Adams bomb

I've been a longtime fan of the Dilbert comic strip, but it now appears it'll be difficult to find in mainstream publications. 

The comic strip Dilbert has been dropped from multiple US newspapers in response to racist comments by its creator, Scott Adams, who called Black Americans a “hate group” and urged white people to “get the hell away” from Black people in a YouTube video.

Adams’s comments on 22 February came in response to a conservative organization’s poll which appeared to show that 26% of Black respondents said they disagreed with the statement “It’s OK to be white”. Another 21% said they were not sure.

The Boston Globe, the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post each said on Saturday they were dropping Dilbert because of Adams’s comments.

Gannett, the largest American newspaper publisher, said in statement that USA Today Network – which includes more than 300 local media outlets in 43 states – would immediately cease publishing the cartoon.

“Recent discriminatory comments by the creator, Scott Adams, have influenced our decision to discontinue publishing his comic,” Gannett said in a statement. “While we respect and encourage free speech, his views do not align with our editorial or business values as an organization.”

This was the survey which Adams was reacting to: 

 

BLACK AMERICANS ONLY:
"It's okay to be white."
53% agree, 26% disagree, 21% not sure

"Black people can be racist, too"
76% of agree, 27% disagree, 8% not sure. https://t.co/5pYBvT00qn

— Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) February 22, 2023

And Adams' comments which resulted in the backlash (WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE):

  

Longer video: He also talks about out of control black-on-white crime: pic.twitter.com/I2ucj1QEu5

— Jesse Lee Peterson (@JLPtalk) February 25, 2023

While I understand Adams' frustration over what appears to be a widening racial gap, the answer certainly isn't abandoning relations. I will concede that he has a point in that if only a tiny majority of white people said it's "OK to the black," the term "hate group" would've probably been the kindest description levied against whitey. 

I guess I'd be curious to know the rationale for why 47% of black people surveyed feel it's *not* OK to be white or are not sure. One thing that isn't helping the discourse though? The rhetoric from the walking cadaver in the White House, whether it's labeling a Georgia voting law "Jim Crow 2.0" or suggesting white folks still get off on black people getting lynched. 

While we're not even close to the racial tensions of the 1960s, it would appear that the racial divide has widened over the past decade. The way to stem that tide, however, is something that transcends politics. 

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Ya don't say!

Something that had been suspected for nearly three years is finally getting its due credence from American media.

Another government agency has found a laboratory leak to be the most likely explanation behind the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the Department of Energy recently revised its assessment of the origins of the pandemic to conclude that a lab leak was the most likely origin of the disease. While the assessment was made with “low confidence,” the department switched from its previous stance, “undecided,” after receiving new intelligence, studying research on the topic, and consulting with experts.

The Journal reports this Department of Energy analysis was conducted by “Z Division,” the intelligence arm of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which specializes in assessments of the nuclear- and biological-weapons activities of foreign states; their work is rarely declassified, and, when it is, it is often heavily redacted. It is worth noting that in June 2021, the same Journal reporters reported that Z Division studied the genomes of the virus, SARS-CoV-2, and concluded that “the hypothesis claiming the virus leaked from a Chinese lab in Wuhan is plausible and deserves further investigation.”

There’s still no airtight evidence that proves any theory outright, and the intelligence community remains split between the possibility of a lab leak and that of a purely natural, or zoonotic, origin. But the embarrassing failure of opinion-makers who decried the lab-leak theory as unscientific and racist looks even worse with each new development.

Instead of being introspective, prog talking heads blamed their inaccurate reporting and/or smug dismissiveness on those who speculated (as it turns out, correctly) about the virus's origin. 

It’s hard to have a good faith disagreement about a major issue if the issue itself has been hijacked by bad faith folks.

— Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) February 26, 2023

The best explanation I can come up with is that Trump's racist "China virus" bullshit, which resulted in lots of anti-Asian bigotry and attacks on Asian people, put liberals understandably on the defense against any theory that seemed to blame China for Covid.

— Jill Filipovic (@JillFilipovic) February 26, 2023

Heck, even the left's fake news hero understood what was up last year.

