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81712 - Sat Oct 17 10:43:06 2009 - [Way Back Machine] By: mp

Using the Internet Archive "Way Back Machine" here is the January 8, 2006 Honolulu Advertiser newspaper article on Tammy Duckworth and Barack Obama.

http://web.archive.org/web/20060207151627/http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jan/08/ln/FP601080334.html

......"Very rarely have I met a more impressive person than Tammy Duckworth," said Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., in an article the day before she announced her candidacy Dec. 18. "She just has the poise and exudes the type of character that I think would make her an astounding public servant."

Duckworth is happy to point out that she and Hawai'i-raised Punahou graduate Obama have "a kama'aina connection."

Both were born outside the country — Obama in Indonesia, Duckworth in Thailand — and graduated from high school in Honolulu — Punahou and McKinley, respectively.

81711 - Fri Oct 16 23:42:01 2009 - [The abyss of same sex couple benefits] By: Pablo

Duluth could really be going into the abyss of same sex couple benefits. I see that Beth Olson is a lesbian and married to another woman but I am also hearing that there is another gay candidate running in the 4th district. Is this true and where can I confirm if candidate Kerry Gauthier is gay or not?

81710 - Fri Oct 16 20:45:09 2009 - [Forclosed] By: Homeless

Many of the homes being foreclosed on are in the 100k range and others below 100k.

81709 - Fri Oct 16 18:00:25 2009 - [Change You Can Belive In - Nope] By: Web Hound

http://www.gao.gov/newitems/d10137sp.pdf

Nation's 'Long-Term Fiscal Outlook Remains Unsustainable,' GAO Says
Friday, October 16, 2009
By Susan Jones, Senior Editor

Seal of the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

(CNSNews.com) - Weaknesses in the economy and financial markets--and the government's response to them--have helped boost federal budget deficits, which reached a record level in fiscal year 2009, the General Accountability Office reported on Thursday.

The situation probably won't improve any time soon: "While a lot of attention has been given to the recent fiscal deterioration, the federal government faces even larger fiscal challenges that will persist long after the return of financial stability and economic growth," the report says.

The GAO has been publishing long-term fiscal simulations since 1992, in response to a bipartisan request from Congress. According to the GAO, lawmakers asked for the projections because they were concerned about the long-term effects of fiscal policy.

Lawmakers were right to be concerned, the latest report indicates: "GAO's simulations continue to show escalating levels of debt that illustrate that the long-term fiscal outlook remains unsustainable," the August-October 2009 assessment said.

Under one GAO scenario that looks ten years ahead, debt held by the public as a percent of Gross Domestic Product is projected to exceed the historical high reached in the aftermath of World War II and grow at a steady rate after that.

The GAO says the nation’s fiscal challenges are driven by the growth in health care costs as well as demographic trends. It also notes that without reform, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will account for a growing share of the economy in coming years.

"The longer action to deal with the nation's long-term fiscal outlook is delayed, the larger the changes will need to be, increasing the likelihood that they will be disruptive and destabilizing," GAO concludes.

The report suggests that lawmakers should consider easing in policy changes – “so that the tax increases or spending cuts would grow over time and allow people to adjust.”

81708 - Fri Oct 16 17:49:04 2009 - [You may be Taliban if:] By: Joel Syphilis

You may be Taliban if:
1. You refine heroin for a living, but you have a moral objection to beer.
2. You own a $3,000 machine gun and $5,000 rocket launcher, but you can't afford shoes.
3. You have more wives than teeth.
4. You wipe your butt with your bare hand, but consider bacon "unclean."
5. You think vests come in two styles: bullet-proof and suicide.
6. You can't think of anyone you haven't declared Jihad against
7. You consider television dangerous, but routinely carry explosives in your clothing.
8. You were amazed to discover that cell phones have uses other than setting off roadside bombs.
9. You have nothing against women and think every man should own at least one.
10. You've always had a crush on your neighbor's goat.

81707 - Fri Oct 16 15:50:53 2009 - [Give Obama and the Dumbocrats Credit] By: slippery slope

What was it I read. Obama and the Democrats will increase the national debt more than all presidents combined since the founding of America. Give credit where credit is due. Makes Bush look like a pussy cat.

81706 - Fri Oct 16 14:00:33 2009 - [Stahlaninski grew a pair ] By: Muffin Top

Oh my Stahlaninski grew a pair and stood up to beast!

Another point: (Claire) I can't believe I'm saying this, but ... good lord, Danny G has a point. You somehow make blog posts about you. And I thought I had an ego. Start talking about the issues, or I'm banning you from posting here. I'm fed up.

Posted by: Stahl http://www.areavoices.com/buzz/?page=comments&blog=61883

81705 - Fri Oct 16 12:04:53 2009 - [The more the dollar falls] By: jthyme

Meanwhile, gas prices keep going up.

81704 - Fri Oct 16 11:48:31 2009 - [Who is Barney Frank? Not Bush.] By: obamaniac

It must be Obama's fault that people are getting foreclosed on. Or it could be that they were to dumb and listened to the greedy lenders that told them they could afford a $400,000 house while making $50,000 a year. I thought you neo-cons were all about personal responsibility and pulling yourself up by your boot straps. But why miss a chance to blame our President for things that Bush did when he was in office.

81703 - Fri Oct 16 09:48:15 2009 - [Smoke and mirrors] By: R K

DFL09.....Just like paper tigers and money before Germany went bust before the War. It is all smoke and mirrors....read what the dollar is doing abroad. It is really surprising what a Minnesota Public Education really brings to the table.

81702 - Fri Oct 16 09:23:46 2009 - [Dems have only just begun, right?] By: DFL09

You DCB morons won't give President Obama an ounce of a compliment. The stock market is now over 10,000 and we've only just begun to see what the Democrats are doing to bring American back for the destruction of Bush and his gang. Number Cruncher the stock market is going to go to new high with real change.

81701 - Thu Oct 15 19:52:04 2009 - [DFL senior health care] By: Medic

Obama is raiding medicare to the tune of 400 billion to help pay for his healthcare plan. Don't grow old and you'll be safe.

81700 - Thu Oct 15 19:33:34 2009 - [Obamanomics just beginning] By: more

ooops home foreclosures are up again.

81699 - Thu Oct 15 19:32:18 2009 - [It's the Dems funding the wars] By: slippery slope

All that was needed to stop both wars was to stop the money. Democrats and Obama keep funding them. Don't forget Obama is the one sending more troops Afghanistan.

81698 - Thu Oct 15 15:42:54 2009 - [] By: obamaniac

I love the blame Obama game. Damn that Obama for helping the economy recover and gaining over 50% in the last year, oh yeah, that must have been Bush's hard work when he was in office.
Health care costs too much, don't let the Government have any input (I hate to break it to you, but Medicare is run by the government, so if you are on it you should drop it before it saves you anymore money and just buy a wonderful free market plan).
Damn Obama and the wars he started, oh wait, that was Bush who left us the cluster that is Iraq and Afghanistan.
But lets blame Obama because he can't fix the screw ups that you all caused, you want see the real problem look in the mirror.

America, F%$# Yeah!

81697 - Thu Oct 15 15:12:27 2009 - [Stewart on the Prezs Nobel Peace Prize] By: Dave

Check out Curmudgeon's Cornor by Russ Stewart on the last page at: http://www.transistormag.com/

You've gotta love the way Stewart says the way it is.

81696 - Thu Oct 15 12:09:01 2009 - [Obamanomics] By: dollar bill

Latest news on the dollar is that it continues to fall in value on the world market. So in essence even though the stock market is up your dollar is worth less.

81694 - Wed Oct 14 15:48:55 2009 - [Little Johnny] By: Dennis Miller

A teacher asked her 6th grade class how many of them were Obama fans.

Not really knowing what an Obama fan is, but wanting to be liked by the teacher, all the kids raised their hands except for little Johnny.

The teacher asked Little Johnny why he has decided to be different.

Little Johnny said, 'Because I'm not an Obama fan.'

The teacher asked, 'Why aren't you an Obama fan?'

Johnny said, 'Because I'm a Republican.'

The teacher asked him why he's a Republican.

Little Johnny answered, 'Well, my Mom's a Republican and my Dad's a Republican, so I'm a Republican.'

Annoyed by this answer, the teacher asked, 'If your mom was a moron and your dad was an idiot, what would that make you?'

With a big smile, Little Johnny replied, 'That would make me an Obama fan'.

81693 - Wed Oct 14 10:53:23 2009 - [Retirees screwed themselves] By: Cynic

Yes I agree with you Ben what else can I say. It would seem the retirees actually screwed themselves by bringing this court case. Either way the retirees still have paid for health insurance. Not a bad deal these days.

81692 - Wed Oct 14 10:31:49 2009 - [Stahl has the ruling on his blog] By: Ben

I posted this similar comment over at the paper's website, in response to the union and retiree folks becoming unhinged at the judge's ruling yesterday on retiree healthcare benefits:

This was a case of an experienced judge interpretating contract law. Remember the language "retirees shall enjoy the same benefits as active employees"? Stahl has the ruling on his blog. Maybe you folks should go read that.

Also, remember the plaintiffs in this case were three members receiving retiree care. The CITY was the defendant.

All you folks trying to skewer Ness are way off base. If you should be pointing fingers at anybody, it should be Bye, Griak, Militich and the other plaintiffs. Sheeesh!!!

I'd be the first to offer criticism about what Ness is doing but, in this case, I give him credit for trying to fix this major problem. Remember the city was the defendant in this lawsuit.

81691 - Tue Oct 13 22:57:50 2009 - [More Dem Lunacy] By: mp

Mr. Obama and his Interagency Oceans Policy Task Force plan to regulate ocean and freshwaters areas, this may result in the closure of ocean & freshwater fishing sites. This is being done to respond to climate change.

http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/articles/feds_to_60_million.html

http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans/

http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/09_17_09_Interim_Report_of_Task_Force_FINAL2.pdf

http://frwebgate5.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=488169289943+8+2+0&WAISaction=retrieve

81690 - Tue Oct 13 21:41:56 2009 - [Hopes for help] By: Peter D

CK,
Your last message makes you sound like a raving lunatic. You sound like someone with some deep emotional issues. I pity you. I hope you get the help you so desparately need.
Really. There are some good resources in Duluth for people with emotional problems and you could turn your life around if you tried. Good Luck.

Pete

81689 - Tue Oct 13 21:20:42 2009 - [] By: Marryjo mj

This looks a really good blog for the bizymoms Duluth community. Network with them them have some really useful information on their site.

81688 - Tue Oct 13 19:38:04 2009 - [Good news for city] By: Anonymous

Wow! Did you guys see Ch.10 news this evening? The story about city employee and retiree health care benefits?

Fedora said something about being so happy that he could have kissed the mayor, upon hearing news of the new health care plan.

I sure hope Fedora is not going "gay" to attract voters. The city council may end up having a homo majority after all.

81687 - Tue Oct 13 19:28:42 2009 - [Sexual identity politics] By: Scholastic Scribe

I have been thinking about the politics of sexual identity. One particular individual represents the pinnacle of societal change and contemporary societal dysfunctionality.
This woman has a child with a man, kicks that guy to the curb, shacks up with another gal and then declares herself as a lesbian. We certainly live in interesting times. These people are the vanguard of a new societal evolution which has been spawned by the radical feminist movement. These women are greatly conflicted. They have been conditioned by years of feminist propaganda to despise men, despise masculinity, mock the role of fathers, disparage men and to live "independently" without a man. Nevertheless, despite years of indoctrination, womens studies seminars, university studies etc... these women still have biological urges and feminine desires which are ingrained through millennia of human evolution. These women desire children. And to have a child a woman requires a sperm donor. These women require and need a MAN. Either directly or indirectly (naturally or via medical procedure) they require sperm insemination. This is a dilemma which creates an untenable conflict for feminists. A loathing, hatred, rejection of men and the diametric need for a man or men to fulfill their biological needs and desires. This conflict is the source of great cognitive dissonance for lesbian women. This dissonance can manifest itself in many ways. In drug use, interpersonal violence (lesbian partnerships can be abusive, either one or both partners), alienation from "mainstream" society, acquisition of "masculine" traits, hostility towards others, and various anti-social behavioral patterns. This anti-social behavior can be expressed via radical political activism or political protest against those whom they perceive as aggravating their cognitive dissonance (i.e. those who reject the "normalcy" of "alternative" lifestyles). The end result is that they are bitter miserable people who have contempt and loathing for those who are comfortable with their own heterosexual identities.

