Congress should not double as a geriatric ward

Sen. Mitch McConnell's second high profile "freeze up" within a month was definitely hard to watch. 

BREAKING NEWS: Sen. Mitch McConnell appearing to have another scary episode in the media gaggle in Covington today. Aides had to step in to help him out and repeat questions. He was eventually lead away. We'll have the full video on @WLWT pic.twitter.com/q9ex5MHxLV

— Hannah Thomas (@HannahPThomas) August 30, 2023

As with everything involving elected officials, the reaction from a good portion of the American public was less about showing humanity and more about mockery as well as shrieks for McConnell to step down. 

I will concede that an 81-year old man who suffered a concussion after a fall should not be thrust back into as high a profile, demanding job as Senate Minority Leader. Given McConnell has less than three years remaining in his current term, it would behoove his family to have a serious chat with him about stepping away. All that being said, it should come as zero shock in today's political climate that the loudest voices demanding McConnell move on haven't been nearly as vocal over the obvious limitations of the walking cadaver in the White House, the senior Senator out of California or the incoherent Senator hoodie out of Pennsylvania. 

Let's be clear: this is all about progs' obsession with tightening their grip on power. A lot of them assume that Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear would appoint a Dem to replace McConnell were he to resign. Ah, yeah, while I hate to burst the bubble of those soulless ghouls on the left (or not), the fact is Kentucky's law for replacing a U.S. Senator who leaves office is a tad different. 

The appointee shall be selected from a list of three (3) names submitted by the state executive committee of the same political party as the Senator who held the vacant seat to be filled, shall have been continuously registered as a member of that political party since December 31 of the preceding year, and shall be named within twenty-one (21) days from the date of the list submission.

Translation: If McConnell resigns, a Republican will replace him. 

via GIPHY

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Quick Hits: Volume CCCXXIII

- A refresher of Jim Geraghty's definition of "narrative journalism."

"Preconceived storylines that fit a particular agenda or political or ideological view - almost always progressive."

If the media were really concerned about "gun violence," they would put on blast what happens routinely on a weekend in Chicago. But that doesn't make for a useful leftist narrative. Ah, but a racist white dude who guns down multiple black people in Florida??? Leftist media (pardon the redundancy) likely soiled themselves trying to get in front of a camera to report on that. 

Now, am I here to suggest they shouldn't have covered the tragedy in Jacksonville last weekend? No. But it's what they don't report on that's the tell. Erick Erickson explains. 

Steve Blizzard. Ronald Jeffers. Scott and Shirley Leavitt. All were killed by a random man suffering from mental issues in Hampton, GA,

You probably have not heard about them.

As the nation turns its attention to the three victims tragically killed in Jacksonville, FL, just consider those four names.

Unlike the situation in Jacksonville, FL, those four individuals were white, and the shooter was black. It did not make the national press.

It reminds me of the dozens shot and six killed at a birthday party in Alabama. The shooters were black, and the victims were black. No AR-15 was used. The same weekend, a white girl was shot and killed turned around in a man’s driveway in New York. The press and President, though, focused on a black boy shot by a senior citizen in Missouri. The boy, thankfully, survived.

It was all about the narrative. The dead were either black victims killed by black shooters without AR-15’s, or a white victim killed by a white shooter. They could not be used to amplify racial divisions and tensions. But the boy who survived the senior citizen trying to kill him through a door could fit the narrative and, unlike the people in East Palestine, OH, after the train derailment, the boy and his family got lots of presidential attention. I’m glad for the family and happy the boy survived, but let’s not pretend there was no narrative setting attempt in that.

Now, we turn to Jacksonville. A mentally deranged white guy with a manifesto killed three black victims at a Dollar General. The shooter had swastikas on his gun. We still don’t have the manifesto of the transgender shooter in Nashville, but we have this one.

A legitimate and functional press would work overtime to obtain a copy of the Nashville Covenant school shooter's manifesto. Sadly in today's media culture, such newsworthy information could potentially undermine that body's agenda. Can't have that, can we? 

- I've said multiple times that the 2023 Minnesota legislative session was little more than DFLers throwing things against the proverbial wall to see what stuck. They likely knew that some of the legislation signed into law would be subject to lawsuits (and that has come to pass), but pressed forward with an air of "They can't sue us for everything." But worse than that is how warnings of unintended consequences were ignored in regards to other new laws. 

Educators and law enforcement in Minnesota are scrambling to interpret a new state law regarding school resource officers’ duties.

In Redwood Falls, teachers and staff are getting ready to start the school year next week.

Down the street at the police department, Monday morning started with Chief Jason Cotner trying to figure out what to do with the open school resource officer job.