Even Jon Stewart knew the lab leak was an obvious conclusion. pic.twitter.com/Y9vfMNwpeT

— Jiminy Cricket (@jim1ny_cricket) February 26, 2023

Let's face it. The lack of curiosity by today's corporate media had nothing to do with "reserving judgement" or "giving credibility to conspiracy theorists." It was, as has been the case since July 2015, Trump-centric. 

"It's racist to say Covid came from a Chinese government lab" is the equivalent of "It's racist to say all that radiation in Ukraine came from the Soviet nuclear plant in Chernobyl."

— Dan McLaughlin (@baseballcrank) February 27, 2023

Y'know what would make "conspiracy theories" disappear in a millisecond? If a collection of individuals banded together to convey cold, hard facts to a populace and did so on such a consistent basis that said populace could easily trace a story's conclusion back to the original reporting of it. 

Sadly, such a collective appears only interested in their "truth" as opposed to indisputable facts. 

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Quick Hits: Volume CCCIV

 - What Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is to the left, Marjorie Taylor Green is to the right. 

We need a national divorce.

We need to separate by red states and blue states and shrink the federal government.

Everyone I talk to says this.

From the sick and disgusting woke culture issues shoved down our throats to the Democrat’s traitorous America Last policies, we are… https://t.co/Azn8YF1UUy

— Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸 (@mtgreenee) February 20, 2023

What does that say about Congresswoman Taylor Greene and her ilk that they couldn't put forth a coherent agenda in 2022 in order to defeat a party touting "woke culture issues" and "traitorous America Last policies?" 

A national divorce is a terrible idea on so many levels, so let's concentrate on the federalist system we already have in place. Remember how we're a country made up of "50 laboratories of democracy?" States opting for more freedom and less oppressive government (i.e. Florida and Texas) are seeing incredible net positive migration, whereas institutional blue states New York and California are hemorrhaging populace.  

Seems to me that building bridges is far more efficient and worthwhile than nuking them.

- Washington Post "journalist" Taylor Lorenz has serious issues. 

 

Not to be a doomer but u have to be delusional to look at life in our country rn and have any amt of hope or optimism

— Taylor Lorenz (@TaylorLorenz) February 20, 2023

Well first off, putting "hope" into anything temporal will ultimately leave one feeling despair. Secondly, while America is far from perfect, I would venture a guess that those who trash this country so vociferously have not lived more than a year outside the continental United States. 

- An 80-year old man with obvious mental and physical limitations should not be President of the United States, much less think about running for another 4- year term. But there is a real sense that President Joe Biden may indeed pass on a reelection bid.

A decision from Biden to forego another run would amount to a political earthquake not seen among Democrats in more than a half century, when Lyndon B. Johnson paired his partial halting of the U.S. bombing of Vietnam with his announcement to step aside, citing deepening “division in the American house now.”

It would unleash an avalanche of attention on his vice president, Kamala Harris, whose uneven performances have raised doubts among fellow Democrats about her ability to win — either the primary, the general election, or both. And it would dislodge the logjam Biden himself created in 2020 when he dispatched with the sprawling field of Democratic contenders, a field that included Harris.

“Obviously, it creates doubts and problems if he waits and waits and waits,” said Democratic strategist Mark Longabaugh, who continues to believe Biden will run — and that he won’t put off a decision for too long. “But if he were to somehow not declare ‘til June or something, I think some people would be stomping around.”

“There would be a lot of negative conversation … among Democratic elites, and I just think that would force them to ultimately have to make a decision,” Longabaugh added. “I just don’t think he can dance around until sometime in the summer.”

It'd be interesting to see if any Democrats have the fortitude to jump into the race anyways, and then put up a challenge to Biden if indeed he waits until summer to announce his reelection bid. It's reminiscent of the 1980 campaign when then incumbent President Jimmy Carter received a intraparty challenge from Sen. Ted Kennedy. With Carter experiencing woeful job approval ratings, Kennedy believed he could take advantage. However, Kennedy lost in a brokered convention in August of 1980.