81686 - Tue Oct 13 19:26:48 2009 - [Envy] By: C K

For the record:

1. I am envious of Tony Ramone.

2. I do not try to ever post anything on the DCB. Well nothing I would admit to anyway. I can't help it. I have a narcissistic personality. I have all the answers, I have the *intellect* and I'm a strong independent woman who always has to have the last word. Why would I want to associate with hard working American patriots who make this country work, who are essentially *right* on the issues. When I do try to argue ideas, my logic is contradictory, nonsensical, or completely incomprehensible. Many comments posted on the DCB under my name are actually posted there by me. It's my guilty pleasure. Somebody has to tell you right wing misogynistic , racists, the *progressive* point of view. Somebody needs to make an attempt to silence you. The truth about us cannot be exposed.

3. I have read the DCB and disagree quite often, but the latest posts about me are surprising true. Uh, yeah, I live on a trust fund. So what! Do you think I'd really buy a mansion on London Rd? Instead I choose to live in a house near UMD that's bursting at the seams and is next to a student rental. Why? To make me look like an *average* person. Friends of people who live in glass houses really shouldn't throw stones. NOT!

4. I think that other blog is where the action is these days. It's the only blog besides this one I post comments on -- b/c I know my comments won't be altered by those who know my agenda. It is what the DCB could have been -- but isn't, because it's controlled by someone who I have under my thumb.

81685 - Tue Oct 13 16:49:43 2009 - [] By: Cynic

RK, Let us know if you or your neighbors get a reevaluation that is higher. It would be amazing if they are raising values on homes at this time. At least if there have been no "major" improvements.

I agree with quit working your rear end off keeping a place looking nice only to have to pay some jerk who does nothing other than tax your hard work.

81684 - Tue Oct 13 12:28:31 2009 - [DFL burden grandchildren] By: Cynic

I do see Duluth and St Louis Co are spending stimulus money hand over fist. I wonder what will happen when all the stimulus money is spent and the payback comes. One can only feel sorry for the grandchildren when you look at them and know they will still be paying for the money spent today(plus interest). If these roads had been maintained all along there would be no reason for "all" of them to have fallen apart. What did Duluth do with the money over the years? However, the new look will get the same local DFL powerbrokers who allowed this to happen reelected again.

81683 - Tue Oct 13 12:13:48 2009 - [Eyes not open] By: Cynic

Lakesider, Not only that but they did not even have the item I was looking for(found that in Woodland). Perhaps if I had stopped at the Sheraton they could have helped me or maybe the "movie theater". LOL I also do not eat out as I can buy the same products at the grocery store for much less and don't have to eat what some restaurant worker put together after picking their nose or worse yet another part of the body.

BTW punk I do not drink alcohol so would find little reason to go into the "Kozy" which you don't even know how to spell. Talk about not opening your eyes. I do know one thing. I could walk into the Kozy and never have a problem where someone like you would have your smart ass kicked in no time.

81682 - Tue Oct 13 11:28:33 2009 - [What representation?] By: R K

Cynic...it was the way it was presented. Tax Man shows up with a small slip of paper that has 2 boxes for a check mark. One is neighborhood revalue and home remodeling assessment. When I asked him was there a letter from the office...he said did you not read this in the DNT?

I think there are areas of this city that are always under the microscope for the tax logs. Where is our representation? I for one am going to let my house and property go to crap....finally have had it.

81681 - Tue Oct 13 09:16:58 2009 - [Downtown is improving] By: Lakesider

Cynic- Did you open your eyes when you were in downtown Duluth? In the past couple of years, the revitalization of the downtown has really gained speed. With the addition of the Sheraton, the A & L development, new theatre and cafe, our downtown is really becoming something to be proud of. Yes, we still have a lot of work to do.
Cynic- maybe the next time you go downtown you can visit more spots than just the cozy and the wabasha.

81680 - Tue Oct 13 01:02:23 2009 - [The truth or more propaganda?] By: Truth for the voters

I think it's funny how people on this site post messages claiming to be AFSCME members. C'mon folks...we all know you are just trying to feed the anti-labor sentiment that is so apparent here. If you guys want to talk and debate...at least have the guts to say who you really represent. If this "blog" ever wants have a real interest in Duluth politics, it will start posting some intelligent comments, and not just idiotic rants...thanks for the laugh though!!

81679 - Mon Oct 12 23:53:55 2009 - [] By: Cynic

We are ready to move and have done all the prep work but now our house is worth much less and thanks to Obomba printing all that money we are worried we could get stuck with a bunch of cash that is also worthless. At least if we hold onto the house we have a roof over our heads till they kick us out for not paying our taxes. I always kept the place up but have now quit doing any upkeep and will watch as the place deteriorates into a state of disrepair. Ya gotta love the Democrats and especially the local DFL. Are those assessors members of AFSCME? If they are they need those evaluation up for their paychecks.

81678 - Mon Oct 12 23:43:15 2009 - [] By: Cynic

RK, What you should have said is they are going to stick it to another 1000 homeowners. Last time they were here they reevaluated our house up 40 percent. Course it's not worth that but they are now extorting a lot more money from us. Property taxes up 120 percent since reevaluation along with DFL council and mayor double digit increases.

81677 - Mon Oct 12 23:08:40 2009 - [] By: crap

The Truth Behine The Defunding of ACORN

In a radio interview today, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann reveals the truth about the much publicized defunding of ACORN. The fact is that ACORN was ONLY defunded for the month of October! On November 1st, the funding kicks in once again. Well, we have been lied to again as if we can't and won't pay attention! Outrageous! Unacceptable! Call your member of Congress and your senators. Then flood the switchboards and let them know we are on to their game! They must defund ACORN in it's entirety unless or until such time that ACORN cleans up it's act! Which is not likely to ever happen.

81675 - Mon Oct 12 19:29:05 2009 - [Nobel note] By: mp

FYI - Nobel prize winner, President Theodore Roosevelt was a Republican and later a Bull Mooser.

81674 - Mon Oct 12 19:27:23 2009 - [Back together?] By: little birdie

Is Beth Olson back together with her female wife? Oh that's right the election isn't over yet.

81673 - Mon Oct 12 18:26:53 2009 - [Herbie memories 'indigenous peoples day'] By: rootie k

Happy 'indigenous peoples day' everyone!!

Oh that's right, the drunk is out of office now raking sand traps in Floodwood....I guess we can join the rest of the country again...Yea for Columbus!

81672 - Mon Oct 12 18:05:14 2009 - [DFL Duluth taxes need to be reevaluated] By: R K

Any other home owners had the City of Duluth wanting to reassess their home. Live in the Heights and the Tax Man said they are doing over 1,000 homes in this area to see if taxes need to be reevaluated.

81671 - Mon Oct 12 17:02:57 2009 - [DFL Duluth destruction easy to see] By: Cynic

Actually stopped in "downtown" Duluth today. What a shit hole after decades of DFL control.

81670 - Mon Oct 12 16:16:17 2009 - [Detract from Obama same old DFL rhetoric] By: DFL Rube

Nice to see gas prices drop and the stock market rise. It's a good sign we are recovering from that GOP rich oil bastard, economy wrecking era! What ever happened to Bush anyway? A hideout cellar below some Crawford ranch sounds about right. I bet he's counting the cash he stole from us with the phony haliburton bids and trying to wash blood from his hands. I bet daddy is proud though!

81669 - Mon Oct 12 16:09:14 2009 - [Time to head to FL for the winter] By: DFL Rube

Trivia time! The 4 presidents in history who won the Nobel Peace Prize were all DFL. Every single GOP president won a prize too. The Nobel Piece (of shit) Prize. When do all you rich GOP DCB bastards head to FL for the winter?

81668 - Mon Oct 12 09:44:45 2009 - [THe mother of all US Debt Clocks] By: Dolla Bill

Numbers Cruncher you may want to add this link to your blog. Keep up the good work.
http://www.usdebtclock.org/

81667 - Mon Oct 12 09:03:13 2009 - [The American Dollar ] By: Numbers Cruncher

The latest on The Numbers Cruncher includes Max and Gerald's latest thoughts on the future of the American Dollar and an educational video explaining the Constitutional and legal history of the US Dollar. This video contains many high resolution images showing many examples of all the the money the United States has produced since the very beginning. This is the thinking of the people who support a return to the Gold Standard, and rightful Constitutional money. I used nothing but established historical facts, and clear images of the money itself. This is what Ron Paul is talking about, and this is WHY we have the crisis we have now. Regardless of partisan politics, or economic philosophy, gold and silver money is the law. It's vitally important all Americans understand what exactly a dollar IS.

http://numberscruncher.blogspot.com/

nc

81666 - Sun Oct 11 21:48:12 2009 - [BREAKING NEWS] By: Breaking News

BREAKING NEWS: This just in!!!

Obama wins the Heisman Trophy after watching a college football game!!!

81665 - Sun Oct 11 09:32:02 2009 - [Phony hypocritical liberals] By: Common Sns

Have you noticed the certain lefty, progressive business owners that had the "STOP THE WAR" signs in their windows have taken them down??

Same wars, same military actions, same bombs dropping, DIFFERENT PRESIDENT!

Phony, hypocritical, liberal, jerks!!

81663 - Sat Oct 10 19:24:06 2009 - [AFSCME arrogance] By: me myself and I

AFSCME thugs: As an afscme member, I agree with you 100% because I'm living with the same afscme BS. It's true...they just want your fricken dues and keep your mouth shut...God forbid you disagree with something. If you do, they ignore you and hope you just go away...they don't care if the people that pays their wages can support their own families, as long as they get their dues. If you speak up, they just put it in the minutes, ignore emails, and let it go. The paid staff of AFSCME only cares about their high paying jobs...they don't care if I take a huge paycut and can't pay my bills. I can't wait to get another job. Bunch of arrogant sons of bitches as far as I'm concerned.

81662 - Sat Oct 10 17:58:05 2009 - [Draft Dodger's latest edition ] By: anonymous

The Draft Dodger's latest edition is out-

http://laborworld.org/documents/Oct-7-2009v5.pdf

81661 - Sat Oct 10 17:49:18 2009 - [AFSCME could care less about members] By: AFSCME THUGS

Not long ago the National Labor Relations Board ruled that AFSCME could no longer take union dues from LPN's they would not allow into the union when they strong armed their way into SMDC. They also ruled AFSCME would have to pay back union dues that they had taken out of LPN's checks even though they would not allow those LPN's into the union. AFSCME also had to post notices in conspicuous places around SMDC that those LPN's they would not allow to join the union would receive the same pay and benefits of all other LPN's and would not be discriminated against in any way because they were not a part of AFSCME.

If these LPN's would have driven hundreds of miles and begged AFSCME big shots for forgiveness for attending Steelworkers meetings then AFSCME said they would possibly forgive them and allow them to join AFSCME. Some of those LPN's that AFSCME would not allow into their union were floor representatives for the Association that had represented the LPN's. They had worked hard in the past to see that LPN's were given a fair contracts in the prior years. These were the best of the best LPN's. AFSCME considered these LPN's a threat because they were not your usual working fools who pay their dues every month and keep their mouths shut. AFSCME needed to shut them up and get the rest of the LPN's to step in line out of fear after seeing what would happen if they spoke up or disagreed with AFSCME as these brave LPN's had.

