Pediatrics is strongly encouraging the idea that kids should be back in their classrooms and shares tips on how to do so safely.
But perhaps the group most eager to see kids back in school? Well if you believe a survey conducted by the Minnesota Dept. of Education, it's the parents.
Asked whether they “would feel comfortable sending your student(s) back to a classroom this fall,” 64 percent said yes, 11 percent said no and 24 percent were unsure.
Those reluctant to send their kids back to school said their main concern was public health. Daily cleaning was the most likely to make them feel more comfortable, along with small class sizes, daily health checks and a decrease in COVID-19 cases.
Gov. Tim Walz ordered all public schools in the state to close in mid-March because of the pandemic. The 11 weeks of distance learning to end the 2019-20 school year went badly for 53 percent of respondents, the survey found.
The top three challenges they cited were a lack of student empowerment, mental health challenges related to the pandemic, and hard to understand lessons.
The survey, which yielded over 134,000 online responses between June 15 and July 6, will be used to inform a decision from state officials about whether schools can reopen and, if so, what precautions they should take. That decision is expected no later than the week of July 27.
This is providing quite the dilemma for Gov. Walz, as he just said the other day that he would have been more confident three weeks ago if asked about the prospects of opening schools than he is today.
As an aside, it appears the Pioneer Press changed the headline of the initial posting of the story I linked to above. The current headline reads "Survey of MN parents: 11% not comfortable sending kids back to school, 24% unsure, 64% OK with it." But check out the URL to this piece:
Hat tip to my pal Ben Kruse of the Up and At 'em podcast for pointing this out to me. The initial headline suggests that the 35% of parents who did not say they are OK with sending their kids back to a classroom are all reluctant to do so. That is casting some serious projection on the 24% who replied "unsure." To me, a number of people answering "unsure" could likely be waiting for additional information, specifically protocols that would be put in place should schools open back up. But can that mindset be labeled as "reluctant?" That seems a bit of a stretch.
In the end, this all boils down to how much risk school districts want to assume. My wife has been a public school teacher for 26 years, and she can tell y'all first hand what a germ factory her school is even in non-pandemic times. To the degree coronavirus exacerbates that (given that kids are less susceptible but adults more so) will be an interesting calculation.
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Thursday, July 09, 2020
Being canceled over canceling cancel culture
Earlier this week a group of more than 150 prominent leftists got together to decry this epidemic of "cancel culture." In essence they were looking to stem the tide of a disturbing trend where someone who has an opinion which a group of random moral arbiters deem objectionable, that someone has their livelihood threatened and is ostracized from public life. While I appreciate this group of leftists making what is arguably a bold stance in the midst of this "wokeness" era, it would have been much more admirable had they done so in defense of their political opposites (i.e. conservatives). It was only when fellow proggies become the targets of the "woke" that these lefty intellectuals felt compelled to act. Ah, but beggars can't be choosers I guess.
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Within hours of that open letter being published, a couple of the signatories couldn't stand the heat so they got outta the proverbial kitchen.
If what Ms. Greenidge says is true (I am, to put it mildly, skeptical), then I would venture to say that she has some sort of legal recourse. However, I suspect what happened with her is similar to what occurred with a Jennifer Finney Boylan in that they merely wanted to sit at the cool kids table.
I feel as though I am in an alternate universe when I am siding with the likes of former president Barack Obama (who decried "wokeness" as POTUS even before it was called "wokeness") and Noam friggin Chomsky.
As always, Dave "Iowhawk" Burge sums it up best.
On Tuesday evening, the historian Kerri K. Greenidge tweeted “I do not endorse this @Harpers letter,” and said she was in touch with the magazine about a retraction. (Giulia Melucci, a spokeswoman for Harper’s, said the magazine had fact-checked all signatures and that Dr. Greenidge had signed off. But she said the magazine is “respectfully removing her name.”)
If what Ms. Greenidge says is true (I am, to put it mildly, skeptical), then I would venture to say that she has some sort of legal recourse. However, I suspect what happened with her is similar to what occurred with a Jennifer Finney Boylan in that they merely wanted to sit at the cool kids table.
