On Friday, August 8, Russian military forces invaded Georgia targeting the areas of South Ossetia and Abkhazia with overwhelming military force including air attacks on Georgia's oil pipeline and airports. This aggression may not be just a movement by Russia to re-align its borders with two new friendly separatists’ states, but also to enhance its control of oil and gas resources while confronting acceptance of Kosovo as an independent country and NATO’s expansion plans.
To many this August 8th was unpredictable, yet Secretary of State Rice on July 10th visited Georgia and discussed the ongoing controversy. She was asked “how concerned are you about the possibility of the violence in Abkhazia erupting into a wider war?” In the end, her response was “We always fight for our friends” and “Georgia’s future is in NATO.”
Russia’s economy may have improved and “democratic elections” may have taken place, but it is still a country with a concentration of power with leaders that are accountable to no one. There is still a crackdown on a free press, and restraints on individual rights and on free enterprise. The genocide against the Chechens is another stark reminder of how Vladimir Putin operates.
Georgia may not be clean in their management of the provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, but they have been America’s ally in the Global War on Terror. While the coalition of the willing has been diminishing, Georgia had 2,000 troops in Iraq prior to the Russian invasion.
This conflict will escalate as Bush and world leaders try to exert some influence. Congress may be asked to increase foreign aid (aka military aid) to Georgia … either overtly or covertly.
Representative John Kline, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, will have a voice.
But Kline should not wait for a funding request, he should take personal action immediately.
As previously written in Does John Kline Put His Money Where His Mouth Is ?, Kline has a personal investment in the ING Russia Fund. The ING Russia Fund is composed of 47.8% investment in the oil and gas industry. The dollar amount of Kline’s investment is immaterial, the fact is that he is placing his own personal investment in Russia over US interests. There are many places to invest your money ... after all, the U.S. is the number one investor in Georgia.
I am not a believer in sanctions as they have proven unsuccessful, but also don’t believe in war-profiteers.
Kline must divest now.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
First Proof ! Educated Voters Pick Sarvi, Reject Kline
My previous commentary addressed the importance of educating voters on Congressman John Kline (R-MN-02) stance on the issues. Now the first voice is heard as The Independence Party issued an official endorsement.
“The Independence Party occasionally endorses a candidate from a different party when we do not have a candidate from our own party,” said Marian Brown, Second District chair. “To be cross-endorsed, the candidate must agree with at least 75 percent of our key issues and meet several other qualifications. We look forward to having Steve Sarvi represent us in Congress.” The party’s core values include preserving the democratic process, justice, social inclusiveness, fiscal responsibility and protecting the environment.
This is significant.
The Independence Party offers voters offer an alternative to the two main parties and has proven to the deciding factor in a number of elections. Electing Jesse Ventura as Governor was not the result of some Hollywood screen play. It certainly did not happen because the rank-and-file Independence Party membership, but instead because independent voters were given a third choice. Current Governor Tim Pawlenty never got a majority of the votes in his two elections, as Tim Penny and Peter Hutchinson provided independent voters someone to vote for that wasn’t a flawed DFL nominee or Pawlenty. In the 2006 election, voters knew Tim Pawlenty’s record and his margin of victory was less than 22,000 while Hutchinson garnered over 141,000 votes. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN-06) barely received a majority of votes (50.05%) as no doubt John Paul Binkowski had an impact in her 2006 election. This year, my current MN Senate projection is that Norm Coleman will garner 49% of the vote with The Independence Party’s Dean Barkley getting 6%.
Neither the MN-GOP nor DFL have enough party members to decide this election … it will be the Independent Voters that sway the election.
By the Independence Party endorsing another party's candidate instead of offering their own, they are telling voters that they have reviewed Kline’s Congressional voting record and Sarvi’s stance on the issues and see that the Second District would be better served with Sarvi.
That recognition is good news and something that the DCCC should take notice.
Minnesota has seen how effectively Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN-01) can work in bi-partisan basis while Kline has shown that he is in the minority of Republicans.
Minnesota needs strong leadership, not someone that stands alone in dissent.
“The Independence Party occasionally endorses a candidate from a different party when we do not have a candidate from our own party,” said Marian Brown, Second District chair. “To be cross-endorsed, the candidate must agree with at least 75 percent of our key issues and meet several other qualifications. We look forward to having Steve Sarvi represent us in Congress.” The party’s core values include preserving the democratic process, justice, social inclusiveness, fiscal responsibility and protecting the environment.
This is significant.
The Independence Party offers voters offer an alternative to the two main parties and has proven to the deciding factor in a number of elections. Electing Jesse Ventura as Governor was not the result of some Hollywood screen play. It certainly did not happen because the rank-and-file Independence Party membership, but instead because independent voters were given a third choice. Current Governor Tim Pawlenty never got a majority of the votes in his two elections, as Tim Penny and Peter Hutchinson provided independent voters someone to vote for that wasn’t a flawed DFL nominee or Pawlenty. In the 2006 election, voters knew Tim Pawlenty’s record and his margin of victory was less than 22,000 while Hutchinson garnered over 141,000 votes. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN-06) barely received a majority of votes (50.05%) as no doubt John Paul Binkowski had an impact in her 2006 election. This year, my current MN Senate projection is that Norm Coleman will garner 49% of the vote with The Independence Party’s Dean Barkley getting 6%.