If they really were brothers and sisters as they claim they would have kissed and made up and allowed those LPN's to join their union once the fight was over. Brothers and sisters my ass. Thugs and commies more like it.

81660 - Sat Oct 10 17:11:41 2009 - [Far too much power] By: 60's person

Hating someone would be giving them far too much power.

81659 - Sat Oct 10 16:23:22 2009 - [DFL Duluth bad name enhanced by unions] By: LIB Reader Online

How many more jobs will the union thugs chase out of town and wasn't one of the two troublemakers City Clowncilor Sharla Gardner's sister? It must run in their genes.

How much of the union dues paid go into paying the union bosses salaries and into politics instead of the union member benefits? The answer is these union members are getting screwed big time.

Overpaid union thugs like Todd Erickson will continue to give DFL Duluth a bad name and the tradition of a DFL Duluth poverty rate over twice the state average will continue. All the more reason more you need to GO GREEN and read the LIB online for free saving money for another DFL Duluth tax, fee, fine and 2X utilities, while saving energy and the trees.
________________________________________________________________________________
Duluth News Tribune
Published October 10 2009
Union's view: Union working for the benefit of all Pickwick employees
By: Todd Erickson, Duluth News Tribune

I am responding to the Sept. 30 letter, “Most Pickwick employees chose to stay on job,” regarding the situation at the Pickwick restaurant. As president of Workers United Local 99, I have been involved in every turn this issue has taken.

The writer, a cook at the Pickwick, claimed 97 percent of employees have chosen to work and that there are only two employees who have chosen not to work. That is a misstatement. The first two employees who exercised their rights under federal law to picket their employer in order to secure a fair settlement during contract negotiations were removed from the schedule by their employer for engaging in this lawful activity. They have been returned to work with full back pay by an arm of the federal government, the National Labor Relations Board. The board decided the employer unlawfully retaliated against them for legal activity.

The union advised other employees not to picket when they asked because of the illegal removal of these employees from their jobs. The union has not, and will not, ever jeopardize the well-being of workers it represents by asking them to do something that could cause their employer to take illegal action against them.

The rhetoric that part-time employees should not demand benefits because of the bad economy is ludicrous. By the very nature of their jobs, waiters and waitresses work short hours. Some of these part-time employees have been working at the Pickwick 20 to 30 years. They have demonstrated their loyalty to the Pickwick and its four generations of owners. Until the current fourth-generation management took over, the part-time employees enjoyed the benefits of health insurance because they worked for a well-managed and prosperous employer they helped make successful. The current economic woes of the Pickwick are not due to the employees but the decision-makers who manage the business.

The National Labor Relations Board is currently negotiating a settlement between employees and the Pickwick that includes remedies for 16 specific violations of federal law, including the return of the two employees who were wrongfully terminated, as well as reinstatement of the collective-bargaining agreement that provides health insurance to Pickwick employees. The settlement requires the Pickwick to bargain with the union.

As a gesture of good faith, the union ceased picketing in hopes of achieving a fair settlement. Having demonstrated our willingness to act in good faith, we can only hope the employer does the same so it will not be necessary to reestablish the picket line.

Todd Erickson of Duluth is president of Workers United Union, Local 99.

81658 - Sat Oct 10 16:21:23 2009 - [The real culprits are...] By: Brenda K

Curious said: "But, where the problem starts to arise is when the bigot is in a position of power and uses that power to hurt the person that they differ from. It keeps coming back to the equal treatment of others."

And on that note, I'd like to add for all bigots to read:
Look around the Twin Ports area. A select few have no problem getting by in this town. Some make it by struggling from pay check to pay check, and are most likely living in poverty.
Other bigots take their place of work, for all they can grab. This includes lots of businesses in the local private and government sector. (The reason we are in trouble in this town and country, is that too many steal what others work hard to achieve).

Look around, you'd never guess who the theives are, it's your neighbors, or local establishment workers.

Those that are here with 'old money, great jobs and benefits are quick to claim that 'welfare' is what is taking our town and country down. But you know what? Most likely those complaing receive in one form or another big "CORPORATE WELFARE." And those bigots don't want anyone who is not privileged like they are, living here!

So the employee who is skimming the top off of the business they work for, or just got lucky knowing the right people, here to Ya!! Keep slamming those who think differently from you. You make living so much harder for the average, hard working, tax paying citizen. Keep complaining about those in need, raising children, as being the reason as to what is ruining our country and their welfare payments.

WAKE UP PEOPLE!! Receivers of theft, abuse and corporate welfare are the real culprits.

In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: "To ignore evil is to become an accomplice to it."

81657 - Sat Oct 10 09:53:02 2009 - [Another liberal crying "hate"] By: Curious

Boy/Girl 60's person, you are right. We all probably have certain tendencies toward bigotry. I am sure we all have some ingrained habits, for example, I used his instead of his/hers and I am assuming you along with most the others on this forum are afraid of and hate people who are not like you. There are different levels and actions that correspond with those levels that are the issue.
Peace.

MODERATOR: Curious, please enlighten us on the definition of the word hate.

81656 - Fri Oct 9 18:39:08 2009 - [Could it be? ] By: 60's person

Almost forgot that is was a little curious how person giving the definition for bigot used the word "his" not his or her. Must be only men can be a bigot.......or could it be the writer of such statements is also a bigot.

81655 - Fri Oct 9 18:21:34 2009 - [Just curious] By: proud homophobe

Are you a bigot for hating bigots Curious? Just curious.

81654 - Fri Oct 9 16:07:31 2009 - [95 percent of people are bigots] By: 60's person

Got it! Then 95 percent of people are bigots.

81653 - Fri Oct 9 14:59:22 2009 - [Bigot definition] By: Curious

Yes, it does make them bigots. Here is the definition of a bigot: a prejudiced person who is intolerant of any opinions differing from his own. Unfortunately there is still a ton of bigotry on all levels, from Smalltown, Iowa to Bigcity, New York.
But, where the problem starts to arise is when the bigot is in a position of power and uses that power to hurt the person that they differ from. It keeps coming back to the equal treatment of others.

81652 - Fri Oct 9 14:57:40 2009 - [Sharia law is misunderstood] By: mp

To have true gender equality one must have sharia law. So says Obama advisor.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/6274387/Obama-adviser-says-Sharia-Law-is-misunderstood.html

"Miss Mogahed, appointed to the President's Council on Faith-Based and Neighbourhood Partnerships, said the Western view of Sharia was "oversimplified" and the majority of women around the world associate it with "gender justice....

...She said: "I think the reason so many women support Sharia is because they have a very different understanding of sharia than the common perception in Western media.

"The majority of women around the world associate gender justice, or justice for women, with sharia compliance....

81651 - Fri Oct 9 14:52:56 2009 - [What a bunch of hypocrites] By: Tired

I am sooooo tired of hearing the libs and Obama bitching about how credit card companies and mortgage companies have contracts that are too hard to understand yet at the same time they put out bill after bill with so much legal speak and so many pages that the average American can not understand them or get through them. What a bunch of hypocrites. They make me sick when they try to demonize entire industries while they operate in a similar fashion.

81649 - Fri Oct 9 12:53:38 2009 - [Is there more than one bigot definition?] By: 60's person

Many African Americans didn't and still don't want or like their children going to school with white children. Does that mean those African Americans are bigots?

81648 - Fri Oct 9 12:19:42 2009 - [Dimwits like California got it right] By: rootie k

The gay lifestyle does not scare or confuse me, that ickey part may be somewhat valad, but that's just me, not a reason to deprive anyone of civil rights.

Gays have all the "rights" that hetros have. Gays can vote, hold office, own guns, even join the Marines if they keep their yap shut. You want a "civil union" go for it, I'm all for it myself. Just make it a true "legal" union, insurance, retirement bennies, the whole ball of wax. When two gays split up that are legally bound they should go through all the crap and hastle that hetros go through when they divorce. No just packing your bags and walking away to go get legally bound with someone else. Grab your lawyers and start duking it out. Marriage is between 1 Man and 1 Woman so don't even bring it up. Even a State full of dimwits like California voted it down, but if they hadn't it wouldn't change what marriage is.

thank you, have a great weekend

81647 - Fri Oct 9 09:34:09 2009 - [Nobel Peace Prize] By: Obamaniac

Nobel Peace Prize! Wow, you all were right on with the rest of the world not liking or respecting Obama. Haha, you all make me laugh. Keep up the entertaining.

America, F&$% Yeah!

81646 - Fri Oct 9 09:28:30 2009 - [All people are created equal] By: Curious

If you can give one legitimate reason why you don't want equal rights for gay people I would like to hear. And just because it scares you, confuses you, you think its ickey are not real reasons.
You can use the same arguments that the bigots used back when they didn't want their children going to school with African-American kids. Or the argument of Catholics should not marry Lutherans.
These people are going to live their lives how they want whether you agree with it or not and as long as they are not hurting anyone, we should let them.

81645 - Fri Oct 9 08:49:54 2009 - [Stop comparing Obama to Hitler] By: Bubba

----- It's time to stop comparing Obama to Hitler. Hitler got the Olympics for Berlin.

81644 - Fri Oct 9 08:20:20 2009 - [It's a Cold day in Duluth] By: Frank G

Its a cold day in Duluth, and do you know gay people are running for office? Whatever happened to the good old days of
Just being a crooked Politician who passes the buck on Taxes,infrastructure repairs,and unfunded liabilities.Can we all take a deep breath.It's a Cold day in Duluth.

81642 - Thu Oct 8 20:46:50 2009 - [Civil rights differ from gay rights] By: 60's person

The majority of African Americans get angry when gays use their civil rights movement as an example for the gay agenda. The black vote in California was overwhelmingly anti-gay on that so called anti-gay proposition. Curious isn't it?

81641 - Thu Oct 8 18:33:21 2009 - [All about creating a special class ] By: proud homophobe

the gay rights agenda includes educating our children beginning in the 1st grade that their sexual deviant behavior is OK, it is also about creating a special class of citizenship giving them special protection under the law. The homosexuals also want to parade their kinky lifestyles down the main drag of the city.

81640 - Thu Oct 8 17:13:18 2009 - [DFL Gay rights sarcasm] By: Curious

What is the "Gay Rights Agenda" it sounds scary? Can you believe that people want to be treated equally, I mean come on, the is so 1960's. Stupid Civil Rights Movement.

81638 - Thu Oct 8 14:50:59 2009 - [Gay rights agenda or not?] By: Not A DFLer

From the LIB-

“I believe that everybody has a right to privacy, including myself,” Kerry Gauthier said. “I think we have a right to know, have I paid my taxes, do I have a criminal record, what are my positions. I don’t think you have a right to know about my family and those kinds of things.”

*****
I want to know if any councilor is going to want to push a gay rights agenda on me as a resident of Duluth? Is that too much to ask in DFL Duluth?

81637 - Thu Oct 8 13:29:13 2009 - [Make decisions based on greater good] By: J B

ACTIVIST CONCERNS

Beyond being the only same-sex couple they know of in their part of town, Olson and Nichols are political activists. The two were arrested in 2004 protesting President Bush's visit to Duluth.

"Sometimes you have to make decisions that are personal and based on -- hopefully, a greater good," Nichols said.

Those feelings aren't uncommon for activist gay or lesbian couples trying to raise children, said Tony Sheehan, board president of Action Wisconsin.

"In smaller communities, and particularly in places removed from larger cities where people interact on a more regular basis with quote-unquote nontraditional families, there are some hardships that these people have to deal with on a day-to-day basis," said Sheehan, who raised children with his male partner more than a decade ago.

