tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89163192024-03-17T22:48:50.778-05:00The Brad Carlson blog<b><i>"Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?"
<small>- epitaph of Leonard Ravenhill</small></i></b>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.comBlogger4509125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-68256326251729173892024-03-17T22:48:00.000-05:002024-03-17T22:48:00.341-05:00The NARN Closer's playlist - 3/17/2024<iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/7bj7SRfJk5fXggVNRhTPvI?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe>
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------------------------------------------------Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-75986508900518475052024-03-17T06:31:00.001-05:002024-03-17T06:31:00.249-05:00Sometimes I know, and sometimes I'm on the go......<p>Happy St. Patrick's Day! I'm not even a little bit Irish, so I'll be in my usual spot on today, 1-3 PM Central Time. Yep, my radio show <i>The Closer </i>will be live from the Patriot bunker as regularly scheduled. </p><p><br /></p><p>Right at 1:00, I'll be joined by Minnesota State Senator <a href="https://www.senate.mn/members/member_bio.html?mem_id=1216">Jim Abeler (R-Anoka)</a>. Sen. Abeler will be on to discuss recent legislation to provide clarification for School Resource Officers who were not present in schools over the past year-plus. </p><p><br /></p><p>A lotta other local stories to get to, including more DFL efforts to enact "gun control," Uber & Lyft ceasing operations in Minneapolis as of May 1, and a task force to address mental health issues due to....climate change?!?!</p><p><br /></p><p>And as a Minnesota sports fan, I'll weigh in on QB Kirk Cousins leaving the Vikings to go play for the Atlanta Falcons. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.<div> <div>You can listen live in the Twin Cities at <a href="http://www.am1280thepatriot.com/" style="color: #666666;">AM 1280</a> 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 <a href="http://saleminteractivemedia.com/ListenLive/Player/WWTCAM" style="color: #666666;">this link</a>, or check us out via <b><a href="http://www.iheart.com/live/AM-1280-The-Patriot-5997/" style="color: #666666;">iheart radio</a> </b>as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis")<b>. </b>If you're unable to tune in live, please check out <a href="http://www.am1280thepatriot.com/pages/narnbradcarlson">my podcast page</a> for the latest show post.<br /><br />And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23narnshow&src=typd">#NARNShow</a> or "Like" our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Northern-Alliance-Radio-Network-New/145205648851543" style="color: #666666;">Facebook page</a>, <b>where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast</b>.<br /><br />Until then.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>------------------------------------------------------------------------</div></div>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-50899880620578319322024-03-15T12:03:00.003-05:002024-03-15T12:03:59.992-05:00DFLers' empty rhetoric on guns<p>My friend and NARN colleague <a href="http://www.shotinthedark.info">Mitch Berg</a> (who has forgotten more about firearms legalese than I will ever know) has said often that "gun control" advocates "<i>have never, not once, made a statement about guns, gun rights, gun laws, gun crime, gun crime stats, gun rights groups, or the history, construction or meaning of the 2nd Amendment that is simultaneously substantial, original and true.</i>"</p><p><br /></p><p>Right on cue, not one single gun control proposal that gun-grabbing politicians have brought up lately would have prevented <a href="https://www.startribune.com/federal-charges-girlfriend-bought-ar-15-style-firearms-for-felon-weeks-before-burnsville-ambush/600351072/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=talkers">this tragedy</a>. </p><br />
<blockquote><i>The two AR-15-style firearms used to kill three Burnsville first responders and wound another last month were bought by the shooter's girlfriend just weeks before he used them to unload more than 100 rounds during an hourslong standoff at the couple's home, according to new federal charges unsealed Thursday.<br /><br />
A federal grand jury indicted Ashley Anne Dyrdahl, 35, on 11 counts, including conspiracy, straw purchasing and making false statements for procuring five firearms on behalf of (the shooter), who was prohibited from having them based on a prior conviction.
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Two rifles used in the Feb. 18 shooting were bought by Dyrdahl on Jan. 5 and Jan. 25, respectively, weeks before (the shooter) shot and killed officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, then took his own life. Dyrdahl was living at the home with (the shooter)on the day police were called in response to a domestic abuse call, where (the shooter) barricaded himself inside with seven children present. (The shooter) also wounded Burnsville police Sgt. Adam Medlicott during the shootout.</i></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>As has been mentioned before, staunch Second Amendment advocates have been more than willing to work with anti-gun politicos in an attempt to prevent people like the Burnsville shooter (who had his 2A rights revoked due to felony convictions) from ever acquiring guns. And it is certainly plausible to craft legislation that will accomplish that while <i>not</i> undermining the rights of law abiding citizens. </p><p><br /></p><p>Unfortunately, gun-grabbing elected officials pay little more than lip service when they insist they want to curb "gun violence." </p><p> </p><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rep Dave Pinto, arguing AGAINST hiking the penalty for straw purchasers, says that criminals are not charged under the existing law because it is only a gross misdemeanor and not a felony. <br /><br />Rep. Scott's bill would have increased the penalty from a gross misdemeanor to a felony. <a href="https://t.co/LwZLdk6QX0">pic.twitter.com/LwZLdk6QX0</a></p>— MN House GOP War Room (@MNHRCWarRoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/MNHRCWarRoom/status/1768395814357881163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>In essence, a bill that would directly address the loopholes present in the Burnsville tragedy while preserving the right of law-abiding gun owners did not receive enough support of those who claim to be the biggest advocates for victims of "gun violence." </p><p><br /></p><p>It's almost as if the anti-2A crowd has ulterior motives when putting forth their draconian proposals. </p><p><br /></p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------</p>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-58957194807407016502024-03-13T22:06:00.000-05:002024-03-13T22:06:06.536-05:00Quick Hits: Volume CCCXLII<p> - When Donald Trump first ran for President 8 years ago, his main appeal was he claimed to eschew "politics as usual." In fact, one of the rallying cries from his staunch supporters was that he would go to Washington, D.C. to "drain the swamp" of corruption, bloated bureaucracy, etc. </p><p><br /></p><p>So when bipartisan agreement was reached by the U.S. House of Representatives demanding TikTok divest from its parent company ByteDance (which is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party who in turn controls the app's algorithm to spy on and spread disinformation to Americans), <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/the-morning-jolt/donald-trump-comes-to-tiktoks-rescue/">Trump was not on board</a>. Why? </p><p><br /></p><p>A couple of reasons really. First is this legislation isn't supported by a GOP megadonor who has a significant financial stake in ByteDance (rather "swampy" to be bought and paid for by a wealthy donor, no?). The other (and, sadly, more plausible) scenario? Trump's general pettiness, specifically how such legislation, while perhaps beneficial to America, might give an advantage to a Trump enemy.</p><br />