Neither the MN-GOP nor DFL have enough party members to decide this election … it will be the Independent Voters that sway the election.
By the Independence Party endorsing another party's candidate instead of offering their own, they are telling voters that they have reviewed Kline’s Congressional voting record and Sarvi’s stance on the issues and see that the Second District would be better served with Sarvi.
That recognition is good news and something that the DCCC should take notice.
Minnesota has seen how effectively Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN-01) can work in bi-partisan basis while Kline has shown that he is in the minority of Republicans.
Minnesota needs strong leadership, not someone that stands alone in dissent.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
MN-02 IA-05 : Education key in Kline, King races
Following up on my previous commentary that one of the reasons for Congress’ low poll numbers is the obstructionists, there is new hope that fresh ideas may be on the way next January.
CQ Politics has looked at the upcoming House races and noting that there is a shift favoring Democrats.
Specifically for Minnesotans, it has made a change in the Second District ratings. “Steve Sarvi is an Iraq War veteran and the former mayor of Watertown whose biography and experience make him a strong recruit for Democratic efforts to take over the 2nd District from three-term Rep John Kline . CQ Politics is changing its rating on the race to Republican Favored from Safe Republican, indicating it is a race to watch. The DCCC has categorized the race similarly. It lists the 2nd District race as one of its 20 “Emerging Races,” … ”
So for those of us in Minnesota’s First District look north to see an emerging race, so can we look south to Iowa’s Fifth District.
Also elected in 2002, is Republican Steve King … aka the House’s Obstructionist-in-Chief.
The conventional wisdom about King is that it's going to be nearly impossible for any Democrat to unseat him when western Iowa remains a Republican stronghold, but Rob Hubler estimates he's driven about 180,000 miles during the past 18 months asking the question who is “Who’s Steve King?”
Hubler says, most voters don't know much about King except that he's opposed to immigration and a supporter of administration policy in Iraq.
Hubler says, they don't hear about his voting record on other issues because Democrats haven't done enough to challenge him, and King - now in office three terms - benefits from name recognition.
Hubler contends that Republicans are tiring of King as well, and he wonders whether King has alienated other congressional Republicans with his frequent headline-grabbing remarks.
Ah, I see a parallel … entrenched Republicans with name recognition playing on fear issues being retained in Congress.
The key to change in Washington is to educate the voters about the records.
Do you want a Congressman who votes :
NO on tax incentives for renewable energy:
NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies:
NO on investing in homegrown biofuel
YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends
NO on paying for AMT relief by closing offshore business loopholes
YES on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay
NO on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D
NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility
NO on giving mental health full equity with physical health
NO on assisting workers who lose jobs due to globalization
But, agrees with privatizing Social Security
Those are the votes by John Kline and Steve King.
They may want to make this an election on WMD -- WantMoreDrilling, but voters need to know that there are many other issues that are important --- jobs, healthcare, tax fairness and of course, the national debt. A year ago, we felt pain at the pump when gas was $3 / gallon, but there was no WMD talk then … but they voted on a lot of issues. Voters must remember those issues and not just be fooled by the glitzy advertisements.
This election will not be decided by the Republicans nor the Democrats … it will be decided by the Independents.
Educating Independents will require volunteers and money. If you have either to spare, please consider Steve Sarvi and
Rob Hubler
Both Sarvi and Hubler are veterans and experienced in local politics … it’s time to change Washington with people who know our issues.
Sources :
Steve King votes
John Kline votes
Des Moines Register
CQ Politics has looked at the upcoming House races and noting that there is a shift favoring Democrats.
Specifically for Minnesotans, it has made a change in the Second District ratings. “Steve Sarvi is an Iraq War veteran and the former mayor of Watertown whose biography and experience make him a strong recruit for Democratic efforts to take over the 2nd District from three-term Rep John Kline . CQ Politics is changing its rating on the race to Republican Favored from Safe Republican, indicating it is a race to watch. The DCCC has categorized the race similarly. It lists the 2nd District race as one of its 20 “Emerging Races,” … ”
So for those of us in Minnesota’s First District look north to see an emerging race, so can we look south to Iowa’s Fifth District.
Also elected in 2002, is Republican Steve King … aka the House’s Obstructionist-in-Chief.
The conventional wisdom about King is that it's going to be nearly impossible for any Democrat to unseat him when western Iowa remains a Republican stronghold, but Rob Hubler estimates he's driven about 180,000 miles during the past 18 months asking the question who is “Who’s Steve King?”
Hubler says, most voters don't know much about King except that he's opposed to immigration and a supporter of administration policy in Iraq.
Hubler says, they don't hear about his voting record on other issues because Democrats haven't done enough to challenge him, and King - now in office three terms - benefits from name recognition.
Hubler contends that Republicans are tiring of King as well, and he wonders whether King has alienated other congressional Republicans with his frequent headline-grabbing remarks.
Ah, I see a parallel … entrenched Republicans with name recognition playing on fear issues being retained in Congress.
The key to change in Washington is to educate the voters about the records.
Do you want a Congressman who votes :
NO on tax incentives for renewable energy:
NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies:
NO on investing in homegrown biofuel
YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends
NO on paying for AMT relief by closing offshore business loopholes
YES on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay
NO on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D
NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility
NO on giving mental health full equity with physical health
NO on assisting workers who lose jobs due to globalization
But, agrees with privatizing Social Security
Those are the votes by John Kline and Steve King.