I'm kinda hoping history repeats itself here in that an incumbent Dem POTUS receiving a formidable challenge from his own party would make great talk show/blogging fodder. It would also mean a bloodied Democrat President gets shellacked by the Republican challenger in the general. 

Dare to dream.

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 2/19/2023

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I don't know where I am but I know I don't like it......

For the first time in a while, I'll be back in the Patriot bunker in my regular Sunday time slot for my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour broadcast will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour I will weigh in on myriad topics, including the bizarre reactions to the He Gets Us campaign, which touted approaching relationships in a Christ-like manner. Also, Sen. John Fetterman's ongoing health issues persist. 

Then in the second hour I opine on Nikki Haley declaring her candidacy for President and how the progs let their racist/misogynist flags fly in their reactions.

Finally at 2:30, Thomas Hackett of Real Clear Investigations will join the broadcast to discuss his latest piece entitled "The Sudden Dominance of the Diversity Industrial Complex."

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, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

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The NARN Closer on The Headliner - song list for 2/18/2023

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Gotta have some faith in the sound.....

Well my friend and Northern Alliance Radio Network colleague Mitch Berg has told me not to get too comfortable in his Saturday time slot, yet here I am. Yes, for the fourth consecutive Saturday I will be on The Headliner edition of the NARN. The 2-hour bonanza gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

It's a guest-a-palooza on today's broadcast: 

• 1:15 - Peter Johnson, founder of Archway Defense and firearms expert. 
• 2:00 - Jon Gabriel, Editor in Chief of Ricochet.com.
• 2:15 - Phil Krinkie, President of Snelling Heating Cooling and Electrical, as well as the former "Dr. No" of the Minnesota Legislature. 

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, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

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Seeing the light

Former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo famously said “A conservative is a liberal who got mugged the night before.” This isn't to suggest that a certain Minnesota Democrat Congresswoman is about to go all MAGA, but she certainly is echoing a lot of concerns conveyed by right-of-center politicos. 

Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) called out the Washington, D.C., government for its handling of the alleged assailant who attacked her inside the elevator of her Capitol Hill apartment building.

In a “CBS Mornings” interview that aired Tuesday, the Minnesota congresswoman recounted the moments that led to her assault. She also claimed that the suspect, identified as Kendrick Khalil Hamlin, has 12 arrests and convictions, all prior to her incident, on his record.

According to court documents, Hamlin, 27, was convicted in December on charges stemming from assaulting a police officer and committing lewd, indecent or obscene acts.

“I got attacked by someone who the District of Columbia has not prosecuted fully over the course of almost a decade, over the course of 12 assaults before mine that morning,” Craig told CBS. “And so I think we have to think about how in the world can we make sure that we’re not just letting criminals out.”

“I mean, it wasn’t even in every instance that he got 10 days or 30 days. Many times, the charges were completely dropped before any justice was achieved at all,” she added.

There's a temptation to engage in the obligatory "WE TOLD YOU SO" given that Craig's "eyes wide open" moment was a drumbeat of the right for the past few years, particularly in the 2022 election cycle.  However, I'm a big proponent of allowing people some grace as their worldview evolves. A lot of us are in a proverbial bubble to some extent, thus we may have blind spots over certain issues. For instance, I was one of the biggest "war hawks" around during the George W. Bush administration and basically threatened to cut off all contact from anyone who dared disrespect the U.S. war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. But as time has gone on, I've learned how futile the combat strategies actually were. As much as I admire Mr. Bush personally, I can no longer in good conscience defend our country's involvement in those conflicts. 

All that said, what's particularly galling about Craig's sentiments is that when a firearm is added to the equation, the concerns over repeat offenses or questionable plea deals seem to take a backseat to the inanimate object. Take for instance the mass shooting at Michigan St. University this past week. The shooter killed multiple people with a handgun he wouldn't have been allowed to possess had there not been a plea deal to have a felony possession charge dismissed. Yet instead of focusing on why the wrong people are getting their hands on firearms, progs inevitably look to make it cumbersome or downright impossible for law abiding citizens to own guns as opposed to focusing on how felons are able to obtain them. 

Oh well, baby steps. 