<blockquote><i>If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business. I don’t want Facebook, who cheated in the last Election, doing better. They are a true Enemy of the People!</i></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>At least Mark Zuckerberg can absolve himself from being a stooge for the CCP. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>- I don't know that this year's Minnesota Legislative session could approach the dark lunacy that occurred in 2023, but the prog majority is going to do its part to make it competitive. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF4846&ssn=0&y=2024">SF 4846</a> dropped on Monday. Here's its description:</p><p><br /></p><p><i>Climate change effects on mental health advisory task force establishment and appropriation. </i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p>For decades now you've had leftists play the role of "Chicken Little" by constantly giving arbitrary timelines of our planet reaching a "point of no return" if we don't address "climate change," and then feel the need to establish another layer of bureaucracy in an effort to mitigate a problem (i.e. Americans convinced we're on the verge of the apocalypse) they essentially created. They do this with economic and social issues as well. </p><p><br /></p><p>Not a bad gig, eh? </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>- No amount of spin is going to convince enough Americans that President Joe Biden is <i>not </i>a feeble man with a poor memory. Nevertheless, prog politicians (and their media lapdogs) aren't going down without a fight, hence the attempts to undermine the credibility of Special Counsel Robert Hur, who interviewed Biden over his mishandling of classified documents. </p><p><br /></p><p>But once the transcript of the Hur's interview with Biden was released recently, <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/the-laughable-campaign-to-whitewash-the-hur-transcript/">leftists and anti-Trumpers were flailing</a> in their attempts to refute the notion that the White House's current occupant was as forgetful as the Special Counsel suggested. </p><p><br /></p><p>Ah, but <i>Axios </i>(hardly a conservative rag) <a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/12/biden-mental-lapses-hur-interview-transcript">pointed out some pretty damning excerpts</a>. </p><p><br /></p><blockquote><i>Over the course of the two-day interview, which took place in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Biden repeatedly asked for help remembering certain important dates — and his lawyers frequently stepped in.<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>
"When did I announce for President [in 2019]?," he asked.</i></li><li><i>
"If it was 2013 — when did I stop being vice president?"</i></li><li><i>
"In 2009, am I still vice president?"</i></li><li><i>
"Trump gets elected in November of 2017?," Biden asked, before someone noted it was November 2016.</i></li></ul></i></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>Since Biden gave off a vibe in last week's State of the Union address that it will require an ether-soaked rag and a lead pipe to keep him from running for reelection, gaslighting is the only tactic available to leftists and non-Trump Republicans in an effort to drag him to the winner's circle. And the fact it isn't the least bit effective has them downright freaked. </p><p><br /></p><p>--------------------------------------------</p>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-83596327484684331782024-03-11T21:18:00.003-05:002024-03-11T21:22:35.532-05:00I like that!<p>It's been rumored for weeks that the Minnesota Vikings' franchise quarterback would be moving on. </p><p><br /></p><p>It became official <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39708564/qb-kirk-cousins-leaving-vikings-4-year-deal-falcons">on Monday</a>. </p><p><br /></p>
<blockquote><i>The Atlanta Falcons have finally solved their franchise quarterback issues.
<br /><br />
The club agreed to terms on a four-year deal with former Minnesota Vikings free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins on Monday, according to his agent, Mike McCartney.<br /><br />
A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Cousins' deal is worth $180 million ($45 million per season), including $100 million guaranteed.</i></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>As a write this, only the Vikings' GM has made an official team statement. </p><p> </p>
<blockquote><i>"After significant and positive dialogue with Kirk and his representatives, we were unable to reach agreement on a contract that fits the short- and long-term visions for both Kirk and the Minnesota Vikings," Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. "Kirk holds a special place in Vikings history, and we appreciate his leadership and contributions to the team and the Minneapolis-St. Paul community over the past six seasons. We wish him; his wife, Julie; and their children all the best. Our approach heading into free agency always included layers of contingencies regarding the quarterback position. We are moving forward with plans that allow us to continue building a roster that can compete for a championship."</i></blockquote><br />In six years as Vikings QB, Cousins was an elite quarterback in terms of earning power, raking in $185 million in his time with Minnesota. And while he put up some impressive numbers in his Vikes career, it felt like empty calories as he led the team to only two playoff appearances, winning one game. Of course the staunch Cousins defenders (the loudest ones being on <strike>Twitter</strike> "X") will tell us that Kirk never had a full supporting cast in all that time and thus if he had better pass protection or a solid defense, the Vikings would have definitely made deeper playoff runs. What these people seem to forget is Cousins took the reins of a team which the previous season made a run to the NFC title game with journeyman QB Case Keenum at the helm. Essentially Cousins was brought in to be a mercenary since the team already had the top ranked defense in the NFL. And while the Vikes' D finished #5 overall in Cousins' first season, the team finished a lackluster 8-7-1 while missing the postseason altogether. In the subsequent three seasons, the Vikes compiled a record of 25-24, ultimately costing coach Mike Zimmer (who was rumored to have adamantly opposed the Cousins signing from day one) and GM Rick Spielman their jobs. <div><br /></div><div>It was apparent that current Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell unlocked something in Cousins when he took over in 2022. While Cousins didn't have his best season in '22 in terms of yardage and touchdown passes, he led the NFL with eight 4th quarter comebacks. This was something that dogged Cousins in his time with the Washington Redskins and first four seasons with the Vikings, which was he put up impressive stats but rarely when it mattered most. Unfortunately for Cousins and the Vikes, they had the second worst defense in the NFL, thus resulting in a "one and done" in the playoffs. Once again the Cousins stans proclaimed how the loss wasn't Kirk's fault in that he had a phenomenal performance against the Giants in that postseason contest, but was undermined by a horrendous defense. And therein lies the rub. The Vikings desperately needed reinforcements on the defensive side of the ball but were hamstrung due to Cousins' large salary cap figure. The idea that the Vikings organization was going to devote $100+ million to a 36-year old QB coming off a torn Achilles tendon just four months earlier was a stretch. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, I am fully on board with the Vikings taking a step back in an effort to reshape their roster (signing <a href="https://twitter.com/MattAnderson_8/status/1767275001953038727">three free agents</a> for their defense is a <i>great </i>start) while they identify a franchise QB. After all, that's the main reason O'Connell was hired as head coach given his reputation as a "quarterback whisperer." He will have significant input as to whom the Vikings will select in next month's draft (assuming QB is a top priority). Will they stand pat at the 11th overall pick or attempt to move into the top five to draft one of the blue chip prospects? And if indeed they identify a franchise QB, who will they have as their signal caller next year while the rookie gets acclimated to the NFL game? </div><div><br /></div><div>This is perhaps the most consequential offseason the Vikings have had since the Wilf family bought the team nearly twenty years ago. Make it count, Kwesi et al.</div><div><br /></div><div>-------------------------------------------</div>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-21987140250703914022024-03-10T23:59:00.001-05:002024-03-11T18:05:31.133-05:00The NARN Closer's playlist - 3/10/2024<iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/5hK0OWd7mmyP5Nwlu1i5a5?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe>