“The timing on this is not great. The community wants the position, the school district certainly wants the position,” Cotner said. “It’s not like a regular patrolman job. Not everybody can do it. This is very specialized, very unique personality.”

Back on Friday, Cotner said the department’s SRO asked to step down citing concerns surrounding a new state law, asking instead to go back to being out on patrol.

Redwood Falls Police said the way they interpret the new Minnesota law is that a school resource officer can’t restrain a student unless there is imminent bodily harm and that such contact is not allowed in other situations.

“Now we’d have a police officer in this department with a different use of force rules than the other officers, so what does that look like in policy? I don’t know,” Cotner said.

We reported last week that the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is pulling school resource officers from Andover schools.

The Anoka County Attorney’s Office explained concerns about the new law for SROs that “restricts their abilities to exercise independent, professional discretion in the use of force in difficult situations” and disallows prone restraints and certain physical holds.

Meanwhile, the Moorhead Police Department chose as well to pull their school resource officers out of buildings, citing in part insurance concerns on liability for school resource officers under the changes to the law.

It's amazing how it's usually progs who shriek "ZOMG, OUR KIDS SHOULDN'T HAVE TO ATTEND SCHOOL FULL OF FEAR!!!!!!!!!," and yet will undermine methods used to actually keep kids safe. 

- Speaking of dysfunction in schools.......

.@HarrisonSD2 kicked a 12-year-old kid out of class for having the gadsden flag claiming it has “origins with slavery.”

The boy’s mom defended him and said she taught him to stand up for his beliefs 👏 pic.twitter.com/C5PlE1FNeK

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 29, 2023

It's downright frightening that an educator doesn't understand the history of the gadsden flag. It absolutely does not have "origins in slavery." So where did she get that idea? According to Spike Cohen, school officials had read an interview with a graphic designer who made that claim. That's it!! Talk about confirmation bias.  

Since this incident occurred in a Colorado school, the state's governor was prompted to weigh in. 

Obviously the Gadsden flag is a proud symbol of the American revolution and a iconic warning to Britain or any government not to violate the liberties of Americans. It appears on popular American medallions and challenge coins through today and Ben Franklin also adopted it to…

— Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) August 29, 2023

Gov. Polis is right in that this is indeed a "great teaching moment for a history lesson." Maybe start with the actual teachers. 

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Box Score of the Week

Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins - May 14, 1989.

--------------------------------

Do you Twins fans remember Tom Lawless? He was a member of the 1987 St Louis Cardinals whom the Minnesota Twins defeated in that year's World Series. 

One of the big moments in that series was when Lawless, who hit .080 in 25 at bats during the regular season, crushed a 3-run home run off Twins ace Frank Viola in the Cards' game four win. If that wasn't bad enough, this light hitting infielder flipped his bat as he admired his shot into the left field bleachers, a gesture which inflamed some Twins players. 

Anyhow, in the game I referenced this week, Lawless, then a member of the Blue Jays, faced Viola for the first time since that World Series game (Lawless entered the game as a pinch hitter in the fifth inning). Since it was '80s baseball, I expected Viola to bury a fastball in Lawless's ribs. Alas, no such shenanigans occurred as Viola faced him twice and merely retired him both times. 

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 8/27/2023

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There's no point in asking, you'll get no reply.....

I know summer is technically not over, but the final Sunday in August is giving me those autumn vibes. Regardless, I will be back in the Patriot bunker for today's 2-hour edition of my radio show The Closer. We'll get started at 1:00 PM Central Time.

In the first hour I'll weigh in on President Joe Biden destroying his reputation as an "Empathizer-in Chief." Also, the first GOP presidential debate took place this past Wednesday, so we'll discuss. And finally, former President Donald Trump turned himself in to Fulton County officials on Thursday. 

Then in the 2:00 hour, my pal Mark Heuring makes his annual appearance on the broadcast to preview the National Football League's NFC North division. Since I am a Vikings fan and Mark a Packers enthusiast, it's the only division which matters to us.

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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NARN super show......on a stick!

For the first time since 2018, the Northern Alliance Radio Network will be broadcasting live from the Minnesota State Fair! 

It'll be a NARN super show with Mitch Berg, Jack Tomczak and myself, as we'll set up shop at the Republican Party of Minnesota booth from 1:00 until 5:00 PM Central Time today! The location of the booth is on the south end of Carnes Ave., between Nelson and Underwood streets ( See map here 👉 ((link)) ).

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"). 

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow. 

Until then.....