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Nikki of time

Expect to see more of these announcements over the next few months. 

Get excited! Time for a new generation.

Let’s do this! 👊 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/BD5k4WY1CP

— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 14, 2023

I personally like Nikki Haley and would wholeheartedly support her if indeed she becomes the GOP nominee for President. 

I've always preferred former governors to be elevated to the White House simply because they've actually run things at an Executive level.  Haley was first elected as governor of South Carolina in 2010, defeating her Democrat opponent Vincent Sheheen by about 4-1/2 percentage points. This was a historic election as Haley became the first non-white female to be elected Governor of a southern state. She then coasted to reelection in a rematch with Sheheen in 2014, prevailing by almost 15 points. 

About midway through her second term, Haley accepted new President Donald Trump's nomination to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. It was there she shined on not only a national stage but a global one as well, pushing back against representatives from countries rife with human rights abuses. 

While there are undeniable positives regarding a Haley candidacy, Hot Air's Ed Morrissey points out a couple of drawbacks. 

She spent two years in the Trump administration and acquitted herself well in her work at the UN, without a doubt. But again, Haley hasn’t done much since leaving that position in December 2018, and while she name-checks the GOP betes noires, she’s been out of that fight for a while. Trump himself has been immersed in it, but so too has Ron DeSantis and Glenn Youngkin, who’s term-limited in Virginia and likely looking to move up in class. They have been on the front lines all along, and both have scored big wins while Haley stayed out of the game.

Plus, the “time for a new generation” may not resonate entirely on age within the GOP. It might also connote a truly fresh start and some distance from the Trump administration. Haley will have at least a taste of the conundrum likely to face Mike Pence, Mike Pompeo, and even John Bolton if they follow through and enter the primary as well. They’re going to have to sell themselves as part of a return to the Trump agenda — but if Trump’s running, why wouldn’t voters choose the original? And if voters want a “new generation,” then they’re not going to embrace the Trump administration figures in the race, and Haley’s very much included in that class.

Haley doesn't strike me as the type of person who would convey an air of "POTUS or nothing." If indeed, say, Gov. DeSantis hops in the race and becomes the clear frontrunner (or at least the most formidable non-Trump candidate), I don't doubt Haley would accept a invitation to be DeSantis's running mate. Again, the goal for Republicans should be to avoid the mistake of 2016, which was not coalescing behind one candidate in an effort to thwart Trump from securing the nomination. Granted Trump may have still prevailed, but he's definitely more vulnerable to such a tactic this time around. 

Buckle up!

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Quick Hits: Volume CCCIII

 - So there have been four objects shot down over American airspace in about a month's time. The initial object was a "spy balloon" deployed by China. It was allowed to fly across literally the entire U.S. before being shot down over the Atlantic Ocean. 

Fast forward to this past weekend, and we're shooting down objects immediately upon being detected via radar. Conservative commentator Erick Erickson ponders why the change in philosophy.

What changed? One of two things.

It could be that they are doing it because of public perception and knowledge. The government changing how it handles things because the public might not like its prior response is a bad thing. Either the balloons were worthy of spending a stinger missile on them or not. That’s bad form.

Or, it could be that we now know what is on the balloons and what they are carrying has provoked a heightened national security response. That such an escalated response has not come with sanctions, etc., against China would also be deeply troubling.

Either way, the Biden Administration has botched this.

But is China responsible for the increase in quantity of these literal UFOs? Not necessarily.

My tweet based on this: https://t.co/v5Ctz4g7sI

— shako (@cauchyfriend) February 12, 2023

Regardless, none of these scenarios is providing great comfort at this point, especially due to the woeful lack of transparency from our government. 

- I definitely applaud the creativity of my fellow Minnesotans when the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) held a contest to name some of its snow plows. 

The winners:   

The votes are in! 🎉 More than 64,000 people voted and we’re excited to welcome eight new snowplow names to our fleet (including an homage to someone who just won Record of the Year *ahem* hi @lizzo!)