<br><br>---------------------------------------Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-51604278078638890872024-03-10T06:31:00.008-05:002024-03-10T06:31:00.131-05:00Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce the hi-hat......<p>Despite operating on one less hour of sleep than normal, I'll be rarin' to go at 1:00 PM Central Time for today's edition of my radio show <i>The Closer. </i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p>Say, does anyone remember how this year's Minnesota legislative session wasn't going to be as loony as 2023? Good times! Yeah, the DFL trifecta is looking to effectively gut the U.S. Constitution. </p><p><br /></p><p>At 2:00, political commentator <a href="http://twitter.com/exjon">Jon Gabriel</a> will join the broadcast to discuss national political news occurring in his home state of Arizona as well as the latest goings-on in the presidential race. </p><p><br /></p><p>Then at 2:30, addiction specialist Dr. Nicholas Kardaras will be on to discuss how the toxic impact of our tech obsession and corrosive social media (especially on teenagers and young adults) contributes to the decline of our young people’s mental health.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.<div> <div>You can listen live in the Twin Cities at <a href="http://www.am1280thepatriot.com/" style="color: #666666;">AM 1280</a> 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 <a href="http://saleminteractivemedia.com/ListenLive/Player/WWTCAM" style="color: #666666;">this link</a>, or check us out via <b><a href="http://www.iheart.com/live/AM-1280-The-Patriot-5997/" style="color: #666666;">iheart radio</a> </b>as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis")<b>. </b>If you're unable to tune in live, please check out <a href="http://www.am1280thepatriot.com/pages/narnbradcarlson">my podcast page</a> for the latest show post.<br /><br />And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23narnshow&src=typd">#NARNShow</a> or "Like" our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Northern-Alliance-Radio-Network-New/145205648851543" style="color: #666666;">Facebook page</a>, <b>where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast</b>.<br /><br />Until then.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>------------------------------------------------------------------------</div></div>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-41935013994936190062024-03-08T14:48:00.003-06:002024-03-08T14:48:44.252-06:00I believe the children are our future.....<p> ......and our future would appear bleak as a result. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
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font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4RCWFGObN4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Erick Erickson (@ewerickson)</a></p></div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Even though this proposed legislation has nothing to do with banning TikTok, many young people were falsely led to believe that was the case and <a href="https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2024/03/07/with-the-pressure-on-tiktok-urges-users-to-call-congress-n3784282">thus many called members of Congress</a> to tell them not to do something which Congress had no intention of doing in the first place (some of these kids threatened suicide at the thought of being without their precious TikTok). </p><p><br /></p><p>Essentially, Congress is trying to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from controlling the algorithm in order to spread disinformation to the American public. Because if any government is going to propagandize the American people, it should be our own government or something. </p><p><br /></p><p>--------------------------------------------</p> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-44640541588621821842024-03-06T22:34:00.000-06:002024-03-06T22:34:38.046-06:00The Chronicles of NARN<p>It was March 6, 2004 when the Northern Alliance Radio Network conducted its inaugural broadcast on <a href="http://am1280thepatriot.com">AM 1280 The Patriot</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p>My friend and valued NARN colleague Mitch Berg has been a part of that collection since day one, so he obviously has a <a href="https://www.shotinthedark.info/wp/?p=87115">much better perspective</a> on the 20th anniversary of the Twin Cities' best conservative grassroots political talk show. </p><p><br /></p>
<blockquote><i>I’ve told the story so many times, I sometimes wonder if the details have gotten burnished in the re-telling.
<br /><br />
Many of the things in my life that actually worked out, started as offhanded, sarcastic, frustrated or intoxicated jokes. My move to the city, my career, this blog…
<br /><br />
…and, in 2003, the kind of “what the heck, why not?” vibe that caused me to send an email to the other principals of the “Northern Alliance of Blogs” and ask “Why not try to do a talk radio show?”
<br /><br />
The answer was…well, “find the opportunity, and we’ll think about it”. I can’t imagine how far out of left field the idea must have sounded to the rest of the guys – John Hinderaker and Scott Johnson of Powerline, Brian and Chad and Atomizer and JB Doubtless from Fraters Libertas, Ed Morrissey then of Captain’s Quarters, King Banaian of SCSU Scholars, and – trivia alert – a husband and wife pair of lawyers from a short-lived blog called Spitbull whom Hugh Hewitt had added to the NAoB in a frenzy of solicitousness, who weren’t interested in doing the show, and whose names I can’t even begin to remember.
<br /><br />
So on Halloween 2003, we met with AM1280 – and to my amazement, they were interested. On January 23, 2004, at a get-together with Hugh Hewitt at the long-defunct Billy’s Lighthouse in Wayzata, we got the formal go-ahead.<br /><br />
And 20 years ago today, the Northern Alliance Radio Network did its first show.</i></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>Definitely check out Mitch's entire piece. </p><p><br /></p><p>I didn't become aware of the NARN until the summer of 2004. But once I tuned in for the first time, the Saturday broadcast became appointment radio for me (there was only one show the first few years - 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM Saturdays). That fall I met most of the guys in person at a downtown Minneapolis hotel ballroom where they were hosting a presidential debate party ahead of the third and final debate between President George W. Bush and opponent John Kerry. About twice per year, the NARN gang would put on "blogger parties" at the now defunct Keegan's Irish Pub in northeast Minneapolis. I would go every chance I got in an effort to rub elbows with insightful, funny and smart people in addition to dropping subtle hints that <a href="https://bradley1969.blogspot.com/2005/06/my-dream-opportunity.html">I too have done talk radio before</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p>It was the 2007 Minnesota State Fair where I opened the door just a crack in an effort to perhaps get some air time on AM 1280. It was the second Saturday of the fair that year when the guys had on as a guest former St Paul Mayor Randy Kelly. Despite being a Democrat, Kelly endorsed President Bush's reelection bid three years earlier, a move that resulted in Kelly being voted out of office in the 2005 mayoral race. Anyhow, Kelly was a fellow St Paul Harding High School alum and once made a visit to my political science class in 1986 when he was a MN House member. To earn extra credit for that class, I dropped literature as well as knocked doors in an attempt to register voters for the upcoming election cycle. When sharing that anecdote on air with Mr. Kelly, NARN host Brian "St Paul" Ward was impressed with my poise and demeanor while knowing I was on the radio. Upon the show's conclusion, Brian took me aside and asked if I'd be willing to guest co-host if ever his regular radio partners John Hinderaker or Chad "The Elder" Doughty were away "on assignment" (the trio collaborated on one of what was three active Saturday shows by then). I basically asked where could I sign up!</p><p><br /></p><p>It was two-and-a-half years later that Brian reached out asking if I'd be interested in joining him for a broadcast at the River Centre in St Paul on a Saturday in January. So on January 16, 2010, <a href="https://bradley1969.blogspot.com/2010/01/narn-in-pictures.html">I made my debut on the Northern Alliance Radio Network</a>. Little did I know that 18 months after that <a href="https://bradley1969.blogspot.com/2011/05/life-is-fiction-competition-and.html">I would be offered a chance to host a solo program</a> Sundays 1-3 PM Central Time (for the first few months, however, it was 3-4 PM Saturdays). A mere 12 years & 9 months later, I'm still in that 1-3 time slot. </p><p><br /></p><p>As I wrapped up this past Sunday's show, I thanked many people who had a hand in assisting me in achieving and sustaining a decades long dream. If I had to be done broadcasting right at this moment, I could still honestly say that I've gotten way more from hosting my radio show than I've ever put into it. Seriously, I almost feel pangs of guilt being able to do this for as long as I have. </p><p><br /></p><p>So here's to 20 years of the NARN! I have no idea how long it'll soldier on but I don't sense a stop sign on the horizon. </p><p><br /></p><p>--------------------------------------------------</p>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-68778168100214363252024-03-06T00:00:00.056-06:002024-03-06T06:18:53.278-06:00Quick Hits: Volume CCCXLI<p> - The Republicans have a decent shot to seize the U.S. Senate this election cycle. With the Democrats holding a slim 51-49 majority, it would merely require two GOP flips to make that happen (or one if there's a Republican president). </p><p><br /></p><p>With Sen. Joe Manchin not seeking reelection, West Virginia is all but assured to go Republican. But what about Arizona <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/news/senator-kyrsten-sinema-announces-she-wont-run-for-reelection/">in light of this latest news</a>? </p><p><br /></p>
<blockquote><i>Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema </i><b>(who caucuses with the Democrats - ed.)</b><i> of Arizona announced Tuesday she will not seek reelection.<br /><br />
The moderate senator’s decision to bow out allows her to avoid a three-way contest for her seat and creates a likely matchup between Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake.