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He's back

In his first tweet post on "X" since leaving the White House 2-1/2 years ago, Donald Trump posted this. 

https://t.co/MlIKklPSJT pic.twitter.com/Mcbf2xozsY

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2023

Since a post on "X" is going to draw orders of magnitude more attention than a "truth" on "Truth Social," he naturally posted a link to his website where people can donate to his presidential campaign, which these days his comprised of paying mounting legal bills. 

Likely coming soon is merchandise like coffee mugs and tshirts with his mugshot printed on them. They'll surely be big sellers which, again, will help replenish the campaign coffers. The money, however, will probably not be spent on a ton of campaigning. 

--------------------------------------------

GOP debate #1 for 2024

No, I did not partake in the GOP presidential debate Wednesday evening. I was actually working an AM 1280 The Patriot event featuring the inimitable Dennis Prager.......and it was phenomenal. I've been to several Patriot events in my 12 years as a radio host and I have to say this was the most amazing talk I've ever heard Dennis give (and that's sayin' something). The man is truly a national treasure. 

Now, onto the debate. 

It appears there was one issue in particular which really stirred up some prominent leftists. 

No one is trying to allow abortions right up to birth. You asshole, DeSantis. #GOPDebate

— Al Franken (@alfranken) August 24, 2023

No, “asshole” was right.

— Al Franken (@alfranken) August 24, 2023

No one supports abortion up until birth.

— Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) August 24, 2023

Worth noting that fewer than 1% of abortions occur in the third trimester. #GOPDebate

— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) August 24, 2023

Since it was Gov. Ron DeSantis who caused this rage, it was his team who effectively fact checked these leftists ghouls. 

 

Oh really?

Here are five straight minutes of Democrats admitting they support abortion until birth. pic.twitter.com/5k1aZIlv4l

— DeSantis War Room 🐊 (@DeSantisWarRoom) August 24, 2023

From what I've been able to ascertain about the debate from people I trust, DeSantis lived up to the high expectations of his being the only legit contender to usurp Donald Trump for the GOP nomination. While Nikki Haley apparently had a good night as well, she's not going to get much of a bounce from this night. 

But perhaps the most polarizing reactions were reserved for Vivek Ramaswamy. 

 

Watch all the hands go up for @VivekGRamaswamy when CNN asks their panel who WON the debate.

Last night wasn't a debate, it was a funeral procession for the old Republican Party. pic.twitter.com/HiNwz9zFlZ

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) August 24, 2023

It's no surprise that Charlie looked to prop up Ramaswamy given that he's only in the race to clear the path for his guy Trump. This is especially in light of Ramaswamy saying Wednesday that Trump was best President of the 21st century. Oh, and BTW Charlie? The "old Republican party" has had far more success, y'know, actually winning elections than has Trump and his handpicked candidates. 

On the other end of the spectrum was my friend Jon Gabriel, who shares the view that Ramaswamy is not in the race with the intention of winning. 

Ramaswamy is this primary’s Pete Buttigieg, if the former South Bend, Ind., mayor downed a case of Red Bulls before stepping on the debate stage.

Both are TED Talks in human form; smarmy apple polishers who only got good grades by studying to the test.

It’s likely Ramaswamy will end his campaign the same way, stepping aside for the eventual winner. No one knows this better than Vivek himself, who’s spent the primary praising Trump more than Trump does.

If somehow, against the odds and the law courts, the former president is sent back to the White House, the young upstart will be richly rewarded.

Hopefully, he’ll enjoy the next four years as secretary of transportation.

Like with Marco Rubio in 2016, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie likely has a mythical bullet with Ramaswamy's name on it. But unlike '16 when the "murder/suicide" was done to help Trump, Christie's takedown of Ramaswamy would serve to eliminate a Trump surrogate. 

With Trump choosing not to participate in Wednesday's debate, he used the time to sit down with Tucker Carlson for a chat which aired on the platform formerly known as Twitter. As predicted, Team Trump spun the appearance has having received over 230 million views despite the fact that a video is considered a "view" when a person merely scrolls past it on their timeline. Of course, Trump and his cultists will regurgitate the misleading stat even though a good portion of them likely know it's bull pucky. 

While Trump has come out and said he will participate in no GOP debates, I have a sense he won't be able to stay away. The jonesing to lob insults at candidates whom he feels aren't fit to polish his shoes is going to be too overwhelming. 

Getcha popcorn.

---------------------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CCCXXII

 - President Joe Biden finally made the trek to Maui to see firsthand the horrific damage caused by out-of-control wildfires. The death toll continues to rise while there are also hundreds of people deemed "missing."