They may want to make this an election on WMD -- WantMoreDrilling, but voters need to know that there are many other issues that are important --- jobs, healthcare, tax fairness and of course, the national debt. A year ago, we felt pain at the pump when gas was $3 / gallon, but there was no WMD talk then … but they voted on a lot of issues. Voters must remember those issues and not just be fooled by the glitzy advertisements.
This election will not be decided by the Republicans nor the Democrats … it will be decided by the Independents.
Educating Independents will require volunteers and money. If you have either to spare, please consider Steve Sarvi and
Rob Hubler
Both Sarvi and Hubler are veterans and experienced in local politics … it’s time to change Washington with people who know our issues.
Sources :
Steve King votes
John Kline votes
Des Moines Register
Monday, July 28, 2008
MN-01 : Brain Davis Hero gets Special Legislation – Vote 60
Why are Congress’ poll ratings at an all-time low ?
There are many reasons, but one most certainly is Gamesmanship.
The Republicans have used a number of procedural tactics to delay and stymie movement on legislation.
Representative Steve King (R-IA) has been particularily effective in the Judiciary Committee requiring roll call votes in committee meetings and denying other Members of Congress from questioning witnesses.
In fact, the House has been prone to many Roll Call votes when Voice Votes were customarily used … even having some Representatives change their votes in midstream just to delay things longer.
The goal of the Republicans may be to kill legislation---or delay it interminably --- not find a middle and bipartisan ground.
As Trent Lott (formerly Republican Majority Leader in the Senate) stated “The strategy of being obstructionist can work or fail.” Lott's point was that a minority party can push as far as it wants until the public blames them for the problem, and so far that has not happened.
It’s time the public, puts the blame where it belongs.
In the House, the Democrats with a slight majority have joined with moderate Republicans to pass many bills onto the Senate … but that is where they stop. The Senate has a number of procedural rules that Senators can use to halt progress. For example, since January 2007, Senator Tom (a.k.a. Dr. Death) Coburn has used his senatorial "hold" to block more than 80 pieces of legislation. Some of the bills, including a child pornography law that passed the House 409 to 0 in November, are so non-controversial that they would normally sail through on voice vote.
Now, the Senate is now moving forward legislation that would roll 35 bills into one omnibus package … all designed to get enough Republicans – and particularly Senator Coburn -- to break their obstructionists grip.
This is not good government … but unfortunately necessary when obstructionists can use rules and parliamentary tactics to impede progress.
For some, Coburn may be a roll model.
As The Mankato Free Press reported during its first interview with Republican First District candidate Dr. Brian Davis : “As a living political hero, he lists Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, a fellow physician who Davis said isn’t afraid to offend Republican colleagues when he thinks they are placing self interest over the interests of his constituents or the nation.”
Coburn … a hero ? Is this an indicator to what sort of tactics that Davis could use if elected?
Since Minnesota First asked about Davis stance on the issues, The Mankato Free Press article stated : “Davis, a fiscal and social conservative, emphasizes numerous issues that tend to be important to Republican activists: illegal immigration (he considers it very damaging to the middle class), abortion and gay marriage ( strongly opposed to both), stem- cell research (it can be done without embryonic stem cells), the estate tax (repeal it), the Bush tax cuts (make them permanent), the Iraq war (no hasty withdrawal) ...”
That was October 25,2007.
That was the issues that he thought could garner votes, yet those are more controversial. But that’s his agenda.
Now, it’s OneIssueDavis … WMD … WantMoreDrilling.
So to the voters in Minnesota’s First District Republican Primary Election, please consider which candidate is bested suited for effective governance as you decide between State Senator Dick Day and OneIssueDavis.
Voters in November are starting to get an impression of Davis and it’s not good. From late tax payments to misinformed statements, Davis is showing that he is not prepared to represent the First District.
FYI – The VOTE 60 in the title of this commentary refers to my effort to promote the importance of the US Senate races in 2008. VOTE 60 will be the headline of future commentaries and you can read about it here.
There are many reasons, but one most certainly is Gamesmanship.
The Republicans have used a number of procedural tactics to delay and stymie movement on legislation.
Representative Steve King (R-IA) has been particularily effective in the Judiciary Committee requiring roll call votes in committee meetings and denying other Members of Congress from questioning witnesses.
In fact, the House has been prone to many Roll Call votes when Voice Votes were customarily used … even having some Representatives change their votes in midstream just to delay things longer.
The goal of the Republicans may be to kill legislation---or delay it interminably --- not find a middle and bipartisan ground.
As Trent Lott (formerly Republican Majority Leader in the Senate) stated “The strategy of being obstructionist can work or fail.” Lott's point was that a minority party can push as far as it wants until the public blames them for the problem, and so far that has not happened.
It’s time the public, puts the blame where it belongs.
In the House, the Democrats with a slight majority have joined with moderate Republicans to pass many bills onto the Senate … but that is where they stop. The Senate has a number of procedural rules that Senators can use to halt progress. For example, since January 2007, Senator Tom (a.k.a. Dr. Death) Coburn has used his senatorial "hold" to block more than 80 pieces of legislation. Some of the bills, including a child pornography law that passed the House 409 to 0 in November, are so non-controversial that they would normally sail through on voice vote.