<br /><br />
“Because I choose civility, understanding, listening, working together to get stuff done, I will leave the Senate at the end of this year,” Sinema said in a video message on Tuesday.</i></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>Sinema was elected as a Democrat in 2018 but realized early in her term that her pragmatic, independent streak was a non-starter in that party. As such, the Dems are putting forth a candidate whose ideology squares with that of "The Squad" (i.e. Ilhan Omar, AOC, Rashida Tlaib, etc.). In any other era, this would be a easy pickup for the Republicans, except when anyone with the stink of Donald J. Trump is the nominee. That was Lake's downfall when she ran for governor of Arizona in 2022. Can she overcome that this cycle with a Senate run? Remains to be seen.</p><p><br /></p><p>Let's just say I don't envy the binary choice Arizonans are facing with this race. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>- Rep. <strike>Tide Pod Evita</strike> Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 3+ years ago: </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjGJiAVZHlvPlkgd7WWtKeOLhWJ4C1BxouTveouF7iL8bAPSbqMZBSuT2enRqkHekhUlbSU5Kn__bBGvnI2gMe1jdoZA4LEwk9jQJPC_b8o7IwD_liPIXSv2klxiZK5dU_ZPZKAsqKbu7e5-nkRa27AR52uZaFIlihRRqDKqtpWbKeE5MsuUB/s575/AOC%20protest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="493" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjGJiAVZHlvPlkgd7WWtKeOLhWJ4C1BxouTveouF7iL8bAPSbqMZBSuT2enRqkHekhUlbSU5Kn__bBGvnI2gMe1jdoZA4LEwk9jQJPC_b8o7IwD_liPIXSv2klxiZK5dU_ZPZKAsqKbu7e5-nkRa27AR52uZaFIlihRRqDKqtpWbKeE5MsuUB/s320/AOC%20protest.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And AOC on Monday: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Brooklyn — Leftist congresswoman <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AOC</a> was confronted and chased out of a cinema by leftist protesters who want her to more strongly condemn Israel. Ocasio-Cortez had previously advocated for protest tactics that make targets "uncomfortable." <a href="https://t.co/6yNaOD64c7">pic.twitter.com/6yNaOD64c7</a></p>— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1764942073898078525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I'd say Sandy looked quite uncomfortable there, no?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>- As a fan of the Minnesota Vikings, I've been paying rapt attention to the saga surrounding their franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins. Given the salary cap constraints as well as the significant risk to re-sign a soon-to-be 36-year old QB coming off a torn achilles four months ago, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39658429/why-kirk-cousins-likely-done-minnesota-vikings-free-agent-atlanta-falcons">the Vikings will unlikely be able to match</a> what offers Cousins will receive on the open market next week. </p><p><br /></p><p>If Cousins' departure occurs, what's Plan B at quarterback for Minnesota? Well, this year's NFL draft is the deepest QB draft in quite some time. However, with the 11th overall pick, the Vikes would have to part with significant capital to move up into the top 5 to assure they get a blue chip prospect. That sounds great in theory, but what if none of the teams in those current slots are willing to play ball?</p><p><br /></p><p>If certain rumors floating about are true, perhaps the Vikings have their "Plan C," which is to get a veteran bridge QB as well as make a trade for a potential future franchise signal caller. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
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font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4JGCHvOCoL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by The Rich Eisen Show (@richeisenshow)</a></p></div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>While that sounds like a classic feelgood story of the MN kid playing for his home state NFL team, we have no idea if Trey Lance is a legit pro quarterback (he's only made 4 starts in three seasons). But if Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell is this big time "quarterback whisperer" as he's being touted by some, then perhaps he can unlock something in Lance. I say it's at least worth the risk. </p><p><br /></p><p>I'm hard pressed to think of another pro sports league where the offseason is almost as intriguing as the on-field competition. </p><p><br /></p><p>----------------------------------------------------- </p> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-53355585719708213452024-03-05T19:04:00.001-06:002024-03-05T19:04:44.101-06:00Bad start to the week for progs<p>On Monday morning, leftists were handed the grim reality that if the presidential election were held that day, Donald Trump would defeat Joe Biden. </p><p><br /></p><p>Look, I get it. This is just a snapshot in time and a lot can happen in the veritable eternity that is eight months in politics. But as <a href="https://ewerickson.substack.com/p/if-the-election-were-held-today-trump">Erick Erickson explains</a>, this is the beginning of a trend. </p><p><br /></p>
<blockquote><i>Everything Democrats have fired at Trump has only made him stronger. Biden’s presence on the national stage only helps Trump. This is all really funny to watch as the great media/Democrat freakout escalates.
<br /><br />
Meanwhile, Americans are watching increasing anti-semitism rise and, despite years of lectures about far-right radical anti-semites, the anti-semitism is actually coming from the left. From the newsrooms of Washington and New York to the college campuses of the elite, anti-semitism is rising and, because it comes from the left, the media is rather subdued in its coverage. Joe Biden refuses to denounce it aggressively. The left is starting to divide.
<br /><br />
Joe Biden may be the only Democrat who cannot beat Donald Trump. He is also the keystone of the Democratic Party. With his removal, the party collapses. With his insistence on staying, Trump gets closer and closer to a White House return.</i></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>The only way progs could console themselves was the possibility of Trump being left of the presidential ballot in enough states so as to make it impossible for him to prevail. Ah, <a href="https://hotair.com/videos/2024/03/04/the-9-0-trump-victory-is-leaving-liberal-dreams-crushed-n3784078">but that sentiment lasted all of a few hours</a> when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled <i><a href="https://hotair.com/ed-morrissey/2024/03/04/scotus-decides-on-trump-14a-dq-n3784027">unanimously</a> </i>that the state of Colorado overstepped its authority in removing Trump from their statewide ballot. </p><p><br /></p><p>Given their maniacal rantings all over social media, leftists definitely had <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AB9zPfXqQQ">a baaaaaad case of the Mondays. </a></p><p><br /></p><p>----------------------------------------------------</p>
Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-66870296322839874082024-03-03T21:32:00.005-06:002024-03-03T21:32:48.071-06:00The NARN Closer's playlist - 3/3/2024<iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/655ChsKgG9hN9NnBWio1C4?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe><br><br>
-----------------------------------Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-68074246769802095312024-03-03T06:21:00.032-06:002024-03-03T06:21:00.129-06:00Give me what you can tonight, time is all we have to play........It's the 20th anniversary weekend of the Northern Alliance Radio Network, so I'm hard pressed to think of a better way to celebrate than a live 2-hour broadcast. My radio show <i>The Closer </i>will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time.<div><br /></div><div>In the first hour, I'll weigh in on the Minnesota Legislature's continued attempts to ram through "gun control." Also, progressivism's death cult was on full display this past week. </div><div><br /></div><div>At 2:00, Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute <a href="https://www.independent.org/aboutus/person_detail.asp?id=1119">Dr. David Beito</a> will join the broadcast to tout his latest book <i><a href="https://www.independent.org/store/book.asp?id=142">The New Deal’s War on the Bill of Rights: The Untold Story of FDR’s Concentration Camps, Censorship, and Mass Surveillance</a>. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Then at 2:30, Captain Josh Polanco, <a href="https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/twin-cities/who-we-are/">Salvation Army Twin Cities</a> commander, will be on to discuss his organization's annual food drive. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.</div><div> <div>You can listen live in the Twin Cities at <a href="http://www.am1280thepatriot.com/" style="color: #666666;">AM 1280</a> 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 <a href="http://saleminteractivemedia.com/ListenLive/Player/WWTCAM" style="color: #666666;">this link</a>, or check us out via <b><a href="http://www.iheart.com/live/AM-1280-The-Patriot-5997/" style="color: #666666;">iheart radio</a> </b>as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis")<b>. </b>If you're unable to tune in live, please check out <a href="http://www.am1280thepatriot.com/pages/narnbradcarlson">my podcast page</a> for the latest show post.<br /><br />And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23narnshow&src=typd">#NARNShow</a> or "Like" our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Northern-Alliance-Radio-Network-New/145205648851543" style="color: #666666;">Facebook page</a>, <b>where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast</b>.<br /><br />Until then.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>------------------------------------------------------------------------</div></div>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-87600660483510987232024-02-29T13:05:00.006-06:002024-02-29T13:48:58.382-06:00Symbolism over substance<p>Because I live in the Twin Cities, the murder of three Burnsville first responders has grabbed my attention more than most high profile shootings. As more details of this incident trickle out, I find myself agreeing with the gun grabber crowd on one key point: we need to figure out an airtight solution to prevent people like the Burnsville shooter from ever getting access to guns (his gun rights were already revoked due to prior felonies). How that is accomplished can start by determining how the gunman acquired firearms in the first place. </p><p><br /></p><p>From Tuesday's <i><a href="https://www.twincities.com/2024/02/27/ar-15-burnsville-shooting-linked-local-gun-shop-modern-sportsman/">St Paul Pioneer Press</a></i>: </p><br />
<blockquote><i>A firearm found at the Burnsville shooting scene where two officers and a firefighter were mortally wounded has been traced to a Burnsville firearm shop, according to the owner.