Meet the Class of 2023 Snowplows and learn more: https://t.co/vCCLVYw2s3 pic.twitter.com/2aXZCsBFIp

— Minnesota Department of Transportation (@MnDOT) February 8, 2023

And would you believe this elicited a response from mega pop star Lizzo???

  

BLIZZO SUPREMACY ❄️❄️❄️ thank you MN #blizzo pic.twitter.com/IIIMBX7t3r

— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) February 12, 2023

This also had to be a nice change of pace for the Twin Cities media in that they didn't have to do their normal contortions to unearth a local angle in a story. 

- In what was the third highest scoring Super Bowl of all time, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 on Sunday evening. It was the Chiefs' second title over the past four years. 

When quarterback Tom Brady retired a couple of weeks ago, I said the only modern day QB who could possibly eclipse all his records (i.e. career pass yards, career touchdown passes and most Super Bowl titles) is the Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes. 

While I'm still skeptical that Mahomes will usurp Brady in any of those categories, I certainly wouldn't bet my house that he absolutely won't. I mean, just look at the beginning of his career. In his five seasons as a starter, Mahomes has reached the AFC title game all five years, while appearing in three Super Bowl and winning two (named MVP in both games). He has also won two NFL Most Valuable Players awards. 

Some people are already willing to crown Mahomes the G.O.A.T., but I think that's premature. That said, if one were to suggest he has the most complete skill set of any QB who has ever played the game? Given he played 10 of KC's 12 quarters in the 2022 postseason with an ankle injury that typically requires multiple weeks to heal, you're not going to get a lot of pushback from me. 

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You and me goin' fishing in the NARN...................

It's the Saturday before the Super Bowl, so that means the annual Holes for Heroes ice fishing tournament takes place today. This fantastic event is put together by the tremendous folks at Fishing for Life. 

This is the 13th year of the event, and the Northern Alliance Radio Network has broadcast live from all 13 (I personally have attended the past 11). As such, I will join Mitch Berg 1-3 PM Central Time today, live from Medicine Lake in Plymouth. 

 

This is one of those shows where we just wing it as far as guests are concerned, but it always turns out to be a highlight of our broadcast year. 

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 Echo (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out Mitch's 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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Super Bowl LVII: The Q&A

My goodness, these seem to come around so quickly. Yes, this is the eighteenth installment of this feature where a guy dubbed "Super Bowl Inquisitor" engages with yours truly in a back and forth regarding the big game featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. 

While I'm no Dennis Miller, I'll attempt to retort with obscure analogies in an effort to bring hilarity to this site (though I will settle for an obligatory "heh.")

Super Bowl Inquisitor: I know you’re a history/trivia buff, so do you realize that this will be the first time that brothers will face each other in a Super Bowl?

Brad Carlson: I am aware of that, yes! It’s high time the big game features not one but two black quarterbacks.

 

SBI: Wha???? No, no. I mean brothers, as in literal siblings. KC Tight End Travis Kelce and Philly Center Jason Kelce?

BC: Oh. Uhhh…yeah. Cool, cool.

 

SBI: But hey, since you brought it up, this Super Bowl will indeed be the first one where both starting QBs are black. Undeniably historic.

BC: No question it’s a great thing and *long* overdue. Let’s just hope the leftist sports media doesn’t beclown itself like they did 35 years ago when Doug Williams was the first ever black QB to start in a Super Bowl.  Or worse yet, invoke the absurdly taken-out-of-context Rush Limbaugh quote from 20 years ago.

 

SBI: Speaking of Jason Kelce, his very pregnant wife is bringing along her OB/GYN in the event she goes into labor during Super Bowl weekend. A pretty savvy move, no?

BC: Sure, but not nearly as smart as Chiefs coach Andy Reid bringing along his cardiologist.

 

SBI: Which reminds me, how about this coaching matchup? Andy Reid goes against the team where he spent 14 seasons as a head coach until he was fired after the 2012 campaign.  When Reid was hired by KC in 2013, he dismissed the team’s WR coach Nick Sirianni --- now the Eagles head coach. Which head man has the bigger motivation to prevail here?

BC: I’ll go with Sirianni since he would love to hang over his kids' heads a trip to Disney World as an attempt at behavior modification.