He shuns the term "nontraditional," asking, "What is 'traditional' in America these days?"

Still, going against social convention is tough.

"It wears on people; I know it does," Sheehan said. "They are constantly having to answer questions or talk about why their family is just as important as traditional families.

" The growing number of gay and lesbian couples raising families has inspired the phrase "gayby boom" in GLBT circles. Often, same-sex couples are adopting children with health or developmental problems, including AIDS and other serious illnesses, Sheehan said.

The trend counters the insistence by some Christian activists that marriage can only be between a man and a woman and that its main purpose is the creation of children. But child-rearing is a natural desire for many human beings -- gay, lesbian or heterosexual, Sheeha

81636 - Thu Oct 8 12:41:00 2009 - [Just in time for Halloween] By: Dave

Looks like the skeletons are starting to come out of Beth Olson's closet just in time for Halloween.

81635 - Thu Oct 8 11:19:14 2009 - [Mom Times Two ] By: Broomed Under the Rug

Posted on Sun, Aug. 28, 2005

Mom Times Two

BY SCOTT THISTLE

NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Sage Olson bursts through the back door and scampers across the kitchen into the living room. She launches from the carpet into the arms of her waiting mom, sitting on the couch.

The family dog, Lucky Boy, jumps up, licking both on the face, and a pair of cats compete for affection, rubbing themselves on pants legs while purring.

Sage and her mom kiss, cuddle and exchange greetings. After all, Sage, 7, hasn't seen her mom, Angie Nichols, since morning -- when Nichols left for work.

But when Sage calls for mom, two women often answer.

"If she yells 'Mom' and one of us answers, and it's the wrong one, she says, 'No, the other one,' " said Beth Olson, Sage's birth mom.

"Sometimes we can just tell by the inclination of her voice which one of us she wants," said Nichols, Olson's partner.

Olson, Nichols and Sage are the kind of nontraditional family that this year's Duluth-Superior

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied Pride Festival hopes to highlight. The festival's "We Are Family" theme this year puts emphasis not only on the GLBT community's sense of solidarity but also on the broader definition of family.

"What is a family, really?" Nichols asked. "A family really is about love, and if you have love and concern for each other, then you have a really good family that you can be proud of."

As in most families, time is a precious commodity -- so as Nichols continues a conversation with a visitor, Olson fixes Sage a quick bite to eat. The family is again running late for Sage's weekly soccer match.

Sage's dad, who was divorced from Beth Olson three years ago, is also actively involved in his daughter's life. He, too, will be at the game to watch Sage run up and down the field.

Married a year ago Saturday in Ontario, Olson and Nichols say they felt compelled to exchange formal vows to solidify their commitments to each other and to Sage.

Both Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia legally recognize same-sex marriages. The Superior couple also had a church wedding at Duluth's Peace United Church of Christ.

Nichols and Olson are also activists in the ongoing debate over the definition of marriage. Both are board members with Action Wisconsin, a GLBT group organizing to defeat efforts to amend Wisconsin's constitution to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions.

NORMAL FAMILY LIFE

In many ways, the couple's family life is like any other Twin Ports couple raising a child. Both work at professional careers. Both share in Sage's daily care and both work at maintaining their home.

Daily activities at home include all the things other families do every day. From tooth-brushing to mealtimes to going to Sage's soccer games, what happens in their life would be a familiar routine.

"We operate in the community just the same as any other family, except for that every time we go somewhere, we know that people are going to figure it out," Beth Olson said.

Figure out that she and Angie "are not sisters," as she puts it. "They are going to discover, and then how are they going to treat us? How are they going to treat Sage?"

It's a fear and a frustration for the couple. On top of that is the time they spend fighting to protect their rights, standing up for what they believe in and helping to educate others.

"At the end of the day, we say to ourselves, 'What would it be like if we didn't have to fight for this stuff?' " Nichols said.

"We would have a lot of free time. We would have a lot more time to spend with Sage. We could just do things that are relaxing and free our mind, and have more time and money to put into our life that we want to have like everybody else has." Overhearing Nichols, Sage echoes her, enjoying the attention: "Yeah, more time for me. Me, me, me.

" To some degree, the couple is also hesitant to bare their lives for public consumption in articles like this. They want Sage to know she is special and her parents are special, but they wonder how that is much different than most families.

ACTIVIST CONCERNS

Beyond being the only same-sex couple they know of in their part of town, Olson and Nichols are political activists. The two were arrested in 2004 protesting President Bush's visit to Duluth.

"Sometimes you have to make decisions that are personal and based on -- hopefully, a greater good," Nichols said.

Those feelings aren't uncommon for activist gay or lesbian couples trying to raise children, said Tony Sheehan, board president of Action Wisconsin.

"In smaller communities, and particularly in places removed from larger cities where people interact on a more regular basis with quote-unquote nontraditional families, there are some hardships that these people have to deal with on a day-to-day basis," said Sheehan, who raised children with his male partner more than a decade ago.

He shuns the term "nontraditional," asking, "What is 'traditional' in America these days?"

Still, going against social convention is tough.

"It wears on people; I know it does," Sheehan said. "They are constantly having to answer questions or talk about why their family is just as important as traditional families.

" The growing number of gay and lesbian couples raising families has inspired the phrase "gayby boom" in GLBT circles. Often, same-sex couples are adopting children with health or developmental problems, including AIDS and other serious illnesses, Sheehan said.

The trend counters the insistence by some Christian activists that marriage can only be between a man and a woman and that its main purpose is the creation of children. But child-rearing is a natural desire for many human beings -- gay, lesbian or heterosexual, Sheehan said.

SEEKING ACCEPTANCE

Couples like Nichols and Olson -- who raise a child together and fight for the rights of themselves and others -- deserve acceptance and respect, Sheehan said.

His admiration is echoed by Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson.

Bergson made history in 2004 as the first Duluth mayor to sign a proclamation welcoming the Pride Festival to Duluth. He also took tremendous criticism, including hate e-mails and threatening phone calls to his office and home, he said.

Still, Bergson stands by the decision and this year will welcome the GLBT community to his city during a reception next weekend.

"Back in the '50s and '60s, it was about the color of the skin. And today it's about sexual orientation," Bergson said recently. "I suspect in 30 years it will be something else."

Nichols said she hopes equal rights for GLBT individuals won't take 30 years, but she acknowledges it could.

She and Beth Olson recognize there are many people who don't see things the way they do. Nichols asks those people to try -- even if just for a moment -- to see life from their perspective.

"What most people don't realize is we are in the midst of our civil rights movement," Nichols said. "We are in the midst of a marriage movement where amendments are being proposed that will further entrench discrimination against our families.

"These are real families, too."

81634 - Thu Oct 8 10:22:33 2009 - [Bush's fault for Olson arrest] By: DFL09

It's George Bush's fault that Beth Olson was arrested GOP homophobes! It’s still going to be a clean sweep for the DFL again. Always has been and always will be bigots.

81633 - Thu Oct 8 09:35:00 2009 - [Beth Olson's past heats up council race] By: LIB Reader Online

As the world turns in DFL Duluth.

Here's another DFLer that's going to push an ultra liberal agenda on those flipping the outrageous bill in DFL Duluth.

Beth Olson will contiune the tradition of a DFL Duluth poverty rate over twice the state average and a terrible business reputation. All the more reason more to GO GREEN and read the LIB online for free saving money for another DFL Duluth tax, fee, fine and 2X utilities, while saving energy and the trees.
_________________________________________________________________________
Duluth News Tribune
Published October 08 2009
Privacy question heats up Duluth City Council forum
By: Brandon Stahl, Duluth News Tribune

Amid the sometimes mundane talk of repairing city streets, balancing the city budget and restoring library services, one question stood out during Wednesday’s Duluth City Council candidate forum sponsored by the Duluth News Tribune editorial board and Fox 21 News.

“Ms. Olson, your campaign fliers picture yourself and your 13-year-old daughter,” Fox 21 anchor Nick LaFave said to At Large candidate Beth Olson. “It’s a glimpse into your personal life. The question is how much of a candidate’s personal life should be public? Is it only what a candidate wants known? And have there been things in your personal life that you haven’t been completely forthcoming about in this campaign?”

While all of the candidates had the opportunity to respond to the question, it was clearly directed at Olson, who was arrested in 2004 for protesting then-President George W. Bush’s stand on recognizing homosexual relationships. She has said she’s long been an activist on the issue, but she has not mentioned that in her campaign literature.

“Wow,” Olson responded. “That’s a really serious question.”

She added: “I’ve been absolutely forthcoming about everything in my personal life. And as a matter of fact, I’ve worked really hard on a lot of … social issues since I’ve lived here. All of those have been very public, in the newspaper and on TV, and I’ve taken very strong stands to make progress on issues. I don’t feel like anything in my personal life or my work life has been left to mystery. I think it’s been right out there.”

When it was his turn to respond, At Large Candidate Dan Hartman said, “That was definitely a ‘wow’ question.” He also said that while vetting a candidate’s personal life is fine, looking at a candidate’s family “should be off the table.”

Fellow At Large candidate Becky Hall said it is fine to include families in a campaign, noting that her family has been heavily involved in hers.

When the 4th District candidates were asked the same question, all of them responded that a candidate’s family life generally should be off-limits.

“I believe that everybody has a right to privacy, including myself,” Kerry Gauthier said. “I think we have a right to know, have I paid my taxes, do I have a criminal record, what are my positions. I don’t think you have a right to know about my family and those kinds of things.”

Gordon Grant, also running in the 4th District, said: “Whatever’s public should be checked out. Private lives should be left to our private lives.”

Olson has faced criticism from right-leaning blogs and radio talk shows for not talking about her past. She was once featured in a Duluth News Tribune story about gay couples raising children, and said she has been involved in “civil disobedience” to raise awareness for GLBT rights.

Asked after the forum whether she thought the question, which was written by News Tribune Editorial Page Editor Chuck Frederick, was fair, Olson said she “wouldn’t really categorize it” one way or another.

“I think what’s troubling maybe, is not so much to me, but in general, that our society is so interested in trying to dig up something personal about people, and I don’t have anything personal to hide,” she said. “What people are really interested in is the state of our city and what people are going to be able to do about it and what experience they can bring to come up with effective solutions.”

81631 - Thu Oct 8 06:39:59 2009 - ["God help us"] By: Dodge St

Dodge St. here, just up from the secretary's house. Haven't added my two cents for awhile so here goes. I attended the candidate forum and all I have to say is "God help us" if Olson or Hartman get elected. The local DFL and DFD Pac should be embarassed supporting these two candidates.

81630 - Wed Oct 7 21:28:42 2009 - [No such thing as Big Iron] By: Tara

Whatever happened to the blogger Big Iron? Did he fall of the face of the earth or what?

STARFIRE: Big Iron? Never heard of him.

81629 - Wed Oct 7 21:26:19 2009 - [Real unemployment rate could be at 20%] By: Numbers Cruncher

Americans must prepare for deepening unemployment, inflation and possible breadlines

Rockstar Economist Peter Schiff tells RT's Marina Portnaya that Lehman Brothers failure was a success not a failure. He says Americans will face increasing unemployment, inflation, and possible bread-lines if government backed bail-outs continue.

Schiff clearly explains how the government unemployment numbers are skewed as the do not account for people who have given up looking for work, or are under-employed part-time workers, or independent contractors such as real estate and insurance agents. The real unemployment rate could be at 20% states Schiff.