<br /><br />
Now, the person who bought the gun is being investigated for committing a straw purchase — when someone buys a gun legally and provides it to someone who is prohibited from having it — said John McConkey, owner of the Modern Sportsman.
<br /><br />
“The Modern Sportsman had no way of knowing the lower receiver (of an AR-15) would end up in a convicted felon’s/prohibited person’s possession,” McConkey said in a Tuesday statement. “The prohibited person was not there during the transfer process nor was his name on any of the enclosed documents.”
<br /><br />
Someone bought the AR-15 lower receiver from an out-of-state online retailer and shipped it to the Modern Sportsman’s Burnsville location for transfer. “The purchaser passed the background check and took possession of the firearm on Jan. 15, 2024,” McConkey said.
<br /><br />
A transfer is when the purchaser of a firearm is required to fill out an FBI background check to legally obtain the firearm. An individual must have a clean criminal history and Minnesota permit to purchase or carry to obtain a lower receiver in the state, McConkey noted.</i></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>So now we've arrived at the obvious solution, which is to prevent straw purchases (which are illegal) from taking place. But short of implementing some sort of <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181689/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_MInority%2520Rep">Minority Report</a> </i>system of determining "pre-crime," how can a firearms dealer deny a sale to an individual who has fulfilled all the requirements to own a gun and has passed the necessary background checks? I supposed said dealers can exercise discretion if they have a sufficient reason to be suspicious of the buyer. But the next best solution? That seems more obvious, which would be to hand down extremely harsh punishments to a straw buyer who purchases guns used in felonious crimes. </p><p><br /></p><p>Ah, but back in 2019, then Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman explains why that isn't occurring. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hennepin County Attorney Freeman testified in 2019 that he doesn't prosecute straw purchases because "The penalty is insufficient"<br />Every time <a href="https://twitter.com/mnguncaucus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mnguncaucus</a> pushed for increasing the penalty, it's been shot down by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mnleg?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mnleg</a> democrats. <a href="https://t.co/crR3HUNEaf">https://t.co/crR3HUNEaf</a> <a href="https://t.co/aNbDOVsLKJ">pic.twitter.com/aNbDOVsLKJ</a></p>— Rob Doar (@robdoar) <a href="https://twitter.com/robdoar/status/1577784996613464065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2022</a></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Second Amendment activists have said ad nauseum that we're absolutely willing to entertain discussions regarding gun reforms provided any new legislation doesn't make gun ownership more cumbersome for law abiding citizens. But as we see consistently with gun-grabbing Dems, they prefer to use tragedies for feelgood (and useless) proposals as opposed to substantive reforms. </p><p><br /></p><p>Remember that the next time anti-gunners condescendingly proclaim "nO oNe Is CoMiNg FoR yOuR gUns." </p><p><br /></p><p>-------------------------------------</p> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-70101755370155002562024-02-27T12:25:00.005-06:002024-03-14T07:47:08.427-05:00Progressivism is a death cult<p>It never ceases being creepy when political leftists rejoice over radical abortion laws or shield kids from parents who object to a child's "gender transition" via dubious medical procedures. They also decry procreation in the name of saving the planet. </p><p><br /></p><p>But to celebrate a guy <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/us-air-force-member-set-fire-israeli-embassy-dc-died-rcna140455?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma&taid=65dc883b27e4460001fdd2fe&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter">offing himself to stand in solidarity with Palestine</a>???? Beyond ghoulish.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Let us never forget the extraordinary courage and commitment of brother Aaron Bushnell who died for truth and justice! I pray for his precious loved ones! Let us rededicate ourselves to genuine solidarity with Palestinians undergoing genocidal attacks in real time!… <a href="https://t.co/9F7dXOAYJt">pic.twitter.com/9F7dXOAYJt</a></p>— Cornel West (@CornelWest) <a href="https://twitter.com/CornelWest/status/1762218781299122653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Yet these same people who laud Mr. Bushnell as a hero for, in their minds, "shining a light on the U.S. backing the genocidal country of Israel" have had little to nothing to say over <a href="https://ewerickson.substack.com/p/quid-est-veritas-fc9">Laken Riley being murdered due to policies supported by their ilk</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p>There's no way around it: "progressivism" is a death cult. </p><p><br /></p><p>------------------------------------------</p> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-28846689365703742152024-02-25T20:30:00.002-06:002024-02-25T20:30:13.614-06:00The NARN Closer's playlist - 2/25/2024<iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/2x1SugQRHYKxIAfBYJa6I6?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe><br><br>
-----------------------------------------------Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-86119801085724071562024-02-25T07:05:00.001-06:002024-02-25T07:05:00.145-06:00It's gonna take time, a whole lot of precious time.......<p>After a week away on assignment, I'll be back in the Patriot bunker today for my 2-hour radio show <i>The Closer. </i>We'll get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. </p><p><br /></p><p>In the first hour, I'll discuss the tragic deaths of three Burnsville first responders and how Minnesota Dems quickly pivoted to using the incident to demagogue gun control. Also, the latest in presidential politics regarding the matchup the majority of the country does NOT want.</p><p><br /></p><p>At 2:00, political commentator <a href="https://twitter.com/exjon">Jon Gabriel</a> will join the broadcast to give his perspective on national politics, including a key U.S. Senate race out of his home state of Arizona. </p><p><br /></p><p>Then at 2:30, <a href="https://politicalscience.jhu.edu/directory/benjamin-ginsberg/">Dr. Benjamin Ginsberg</a> will be on to promote his upcoming book <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-American-Anti-Semitism-Left-Right/dp/1598133861/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YXEBEKUCBOR4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Nc_eAr-4svUb4HWS-3X5qSyIbJgjRwX6cSLDec_8skElJLtdOQxQOfct80KCLoYoxvAuxyZGXyBIKzFyVyzSGGAyLp0foAmco6vTvR3HSf5CUxiNht9No9CRfGuk_d9NJt4oQqaCpeloan819swzm06NaNv5pRzwOP9hOaDJF6Y7rstdLNJRAOjAPjWnRyZPvKN786zm4jop3WvA5dCbnS_IcO44O2iXAjtHAj069rk.mKNZSHbrtzWMRAYbsHhI8KzjHv5qyUtjvF21oiyKfnA&dib_tag=se&keywords=benjamin+ginsberg&qid=1708826616&sprefix=benjamin+ginsber%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1">The New American Anti-Semitism: The Left, the Right, and the Jews</a>. </i></p><br /><br />So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.<div> <div>You can listen live in the Twin Cities at <a href="http://www.am1280thepatriot.com/" style="color: #666666;">AM 1280</a> 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 <a href="http://saleminteractivemedia.com/ListenLive/Player/WWTCAM" style="color: #666666;">this link</a>, or check us out via <b><a href="http://www.iheart.com/live/AM-1280-The-Patriot-5997/" style="color: #666666;">iheart radio</a> </b>as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis")<b>. </b>If you're unable to tune in live, please check out <a href="http://www.am1280thepatriot.com/pages/narnbradcarlson">my podcast page</a> for the latest show post.<br /><br />And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23narnshow&src=typd">#NARNShow</a> or "Like" our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Northern-Alliance-Radio-Network-New/145205648851543" style="color: #666666;">Facebook page</a>, <b>where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast</b>.<br /><br />Until then.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>------------------------------------------------------------------------</div></div>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-11591656917669420912024-02-23T12:49:00.001-06:002024-02-23T12:49:18.014-06:00Quick Hits: Volume CCCXL<p> - In less than a week since three Burnsville first responders were shot and killed while responding to a domestic dispute, details of the incident have emerged almost daily. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.startribune.com/without-warning-man-who-killed-2-burnsville-officers-and-paramedic-fired-100-plus-rounds-bca-says/600345415/">The latest account</a> is quite shocking. </p><p><br /></p>