Now, the Senate is now moving forward legislation that would roll 35 bills into one omnibus package … all designed to get enough Republicans – and particularly Senator Coburn -- to break their obstructionists grip.
This is not good government … but unfortunately necessary when obstructionists can use rules and parliamentary tactics to impede progress.
For some, Coburn may be a roll model.
As The Mankato Free Press reported during its first interview with Republican First District candidate Dr. Brian Davis : “As a living political hero, he lists Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, a fellow physician who Davis said isn’t afraid to offend Republican colleagues when he thinks they are placing self interest over the interests of his constituents or the nation.”
Coburn … a hero ? Is this an indicator to what sort of tactics that Davis could use if elected?
Since Minnesota First asked about Davis stance on the issues, The Mankato Free Press article stated : “Davis, a fiscal and social conservative, emphasizes numerous issues that tend to be important to Republican activists: illegal immigration (he considers it very damaging to the middle class), abortion and gay marriage ( strongly opposed to both), stem- cell research (it can be done without embryonic stem cells), the estate tax (repeal it), the Bush tax cuts (make them permanent), the Iraq war (no hasty withdrawal) ...”
That was October 25,2007.
That was the issues that he thought could garner votes, yet those are more controversial. But that’s his agenda.
Now, it’s OneIssueDavis … WMD … WantMoreDrilling.
So to the voters in Minnesota’s First District Republican Primary Election, please consider which candidate is bested suited for effective governance as you decide between State Senator Dick Day and OneIssueDavis.
Voters in November are starting to get an impression of Davis and it’s not good. From late tax payments to misinformed statements, Davis is showing that he is not prepared to represent the First District.
FYI – The VOTE 60 in the title of this commentary refers to my effort to promote the importance of the US Senate races in 2008. VOTE 60 will be the headline of future commentaries and you can read about it here.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
MN-02 : Did Reagan feel the Planet Shaking when Kline earmark funding was approved ?
''You could feel the planet shaking,'' President Ronald Reagan said when he vetoed legislation that contained 121 "demonstration projects".
Today, we would call those "demonstration projects" earmarks, but Reagan was quick with a quip to describe pork barrel projects, stating “I haven't seen so much lard since I handed out blue ribbons at the Iowa State Fair.''
Well, I have a hunch that the shockwave that Simi Valley California felt about 5:50 PM on Tuesday night was President Reagan rolling over in his grave from what the House was funding.
At that time, John Kline’s legislation was approved.
That’s right Congressman John “Pork-Free” Kline sponsorsed the legislation that authorized $1 million dollars for a project that clearly fits the definition of pork – namely, congressional spending that applies to a very limited number of individuals or entities that don’t benefit the nation as a whole, or enhance the defense of the country.
H.R. 5235 establishes, and funds, the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission.
That’s right, our tax dollars will be used to celebrate the anniversary of someone’s birth and lifetime accomplishments … George Washington didn’t get this observation.
Now, I have nothing against remembering Reagan, but with a national debt of over $9 trillion dollars and unfunded liabilities that make fiscal conservatives shudder, is this appropriate for the use of public money … i.e. your tax dollars?
NO.
This should be funded by private dollars. The Reagan Presidential Library gets over 300,000 visitors …. either increase the admission price or put out a collection plate.
Some may say, it’s only a Million Dollars, well, consider that on John Kline’s campaign website, he has a feature Stop The Pork in which he requests contributions and your approval on petition.
Kline cites the following projects :
-- $211,509 for olive fruit fly research in Paris (The Olive Fruit Fly is the world’s most disastrous olive pest and has infested thousands of acres of California’s olive groves.)
-- $591,000 for the Montana Sheep Institute (former Republican Senator Conrad Burns pet project)
-- $200,000 for a Lobster Institute in Maine (where both Senators are Republicans)
-- $100,000 to Develop a Walking Tour of Boydton, Virginia (requested by Republican Congressman Virgil Goode.)
Interestingly, though Congressman Kline does not mention the $500,000 requested for the Ronald Reagan Parkway in Indiana by Republican Congressman Steve Buyer that is considered an earmark in the same category as those listed above.
If Kline considered those projects as examples of Washington wasteful pork-barrel spending, then why not a Million Dollars for a Taxpayer-funded celebration ?
All I can say is mark February 6, 2011 on your calendar now for a Big Party at John Kline’s house. In the meantime, I can agree with Congressman Kline, that we must stop Congress from ”spending tax dollars on frivolous projects” and that should have started with Kline’s support of HR 5235.
Today, we would call those "demonstration projects" earmarks, but Reagan was quick with a quip to describe pork barrel projects, stating “I haven't seen so much lard since I handed out blue ribbons at the Iowa State Fair.''
Well, I have a hunch that the shockwave that Simi Valley California felt about 5:50 PM on Tuesday night was President Reagan rolling over in his grave from what the House was funding.
At that time, John Kline’s legislation was approved.
That’s right Congressman John “Pork-Free” Kline sponsorsed the legislation that authorized $1 million dollars for a project that clearly fits the definition of pork – namely, congressional spending that applies to a very limited number of individuals or entities that don’t benefit the nation as a whole, or enhance the defense of the country.