This is another example of the numbers don't lie like the politicians do.

http://numberscruncher.blogspot.com

nc

81628 - Wed Oct 7 20:47:42 2009 - [Never trust the DFD or liberal politicos] By: DFL09

Donny is holding no punches for Jim Stauber. Even though Stauber held a fundraiser for Donny at the Stauber home, when Donny was running for mayor last year, didn't mean anything more than someone was snookered. Sooner or later what comes out of your mouth is gonna get ya Jimbo and your time has expired. Goodbye Stauber and don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. Jimbo, you played with the DFD bull and you got the horns. We never forget!

http://www.areavoices.com/buzz/?blog=61243

Donny said, Unfortunately, it seems Jim has decided to employ a political strategy of simply opposing administration initiatives. It's all too predictable, but it gets his name in the paper. If I found a cure for cancer, Jim would find a way to be critical. He would say, "the Mayor is taking work from oncologists". And he'd get his picture in the paper.

81627 - Wed Oct 7 20:30:44 2009 - [LJ couldn't sell the house] By: Marie K

Former city councilor Laurie Johnson is hosting a house party for Beth Olson, Patrick Boyle, Dan Hartman, and Kerry Gauthier at her home at 4627 London Rd from 6-9PM.

Beer, wine, refreshment and hors d'oeuvres will be provided. This is a great o...pportunity to come meet all the DFL/Labor endorsed candidates!

81626 - Tue Oct 6 23:41:12 2009 - [] By: DFL Rube

Hey, I love the Twins!

81625 - Tue Oct 6 22:43:04 2009 - [Next stop New York] By: Homer Hanky

That game was the most stressful one I've encountered since Game 7, 1991 . . . Jack Morris, Kirby, Knoblauch, Hrbek, etc. GO TWINS!!!! Now it's "New York, New York". Time to slay the dragon. Twins in 4.

81623 - Tue Oct 6 20:06:41 2009 - [DFD's own business] By: Pro-Heterosexual

Has it occurred to you Pro-DFD that some people may simply not want their children exposed to that lifestyle or have it thrown in their faces. It doesn't mean that they are narrow minded hicks.

What the DFD does in the confines of their fire hall bunks is your own business.

81622 - Tue Oct 6 19:02:20 2009 - [OLSON for a great future for Duluth] By: Pro-DFD

Whats all this bullshit about Beth Olson and her sexual preference.

Beth's an outstanding person who protects women from abuse.

Who cares if she is Lesbian or not, we endorsed her because she will do the best job for Duluth and we taxpayers.

Beth is a much better candidate than Stauber. Stauber is nothing but a firefighter hater and arrogant.

Vote BETH OLSON for a great future for Duluth.

81621 - Tue Oct 6 18:58:00 2009 - [Beth Olson has one agenda ] By: Yard watcher

I've noticed in our city that signs for Beth Olson are few and far between. I think people are waking up to this angry women. Beth Olson has one agenda in her mind and if elected she'll push it through like Pelosi and Reid are trying to do with our health care. I appreciate the information given out on this blog on not only Beth Olson but other candidates too. This blog has been a good source of information for many. Thank You.

81620 - Tue Oct 6 17:52:29 2009 - [Gay City Council Activists] By: Nabors

You need to pay attention to what's going on. Candidate Olson, on her Facebook page, talks about having free food and conversation after the Pride Fest AND with the Stonewall Group. DO SOME RESEARCH on Stonewall. Here is a website about where you can start:

http://www.stonewalldfl.org/

Stonewall refers to the Stonewall riots in 1969 in New York's Greenwich Village. Call it the "coming out" party of the homosexual movement. Here's another link for you:

http://socialistalternative.org/literature/stonewall.html

The mere fact that this candidate is endorsed by the Stonewall Group (Check this link: http://www.stonewalldfl.org/main.htm) should let you learn that Duluth is contemplating the election of a homosexual rights activist. Not someone concerned about your elderly neighbor, but someone wanting to push her own agenda. In the past I've pointed out the arrests at political rallies protesting same-sex marriages, the Canadian marriage to her partner, and now the homosexual gay rights activist agenda. This city council already has a gay councilor, Jeff Anderson (which is fine), and another gay candidate (Gauthier).

My purpose of this post is to only inform you of what you're getting yourself in to. Vote any which way you want, but once some of these folks are elected, don't start saying to yourself (oh, I didn't know who these people were).

81618 - Tue Oct 6 14:20:19 2009 - [Tip of the real estate iceberg ] By: Janet L

This report from newscenter6 might be just the tip of the iceberg for the real estate situation in this area.
Will more information nbow surface about the dubious dealings between certain abstract companies and recorders, auditors and accessors?

Story Published: Oct 5, 2009 at 6:09 PM CDT

(Story Updated: Oct 5, 2009 at 6:09 PM CDT )
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has revoked the license of a Duluth business.

Scenic Title and Abstract, Incorporated is cited on the Department of Commerce web site for failing to pay premiums and satisfy financial obligations.

The report goes on to charge the company demonstrated financial irresponsibility, engaged in unlicensed abstracter activity, failed to pay and withhold state income taxes, and misappropriated or converted money or property.

We were unable to reach company CEO Kevin Eckholm for company.

The company also has an office in Two Harbors.

81617 - Tue Oct 6 10:41:06 2009 - [You can't fix stupid] By: Cynic

I sure hope Obamaniac and Rube are the same person as I would hate to think there is more than one person in this country so stupid and remember you can't fix stupid. Don't forget it is Ohbomba who is ratcheting up the war in Afghanistan. How about his bombing and killing of innocent women and children? Who is Ohbomba fighting?

I understand in the latest deaths of American soldiers were from local and remote villagers who will not stand for a foreign power on their soil. Same as they have done for a thousand years and will do for the next thousand years. When will the Ohbomba shit or get off the pot? It is Ohbomba who is Commander and Chief. Any deaths of American soldiers or Afghan civilians lies directly in his hands. The blood now drips from Obama's fangs same as it did from Bush but Bush is gone. Fact is to bring up Bush continually adds nothing. Bush is history however so far it seems Ohbomba is little more than another Bush who spends even more money and puts the country even deeper into debt. I could go on but why waste my time on the brain dead.

81616 - Tue Oct 6 09:59:46 2009 - [Vote on Obama's performance ] By: Barb J

DO NOT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO CAST YOUR VOTE.

This is your chance to vote on Obama's performance on this Economy-AT&T/Yahoo Poll.... NOTE: this is a totally unbiased poll. The question is stated very simply... and, to the point. No tricks. No hidden messages. No nothing. JUST A SINGLE, SIMPLE QUESTION. There is no way that anyone can say that it was not a fair poll... or, that it was "phrased" in a way that it can be interpreted later... to fit someone else's desired answer. In other words... it is a spin-doctor's "nightmare."

http://js.polls.yahoo.com/quiz/quiziframe.php?poll_id=46067

NOTE: After you vote, you will see a second page that shows the running total and what the opinions are.

81615 - Mon Oct 5 20:17:14 2009 - [Obama doing a much better job than Bush] By: Obamaniac

I see Tony, I am so sorry for offending your sensibilities with posting things that you don't agree with. I suppose the hate filled vile lies the that your neo-con buddies are spewing not nearly as offensive. So let me try to do this without hurting your feelings:

I think Obama is doing a great job and disagree with the nonfactual postings of some of the other members of the forum comparing him with past murderers and dictators. I also disagree with saying that he is linked to current leaders of countries that are making nuclear weapons and exporting terror.
In fact, I feel that he is doing a much better job than the previous president, whom I have a great deal of disdain for and believe was the worst president in history and has many more similarities to Hitler than any of our other leaders.
As for you republicans blaming Obama for the problems the Bush and company created, it must be a nice change compared to the past blaming of Clinton for the numerous mistakes of Ronnie Reagan (and Nancy for the last 4 four years, because Ronnie was to sick with Alzheimers to make any decisions himself).
Now I hope I didn't hurt to many of your feelings.

America, Heck (Tony, is it ok to say heck?) Yeah!

81613 - Mon Oct 5 16:07:03 2009 - [Purple Eaters Galore] By: Dennis Miller

Tony

Being the cunning linguist you are reminds me of the legendary Purple People Eaters- Eller, Larsen, Marshall, and Page.

*Hold on Claire and femists galore!* Purple Eaters was the nickname of the Minnesota Vikings football team's defensive line of the late 1960s to the late 1970s. Don't bust your thong ladies!!!

All this purple talk brought back memories of the good old days of the famous front four, Joe Kapp, Bud Grant and more. BTW, my money is on the Vikings.

81612 - Mon Oct 5 14:13:40 2009 - [Rube, thanks for the clompliments!] By: DFL Rube

Speaking of colors, Phony Ramone proves to be a bigot once again with his last post about Beth. Add it to the list of racist, sexist, and asshole. Why do you care what somebody else does with their life? Bush broke the law (was crimes)and Cheneys DAUGHTER is gay! Also, you take an ass pounding on the DCB daily! Are you gay too?
Rather than bashing the good people who want to be an active leader, tell us what your candidate of choice would do for us! Better yet, why don't we see Tony Ramone on the ballot? Hows Pawlenty's PAC doing?

TONY: Rube, thanks for the clompliments!

81611 - Mon Oct 5 14:12:27 2009 - [Clean it up ] By: Obamaniac

Tony,
Don't be a bitch and post my entries.

TONY: Obamaniac, clean it up and one of will post them.

81610 - Mon Oct 5 13:32:13 2009 - [100% Purple fan inside and out] By: Tara

Tony Ramone, who are you pulling for in the big game tonight, the Vikings or Green Bay?

TONY: Tara thanks for the question. I'm a purple fan inside and out, but don't confuse me with the female city council candidate, Beth Olson, who went to Canada to marry another woman. Purple Pride to me is about the Minnesota Vikings.

81609 - Mon Oct 5 13:25:46 2009 - [2 - 4 - 6 - 8, time to medicate] By: Chicken Hammer

It didn't last long. He's pulled that post already. It should be fun to see what comes next. They really do need to get his medication right!

81608 - Mon Oct 5 12:20:26 2009 - [What's a Chicken Hammer?] By: Chicken Hammer

Hey Tony Ramone have you seen sub-douche's DCBwatch Oct. 4 post? He thinks you are me or that I am you. Hilarious!

TONY: Chicken Hammer, sub-d thinks that I'm a different person every month. I don't even know what a Chicken Hammer is let alone who you are.

81606 - Sun Oct 4 20:44:43 2009 - [Real unemployment hits 17 percent] By: Numbers Cruncher

The US U6 "real" unemployment rate just hit 17 percent. Check it out and my latest comments on the Numbers Cruncher in my latest post, The worst is yet to come. Oh how I want to be wrong, but the numbers don't lie like the politicians do.

http://numberscruncher.blogspot.com

nc

81605 - Sun Oct 4 12:24:20 2009 - [Muammar Qadhafi sure loves Obama] By: Cynic

I don't know about Iran but Muammar Qadhafi sure loves Ohbomba. With friends like that who needs enemies. LOL

From "The Hill's Blog Briefing Room"
By Tony Romm - 09/23/09 02:34 PM ET

"Libyan President Muammar al-Qadhafi showered Barack Obama with unexpected praise on Wednesday, telling the U.N. General Assembly he hoped Obama "can stay forever as the president of the United States."

It was, perhaps, the only kind words Qadhafi had for anyone in his hour-long speech, during which he vented against what he called the "inequality" of the United Nations."

81604 - Sun Oct 4 10:48:27 2009 - [Neo-Com on Obama] By: Obamaniac

Ok Bigfoot, I'll grow up, thanks for letting me know I was acting childish. Now lets all bash OUR President of the United States for standing up against nuclear proliferation (for you neo-cons who don't know big words like that because your neo-con parents didn't want to pay teachers in public schools, it means "to increase in number").

After that we can hammer on him because he tried to get the Olympic bid for Chicago (how come no one complained when Bush spent 6 months a year on vacation down on his ranch or flew around campaigning on Air Force One, oh yeah I forgot how big of hypocrites you are).
Obama has done more good for this country in the first 9 months of his administration than W did in 8 years. And to think he does it without invoking 9/11 and fear mongering.