 

SBI: Chris Stapleton will be performing our National Anthem. Your thoughts?

BC: Well tens of millions of people will be watching live, so he’ll probably calm his nerves by taking a shot of Tennessee Whiskey.

 

SBI: With a lame joke like that, You Should Probably Leave.

BC: Well played, sir.                   

 

SBI: After many years of multiple headliners during the halftime show, the NFL is going back to a single performer this year with Rihanna. Does that do anything for ya?

BC: I will say that I am intrigued by any singer who can turn “umbrella” into a 11-syllable word.

 

SBI: Former Vikings factor - You have Jerick McKinnon and Ihmir Smith-Marsette playing for KC; Anthony Harris and Linval Joseph with Philly. Any preference?

BC: If I had to pick, I’d say the edge to the Chiefs because of McKinnon. He’ll always have a special place in my heart for this moment in Atlanta 5+ years ago.

 

That's dirty, @JetMckinnon1.#Skol pic.twitter.com/YnymlZRdaw

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 3, 2017

If you’re a longtime Vikings fan, you’re pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down.

 

SBI: This is the third ever Super Bowl to be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. The first one, 15 years ago, was best known for David Tyree’s “helmet catch,” keeping the NY Giants’ game-winning drive alive in their upset of the 18-0 New England Patriots. Eight years ago, the Seattle Seahawks were one yard away from repeating as Super Bowl champions when they inexplicably threw a pass, resulting in a game-clinching interception by Patriots’ unknown rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler.

What bizarre developments in this game could possibly top those?

BC: Hmmm. Uh, I’ll go with obscure Chiefs’ fullback Michael Burton throwing a go-ahead touchdown on a gadget play…..while losing a shoe.

 

SBI: I understand you’re having another gathering at your house for the big game. What’s on the menu?

BC: Well, we gotta represent both Super Bowl cities, so we’re using Q Fanatic for the barbecue and then the fetching Mrs. Carlson is making cheesecake bars with Philadelphia cream cheese. Oh, and whatever beverages our guests are bringing along.

 

SBI: Dang. Do you accept people dropping in unannounced?

BC: As long as they bring a beverage!

 

SBI: OK, it’s time for either/or featuring categories related to the two Super Bowl cities.

BC: For the record, someday soon I’d like Minneapolis to be one of the cities to choose from.

 

SBI: Noted.

Let’s begin with food - KC BBQ or Philly Cheese Steak?

BC: KC BBQ all the way, baby! If my wife would allow it, I’d have our home smelling like a smokehouse 24/7.

 

SBI: Actors - Paul Rudd or Bradley Cooper?

BC: I believe Cooper is the better actor but gimme Rudd’s youthful looks at 50-something as well as his ability to perfectly nail roles calling for a dorky, awkward vibe.

 

SBI: Rappers - Tech N9ne or Will Smith (aka The Fresh Prince)?

BC: Gotta go with Tech N9ne. I mean, who would you fear more, a guy named for a semi-automatic handgun or an insecure fella who slaps diminutive comedians and lets his wife shtup other dudes?

 

SBI: And finally, U.S. Presidents – Harry Truman or Joe Biden.

BC: Yeesh. I’ll take a pass on this one. But if you wanna put in perspective how ridiculously long the current occupant of the White House has been in national politics: Mr. Truman died just one month after Mr. Biden won his first U.S. Senate election.

 

SBI: Thanks for that.

OK, we’ve reached the merciful conclusion of this year’s feature. Yes, it’s the prediction segment, as the Philadelphia Eagles are a 1-1/2 point favorite over the Kansas City Chiefs. Who ya got?

BC: If the QBs play well in their respective team’s victory, the headlines are ready made. With KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes nursing a bum ankle, a Chiefs win could result in “Mahomes had a leg to stand on.” And if Philly wins due to the stellar play of 3^rd year quarterback Jalen Hurts, it’s only right that we should see “Hurts: so good.”

I say whomever has the ball last wins, so I’m going with a literal coin toss and picking the Chiefs to win 31-30.

 

With that, enjoy the game!