H.R. 5235 establishes, and funds, the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission.
That’s right, our tax dollars will be used to celebrate the anniversary of someone’s birth and lifetime accomplishments … George Washington didn’t get this observation.
Now, I have nothing against remembering Reagan, but with a national debt of over $9 trillion dollars and unfunded liabilities that make fiscal conservatives shudder, is this appropriate for the use of public money … i.e. your tax dollars?
NO.
This should be funded by private dollars. The Reagan Presidential Library gets over 300,000 visitors …. either increase the admission price or put out a collection plate.
Some may say, it’s only a Million Dollars, well, consider that on John Kline’s campaign website, he has a feature Stop The Pork in which he requests contributions and your approval on petition.
Kline cites the following projects :
-- $211,509 for olive fruit fly research in Paris (The Olive Fruit Fly is the world’s most disastrous olive pest and has infested thousands of acres of California’s olive groves.)
-- $591,000 for the Montana Sheep Institute (former Republican Senator Conrad Burns pet project)
-- $200,000 for a Lobster Institute in Maine (where both Senators are Republicans)
-- $100,000 to Develop a Walking Tour of Boydton, Virginia (requested by Republican Congressman Virgil Goode.)
Interestingly, though Congressman Kline does not mention the $500,000 requested for the Ronald Reagan Parkway in Indiana by Republican Congressman Steve Buyer that is considered an earmark in the same category as those listed above.
If Kline considered those projects as examples of Washington wasteful pork-barrel spending, then why not a Million Dollars for a Taxpayer-funded celebration ?
All I can say is mark February 6, 2011 on your calendar now for a Big Party at John Kline’s house. In the meantime, I can agree with Congressman Kline, that we must stop Congress from ”spending tax dollars on frivolous projects” and that should have started with Kline’s support of HR 5235.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Where’s Norm Coleman Press Release on Tax Fairness ?
Republican Senator Norm Coleman is a PR machine … so when Norm doesn’t issue one there must be a reason.
So far this month, there have been thirteen, such as :
--- FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR MINNESOTA CRITICAL-NEED LANGUAGE PROGRAMS (somewhat notable since Senator Obama has been criticized for encouraging foreign languages, yet, Coleman states “Allowing our young people to become more connected with the global community will not only enrich students’ education, it will strengthen America’s place in the world for years to come.”);
--- SENATOR COLEMAN ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR HOMELESS VETS CENTER IN ST. CLOUD (somewhat notable since Representative Michele Bachmann has taken the “No Earmark” pledge and St. Cloud is in her district.);
--- COLEMAN, LANDRIEU, BAYH ASK SEC. RICE TO NEGOTIATE WITH VIETNAM ON INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION (somewhat notable since Coleman does not acknowledge that other members of the Minnesota delegation also signed the letter … including Jim Oberstar immediately below Coleman’s signature, Amy Klobuchar on the same page as Coleman, then after the other Senators starts Tim Walz on page 7, Keith Ellison on page 8, John Kline and Betty McCollum on page 10 and finally Collin Peterson on page 11. Absent are Michele Bachmann and Jim Ramstad and for those that complain about how the presidential campaign has affected the involvement of the principles, Barack Obama signed the letter while John McCain did not.);
--- BILLINGS USED DEAD DOCTORS' NAMES (notable because this involved Coleman’s role on the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.)
What a second … wasn’t there some other notable news from the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations this week ?
Yes, there was … on Thursday, the Tax Haven Banks and U.S. Tax Compliance hearing was held.
From news reports : Wealthy Americans are hiding about 1.5 trillion dollars in overseas tax havens in a "deceptive" partnership with top foreign banks such as UBS, resulting in 100 billion dollars in lost US tax revenue.
Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) asked the fundamental question : Why would a U.S. taxpayer open a UBS account in Switzerland, when it could bank with UBS right here in the United States? Why would 19,000 U.S. clients with nearly $18 billion in assets choose to open Swiss accounts?
And that’s just one bank.
Think about it … that’s millions of dollars in each account ! Dollars that should be going to pay for the Global War on Terror and reducing the national debt.
Senator Coleman said, “It is simply unacceptable that some individuals are using offshore tax havens and secrecy jurisdictions to shelter trillions of dollars from taxation, forcing working families to shoulder the tax burden. By exploiting gaping loopholes, these foreign banks are enabling felony tax evasion. Simply put, foreign banks should not be Al Capone safe-houses for evading taxes. Closing these loopholes means we must strengthen reporting requirements, broaden the scope of the audit program, and extend the amount of time the IRS has to investigate cases involving an offshore tax haven.”
I think all of us can agree with Senator Coleman’s statement, yet I have to ask two questions :
This story has been rumbling around for years, so why did it take until Senator Levin took over as Chairman of the Subcommittee to get the investigation moving?
Why hasn’t Coleman issued a press release reporting these findings ?
I can only speculate that the answers to both questions are the same --- it might be embarrassing for Senator Coleman and for others.
Coleman was thrilled to get his assignment in 2003 to be the Chairman of the Subcommittee. Others have identified at least 18 oversight opportunities that Coleman did not investigate, so I will not go into detail on this. Suffice it to say, that the Republican Congress allowed the Executive Branch to operate without oversight wasting billions of dollars, lives, and America’s standing in the world. By his assignment, Coleman is complicit in those failings.