Now Bigfoot, why don't you crawl back in your hole and let your President do his job.

81603 - Sat Oct 3 23:18:29 2009 - [Obama will take] By: Obamainiac

Really, Iran and Obama, get a clue. If Iran is such a threat why didn't Bush bomb them? Oh yeah, he was to busy screwing over everyone in this country. Don't worry, Obama will take care of you and the rest of the country.

81602 - Sat Oct 3 20:59:21 2009 - [] By: BIGFOOT

OBAMANIAC, GROW UP!!

81601 - Sat Oct 3 19:29:14 2009 - [Iranian Love Affair] By: slippery slope

Iran's leadership seems to already be in love with Obama. That didn't take long at all.

81599 - Sat Oct 3 12:37:32 2009 - [It's Bush's and Cheney's faults] By: Obamainiac

I wish Bush and Cheney were back, they did so many great things for the USA, especially improving our image overseas! It is going to take Obama more than a few months to reverse that damage and for other countries to start realizing that we are not all as ignorant as Bush.

But, then again most of you idiots on here do a pretty good job of making the rest of this country look bad.

America, Fuck Yeah!!

81598 - Sat Oct 3 09:22:54 2009 - [IOC Rejects Obama Olympic Bid] By: rc

Looks like Obama isn't the international rock star the America media makes him out to be. Not even Oprah made a difference. Out in the first round was a sobering reality check for the Obamamaniacs. Wake up America. When you get away from the State media, you can see how the rest of the world aren’t an Obama groupies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGSXP3kNulo

81597 - Sat Oct 3 07:25:04 2009 - [Hartman is another DFL puppet] By: Charlene

Good Morning! If Hartman gets in, & Olsen, I will have to move out of Duluth. Hartman is nothing but a puppet for thd DFL, and a child at best. Please get the word out, not to let this chump into office. Thank You.

81596 - Fri Oct 2 23:03:49 2009 - [For all you Bret Favre fans] By: DFL Rube

For all you Bret Favre fans. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDhD7ekiQPY

81595 - Fri Oct 2 19:48:16 2009 - [DCB Envy] By: CK

81594 - Fri Oct 2 18:00:24 2009 - [Nation Billboard Draws Attention] By: Web Hound

Obama Nation Billboard Draws Attention

http://www.kctv5.com/news/21176602/detail.html#

81593 - Fri Oct 2 14:43:05 2009 - [The "Real" Beth Olson] By: mp

If you want to view deleted webpages go to http://www.archive.org/index.php and type in the deleted webpage address into the "wayback machine" link (middle top of the page) and it will magically reappear.

Here is an example: deleted webpage - http://www.dspride.com/ourfamily.htm
magically reappears as:

http://web.archive.org/web/20060216161352/http://dspride.com/ourfamily.htm

Our Family Stories
Our family is your family. Your coworkers. Yours sons and daughters. Your parents. Your friends. Your family!

Check this section throughout the year to read real, touching portraits about members of your community--members of your family.

Posted on Sun, Aug. 28, 2005

Mom Times Two

BY SCOTT THISTLE
NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Sage Olson bursts through the back door and scampers across the kitchen into the living room. She launches from the carpet into the arms of her waiting mom, sitting on the couch.

The family dog, Lucky Boy, jumps up, licking both on the face, and a pair of cats compete for affection, rubbing themselves on pants legs while purring.

Sage and her mom kiss, cuddle and exchange greetings. After all, Sage, 7, hasn't seen her mom, Angie Nichols, since morning -- when Nichols left for work.

But when Sage calls for mom, two women often answer.

"If she yells 'Mom' and one of us answers, and it's the wrong one, she says, 'No, the other one,' " said Beth Olson, Sage's birth mom.

"Sometimes we can just tell by the inclination of her voice which one of us she wants," said Nichols, Olson's partner.

Olson, Nichols and Sage are the kind of nontraditional family that this year's Duluth-Superior Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied Pride Festival hopes to highlight. The festival's "We Are Family" theme this year puts emphasis not only on the GLBT community's sense of solidarity but also on the broader definition of family.

"What is a family, really?" Nichols asked. "A family really is about love, and if you have love and concern for each other, then you have a really good family that you can be proud of."

As in most families, time is a precious commodity -- so as Nichols continues a conversation with a visitor, Olson fixes Sage a quick bite to eat. The family is again running late for Sage's weekly soccer match.

Sage's dad, who was divorced from Beth Olson three years ago, is also actively involved in his daughter's life. He, too, will be at the game to watch Sage run up and down the field.

Married a year ago Saturday in Ontario, Olson and Nichols say they felt compelled to exchange formal vows to solidify their commitments to each other and to Sage.

Both Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia legally recognize same-sex marriages. The Superior couple also had a church wedding at Duluth's Peace United Church of Christ.

Nichols and Olson are also activists in the ongoing debate over the definition of marriage. Both are board members with Action Wisconsin, a GLBT group organizing to defeat efforts to amend Wisconsin's constitution to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions.

NORMAL FAMILY LIFE

In many ways, the couple's family life is like any other Twin Ports couple raising a child. Both work at professional careers. Both share in Sage's daily care and both work at maintaining their home.

Daily activities at home include all the things other families do every day. From tooth-brushing to mealtimes to going to Sage's soccer games, what happens in their life would be a familiar routine.

"We operate in the community just the same as any other family, except for that every time we go somewhere, we know that people are going to figure it out," Beth Olson said.

Figure out that she and Angie "are not sisters," as she puts it. "They are going to discover, and then how are they going to treat us? How are they going to treat Sage?"

It's a fear and a frustration for the couple. On top of that is the time they spend fighting to protect their rights, standing up for what they believe in and helping to educate others.

"At the end of the day, we say to ourselves, 'What would it be like if we didn't have to fight for this stuff?' " Nichols said.

"We would have a lot of free time. We would have a lot more time to spend with Sage. We could just do things that are relaxing and free our mind, and have more time and money to put into our life that we want to have like everybody else has."

Overhearing Nichols, Sage echoes her, enjoying the attention: "Yeah, more time for me. Me, me, me."

To some degree, the couple is also hesitant to bare their lives for public consumption in articles like this. They want Sage to know she is special and her parents are special, but they wonder how that is much different than most families.

ACTIVIST CONCERNS

Beyond being the only same-sex couple they know of in their part of town, Olson and Nichols are political activists. The two were arrested in 2004 protesting President Bush's visit to Duluth.

"Sometimes you have to make decisions that are personal and based on -- hopefully, a greater good," Nichols said.

Those feelings aren't uncommon for activist gay or lesbian couples trying to raise children, said Tony Sheehan, board president of Action Wisconsin.

"In smaller communities, and particularly in places removed from larger cities where people interact on a more regular basis with quote-unquote nontraditional families, there are some hardships that these people have to deal with on a day-to-day basis," said Sheehan, who raised children with his male partner more than a decade ago.

He shuns the term "nontraditional," asking, "What is 'traditional' in America these days?"

Still, going against social convention is tough.

"It wears on people; I know it does," Sheehan said. "They are constantly having to answer questions or talk about why their family is just as important as traditional families."

The growing number of gay and lesbian couples raising families has inspired the phrase "gayby boom" in GLBT circles. Often, same-sex couples are adopting children with health or developmental problems, including AIDS and other serious illnesses, Sheehan said.

The trend counters the insistence by some Christian activists that marriage can only be between a man and a woman and that its main purpose is the creation of children. But child-rearing is a natural desire for many human beings -- gay, lesbian or heterosexual, Sheehan said.

SEEKING ACCEPTANCE

Couples like Nichols and Olson -- who raise a child together and fight for the rights of themselves and others -- deserve acceptance and respect, Sheehan said.

His admiration is echoed by Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson.

Bergson made history in 2004 as the first Duluth mayor to sign a proclamation welcoming the Pride Festival to Duluth. He also took tremendous criticism, including hate e-mails and threatening phone calls to his office and home, he said.

Still, Bergson stands by the decision and this year will welcome the GLBT community to his city during a reception next weekend.

"Back in the '50s and '60s, it was about the color of the skin. And today it's about sexual orientation," Bergson said recently. "I suspect in 30 years it will be something else."

Nichols said she hopes equal rights for GLBT individuals won't take 30 years, but she acknowledges it could.

She and Beth Olson recognize there are many people who don't see things the way they do. Nichols asks those people to try -- even if just for a moment -- to see life from their perspective.

"What most people don't realize is we are in the midst of our civil rights movement," Nichols said. "We are in the midst of a marriage movement where amendments are being proposed that will further entrench discrimination against our families.

"These are real families, too."

81592 - Fri Oct 2 12:16:43 2009 - [What a shocker!] By: Phillip

Oh, you guys are going to like this:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2009-10-02-2016-olympics_N.htm

Here’s a great quote from the story above:

“In addition, the globally unpopular policies of the Bush administration post-9/11 greatly hampered the USOC's efforts at improving international relations.”

Heh, we’re going to blame Bush for this one, too!!!! Obama flies Air Force One over and back twice with his talent of persuasion, and get’s spurned in the first round. And the liberal media is gonna blame Bush. I love it.

Maybe it’s because Chicago is more violent than Rio, you morons.

81591 - Fri Oct 2 07:50:27 2009 - [Come show support for more taxes & fees] By: Hartman Fan

Daniel Hartman invited you to "Vikings/Packers Game at Mr. D's!" on Monday, October 5 at 7:30pm.

Event: Vikings/Packers Game at Mr. D's!
"Come and cheer on your favorite team!"
What: Bar Night
Start Time: Monday, October 5 at 7:30pm
End Time: Monday, October 5 at 10:30pm
Where: Mr. D's

MODERATOR: Hartman Fan, Is this the Hartman who is endorsed by the 3 largest special interest groups in the city, AFSCME, DFL, and DFD PAC? Geez, I wonder if he will support any and all tax and fee increases that are mentioned if elected. With these kinds of backers, he sounds like he is already bought and paid for, but time will tell.

81590 - Fri Oct 2 07:15:06 2009 - [Give it up Claire] By: Kenny J.

Give it a change Claire, stinking again!!

81589 - Thu Oct 1 23:06:16 2009 - [Beth, Where's the Pride Now?] By: Ben Dover

DFL Duluth continues to embarrass decent Duluthians. Duluth has a poverty rate on par with the State of Mississippi. Good job DFL! It was announced that DFL Duluth is ranked number 2 in the United States in job losses in mining and timber industries. A 33% drop. Nice job DFL! With over 40% of Duluthians earning less than $10 an hour and AFSCME, DFL, DFD PAC lining their pockets, its no wonder more and more people are moving away from DFL Duluth. And Donny Boy Ness continues to find more taxes and fees for Duluthians so that he does not have to make any hard choices as Mayor. Good job DFL! Taxes have increased 50% in the past three years and decent Duluthians are having a tougher and tougher time paying for the luxorious lifestyles of the AFSCME, DFL, and DFD PAC parasites.

BTW, I will be unable to entertain all my DCB readers for a few days as I will be away on my Spain and Portugal vacation. Don't fret though as I'll be back before the buy off, I mean the election. Also, I don't know if any others have seen the Olson for Council flier popping up around Duluth, but I've see two so far. Whoever designed that thing deserves a medal. It says "Beth, Where's the Pride Now?" and has a photo of Beth and some other gal. It looks like a wedding photo. Beth looks like she takes the woman's role as the other gal is playing the role of the man. How do they figure that stuff out anyway? Anyway, its funny as hell!

STARFIRE: Ben Dover, Check out Tony Ramone's Duluth News Tabloid by clicking above. You will see that Tony is on top of this cover up and you will understand. The DFL Kooks are probably putting these fliers out in public to make it look like they are from her opponents when in fact they are probably printed right up in Chester Park at one of the DFL Blowhards homes. Take a guess as to who might be behind this stuff. These people will stop at nothing to spin, twist, smear, and distort the truth. The "hate" that I see coming from the DFL so called Progressives is really getting out of control. Expect more of the same right up to the election.