2022 postseason record:

Against the spread: 7-5

Straight up: 9-3

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Tipping point in Minnesota?

I've been thinking a lot lately about the political landscape in Minnesota, specifically if we've expedited the process of becoming a "Cold California." Sure the Dems hold all the statewide offices (Federal and State) in Minnesota as well as a majority in both chambers of the Legislature. However, it's not as forgone as Cali.....yet. For instance, the California Legislature currently has Dems with a whopping 62-18 advantage in the State Assembly and a 32-8 majority in the Senate. Contrast that to Minnesota where the DFL holds scant majorities in the House (70-64) and Senate (34-33). And while California Dems have a death grip on the U.S. House seats (40-12) within their state, here in Minnesota it's an even 4-4 split. 

Despite that, the first month of the Minnesota Legislative session indicates that DFLers are legislating as if they have majorities similar to that of California. Whether it's legalizing abortion on demand, mandating that all carbon based energy sources are gone by 2040 or putting forth draconian "gun control" proposals, Minnesota Dems are thinking one of two things: 

a) The political landscape is such that they believe they'll have a permanent majority. 

or 

b) Their legislative majority is fleeting, so get while the getting's good.

My hope is the Independents/moderate Dems/RINOs in Minnesota realize that what the DFL is currently enacting now is far more extreme than what they anticipated when casting their votes for Democrats in 2022. I mean, these voters were told ad nauseum that the GOP was the super duper scary "EXTREME!!!!" party, only now to see MN Dems refuse to cut taxes (including taxes on Social Security benefits, one of a minority of states to levy such a tax) despite an enormous budget surplus. Any viable Republican candidate going forward should be able to craft a solid message on the Dems' clear overreaching. Problem is, we seem to have a dearth of candidates we can consider "viable."

I honestly don't know if the GOP will ever be a relevant party in Minnesota again. If indeed the Dems get their wish to make it legal for illegal aliens to obtain driver's licenses as well as restore voting rights for felons who have been released from jail but yet to complete their probation, a permanent prog majority is not far fetched. Combine that with the fact the Republican Party of Minnesota is in perpetual disarray, it's difficult to be optimistic over not only ever winning a statewide race again but also attaining at least one chamber of the Legislature. 

All that being said, the 2024 election season will be a key cycle. The GOP absolutely has to take back the majority in the MN House. If they don't, it really is difficult to envision recovering from what would turn into four consecutive years of all DFL control. It didn't have to be this way. It shouldn't be this way.

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 2/4/2023

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A high roller even when the chips are down......

Once again my friend and Northern Alliance Radio Network colleague Mitch Berg is away on assignment, so I will be on air today for The Headliner edition of the NARN. The 2-hour broadcast gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, I'll discuss Gov. Tim Walz signing a bill to legalize infanticide in Minnesota and how that doesn't square with statements made on the campaign trail last summer. Also, progs in Congress are enraged over Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) being ousted from the Foreign Affairs committee in the House. 

At 2:30, Steve Miller of Real Clear Investigations will join the broadcast to discuss the big money wealthy "progressives" are pouring into elections systems in an effort to influence outcomes. 

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, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

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Kabuki Theater

The GOP-controlled U.S. House of Representatives ousting Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) from the Foreign Affairs Committee is not the egregious gesture progs are making it out to be. If anything, there's a part of the collective psyche of Omar's fellow "Squad" members which love this development given it allows them an opportunity to put on a show. 

Rashida Tlaib literally breaks down in tears over Ilhan Omar being removed from the Foreign Affairs Committee. pic.twitter.com/Q81minIxvJ

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 2, 2023

Rep. Cori Bush on removing Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Cmte: "The white supremacy happening is unbelievable. Ilhan Omar has been harassed at her job for simply existing as a Muslim woman in Congress." pic.twitter.com/dKNnr9LtMA

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 2, 2023

AOC on Republicans removing Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Cmte: "One of the disgusting legacies of 9-11 has been the targeting and racism against Muslim Americans and this is an extension of that legacy... Racism and incitement of violence against women of color." pic.twitter.com/zHrE0VutTn

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 2, 2023

Say, where's the impassioned defense of middle aged white dudes Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell, both of whom were booted from the Intelligence Committee? And therein lies the greater point. This has to do with affronts committed by these Dem members of Congress, whether it was Omar's rampant anti-Semitism, Schiff's egregious falsehoods over Trump/Russia collusion and Swalwell...uh....just being Swalwell. 