For literal days after the disaster in Maui began, Biden couldn't even muster a comment (he literally said "No. No comment" when asked about it while on a beach vacation), extend the obligatory "thoughts and prayers," etc. For someone who allegedly has the reputation of exuding compassion and empathy, this was pretty shocking behavior. Sadly, Biden's tone-deafness was on full display once he actually arrived in Maui, an appearance where he once again invoked personal (and false) anecdotes. 

Charles C.W. Cooke of National Review is beginning to suspect that Biden possessing empathy is actually an urban myth. 

For Biden, this was par for the course. After 13 service members were killed in Afghanistan — largely as a result of his own appalling lack of planning — Biden told the families that his son died in Iraq and was brought home in a “flag-draped coffin.” This was not merely inappropriate; it wasn’t true. On Memorial Day this year, Biden, asked to honor those who had died for their country, skipped merrily past that peskily narrow theme and discussed Beau again. Sure, Biden conceded, his son “didn’t perish in the battlefield.” But what’s that small detail on a day explicitly dedicated to the memories of those who did?

Fabricating anecdotes is explained away (even justified) by Biden aides and confidantes as his way of trying to appear more relatable to the common folk who would otherwise be intimidated while in the presence of the leader of the free world. But in no normal society does that fall under the definition of "compassionate." 

- The city of Minneapolis has experienced two different "mass shootings" within the past week-and-a-half. The city's Mayor weighed in via Facebook. 

Is it just me, or does that statement sound like it was delivered by a high schooler running for class president? 

I digress. 

Anyhow, Mayor Frey must be mistaken. I've been reliably informed that gun legislation signed by Nebraska Fats Gov. Tim Walz a few months back was supposed to prevent such incidents. Maybe Mayor Frey oughta check his sources on this one. 

- With the first GOP presidential debates slated to take place on Wednesday, one specific candidate will be conspicuous by his absence. 

I'll concede that there really is no mystery left to Trump. He has close to 100% name recognition among the electorate and plenty of those people have opinions on his record as a one-term POTUS. From that standpoint, his appearing at a debate for Republican primary voters to "get to know him" is a waste of time. 

That said, Trump should still appear to offer clarifications about the campaign promises he's making now that he also made in 2016 but never followed through on. Remember "lock her up?" 

Despite his 2016 campaign promise to prosecute Hillary Clinton, Trump chose to "help her heal" instead of healing the rule of law.

Draining the swamp and locking her up? "That plays great before the election," he explained. "Now we don't care, right?" pic.twitter.com/6PKFtrxui9

— Never Back Down (@NvrBackDown24) August 22, 2023

Oh, and I'm certain many of Trump's opponents would like to press him on his acquiescing to Dr. Anthony Fauci in shutting down the American economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since he can't coherently defend that decisions, he resorts to his go-to strategy: gaslighting. 

There's also this little matter of Trump having lost in 2020 due in large part to woefully underperforming with independent voters as well as motivating record voter turnout to vote against him. Whenever he is asked about how he'll draw in new voters, his only retort is to cling to the fantasy that he did have the votes to win in '20, they were just stolen, deleted, overturned, etc. 

Once again, delusion appears to be Trump's strategy for the general election (Spoiler alert: it won't end well for him. Or our country). 

-------------------------------------------

Box Score of the Week

Cincinnati Reds at San Francisco Giants - August 10, 1989.

----------------------------

Less than one year after being told he would never pitch again due to developing a cancerous tumor in his pitching arm, Giants lefty Dave Dravecky made his triumphant return to the mound in this game. It was a miracle in and of itself to even throw another pitch in an MLB game but to go eight innings and get the win? Beyond amazing.

Sadly, Dravecky's career would come to an abrupt end after his next start when his arm snapped in a game at Montreal. Two years later, his left arm would be amputated due to a recurrence of the cancer. 

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 8/20/2023

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Hand that ticks on the clock just don't seem to stop....

It's the dog days of August, but it's nice and cool in the Patriot bunker. As such, I will be broadcasting today's edition of my radio show The Closer in its normal 1-3 PM Central Time slot. 

At 1:30, documentary producer Matthew Taylor will join the broadcast to discuss his film Gotham: The Fall and Rise of New York, and how New York's resurgence in the '90s could be a template on how to address crime in several of today's big cities where public safety issues are a huge concern.

In the non-guest segments I'll weigh in on former President Trump being hit with several more indictments, making it clear he'd be severely damaged if he's the GOP presidential candidate in 2024. Speaking of presidents, the White House's current occupant had his own "Hurricane Katrina moment" this past week but the vast majority of mainstream media outlets just yawned. 

On the local level, Gov. Tim Walz touts tax rebate checks that don't even cover the increased cost of living for families. 