But the second question is more relevant.
By issuing a press release Coleman would be further highlighting people that may be problematic for the political parties. After all, bundlers and campaigns need money and where do you get money but from the affluent. The violator’s names are not listed, but I am sure that many have contributed to members of both political parties.
And as who those people may be mystery at this time, it is not surprising to hear the name of Cindy McCain being mentioned in the blogosphere. With an estimated wealth of $100 Million (before the InBev buyout), she certainly would fit the mold of a candidate that could use UBS’s Private Wealth Division. Add to that, that Phil Gramm, who until Friday was John McCain’s campaign co-chair, is vice-chairman of UBS Investment Bank and a former lobbyist on behalf of UBS. (Note : this is not the UBS division that is involved with the offshore tax haven scandal, but it would be surprising that a US vice-chairman would not be aware of his company’s Private Wealth Division.) It would be wise for Mrs. McCain to release her complete tax returns for the past ten years. It would be also advisable for every member of the current Congress, and every candidate for this upcoming election, issue a statement whether they have investments in offshore bank accounts.
$100 billion dollars in lost revenue is a lot of money. As the candidates talk about issues that voters can relate … like the impact of the rising cost of a gallon of gas and the cost of health insurance, we must talk to them about tax fairness. We struggle though life -- struggle with tax forms -- paying our fair share, but some have access to hid their income.
Coleman’s right when he says that it is wrong for ”working families to shoulder the tax burden” … now the question, what will Coleman do about it ?
So far this month, there have been thirteen, such as :
--- FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR MINNESOTA CRITICAL-NEED LANGUAGE PROGRAMS (somewhat notable since Senator Obama has been criticized for encouraging foreign languages, yet, Coleman states “Allowing our young people to become more connected with the global community will not only enrich students’ education, it will strengthen America’s place in the world for years to come.”);
--- SENATOR COLEMAN ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR HOMELESS VETS CENTER IN ST. CLOUD (somewhat notable since Representative Michele Bachmann has taken the “No Earmark” pledge and St. Cloud is in her district.);
--- COLEMAN, LANDRIEU, BAYH ASK SEC. RICE TO NEGOTIATE WITH VIETNAM ON INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION (somewhat notable since Coleman does not acknowledge that other members of the Minnesota delegation also signed the letter … including Jim Oberstar immediately below Coleman’s signature, Amy Klobuchar on the same page as Coleman, then after the other Senators starts Tim Walz on page 7, Keith Ellison on page 8, John Kline and Betty McCollum on page 10 and finally Collin Peterson on page 11. Absent are Michele Bachmann and Jim Ramstad and for those that complain about how the presidential campaign has affected the involvement of the principles, Barack Obama signed the letter while John McCain did not.);
--- BILLINGS USED DEAD DOCTORS' NAMES (notable because this involved Coleman’s role on the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.)
What a second … wasn’t there some other notable news from the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations this week ?
Yes, there was … on Thursday, the Tax Haven Banks and U.S. Tax Compliance hearing was held.
From news reports : Wealthy Americans are hiding about 1.5 trillion dollars in overseas tax havens in a "deceptive" partnership with top foreign banks such as UBS, resulting in 100 billion dollars in lost US tax revenue.
Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) asked the fundamental question : Why would a U.S. taxpayer open a UBS account in Switzerland, when it could bank with UBS right here in the United States? Why would 19,000 U.S. clients with nearly $18 billion in assets choose to open Swiss accounts?
And that’s just one bank.
Think about it … that’s millions of dollars in each account ! Dollars that should be going to pay for the Global War on Terror and reducing the national debt.
Senator Coleman said, “It is simply unacceptable that some individuals are using offshore tax havens and secrecy jurisdictions to shelter trillions of dollars from taxation, forcing working families to shoulder the tax burden. By exploiting gaping loopholes, these foreign banks are enabling felony tax evasion. Simply put, foreign banks should not be Al Capone safe-houses for evading taxes. Closing these loopholes means we must strengthen reporting requirements, broaden the scope of the audit program, and extend the amount of time the IRS has to investigate cases involving an offshore tax haven.”
I think all of us can agree with Senator Coleman’s statement, yet I have to ask two questions :
This story has been rumbling around for years, so why did it take until Senator Levin took over as Chairman of the Subcommittee to get the investigation moving?
Why hasn’t Coleman issued a press release reporting these findings ?
I can only speculate that the answers to both questions are the same --- it might be embarrassing for Senator Coleman and for others.
Coleman was thrilled to get his assignment in 2003 to be the Chairman of the Subcommittee. Others have identified at least 18 oversight opportunities that Coleman did not investigate, so I will not go into detail on this. Suffice it to say, that the Republican Congress allowed the Executive Branch to operate without oversight wasting billions of dollars, lives, and America’s standing in the world. By his assignment, Coleman is complicit in those failings.
But the second question is more relevant.
By issuing a press release Coleman would be further highlighting people that may be problematic for the political parties. After all, bundlers and campaigns need money and where do you get money but from the affluent. The violator’s names are not listed, but I am sure that many have contributed to members of both political parties.