Some will point out this is merely Speaker McCarthy playing "tit for tat" in response to Reps. Marjorie Taylor-Greene and Paul Gosar being tossed from prominent committee assignment when the Dems controlled the House. I concur that if it was wrong for GOP House members to be removed based on partisan disdain, the Republicans shouldn't engage in such behavior when they're in control. Alas, that seems to be the modus operandi in modern American politics. 

All that being said, there is at least precedent for the GOP being willing to police its own. Noah Rothman explains. 

 

In 2018, for example, the House GOP leadership ejected Rep. Steve King of Iowa from all of his committee assignments after he wondered aloud why the term “white supremacist” is considered a slur. And like Omar, who has repeatedly and unashamedly advertised her intention to apply her worldview to the conduct of foreign affairs, Republicans had reason to believe King’s bigotry would color his policy preferences.

At no point did it occur to anyone that being deemed too bigoted to serve on committees called King’s very citizenship into question. Republicans can and should be criticized for having stomached King’s many racially provocative comments before the one that cost him his career, but Republicans’ late is better than Democrats’ never.

The decibel level at which Democrats are arguing in Omar’s favor is designed to convince you that a grave injustice is being done to her. But the relevant precedents, Omar’s conduct and the case her fellow Democrats made against her betrays the theater of it all.

Again, that is the point. Look for excerpts of all those grandiose speeches to show up in future ad campaigns when Omar has yet another hotly contest primary in 2024. 

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I think he means it this time

Exactly one year after announcing his retirement before changing his mind a month later, an NFL great makes it official.

Truly grateful on this day. Thank you 🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/j2s2sezvSS

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2023

I've been a Tom Brady fanboy since 2001, which was his first season as starting quarterback with the New England Patriots. I've always admired overcoming stories, so Brady's ascension from a 6th round draft pick in 2000 (and Drew Bledsoe's backup) to guiding the Pats to six Super Bowl titles in an 18-year span was special to watch. My Minnesota Vikings haven't been to the Super Bowl in 46 years, so seeing my favorite non-Viking have all that success almost approached the ecstasy I would feel if the Vikes ever get that elusive championship (at least I assume I know how it would feel). 

With Brady's big announcement comes the continuing debate of whether or not he's the greatest quarterback of all time, maybe even greatest player ever. Personally, I find debates like that a gigantic waste of time. After all, Brady will in five years join other legendary QBs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. If one's work is being honored in that coveted museum, does it really matter who's the G.O.A.T.?

But if I were to answer that question, I could make a solid argument as to why he is the greatest. I mean, who's the quarterback most often mentioned in the same breath as Brady? Why, that would be his boyhood idol Joe Montana, who won four Super Bowls in the 1980s with the San Francisco 49ers. While Montana wasn't a big stats guy (whereas Brady is the all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns), he was flawless on the biggest stage of all with 11 TD and 0 INTs in those four Super Bowls. But what sets Brady apart is sustained success over literally two-plus decades, going to his first and tenth Super Bowls in a 20-season span. Also, the seven Super Bowl victories by an individual player will never be equaled. 

Montana himself had a long career, playing 15 seasons until retiring at age 38. Brady turned 38 just prior to the 2015 season, which means he played another eight years. And in those 8 years, Brady averaged per season 4,495 yards passing and 32 touchdown passes (Montana's never threw for more than 31 TDs in a season). Also in those eight seasons, Brady appeared in four Super Bowls, winning three. 

Basically, what Brady did in his post-age 38 NFL life would be a Hall of Fame career in and of itself. 

But what really puts his longevity in perspective for me is Brady was drafted three months before my wife and I got married. So before Wednesday, Tom Brady was an active NFL QB my entire married life. Just mind blowing. 

Enjoy retirement, TB12.

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