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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Returning a portion of the overcharge

From Gov. Tim Walz's Twitter X feed on Wednesday. 

NEW: Checks of up to $1,300 per family have started going out this week.

This back-to-school season, we're taking a weight off families' shoulders by sending checks to millions of Minnesotans.

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) August 16, 2023

Nice spin. Actually the rebate (going only to those within a certain income bracket) is $260 for a single,  $520 per couple. The only way you get the $1,300 is if a couple has three or more kids. Regardless, that's still a tad shy of what Walz promised back in November. 

Millionaires like Scott and Matt don't understand that working Minnesotans need $2,000 checks in their pockets.

They killed that deal for their self-interest.

But when @PeggyFlanagan and I are reelected, we'll push to get this done.

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) November 4, 2022

Given that inflation is still wreaking havoc on everyday expenses in addition to new taxes/fees being passed (including a 1% sales tax increase in Metro area) despite a near $18 billion state budget surplus, these rebate checks don't do near enough to take "weight off families' shoulders." 

Not even WCCO-TV allowed this spin to be ignored. 

 

Democrats say their rebate checks, tax credits, and changes in Social Security income taxes represent the largest tax cut in Minnesota history.

However, there are also taxes going up for most Minnesotans.

Increases that will affect everyone in the state include a new gas tax starting Jan. 1 that's linked to inflation. The increase could be 5 cents a gallon by 2027. That would increase the current state gas tax from 28.5 cents to possibly 33.5 cents a gallon.

Another increase – there will be a delivery fee of 50 cents on packages valued at more than $100 starting July 1.

There has been a lot of back and forth on what should be included in the delivery fee tax. Right now, according to legislative aides, it does include 50 cents for over $100 in clothing -- even though Minnesota does not have a tax on clothing. It won't include deliveries of more than $100 for prepared foods, regular foods baby supplies and medical supplies.

From the DFL's perspective, overtaxing Minnesotans (resulting in the aforementioned surplus) isn't a wrong to be righted but rather, as Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) said earlier this year, an "opportunity" to dole out the excess money elsewhere. Given there has been significant wealth leaving Minnesota the past few years, progs are about to find out the hard way the lesson of Margaret Thatcher's warning about "running out of other peoples' money."

----------------------------------------------------

Blindsided

I was quite surprised (and admittedly a bit saddened) over the allegations levied by a former NFL star against his surrogate family. 

Retired NFL star Michael Oher, whose supposed adoption out of grinding poverty by a wealthy, white family was immortalized in the 2009 movie "The Blind Side," petitioned a Tennessee court Monday with allegations that a central element of the story was a lie concocted by the family to enrich itself at his expense.

The 14-page petition, filed in Shelby County, Tennessee, probate court, alleges that Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, who took Oher into their home as a high school student, never adopted him. Instead, less than three months after Oher turned 18 in 2004, the petition says, the couple tricked him into signing a document making them his conservators, which gave them legal authority to make business deals in his name.

The petition further alleges that the Tuohys used their power as conservators to strike a deal that paid them and their two birth children millions of dollars in royalties from an Oscar-winning film that earned more than $300 million, while Oher got nothing for a story "that would not have existed without him." In the years since, the Tuohys have continued calling the 37-year-old Oher their adopted son and have used that assertion to promote their foundation as well as Leigh Anne Tuohy's work as an author and motivational speaker.

"The lie of Michael's adoption is one upon which Co-Conservators Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy have enriched themselves at the expense of their Ward, the undersigned Michael Oher," the legal filing says. "Michael Oher discovered this lie to his chagrin and embarrassment in February of 2023, when he learned that the Conservatorship to which he consented on the basis that doing so would make him a member of the Tuohy family, in fact provided him no familial relationship with the Tuohys."

The Tuohy family did not immediately return phone calls Monday to numbers listed for them. Their attorney, Steve Farese, declined comment to ESPN on Monday, saying the family would file a legal response to the allegations in the coming weeks.

I've seen several interviews with Oher since "The Blind Side" was first released in theaters more than a decade ago. He was always quite adamant that how he was portrayed in that movie was somewhat of an exaggeration, specifically the implication that he had no concept of how to play offensive line when making the football team at his new high school. The film also depicted Oher as lacking even the most basic social skills, another aspect at which he bristled. But I see those issues as more a function of the Hollywood entertainment industry and their reputation for "artistic liberties" as opposed to the Tuohy family sensationalizing the story. In fact, I recall an interview with Sean Tuohy, the family patriarch, where he conceded that Michael was already a good kid and that the family's only goal in welcoming him into their home was not to "screw him up." Apparently the movie producers didn't think it would be an interesting enough story that Oher was in fact a bright kid who merely needed some guidance in how to develop quality study habits. 