And as who those people may be mystery at this time, it is not surprising to hear the name of Cindy McCain being mentioned in the blogosphere. With an estimated wealth of $100 Million (before the InBev buyout), she certainly would fit the mold of a candidate that could use UBS’s Private Wealth Division. Add to that, that Phil Gramm, who until Friday was John McCain’s campaign co-chair, is vice-chairman of UBS Investment Bank and a former lobbyist on behalf of UBS. (Note : this is not the UBS division that is involved with the offshore tax haven scandal, but it would be surprising that a US vice-chairman would not be aware of his company’s Private Wealth Division.) It would be wise for Mrs. McCain to release her complete tax returns for the past ten years. It would be also advisable for every member of the current Congress, and every candidate for this upcoming election, issue a statement whether they have investments in offshore bank accounts.
$100 billion dollars in lost revenue is a lot of money. As the candidates talk about issues that voters can relate … like the impact of the rising cost of a gallon of gas and the cost of health insurance, we must talk to them about tax fairness. We struggle though life -- struggle with tax forms -- paying our fair share, but some have access to hid their income.
Coleman’s right when he says that it is wrong for ”working families to shoulder the tax burden” … now the question, what will Coleman do about it ?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Debate Topic : Best Burger Place
Minnesotans have debated where the best burgers are, but if the question is where is the best place for a debate and a burger?
Then the answer has to be The Channel Inn in Fairmont Minnesota … especially if the debate topic is America’s Energy Future.
Fairmont, which is nicknamed the City of Lakes, features as a main attraction, The Channel Inn which offers dining inside, or on the deck outside. All of the great varieties of burgers are scrumptious, but one thing that is immediately noticeable once you sit down, is the wind propellers across the lake.
With John McCain talking about 45 to 100 new nuclear power plants and the Republican endorsed candidate for the First District Dr. Brian Davis and Senator Norm Coleman seeming to be in agreement, the obvious question is, could a city actually be able to generate enough wind energy to become self-sufficient or should one of those new nuclear plants be built in southern Minnesota?
That’s the debate question.
Some may scoff at wind until Rock Port Missouri is considered. The Columbia Tribune reported “Officials in this northwest Missouri town christened a four-turbine wind farm this week, making Rock Port the first U.S. city to get all of its electricity from wind power.
In fact, the wind farm produces more than it needs.
The construction cost to the taxpayers for the project … zero. The impact to the county … more than $1.1 million annually in county real estate taxes.
Impact on consumer rates over the next decade … zero … zilch … no price increases.
Jobs created during the one year construction period … 500.
And, of course,
No air pollution,
No greenhouse gases,
No nuclear waste,
No nuclear proliferation,
No trade deficit.
Conversely, nuclear has its debate points.
Cost to taxpayers for subsidies … unknown, but the S.2191 Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2007, which Senator Norm Coleman is a co-sponsor, encourages new nuclear plants and potentially $500 billion (or more) in taxpayer subsidies could be directed toward new nuclear reactors. Would any new construction occur without government subsidies … doubtful.
Time from construction to yielding energy … a senior industry representative said on April 7 that any new nuclear plants are more likely to come online in the US in the 2016-2017 timeframe … 8 years.
Construction cost to the taxpayers? Some states allow utilities to recover from ratepayers the cost of plant construction when it's incurred — years before the plant goes online -- whether the units are completed or not.
And what about the nuclear waste ? Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is the motto here. And as Senator Coleman recently commented about the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s performance, "I'm still not convinced they fully grasp the psychological and economic impact that even a small dirty bomb attack would have on the American public."
OK, so there could be a great debate about harnessing wind energy versus nuclear.
We know that Minnesota already has two nuclear power plants, but could Rock Port happen here in southern Minnesota?
It is !
The Trimont Area Wind Farm, which has been in operation since November 2005, will be soon be increasing wind energy production as the 99-megawatt Elm Creek Wind Power Project construction has begun.
"In Southern Minnesota, we are showing the rest of the nation what is possible in renewable energy development," said Congressman Tim Walz. "With skyrocketing energy prices, it is imperative that we work together to ensure that our growing wind industry remains strong. In Congress, I have been a strong advocate of legislation that promotes wind development and research into other forms of renewable energy."
"Property taxes from the Trimont wind farm and now the Elm Creek project benefit county programs and schools," said Jackson County Commissioner Roger Ringkob. "The wind projects are not only a good fit with agriculture in rural Minnesota. They also bring in business to our local hotels, restaurants and campgrounds." Production tax revenues from the project for Jackson and Martin (where Fairmont is located) counties are expected to range from $350,000-$400,000 annually.
Even Minnesotans that don’t see wind farms in their area are becoming more aware of the potential. Boone Pickens is now running radio and television ads for his Pampa Wind Project which I addressed on June 12th.
Unfortunately, not everyone is voting to support wind energy. Republican Congressman John Kline (MN-02) and Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) voted in opposition to H. R. 5351 Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008. The bill is languishing in the Senate and as I wrote in February, if Norm Coleman really wants to exhibit his ability to bring people together, he needs to get this bill to a final vote. Sadly, while John McCain comes to Hudson Wisconsin and talks up wind energy as part of the solution, he fails to attend Senate sessions to vote on the issue. For that matter, he has failed to appear for over 80 consecutive votes since April. Admittedly, that Barack Obama has also missed many votes, but he has shown up for the critical ones … including the FISA vote which did not endear him to his base. By failing to vote, McCain is not only delaying more investment in wind energy (and bringing America closer to energy independence,) but is actually hiding from the voters his true feelings – billions for clean coal and nuclear plants while his goal for renewable energy is for it “no longer merits the taxpayers' dollars.”