<blockquote><i>BCA investigators seized several firearms and a large amount of ammunition at the scene. They also recovered cartridge casings that showed Gooden had fired "more than 100 rifle rounds at law enforcement and first responders," the agency said.</i></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>Keep in mind that the shooter had his <a href="https://www.twincities.com/2024/02/19/burnsville-mn-shooter-shannon-cortez-gooden-record/">gun rights revoked</a> due to prior convictions, so he was not legally allowed to own the firearms he had in his possession. Nevertheless, Gov. Tim Walz and DFL legislators have already demagogued this shooting in an effort to enact more "gun control" this legislative session. </p><p><br /></p><p>To summarize: there are currently laws on the books intended to prevent someone like the Burnsville shooter from committing such horrific acts, yet said laws were not an effective deterrent. But pinky swear, these next set of laws will be the magic potion!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>- Some people told me in 2020 that if I didn't support Joe Biden for President, political norms would continue to be undermined and the longstanding working order of our republic would be in peril. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">President Biden: "Tens of millions of people in debt were literally about to be cancelled, their debts. But my MAGA Republicans friends in the Congress, elected officials and special interests stepped in and sued us and the Supreme Court blocked it. But that didn't stop me." <a href="https://t.co/ruDBNZtb6C">pic.twitter.com/ruDBNZtb6C</a></p>— CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1760420879874286044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>And they were right. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>- Donald Trump is the anti King Midas: everything he touches turns to sh*t. </p><p><br /></p><p>A once great conservative event has been reduced to fringe clown show. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">MAGA influencer Jack Posobiec at CPAC:<br /><br />“Welcome to the end of democracy. We're here to overthrow it completely. We didn't get all the way there on January 6th, but we will endeavor to get rid of it and replace it with this right here…Because all glory is to God.” <a href="https://t.co/55FWokeeVI">pic.twitter.com/55FWokeeVI</a></p>— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/1760780642671845629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Yes, I get that Posobiec is engaging in sarcasm for the most part, basically mocking the hyperbole which progs use to describe MAGA-ites. But since no prominent MAGA figures have wholly condemned the 1/6/2021 U.S. Capitol riots for what they actually were (*not* an insurrection, but a high profile temper tantrum), crap like this is going to be disseminated by an anti-Trump media to accentuate that Trump and his supporters are the greatest threat our republic has ever seen. </p><p><br /></p><p>The reality is that even if Trump were elected POTUS this November, it's highly unlikely the GOP will have a majority in <i>both</i> Congressional chambers were he to assume office on 1/20/2025. As such, he'd essentially be a lame duck President from day one (Yes, I can totally envision the 2026 midterms being a blue tsunami). It hardly seems worth once proud organizations like the ACU (which organizes CPAC), RNC and NRA selling their proverbial souls to Trump-ism since the man himself will be exorcised from our collective conscience in the not-too-distant future. </p><p><br /></p><p>----------------------------------------------</p> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-39082994705967587212024-02-14T05:53:00.001-06:002024-02-14T05:53:00.138-06:00Way down here, you need a reason to move......Ahhhh, the travel bug bit us again.<div><br /></div><div>See ya sometime next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>-------------------------------------------</div>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-54904729278859470372024-02-11T22:15:00.005-06:002024-02-11T22:15:39.803-06:00The NARN Closer's playlist - 2/11/2024<iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/4u2RotWDwJdTcu6ma6dzQJ?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe><br><br>
------------------------------------------Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-9065132837337953812024-02-11T06:31:00.046-06:002024-02-11T06:31:00.262-06:00When this began, I had nothing to say......<p>For only the third time in about 12 years, I will broadcast live on Super Bowl Sunday! Today's 2-hour edition of my radio show <i>The Closer </i>will start at 1:00 PM Central Time. </p><p><br /></p><p>In the first hour, I'll do an in-depth recap of President Joe Biden's awful week where his feeble mindedness was on full display. Even prominent Democrat strategists/pundits are now in full panic mode. </p><p><br /></p><p>Then in the second hour I'll preview the Minnesota Legislative session slated to begin this week. </p><p><br /></p><p>Finally at 2:30, Vice President of legal and judicial strategy at Americans for Prosperity <a href="https://americansforprosperity.org/casey-mattox/">Casey Mattox</a> will join the broadcast. Casey will be on to discuss how the Biden administration looked to pressure Amazon to de-platform books conveying skepticism over vaccines. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.<div> <div>You can listen live in the Twin Cities at <a href="http://www.am1280thepatriot.com/" style="color: #666666;">AM 1280</a> 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 <a href="http://saleminteractivemedia.com/ListenLive/Player/WWTCAM" style="color: #666666;">this link</a>, or check us out via <b><a href="http://www.iheart.com/live/AM-1280-The-Patriot-5997/" style="color: #666666;">iheart radio</a> </b>as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis")<b>. </b>If you're unable to tune in live, please check out <a href="http://www.am1280thepatriot.com/pages/narnbradcarlson">my podcast page</a> for the latest show post.<br /><br />And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23narnshow&src=typd">#NARNShow</a> or "Like" our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Northern-Alliance-Radio-Network-New/145205648851543" style="color: #666666;">Facebook page</a>, <b>where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast</b>.<br /><br />Until then.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>------------------------------------------------------------------------</div></div>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-52294662162460758942024-02-10T00:00:00.243-06:002024-02-12T08:22:19.117-06:00Super Bowl LVIII: The Q&A <p>Dang, these Super Bowl weekends sneak up on me!