As far as Oher signing a "conservatorship" after turning age 18, that totally makes since within the context of his getting ready to embark on an NCAA football career at the time.

Sean Tuohy told the online The Memphian in an interview Monday that the family sought conservatorship to avoid violating NCAA recruiting rules since he, a former Ole Miss basketball player, could be classified as a booster.

"Michael was obviously living with us for a long time, and the NCAA didn't like that," Tuohy told the publication. "They said the only way Michael could go to Ole Miss was if he was actually part of the family. I sat Michael down and told him, 'If you're planning to go to Ole Miss -- or even considering Ole Miss -- we think you have to be part of the family. This would do that, legally.'"

Oher has not played in the NFL since week 3 of the 2016 season when he was with the Carolina Panthers (In that game, DE Danielle Hunter of my Vikings squad bowled him over en route to sacking QB Cam Newton for a safety. I believe that was literally Oher's final NFL play).  Despite career earnings totaling eight figures, it's possible Oher may be suffering the fate of many other professional athletes, which is money mismanagement. As such, I concur with Jason Whitlock's contention that this is merely Oher taking an opportunity to renegotiate a contract. 

In the myriad interviews I've seen Oher give, I got a sense that he was growing weary of being viewed as little more than the young man who was propped up by a rich, white family. After all, he was a first round NFL draft pick who was a valuable contributor to the Super Bowl 47 champion Baltimore Ravens. His perception that people didn't judge him on his own merits likely was a growing source of frustration. So when it was learned he was never legally adopted, I'm guessing he had someone whispering in his ear that he could use that supposed betrayal to his advantage. 

It's a shame that a once mutually loving relationship has devolved into a ugly and very public legal battle. My hope for both sides is that cooler heads prevail and that a amicable settlement can be reached quietly. 

-------------------------------------

Cult of personality

For every criminal indictment levied this year against former President Donald Trump, I feel the need to trot out a certain F. Scott Fitzgerald quote: 

"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function."

Sure, you can make a solid case that all the indictments are politically motivated while at the same time acknowledging that most of them are not completely without merit. 

Unfortunately, the Trump cultists will not acquiesce to any resolution short of the other GOP presidential candidates dropping their 2024 aspirations and coalescing behind Trump. Since that's not going to happen (nor should it), the cultists will most assuredly take their proverbial ball and go home if their guy isn't the nominee. 

To those who are "Trump or bust," Dan McLaughlin lays out the harsh reality. 

Nominating Trump again would be a disaster for Republicans.

The criminal charges are one of the biggest reasons why. Even if you think that’s unfair, it’s reality.

Criminal defendants make bad candidates.

As the old saying goes, politics ain’t beanbag. People lose elections for unfair reasons all the time.

If you want to win, you don’t just ignore problems you think are unfair.

Trump still has his strengths as a politician: He’s universally famous, he’s funny, he has devoted fans, he can run on memories of a better economy before 2020, and he’s not afraid to be unfair himself.

But even before the criminal charges, he was deeply hated by half the country and disliked by a lot more than half. He already lost to Biden once, and that was before January 6.

Opinion polls continue to show large majorities of Americans want nothing to do with what happened that day.

He’s also 77 years old, which makes it hard for him to make a case against the 80-year-old Biden’s age.

Now, on top of all that, he’s an accused felon and could be a convicted one by Election Day. He’ll be in and out of courtrooms for months, instead of campaigning.

He’s spending, by some accounts, as much as half the money he raises on legal defenses instead of on running campaign ads or getting the vote out.

That will get worse: Trials are really expensive, and Trump has at least five of them coming (if you include the New York attorney general’s civil-fraud suit).

Because Trump’s campaign is spending more than it takes in, he’d need a bailout from the Republican National Committee so his campaign doesn’t go broke.

That’s more donor money wasted, and it will hurt Republicans running for every other office.

The sad truth? The cultists literally don't care about any of that. They would rather go down in flames with their folk hero than put forth a respectable GOP candidate that could defeat Biden as well as provide a boost for the Republicans to re-take the U.S. Senate. 

In the end, the whole chant of "Make America Great Again!!!!" was only conditional upon one person being in the big chair if America were to "return to greatness." Sorry, but that's more a cult than a political movement.

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Box Score of the Week

Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers - September 27, 2011.

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This was the final regular season game in the career of Detroit's Magglio Ordonez. He finished the season with an 18-game hit streak, which is the longest streak ever for a player to finish his career. 

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 8/13/2023

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I'm always somewhere that I never belong.....