What a great subject for a debate over a burger at the Channel Inn that would be --- do we want look at Wind Farms in Motion or a Nuclear Power Plant.
Across Minnesota’s First District, Wind Farms are popping up everywhere … would you rather have these or a Nuclear Power Plant in your backyard?
I don’t know how the Energy debate will be resolved, but I guarantee that you will agree that The Channel Inn burgers are tops !
Then the answer has to be The Channel Inn in Fairmont Minnesota … especially if the debate topic is America’s Energy Future.
Fairmont, which is nicknamed the City of Lakes, features as a main attraction, The Channel Inn which offers dining inside, or on the deck outside. All of the great varieties of burgers are scrumptious, but one thing that is immediately noticeable once you sit down, is the wind propellers across the lake.
With John McCain talking about 45 to 100 new nuclear power plants and the Republican endorsed candidate for the First District Dr. Brian Davis and Senator Norm Coleman seeming to be in agreement, the obvious question is, could a city actually be able to generate enough wind energy to become self-sufficient or should one of those new nuclear plants be built in southern Minnesota?
That’s the debate question.
Some may scoff at wind until Rock Port Missouri is considered. The Columbia Tribune reported “Officials in this northwest Missouri town christened a four-turbine wind farm this week, making Rock Port the first U.S. city to get all of its electricity from wind power.
In fact, the wind farm produces more than it needs.
The construction cost to the taxpayers for the project … zero. The impact to the county … more than $1.1 million annually in county real estate taxes.
Impact on consumer rates over the next decade … zero … zilch … no price increases.
Jobs created during the one year construction period … 500.
And, of course,
No air pollution,
No greenhouse gases,
No nuclear waste,
No nuclear proliferation,
No trade deficit.
Conversely, nuclear has its debate points.
Cost to taxpayers for subsidies … unknown, but the S.2191 Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2007, which Senator Norm Coleman is a co-sponsor, encourages new nuclear plants and potentially $500 billion (or more) in taxpayer subsidies could be directed toward new nuclear reactors. Would any new construction occur without government subsidies … doubtful.
Time from construction to yielding energy … a senior industry representative said on April 7 that any new nuclear plants are more likely to come online in the US in the 2016-2017 timeframe … 8 years.
Construction cost to the taxpayers? Some states allow utilities to recover from ratepayers the cost of plant construction when it's incurred — years before the plant goes online -- whether the units are completed or not.
And what about the nuclear waste ? Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is the motto here. And as Senator Coleman recently commented about the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s performance, "I'm still not convinced they fully grasp the psychological and economic impact that even a small dirty bomb attack would have on the American public."
OK, so there could be a great debate about harnessing wind energy versus nuclear.
We know that Minnesota already has two nuclear power plants, but could Rock Port happen here in southern Minnesota?
It is !
The Trimont Area Wind Farm, which has been in operation since November 2005, will be soon be increasing wind energy production as the 99-megawatt Elm Creek Wind Power Project construction has begun.
"In Southern Minnesota, we are showing the rest of the nation what is possible in renewable energy development," said Congressman Tim Walz. "With skyrocketing energy prices, it is imperative that we work together to ensure that our growing wind industry remains strong. In Congress, I have been a strong advocate of legislation that promotes wind development and research into other forms of renewable energy."
"Property taxes from the Trimont wind farm and now the Elm Creek project benefit county programs and schools," said Jackson County Commissioner Roger Ringkob. "The wind projects are not only a good fit with agriculture in rural Minnesota. They also bring in business to our local hotels, restaurants and campgrounds." Production tax revenues from the project for Jackson and Martin (where Fairmont is located) counties are expected to range from $350,000-$400,000 annually.
Even Minnesotans that don’t see wind farms in their area are becoming more aware of the potential. Boone Pickens is now running radio and television ads for his Pampa Wind Project which I addressed on June 12th.
Unfortunately, not everyone is voting to support wind energy. Republican Congressman John Kline (MN-02) and Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) voted in opposition to H. R. 5351 Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008. The bill is languishing in the Senate and as I wrote in February, if Norm Coleman really wants to exhibit his ability to bring people together, he needs to get this bill to a final vote. Sadly, while John McCain comes to Hudson Wisconsin and talks up wind energy as part of the solution, he fails to attend Senate sessions to vote on the issue. For that matter, he has failed to appear for over 80 consecutive votes since April. Admittedly, that Barack Obama has also missed many votes, but he has shown up for the critical ones … including the FISA vote which did not endear him to his base. By failing to vote, McCain is not only delaying more investment in wind energy (and bringing America closer to energy independence,) but is actually hiding from the voters his true feelings – billions for clean coal and nuclear plants while his goal for renewable energy is for it “no longer merits the taxpayers' dollars.”
What a great subject for a debate over a burger at the Channel Inn that would be --- do we want look at Wind Farms in Motion or a Nuclear Power Plant.
Across Minnesota’s First District, Wind Farms are popping up everywhere … would you rather have these or a Nuclear Power Plant in your backyard?
I don’t know how the Energy debate will be resolved, but I guarantee that you will agree that The Channel Inn burgers are tops !
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