I did not know who else had signed that letter. I thought I was endorsing a well meaning, if vague, message against internet shaming. I did know Chomsky, Steinem, and Atwood were in, and I thought, good company.— Jennifer Finney Boylan 🐕 (@JennyBoylan) July 7, 2020
The consequences are mine to bear. I am so sorry.
I feel as though I am in an alternate universe when I am siding with the likes of former president Barack Obama (who decried "wokeness" as POTUS even before it was called "wokeness") and Noam friggin Chomsky.
As always, Dave "Iowhawk" Burge sums it up best.
Noam Chomsky was a Cambodian Genocide denier who defended Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, and today I learned cancel culture has gotten too wacky even for him— David Burge (@iowahawkblog) July 7, 2020
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Tuesday, July 07, 2020
Quick Hits: Volume CCXXII
For daring to go against a preferred narrative regarding COVID-19, Minnesota State Sen. Scott Jensen (R-Chaska) is being investigated by the Minnesota State Board of Medical Practice (Jensen has been a family physician for nearly 40 years) on the basis of an anonymous complaint.
When an informed and credible second opinion on navigating a global pandemic is not tolerated, it is abundantly clear that this whole COVID saga is no longer about science or public health.
- "Sure black lives matter, but not all black lives." Don Lemon, basically.
- A radical change is occurring in Hollywood these days. Actors/Actresses are apparently no longer allowed to portray others who are dramatically different from themselves (or, y'know, ACT).
So does this mean Hilary Swank is going to have her Best Actress Oscar revoked for her role as a trans man in Boys Don't Cry? Heck, Hilary also denied paraplegic female boxers around the world an opportunity to tell their stories, so I guess she also has to surrender her Oscar for Million Dollar Baby, huh? And what about Tom Hanks? It doesn't get much more bigoted than stealing a job from an AIDS-riddled gay lawyer.
You know what? Screw Hollywood. They've been indulging the cesspool of "wokeness" for several years now, so let 'em take their medicine. I'm outta empathy on this one.
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Jensen's reaction via video is 13+ minutes long, but is well worth the time to hear him out.
When an informed and credible second opinion on navigating a global pandemic is not tolerated, it is abundantly clear that this whole COVID saga is no longer about science or public health.
- "Sure black lives matter, but not all black lives." Don Lemon, basically.
Growing increasingly indignant, Lemon tells Crews that BLM should NOT care about black-on-black crime since it's not in their mission, and tells his guest to start that organization himself. He also compared it to saying "cancer matters" and people asking 'what about HIV?' pic.twitter.com/g6xsaqKOKn— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) July 7, 2020
- A radical change is occurring in Hollywood these days. Actors/Actresses are apparently no longer allowed to portray others who are dramatically different from themselves (or, y'know, ACT).
Halle Berry has issued an apology after facing a myriad of criticizing remarks online over an acting role.
The actress, 53, sparked fury on Friday when she announced during an Instagram Live video with hairstylist Christin Brown that she was considering playing a trans character.
"Over the weekend I had the opportunity to discuss my consideration of an upcoming role as a transgender man, and I'd like to apologize for those remarks. As a cisgender woman, I now understand that I should not have considered this role, and that the transgender community should undeniably have the opportunity to tell their own stories," she wrote.
So does this mean Hilary Swank is going to have her Best Actress Oscar revoked for her role as a trans man in Boys Don't Cry? Heck, Hilary also denied paraplegic female boxers around the world an opportunity to tell their stories, so I guess she also has to surrender her Oscar for Million Dollar Baby, huh? And what about Tom Hanks? It doesn't get much more bigoted than stealing a job from an AIDS-riddled gay lawyer.
You know what? Screw Hollywood. They've been indulging the cesspool of "wokeness" for several years now, so let 'em take their medicine. I'm outta empathy on this one.
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Monday, July 06, 2020
Box Score of the Week
Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox - July 5, 1947.