81588 - Thu Oct 1 20:56:39 2009 - [Cybersluts, trust funders and transients] By: CK

I am mildly surprised that Claire has not commented about you apparently presuming my posts to be from her. I am not Claire...really. I know nothing about her other than she appears to be an active player in the local blogosphere. But I do like that name. Thank you.

CK, Funny I can't seem to find Claire mentioned, only CK. And only CK knows who CK is, right? Which makes it clear once again who you are as you seemed to have no problem stating that CK is Claire. How could you know if you claim not to know her and to know very little about her? That is one problem you are going to have to get a grip on C, trying to write as though you are several completely different people. Have you noticed that nobody in the blogosphere asks anymore who is behind your Tony R copycat sites which only show the dedication to the left wing fringe whackjob agenda and those nutjobs who will stop at nothing to ruin the city of Duluth? It is because everybody knows who the Cyberslut really is and could care less about what trust funding transients have to say. Its that simple.

81587 - Thu Oct 1 18:10:39 2009 - [Regrets from a "Real" Tony wannabe] By: CK

I am confused. Why can DFL Rube make this comment, "...I see the jerkoffs here at the DCB are now stealing links..." Aren't you insulted by being referred to a jerk off? When I bring it down to your level, you start changing what I write, adding your own nonsense, totaling changing what I write. I will reiterate, I come to this blog looking for real dialogue. And STARFIRE, I regret calling you an idiot, I got caught up in the normal mentality shown here. But I do regret it. Thank you.

STARFIRE: CK, your sincerity just tickles my hinder.

81586 - Thu Oct 1 16:21:02 2009 - [DFL Duluth is run by a mob of thugs] By: Jean J

There's lots more to uncover in Duluth without the use of media links. Actually, the media has circumvented some of the most telling stories about this city.

The bullying that we hear happening in high school has flourished for years in local government and businesses by otherwise 'respected citizens.' Yet no one addresses this.

The employees in this area usually know someone who knows someone otherwise it is a very difficult town to find a living wage here.
I was told by someone with many relatives working in local government a little secret a while back. And that is that the Civil Service department has in some instances hired or rejected an applicant for reasons other than test scores and back ground checks. People would be shocked to know the power that certain individuals have and abuse in our city and county. Nepotism anyone?

It doesn't matter if you are democratic or republican, there are both parties being represented by abusing the system. Duluth is run by a mob of thugs in a very unfair. The past administrations of local government made allowances for themselves above and beyond just being paid a working wage. It took decades to circumvent.

81585 - Thu Oct 1 10:39:35 2009 - [The truth in DFL Duluth hurts] By: DFL Rube

I see the jerkoffs here at the DCB are now stealing links from every media source in the area to post here. I bet they are just fresh out of their own content. What else is left to say? We have heard all the garbage already.

81584 - Wed Sep 30 22:40:54 2009 - [DFL leads the way down the crapper] By: Joel Syphilis

Hmmmmmm. Yesterday a DFL duluth poverty rate twice the rest of the state. Today 2nd worse good paying job losses nation wide. Last week's Kool-Aid dose of lies, Duluth unemployment lowest in Duluth. It was just more DFL lies as the truth is out this week in the non-DFL outside of Duluth media. Rising poverty will ocurr with the increasing job losses but help is on the way, vote DFL to get Duluth going again. Olson, Hartman, Gauthier now there's some talent. Yup right. You did it DFL.

81583 - Wed Sep 30 18:16:59 2009 - [More DFL Duluth Bad News] By: Cyrus the Virus

More DFL Duluth Bad News

Out of 337 metro areas listed in the report, Duluth had the second-worst decline in such jobs. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area’s decline came in 31st.

http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2009/09/28/daily31.html?ed=2009-09-30&ana=e_du_pub

81582 - Wed Sep 30 18:14:17 2009 - [MN leading welfare spender] By: Cynic

Just saw on ch10 news that Minnesota is on top. They were one of the highest states in welfare spending. One of the top three.

81581 - Wed Sep 30 18:03:28 2009 - [Pickwick cook comments] By: Cynic

From DNT Letters to the editor: "Numerous letters have been published pertaining to Pickwick employees being treated unfairly. I would like to weigh in on the debate.

As a full-time cook, I am beginning to grow weary of part-time workers lamenting their loss of benefits and unfair wages. I am baffled by the claims of two employees who have chosen not to work, saying they were fired. I have trouble believing a small, family-owned-and-operated restaurant is bullying a powerful nationwide union such as Workers United 99. The average evening server works only 20 to

25 hours per week. Their hourly wage is the federal minimum, until tips are added into the equation. When tips are included, evening servers make $24 to $28 per hour. In my opinion, that is a fair wage.

Most employers, including the Pickwick, offer benefits to full-time employees. I believe it is unfair for part-time employees to demand benefits of a small business, especially in these tough economic times. All Pickwick employees were offered to keep their jobs and vacation time. All but two employees chose to work. Those two made a choice not to work. Instead they chose to wage a do-not-patronize campaign, directly damaging the pocketbooks of the wait staff for whom they claim to be fighting.

Workers United 99 is a part of the Service Employees International Union, a large, national organization with a wealth of resources. The Pickwick is a local, fourth-generation, family-owned business. When only two employees from the Pickwick decided to picket, Local 99 dug up picketers from the area to pad their roster. The truth is 97 percent of Pickwick employees are still hard at work and need the public’s support. Anyone hungry could please stop by the Pickwick and check out our great new menu."

"Josh Stephens
Duluth
The writer is a cook at the Pickwick."

81580 - Wed Sep 30 14:37:04 2009 - [Towing shock] By: What the

So the Twin "Cityots" come up here and park wherever they want, because we need their money you know, and they are in shock when their cars get towed??

81579 - Wed Sep 30 11:50:16 2009 - [DFL Rube is a shinning example ] By: DCB Fan

Hey Dan H. speaking of saps you seem to be rather sticky yourself. BTW it doesn't take much to make DFL Duluth look bad and DFL Rube is a shinning example of that. You "all" not only look bad you sound bad once you open your mouths. Thanks again

81578 - Wed Sep 30 06:30:13 2009 - [DFLer Wine Tasting Party] By: DFL Watch

For those of you wondering, City Clowncil candidate Dan Hartman appears to be married though I do see a pic of Barney Frank Jr. on photo 6 of this web page:

http://www.hartmanforcouncil.org/events/

I don't believe this is staged like Beth Olson's hiding of her marriage.

Both are DFL endorsed.

Daniel invited you to "Wine Tasting Party" on Friday, October 9 at 8:00pm.
Event: Wine Tasting Party
What: House Party
Start Time: Friday, October 9 at 8:00pm
End Time: Friday, October 9 at 11:00pm
Where: Dan and Liz Hartman's house

81577 - Wed Sep 30 06:20:04 2009 - [Stahl's Double Standard] By: LIB Reader Online

I was reading Stahl's blog on "Cheese with that whine" and could easily see the obvious hypocrisy. I posted the following on Stahl's blog and we will see if he has the gonads to post it.

Another reason to read the LIB online for FREE.

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/pages/buzz
________________________________________________________________________________

Stahl,

Do not your union dues support the DFL Duluth political machine?

Are you not or were you not the treasure or an officer of your union?

If so, where is your disclaimer?

In my opinion you have several obvious conflicts of interests and you clearly do not hold yourself to the standards of others.

81576 - Wed Sep 30 05:57:09 2009 - [Another DFL Duluth failure] By: LIB Reader Online

This is another example in a long list of failed ventures with your tax dollars in DFL Duluth, but be thankful the city didn’t sign an operations agreement like they did at the fish tank.

You can only wonder if the same goofballs produced the visitor projections as the fish tank.

With the latest news on how DFL Duluth proudly boasts a poverty rate over twice the state average, this is one more reason you have to GO GREEN and read the LIB online for free saving money for another DFL Duluth tax, fee, fine and 2X utilities, while saving energy and the trees.
____________________________________________________________________________
Duluth News Tribune
Published September 30 2009

DECC peddles a sinking enterprise

The DECC put the Coast Guard Cutter Sundew up for sale this year, saying tour revenues aren’t keeping up with ship operating costs.
By: Peter Passi, Duluth News Tribune

If you haven’t already toured the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sundew, you may have missed your chance.

The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is considering a Superior businessman’s bid to purchase the vessel. Jeff Foster of Jeff Foster Trucking Inc. has offered to pay just more than $100,000 for the cutter. But the prospective sale of the ship could become tangled in federal red tape.

“The Sundew’s attendance has been dismal,” said Dan Russell, executive director of the DECC, explaining the rationale for putting it on the market. “Only 964 guests purchased tickets to tour the ship last year, as compared with about 50,000 tickets sold for the William A. Irvin. The bigger boat wins.”

This year, the Sundew has done a better job of pulling in visitors, drawing 2,175 people to date, thanks in part to an online marketing campaign. But at $3 to $5 a pop, those ticket sales generated only about $9,100 in revenue.

That’s not even enough to cover the $13,332 cost of leasing dock space for the floating museum.

Russell said staffing the Sundew with tour guides adds another $21,500 in costs to the equation. Still more expenses are tied to maintaining the vessel, periodically pumping out the head and supplying it with electricity. Throughout the winter, the DECC also foots the bill to operate a bubbler to protect the hull from ice damage.

With the cutter continuing to ring up losses, the DECC’s board of directors authorized staff to begin shopping it around more than a year ago.

Russell said the vessel was listed in Boats & Harbors, and while the ad generated significant interest, Foster was the only person to submit a qualified formal bid above the minimum threshold of $100,000.

“We were thrilled, because all the other interested parties were from outside the community,” Russell said. Board members hope to keep the well-known cutter in the Twin Ports if possible.

Foster could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon on his plans for the vessel. Russell said he and the board are excited by the prospect of seeing the vessel return to work in the harbor.

Still, it’s not clear Foster will be successful in his quest to acquire the Sundew. Russell said he recently informed the General Services Administration, which oversees the sale of federal property, of prospective plans to sell the ship and discovered a possible issue.

After the Sundew was decommissioned in 2004, it was donated to the DECC under the condition that the cutter be placed on public display for a minimum of five years. While five years have elapsed since that time, Russell said a representative of the GSA recently questioned whether the DECC has fulfilled its obligation since the vessel is closed to tours between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Following this line of logic, the DECC might be required to operate the Sundew as a floating museum for a decade before it could contemplate selling the vessel.

Nevertheless, the DECC’s board of directors voted Tuesday afternoon to authorize staff to proceed with the sale of the Sundew, assuming federal authorities sign off on the deal.

Regardless of the ship’s disposition, Thom Holden, director of the Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center, hopes it will remain in the Twin Ports.

“It’s an important part of the Duluth-Superior harbor and its history, having been built locally, having operated here and having retired in the same home port,” Holden said.

The 180-foot vessel was launched in 1944, and Holden said the craft was distinguished by its solid construction, with a welded hull that was novel for the day.

The primary mission of the Sundew was as a buoytender maintaining aids to navigation. But the vessel also worked as an icebreaker. On top of that, the Sundew participated in numerous search and rescue missions, saving 28 crewmen from the sinking freighter Jupiter and scooping up the only two survivors of the 35-man crew of the Carl D. Bradley amid 30-foot seas.

Proceeds from the sale of the Sundew could help cover the cost of repainting the Irvin, which Russell said remains a profitable exhibit.

If the DECC is required to keep the cutter on display, however, it can expect its costs to mount. Russell pointed out that the vessel is carrying 24,000 gallons of fuel as ballast. He explained that the useful life span of such fuel is typically five to seven years. If the vessel is to remain on static display for another five years, Russell said that fuel would likely need to be pumped out and replaced with a glycol solution to stave off rust.