</p><p><br /></p><p>And to think this is the <i>nineteenth </i>installment of this SB prediction bit. On the off chance there is someone new here, a guy who dubs himself "Super Bowl Inquisitor" makes an annual appearance on my site to discuss things involving the big game. Basically, he'll fire off a question or statement and I'll reply with an utterly hilarious retort (well.....at least <i>I</i> crack myself up).</p><p><br /></p><p>So to paraphrase Benster <strike>Gerbschmidt</strike> Heuring of the inimitable <i><a href="https://mrdilettante.blogspot.com/">Mr. Dilettante’s Neighborhood</a>....."</i>Watch us work."</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Super Bowl Inquisitor: Check out this scenario - in a year where two geriatric males are running for President of the United States, the Kansas City Chiefs score a double digit victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. Oh, and let's throw in some sort of deadly plague to boot.</i></b></p><p>Brad Carlson: OK, as a political observer, 49ers fan <i>and </i>kind of a germaphobe, I'm officially depressed by this prediction. Maybe we oughta end this bit right now. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: Prediction? No, I'm recapping events from the first few months of 2020. </i></b></p><p>BC: Thanks for the lookback, Mr. History Buff. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: You're welcome. </i></b></p><p><b><i>Country music legend Reba McEntire will sing the National Anthem. Your thoughts?</i></b></p><p>BC: An awesome choice! I'm anticipating a sheer patriotic version of <i>The Star Spangled Banner</i>. Here's your once chance to <i>not</i> be fancy, Reba. Don't let me down!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: And halftime entertainment will be brought to you by Usher. Do you like any of his tunes?</i></b></p><p>BC: Yeah!</p><p><br /></p><p><i style="font-weight: bold;">SBI: </i><i><b>OK. Which one?</b></i></p><p>BC: More. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: More what? I'm asking simple questions here.</i></b></p><p>BC: And I answered with <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XVgMdDj5Do">Yeah!</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry-LNqQK2r0">More</a></i>. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: OMG. </i></b></p><p>BC: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ffNJfJUtsA">That's a good one, too</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: Do the kids still say "whatevs?" </i></b></p><p><b><i>Anyhow, let's get this one out of the way early. What's your feelings on all the hype surrounding musical icon Taylor Swift and her relationship with Chiefs' player Travis Kelce? </i></b></p><p>BC: Is there such a phrase as "passionate indifference?" Because when it comes to the status of their relationship and where they spend their free time, that's how I can best describe my sentiments. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: Given Taylor has a concert in Tokyo this weekend, it's going to be a close call whether or not she arrives on time for the big game in Las Vegas. Think she'll make it?</i></b></p><p>BC: No clue, but I'm sure the Swifties are going to demand that NORAD implement for Taylor the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NORAD_Tracks_Santa">Santa Claus flight tracker</a>. There hasn't been this much attention on a singular flight since the ill-fated <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2014/04/cnns-9-most-deplorable-flight-370-moments.html">Malaysia Airlines Flight 370</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: So you're not terribly bothered that the TV cameras pan to her when Travis has big plays?</i></b></p><p>BC: Not at all. But given it's an election year, I demand equal time for Olivia Culpo when her boyfriend Christian McCaffrey makes a splash. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: Speaking of McCaffrey, if his 49ers prevail, he and his dad Ed will have the distinction of being the first father-son duo to win a Super Bowl for the same franchise. Cool, huh? </i></b></p><p>BC: Very cool, yes. But I still hold in slightly higher esteem the father-son duo of Carmine and Francis Ford Coppola winning four Oscars between them for <i>The Godfather. </i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><b>SBI: Speaking of dads, any chance the recent DWI arrest of Patrick Mahomes, Sr. will impact his son's quest for a third Super Bowl championship?</b></i></p><p>BC: Nah. If anything, the younger Mahomes is more distracted by <a href="https://pagesix.com/2024/01/31/entertainment/patrick-mahomes-defends-dad-bod-after-shirtless-locker-room-video/">the focus on his dad <i>bod</i></a>. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: History will be made this game: A man by the name of Terry Killens will be the Umpire on Sunday, making him the first to officiate *and* play in a Super Bowl (he was with the 1999 Tennessee Titans). </i></b></p><p>BC: Given he had one special teams tackle in Super Bowl 34, I'm guessing he's going to have a bigger impact this game since he's armed with a yellow flag. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: Each team has been sustained offensively by players (RB Isiah Pacheco for the Chiefs; QB Brock Purdy for the 49ers) who were selected within the final 12 picks of the 2022 NFL draft. Who woulda thunk it?</i></b></p><p>BC: Reminiscent of the successful offensive by the Ewoks when taking on the big bad Empire on the forest moon of Endor. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: Are you and the Mrs. hosting a big gathering during the game this year?</i></b></p><p>BC: Nah. Only about 3-4 friends coming over. Any they'll be treated to some mighty fine BBQ as well as cupcakes with red an yellow sprinkles. Kind of a hat tip to Kansas City. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: What, no love for San Francisco????</i></b></p><p>BC: Eh. Not really a fan of Rice-A-Roni or sidewalk feces. Though I could pay homage to San Fran by breaking into a CVS while donning my George Kittle jersey. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SBI: On that note, let's get to your prediction. The 49ers are currently 2-point favorites. How ya see this one? </i></b></p><p>BC: I indicated two weeks ago that this year's Super Bowl would essentially be the coronation of whomever wins the AFC title game. So I've been pretty bullish on KC the past several days. In fact, I haven’t been this confident in my Super Bowl pick since I predicted the 18-0 New England Patriots to comfortably defeat the New York Giants 16 years ago. </p><p>So with that in mind, I’m performing an “about face” by going with the 49ers in a tight knit ballgame. Call it 24-21, Niners.</p><p><br /></p><p>Enjoy the game, all!<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p><b><u>My 2023 postseason record</u></b>:</p><p>Against the spread: 7-5</p><p>Straight up: 9-3</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>-------------------------------------------------</p>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-34665124250789058742024-02-08T22:23:00.001-06:002024-02-08T22:23:14.096-06:00Breaking: Biden is old and forgetful<p>I was rather taken aback by how many leftists jumped around like poo-flinging monkeys when it was announced <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/no-charges-biden-classified-records-special-counsel-robert-hur">Special Counsel Robert Hur would not recommend criminal charges</a> against President Joe Biden over his mishandling of classified documents. Not because I somehow believed proggies would be intellectually consistent by maintaining the same energy they did when calling for Donald Trump's head over similar indiscretions. No, my surprise was rooted in the fact that they don't seem to grasp that the reason Biden won't be charged isn't exactly bolstering his reelection chances. </p><p><br /></p>
<blockquote><i>The special counsel also described Biden as "a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory." </i></blockquote><br />OK, this isn't exactly news that Biden is a doddering old fool. But to have someone in an official capacity come right out and say it is quite damning.