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Nearly three months after Jackie Robinson broke MLB's color barrier by becoming the first black player in the league, Larry Doby made his debut with the Indians in this game. While Doby was the second black player to play in the big leagues, he has the distinction of being the first in the American League.
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Nearly three months after Jackie Robinson broke MLB's color barrier by becoming the first black player in the league, Larry Doby made his debut with the Indians in this game. While Doby was the second black player to play in the big leagues, he has the distinction of being the first in the American League.
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Sunday, July 05, 2020
Hey I'm not complainin' 'cause I really need the work......
It may be a holiday weekend but the Northern Alliance Radio Network will be live today. My radio program The Closer will air from 1:00 until 3:00 PM Central Time.
With COVID-19 cases increasing across the country, many states are considering mandatory wearing of face masks in public. Why are so many citizens hesitant to wear them voluntarily?
At 1:30 I will be joined by Sarah Quale, who is President of Education at the organization Personhood. Sarah will be on to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on a Louisiana abortion law.
Then at 2:00, political wonk Matt Mackowiak will check in to discuss the latest in presidential politics, the 2020 election cycle, etc.
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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With COVID-19 cases increasing across the country, many states are considering mandatory wearing of face masks in public. Why are so many citizens hesitant to wear them voluntarily?
At 1:30 I will be joined by Sarah Quale, who is President of Education at the organization Personhood. Sarah will be on to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on a Louisiana abortion law.
Then at 2:00, political wonk Matt Mackowiak will check in to discuss the latest in presidential politics, the 2020 election cycle, etc.
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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Friday, July 03, 2020
Is it finally happening?
After literally decades of being badgered over its nickname, the Washington Redskins may finally be acquiescing to a change.
The final straw seemed to be the objections of major corporate sponsors like FedEx and Nike. Once a business's gravy train is being legitimately threatened, changes will occur.
Personally, I couldn't care less if there's a name change. But if Native Americans legitimately feel demeaned and offended over the team's nickname, then I absolutely defer to their sentiments. However, a poll taken four years ago indicated that 9 out of 10 Native Americans were not offended by the name "Redskins." So unless their opinions have dramatically shifted in that time frame, this latest effort for a name change is little more than a virtue signaling exercise by non-Natives. If indeed it is the latter, we're living in a society where a collective of lily white "progressives" are deeply offended on behalf of a group who themselves are not and an organization called Black Lives Matter which does not truly put black lives first.
Stupid times indeed.
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And here it is: the Redskins are undergoing a thorough review of the team’s name.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 3, 2020
And let’s be clear: There’s no review if there’s no change coming.
Redskins on way out. pic.twitter.com/ZrS3cCvhMg
The final straw seemed to be the objections of major corporate sponsors like FedEx and Nike. Once a business's gravy train is being legitimately threatened, changes will occur.
Personally, I couldn't care less if there's a name change. But if Native Americans legitimately feel demeaned and offended over the team's nickname, then I absolutely defer to their sentiments. However, a poll taken four years ago indicated that 9 out of 10 Native Americans were not offended by the name "Redskins." So unless their opinions have dramatically shifted in that time frame, this latest effort for a name change is little more than a virtue signaling exercise by non-Natives. If indeed it is the latter, we're living in a society where a collective of lily white "progressives" are deeply offended on behalf of a group who themselves are not and an organization called Black Lives Matter which does not truly put black lives first.
Stupid times indeed.
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Thursday, July 02, 2020
Disrupting the narrative
Marcellus Wiley. Born in the 'hood (aka Compton). Graduated Columbia University. Played 10 seasons in the NFL.
If there's anyone who has even a shred of moral authority to opine on the mission statement of Black Lives Matter, it'd be him. And if you truly believe in your heart of hearts that black lives matter, you're gonna want to hear what Wiley has to say here.
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If there's anyone who has even a shred of moral authority to opine on the mission statement of Black Lives Matter, it'd be him. And if you truly believe in your heart of hearts that black lives matter, you're gonna want to hear what Wiley has to say here.
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