It's been a few weeks, but I'm back in the Patriot bunker today for my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour blitz gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time.

At 1:30, journalist Lee Fang will join the program to discuss how radicals have descended upon an Atlanta, GA police academy which emphasizes police de-escalation tactics. Then at 2:30, our technology guru D. Greg Scott will stop by to talk about a disturbing Chinese hacking scheme that has impacted high profile American entities. 

In the non-guest segments I will weigh in on multiple national news stories featuring prominent elected officials from Minnesota. 

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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Waltzing with a presidential run?

From Blois Olson's Friday edition of his Morning Take newsletter. 

When fmr. Gov. Tim Pawlenty or Sen. Amy Klobuchar starting spending time in Iowa, the Minnesota media asked questions, and even though they were largely avoided – it was clear each were positioning themselves to run for President. So that’s what should happen when Gov. Tim Walz visits Iowa. Writing about Minnesota DFLers playing Presidential politics wasn’t on my 2023 bingo card, but such is Minnesota and politics.

As Rep. Dean Phillips, left his “lane” and messed up the get-in line zipper merge of other Democrats, he dared to raise questions many have been asking. That gave Minnesota a little national Presidential buzz. Now, Gov. Walz has visited Iowa twice in two weeks which begs the question – Is Tim Walz on the national Democratic bench? He has won statewide twice, and of course he’s a neighbor to Iowa, but Walz World has embraced the national spotlight since the trifecta and may believe that their own headlines would play well nationally. Of course, Biden is running, and it wouldn’t make sense to speculate that Walz World is thinking that the Governor has any other reason to raise his national profile other than to support the President. Unless something happened to the Biden candidacy.

So, does Gov. Tim Walz have a spot the metaphorical bench of Democratic future Presidential candidates? Based on the rise of a Mayor from South Bend, he could. Compared to Senators, like the senior one from Minnesota, he’s few spots away from the starting line-up on the current depth chart. Maybe it’s fitting that the same day he was in Iowa, the 4th and 5th string Vikings were trying to make an impression in Seattle.

As Walz’s team, and Walz himself flirts with a national profile, or a future potential Presidential run, he will be tested more than he has been in Minnesota. That’s a good thing.

 

Well, Nebraska Fats Walz sure has the chanting points down. 

As MAGA Republicans descend on the midwest, I’m in Iowa to make sure everyone knows just how extreme this field of GOP presidential candidates is.

We must re-elect @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris to protect our rights and liberties from those who want to turn the clock back.

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) August 10, 2023

 

Given the far left prog policies that have been signed into Minnesota law by Walz this year, his stock has risen among the extreme left who are disappointed Biden hasn't done more to advance a "progressive" agenda. And while Dems like Walz continue to put up a facade that Biden will able to run a formidable reelection campaign, the fact is a lotta Democrats are quietly pondering what would occur if they are no longer able to effectively indulge in the Weekend at Bernie's bit.   

If indeed Biden cannot go forward, Walz may well be heavily recruited to be the 2024 Democrat nominee. I can't help but wonder if he's gonna continue with this particular line of rhetoric should he be the one. 

In Minnesota, we mind our own damn business.

We don’t need you in the exam room. We don’t need you telling us who we can love. And we sure don’t need you attacking our teachers, students, and schools.

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) August 10, 2023

This from the guy who OK'd policy which:  

• Encouraged Minnesotans to call a "snitch line" during the COVID pandemic if they felt their neighbors were violating the "social distancing" protocols. 
• Put the human-rights department in charge of compiling a "bias registry" of people conveying speech progs find objectionable. 
• Will shelter pre-adults from their parents if said young people travel to Minnesota to make life-altering decisions as double mastectomies, genital mutilation, etc. 

Not sure how much more tone deaf one person can be. 

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Pleading (for a change in) the Fifth

Democrat Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is in the midst of her third term representing Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District. In the previous two election cycles, she has received serious primary challenges from other Dems (Antone Melton-Meaux in 2020, Don Samuels in 2022). While she defeated her 2020 primary challenger by 18 points, she barely survived Samuels in '22, winning by just 2.1%. That specific race should definitely set off some alarm bells for Team Omar given she was a two-term incumbent who needed to outspend her opponent by a 2.5-1 margin just eke out a 2-point win.

Since CD5 runs at about D+25, the district's DFL primary is essentially the general election. As such, AIPAC is focusing on finishing the job once and for all. 

The bipartisan pro-Israel group has been actively courting a slate of House candidates to oppose marquee members of the “Squad,” including Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), according to multiple sources familiar with AIPAC’s outreach who spoke with Jewish Insider on Tuesday.