<div><br /></div><div>Instead of sleeping on it and crafting a response in the morning, the President decided to hold an impromptu press conference to respond to the Special Counsel's report. And it went <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/an-unmitigated-disaster/">about as well as you'd expect</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Biden tries cracking jokes when asked serious questions about his mental acuity. <br /><br />DOOCY: "How bad is your memory and can you continue as president?" <br /><br />BIDEN: "My memory is so bad I let you speak." <a href="https://t.co/9UYYOUIoz7">pic.twitter.com/9UYYOUIoz7</a></p>— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/townhallcom/status/1755762350437683410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">BIDEN (yelling): "I DID NOT SHARE CLASSIFED INFORMATION!"<br /><br />The special counsel says he did, in fact, share classified information. <a href="https://t.co/kzldAEP2WA">pic.twitter.com/kzldAEP2WA</a></p>— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) <a href="https://twitter.com/RNCResearch/status/1755762530012508360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The press got the memo - <br /><br />After ignoring Biden’s cognitive decline for years, it has now become an issue.<br /><br />And Biden doesn’t like it. <a href="https://t.co/5hb7tu8ZA0">pic.twitter.com/5hb7tu8ZA0</a></p>— Techno Fog (@Techno_Fog) <a href="https://twitter.com/Techno_Fog/status/1755762979612823817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Knowing that Biden has rarely (if ever) done public appearances before 10:00 a.m or after 7:00 p.m. throughout most of his presidency, I can't imagine his handlers endorsed this move. Given members of his administration run roughshod over him when he actually is pragmatic (i.e. defending Israel's right to exist shortly after the 10/7/2023 terror attacks against the country), I find it difficult to believe they couldn't prevent this disastrous scenario from taking place. </p><p><br /></p><p>If I were a conspiracy theorist, I might be inclined to believe that the President's disillusioned staff is tired of playing "Weekend at Biden's" and thus they actually encouraged him to call this gathering. The reason for that of course is to put on full display how utterly inept he is, thus sending a strong signal to fellow Democrats that pressing forth in the '24 campaign with this walking cadaver puts Trump in a prime position to win in November. </p><p><br /></p><p>If Democrats are as concerned about Trump being this grand threat to our republic as they constantly say, there's already a plan in motion to oust Biden as their nominee. I get that a political party attempting to usurp its incumbent President from running for reelection doesn't have precedence, but Trump being this grand threat means all options have to be on the table. Anything short of extreme measures will tell you that their pearl clutching over Trump is little more than hyperbole in order to scare low information voters. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p>--------------------------------------------------</p> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-5337042176370083782024-02-06T21:57:00.000-06:002024-02-06T21:57:27.343-06:00Quick Hits: Volume CCCXXXIX<p> - Chaos on the U.S. House of Representatives floor <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/news/house-advances-vote-to-impeach-homeland-security-secretary-alejandro-mayorkas/">Tuesday evening</a>. </p><p><br /></p>
<blockquote><i>The Republican effort to impeach Department of Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas failed Tuesday night in a dramatic House standoff that came down to the wire thanks to three Republican defectors.
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The resolution was defeated 216 to 214, as Republican Representatives Tom McClintock of California, Ken Buck of Colorado, and Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin joined the united Democratic caucus in voting against impeachment. Representative Blake Moore (R., Utah) joined the “no” side at the last minute to break a tie and allow Republicans to bring the resolution to the floor again. Representative Steve Scalise (R., La.) was absent due to cancer treatments.
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Some GOP House members took to X to criticize their fellow Republicans who voted not to impeach, with Representative Nancy Mace (S.C.) saying those four chose “to snub the will of the people.” Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) told reporters after the vote that “there was a motion to recommit,” meaning “that we can bring the articles of impeachment back to the floor maybe as early as next week. So this is not over yet.”<br /><br />
The articles of impeachment accuse Mayorkas, who has presided over record levels of illegal immigration, of “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” and “breach of public trust.”</i></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>My unpopular opinion (at least among the political right)? This is the correct call. </p><p><br /></p><p>Is Mayorkas incompetent? Perhaps. Derelict in his duty? Definitely appears so. But if you believe then President Donald Trump's so-called "<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/11/07/775456663/who-was-on-the-trump-ukraine-call">perfect phone call</a>" with the Ukrainian president was not an impeachable offense, then Mayorkas' poor job performance isn't either. </p><p><br /></p><p>You'll never convince me that it's somehow justified to weaponize power because the opposite side has done so. I'll concede that's where we seem to have arrived in today's American politics, but it doesn't make it any less sleazy. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>- The Minnesota Senate has <a href="https://www.twincities.com/2024/02/06/st-paul-lawmaker-erin-murphy-named-minnesota-senate-majority-leader/">a new Majority Leader</a> ahead of the legislative session slated to begin next week. </p><p><br /></p><blockquote><i>Longtime St. Paul lawmaker Sen. Erin Murphy will be the leader of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor majority in the Minnesota Senate.
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DFL senators elected Murphy as majority leader on Tuesday, a little less than a week before the 2024 legislative session begins. Murphy replaces Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, who had been the top Senate Democrat since their party won a 34-33 majority over Republicans in the 2022 election.
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Dziedzic announced last week she had to step down after learning her cancer had returned after she underwent surgery to remove a tumor during the legislative session last year. The five-term senator will remain in office but announced she would vacate the leadership role last Friday.</i></blockquote><p></p><br />If you recall, Murphy won the DFL endorsement for Minnesota governor back in 2018, only to lose in the Dem primary to current Gov. Tim Walz. For all the virtue signaling prog men engage in over more women needing to be in elected office, they certainly have no qualms about stepping over them to obtain power (see also Mark Dayton usurping DFL-endorsed Margaret Anderson-Kelliher in the 2010 gov race). <div><br /></div><div>Would love to be that proverbial fly on the wall when legislative leaders meet with Walz this upcoming session. <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>- For a stretch in the early to late 1990s, I became a fan of country music. The artists who really swayed me were Garth Brooks, Clint Black, John Michael Montgomery, Alan Jackson.......and Toby Keith. </p><p><br /></p><p>The song that drew me in to Keith's music was his debut single on his second album <i>Boomtown, </i>released in 1994<i>. </i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OIjsSu_I4So?si=yCKCaTPiD6Wejxmf" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This song was especially resonant because I had just seen my ex fiancée a month earlier, and she told me she was dating a guy. Since the gist of the song "Who's That Man" is about a divorced guy driving by his former house to see his ex married to another guy who's fathering the divorcee's kids, it's not perfectly analogous. Nevertheless, the tune still impacted me in that someone had taken my place seemingly against my desires. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keith not only sang about matters of the heart, he also was unapologetically patriotic, especially when singing of putting a "<a href="https://youtu.be/ruNrdmjcNTc?si=BNq0YVl8J3tAU2Tx&t=134">boot in your a**</a>" if you dare cross America. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, it was announced Tuesday morning that <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/country-singer-toby-keith-dead-62">Keith succumbed to cancer at age 62</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>While it's difficult to say goodbye to our favorite musical artists, their enduring "art" will make it feel as though they're always with us. </div><div><br /></div><div>-----------------------------------------</div></div>Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916319.post-67696171153955747942024-02-04T22:09:00.004-06:002024-02-04T22:09:59.334-06:00The NARN Closer's playlist - 2/4/2024<iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/7ItvIeWFb0aFcaMfC7LCco?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe>
<br><br>-------------------------------------------Brad Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10443466836095058736noreply@blogger.com0