81575 - Wed Sep 30 00:02:15 2009 - [Perfect candidate in DFL Duluth] By: The Great Cornholio

This guy would be a perfect candidate in DFL Duluth.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8281752.stm

81574 - Tue Sep 29 22:52:28 2009 - [DFL surpasses Mississippi in poverty] By: slippery slope

welcome to mississippi or better known as dfl duluth.

81573 - Tue Sep 29 22:36:22 2009 - [DFL Duluth Pride] By: Web Hound

Census: Duluth poverty rate second-highest in Minnesota
Tue, 09/29/2009 - 2:32pmCommunity Twin Ports

FOX 21 News

DULUTH - One in five people in Duluth is living in poverty, according to statistics released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Statewide, Duluth's poverty rate of 20.1 percent for 2008 was second only to Minneapolis, at 21.3 percent. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey only covered cities of 65,000 or more, so Duluth was the only Northland city included.

Minnesota's statewide average was 9.6 percent, while Wisconsin's was 10.4 percent and Michigan's was 14.4 percent.

The proportion of people living in poverty in Minnesota and Wisconsin remained about steady from 2007 to 2008 and continued to be smaller than the nation as a whole.

Nationally, 13.2 percent of people lived below the federal poverty line in 2008. Mississippi had the highest share at 21.2 while New Hampshire was lowest at 7.6 percent.

http://www.fox21online.com/news/census-duluth-poverty-rate-second-highest-minnesota

81572 - Tue Sep 29 21:04:26 2009 - [Hail to the Queen!] By: Marie K

Ha Ha Ha...

Ted Kennedy... 3 weeks sober today! Congrats!

A little humor from The Queen of the Blogosphere

STARFIRE: A little too much vino this evening, C? This may be the first time that I agree with you. Keep on drinking the vino.

81571 - Tue Sep 29 18:19:48 2009 - [DFL = Over twice the state poverty rate] By: Adam R

I just saw it on the local news that poverty in Minnesota sits at 9.5% and in Duluth and Minneapolis, both run by DFL monopolies, they come in with poverty rates over 20%! Way to go DFL, DFD PAC, and AFSCME and all your special interest union monies. Over twice the state poverty rate and still people vote these thieves into office. They are either dumb as hell or greedy as hell. You choose. I expect that with the local DFL spending thousands of dollars to buy the candidates of their choice to carry out their fleecing and theft of the taxpayers, things will only contunue down the shitter. Thanks DFL for no jobs, higher taxes and fees and being number 1 in the state in the poverty department. Olson, Hartman, and Gauthier will only help the city go faster down the crapper.

81570 - Tue Sep 29 18:18:39 2009 - [Pay more and get less in DFL Duluth] By: Robert

Adam here's another one for your all DFL Duluth list.

Gas is $2.34 in Cloquet and $2.45 in DFL Duluth?

Pay more and get less in DFL Duluth.

81569 - Tue Sep 29 18:09:29 2009 - [Stahlalinski is back up] By: Inspector Clouseau

Dr. Evil and others,

Stahlalinski is back up online. I just posted one out there.

81568 - Tue Sep 29 17:46:30 2009 - [C's out promoting Sarah ] By: Casual Observer

Dr. Evil, are you wondering where "C" is. She's out promoting Sarah Palins new book. Duh!

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20308873,00.html

81567 - Tue Sep 29 17:27:36 2009 - [Thanks but no thanks] By: Dan H

DFL Rube - Sorry, but I have to say thanks but no thanks. You make us all look bad by engaging these saps. You're all on the same spectrum - just different ends.

81566 - Tue Sep 29 14:40:59 2009 - [Claire succeeded in shutting down BS?] By: Dr. Evil

What is it, something Claire said that has backed up the posting of entries on Stahlalinski's Buzz blog or did BS take a few days off? Either way, my stuff isn't getting posted.

81565 - Tue Sep 29 12:16:22 2009 - [You rock DFL Duluth] By: Adam R

DFL Rube, at least you live up to your name.

DFL control in Duluth has created the most expensive fire department in the State of Minnesota, outrageous teachers salaries way out of line with market wages, a poverty rate twice the state average, wages at poverty levels for private sector workers while DFL Duluth buys more and more hand picked candidates to continue taking all that is left from those people who actually do the work and handing it out to the highest bidders, AFACME, DFL, and DFD PAC. A population that is half of what is used to be before total DFL control and stealing began.

DFL Duluth, proof of what DFL control can do to ruin an entire area. DFL Duluth, the reason outsiders continue to laugh at how dumb Duluthians are for electing the same kind of thieves year after year.

You rock DFL Duluth, right to the bottom!

81564 - Tue Sep 29 11:51:04 2009 - [This election all but won] By: DFL Rube

Classy response, Dan H. I love it! See you at the Reef (even though we know you have this election all but won)!
Wonder if these nutjobs at the DCB could walk into a working mans building to learn why the DFL is sweeping the Nation clean? They could use a few pointers on how to run an election.... with good candidates.

81563 - Tue Sep 29 10:22:18 2009 - [Thanks for the plug] By: Dan H.

Thanks for the plug - I look forward to seeing you all there!

81562 - Mon Sep 28 16:19:19 2009 - [ A True Minnesota Hero ] By: youtube dude

ACORN Whistleblower A true Minnesota Hero who did what is right!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WX3u24ZSPw

81561 - Mon Sep 28 16:14:49 2009 - [Go drink with the Bros and Hos] By: Dennis Miller

GO DRINK WITH THE UNION THUGS I MEAN BROs and HOs

BTW HARTMAN GAY TOO? HE HAS THE BARNEY FRANK JR. LOOK.

Daniel invited you to "Hartman for Council fundraiser at the Reef Bar" on Thursday, October 1 at 6:00pm.

Event: Hartman for Council fundraiser at the Reef Bar
What: Fundraiser
Start Time: Thursday, October 1 at 6:00pm
End Time: Thursday, October 1 at 8:00pm
Where: The Reef Bar

81560 - Mon Sep 28 14:08:17 2009 - [Just Close Your Eyes] By: Truthism

Nice work Clouseau identifying the Medusa of Duluth blogs. When I see Claire's trash chat, I just close my eyes.

81559 - Mon Sep 28 13:33:09 2009 - [Where's The Civility DFL Rube?] By: justice

So now Rube resorts to terroristic threats. What a sad excuse for a human being.

81558 - Mon Sep 28 12:16:15 2009 - [Professional fiction writer on the Buzz] By: Inspector Clouseau

Claire Kirch and "her friends" are going at it again on Stahlalinki's blog. Check out Suzanne, Tony R, Paul and Claire and you'll see what I mean.

Claire is a "professional" writer, hint hint Stahlinski blog fans.

Could it be the one known as “C” uses more than one identity? Say it aint so “C”!

There's big money in the GLBT writing as seen below-
http://www.afterellen.com/archive/ellen/Print/2006/7/publishing.html

According to the January 26, 2004 article “Brotherly (and Sisterly) Love” by Claire Kirch in Publishers Weekly, Giovanni's Room posted $425,000 in sales for fiscal year 2003, plus $19,000 in mail order, and $16,000 through wholesaling. The 2003 numbers were 5% below sales for the previous year.

81556 - Mon Sep 28 00:35:16 2009 - [Lefty afraid to identify self] By: Me Again

STARFIRE: Me Again, you must have been first in your class starting from the other end. Since you feel so sure of yourself, why are you afraid to put your name out there? Duluth is run by your cronies and mafia, not mine. So what are you afraid of? Who's Glen Beck?

81555 - Sun Sep 27 23:40:30 2009 - [DFL will be the final nail in the coffin] By: DFL Rube

Good work with the DELETED with my post DCB. You DELETED moderators know who who you are. Sorry you can't take the TRUTH and feel the need to DELETED with me. OHHHH to meet you in a dark alley....
I guess I'll be laughing in the end when the DFL rules the country! See ya all at the LABOR DAY picnic next year! DFL RULES!!

STARFIRE: Now now Rube, let us not get so testy. The last guy who said that he wrote the truth was Trotsky and after 70 years of his BS and millions of peoples dreams going down the drain, the country shit canned his "Truth" which was nothing but Socialism and fleecing of the citizenry. Sound familiar? Duluth? DFL? AFSCME? We haven't had to suffer 70 years of this shit yet, but if the DFL has its way, we will. Sad part is that while the DFL hand picked and bought and paid for clowns are ruining our city and country, a new eager world is rising and anxiously working to hand the U.S. its ass. All that money you are stealing will be worthless down the road. Don't tell me Rube, you are the sharpshooter who takes out the dogs of those you determine to be your enemies. Meet in a dark alley? Give me a break. A pussy like you wouldn't even think of going into a dark alley in DFL Duluth these days unless one of the pole dancers at the fire hall was holding your hand. Nice try.

81552 - Sun Sep 27 18:10:10 2009 - [Look at what each candidate stands for] By: 60's Warrior

HAVING BEEN INTERESTED IN THIS BLOG FOR ALMOST 2 MONTHS NOW, I HEAR MUCH BITCHIN ABOUT CANDIDATES. HERE IS A SUGGESTION, RATHER THAN LOOK AT WHO ENDORSED A PARTICULAR CANDIDATE OR WHO DIDN'T GET ANY ENDORSEMENTS, LOOK AT WHAT EACH STANDS FOR AND WHAT GUIDES THEM IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES. INSTEAD OF THROWING INSULTS AT THEM, GET TO KNOW THEIR POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY AND THE COURAGE THEY DISPLAY WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH. IF IT ALIGNS WITH YOURS VOTE FOR THEM. IT IS PRETTY EASY IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT AND PUT ALL THE BULLSHIT ASIDE. FOR EXAMPLE, YOU KNOW FROM MY PREVIOUS POSTS I WOULD NEVER VOTE FOR LARRY FOR ANYTHING BECAUSE WHEN TIMES GOT TOUGH HE LEFT AND WE FOUGHT THE WAR WITHOUT HIM.

81551 - Sun Sep 27 17:53:46 2009 - [Beth Olson has turned her back on Gays] By: Gay Male

When my council candidate, Beth Olson was asked by the news tribune if she was married or not and she answered, " I'm not married", this ticked me off. Beth, I know you and your campaign staff read this blog so I am going to give it to you straightforward. You have set our movement back years by not stepping forward and telling potential voters your gay AND married. We have fought for equal rights as gay people and you turned your back on us. You should be ashamed for not taking a stand. I have given your campaign my last dollar, no more. If you run from the truth now I can't imagine what you'll do if elected. I wish you no luck because you don't deserve it.

81550 - Sat Sep 26 18:47:09 2009 - [You & Larry can go to Cuba if you like] By: Veteran

Joel S. it doesn't matter what you post on this blog because we know you hate this country and the men and women who wear the uniform who have given their lives in protecting her from our enemies. You and Larry can go hang out in Cuba if you'd like.

81549 - Sat Sep 26 09:17:02 2009 - [Comparing hoses is new job for DFD] By: jthyme

So small soft and limp finally admits he's a lazy ass DFDer. Nice to finally come out of the closet, eh, small soft? You gays, errrr....guys(?) can't even put out a grass fire without help from another engine. Number 10 is the biggest joke of all the FD in this town. Just make sure that when I show YOU who's number one, small soft and limp, that you and your "brothers" have your panties on. I know how you gays, errrr...."guys" like to walk around naked at the station and compare hoses to each other.

081548 - Sat Sep 26 00:35:52 2009 - [DFD appreciation on Commonwealth] By: Big Iron

You're a little slow on the draw there, jthyme. We've been telling you you're #1 for the better part of a year now every time you drive by on Commonwealth.

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