The recruitment efforts have come amid a surprise shake-up at a leading progressive group, Justice Democrats, which laid off nearly half of its staff last month. The embattled group has claimed a few major victories over pro-Israel Democrats in previous primaries, but has otherwise struggled to raise money after an expensive election cycle in which several progressive candidates were defeated by establishment Democrats.

While AIPAC quietly opposed Omar last cycle by contributing $350,000 to a separate group created to boost a top Democratic primary challenger, its latest efforts point to a new and potentially more expansive direction for the group, whose affiliated super PAC, launched in late 2021, has largely engaged in open-seat races rather than challenging incumbents.

Now, however, AIPAC appears to be embracing a more aggressive strategy as it seeks to pick off a handful of incumbents who have been unusually hostile to Israel, particularly in recent weeks. Last month, for instance, Bowman and Omar were among a group of House Democrats who boycotted Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s address to a joint session of Congress. The two lawmakers also voted against a GOP-led resolution rejecting claims that Israel is a racist state — as Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, recently asserted at a progressive conference in Chicago.

Anyone who can defeat Omar in a DFL primary isn't going to be dramatically different from an ideological standpoint. However, since the largest portion of Minnesota's Jewish population resides in CD5, the citizens will feel as though they have representation who isn't openly hostile towards their worldview. Another reason Omar is potentially more vulnerable is there won't be any meaningful GOP primaries on the CD5 ballot, so those who typically vote Republican can cross over and vote in the Dem contest. 

Something to keep an eye on!

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You can't spell bias without "bs"

One of the more overreaching pieces of legislation passed by the Minnesota Legislature this past session was a "bias registry." In essence, this is a database of Minnesotans engaging in "hate speech." And given the fact it was progs who pushed for this to be part of the Public Safety omnibus bill, you can guess what brand of speech they consider "hateful."

Obviously there are tremendous concerns being raised as to the potential abuse of such a program, especially when you consider how the information was set to be complied. Here was the initial language proposed in the House version, which instructed the human-rights dept. to....

… solicit, receive, and compile information from community organizations, school districts and charter schools, and individuals regarding incidents committed in whole or in substantial part because of the victim’s or another’s actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, or disability.

But when the final version was reconciled in committee, it was replaced with this:

 

Analyze civil rights trends pursuant to this chapter, including information compiled from community organizations that work directly with historically marginalized communities, and prepare a report each biennium that recommends policy and system changes to reduce and prevent further civil rights incidents across Minnesota.

Definitely seems less ominous than what DFL lawmakers initially desired, which was to flat out police speech. My duly elected state rep Harry Niska just last April basically got them to admit the quiet part out loud. 

Rep. Vang has a provision in the Judiciary Bill that creates a government database of “hate incidents” (not crimes, which are already tracked).

Rep. Vang says “hate incidents” could include:

- Writing an article saying COVID came from China
- Wearing a “I ♥️ JK Rowling” shirt pic.twitter.com/7N2hjFBUME

— MN House GOP War Room (@MNHRCWarRoom) April 26, 2023

So does this mean the "bias registry" has indeed been scaled back. Color Rep. Niska skeptical. 

 

Niska told National Review that he met with the Democratic leader of the committee and with (Rebecca) Lucero, the human-rights-department commissioner, to discuss the new language.

“And in that meeting, commissioner Lucero told me that the problem we had raised had been fixed. She used that word, ‘fixed,’ and that my questions were spot on, and they don’t want to collect that information [about constitutionally-protected, non-criminal speech],” he said.

Niska said he didn’t buy it. Although the language had been changed, to Niska it was now just more vague. And the funding that was being approved — $395,000 for fiscal 2024 and $250,000 for 2025 — was the same amount the department had initially requested.

Speaking against the proposal in May, Niska alleged that the Democrats and human-rights leaders behind the plan simply “vaguified” the language in the bill to make the critics look away. He argues that, under the new language tasking the human-rights department to “analyze civil rights trends,” department bureaucrats can theoretically gather the unverified allegations of non-criminal hate and bias that they had intended to all along.

“Absolutely it could include that,” Niska said. “Implicit in the word ‘analyze’ is that there is something to analyze.”

While the DFL has control of all of state government, they know full well that a permanent, California-style majority is not a fait accompli. However, having the ability to silence dissent would go a long way to achieving that goal. 

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Box Score of the Week

New York Yankees at Colorado Rockies - July 16, 2023.

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The Yankees led this game 3-1 in the 8th inning and 7-5 in the 11th inning, only to lose 8-7.

It was the first time in the storied history of the Yankees franchise where they lost a game after having multiple 2+ run leads in the 8th inning or later. 

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