May 2, 2011
May 02 12:15 What's the Compelling Argument for SF425? May 02 02:00 Plenty of Credit to Go Around May 02 03:55 Strawman Fields Forever May 02 04:33 Real Reporting vs. MPP May 02 14:38 What They're Saying, Foreign Edition May 02 12:53 What They're Saying May 02 13:49 I Thought Waterboarding Didn't Work
Prior Years: 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
What's the Compelling Argument for SF425?
As part of this weekend's reading, I read this op-ed . When I read the language for SF425 , I didn't initially believe what I'd just read. First, here's the key part of the Strib op-ed:
To prevent scalpers from getting in ahead of consumers when tickets go on sale, venues are selling "nontransferable paperless e-tickets," for certain seats at certain concerts and events.
A nontransferable paperless ticket is a ticket whose receipt is the digital paperless domain of your own mobile telephone. It means that the person in whose name one buys the ticket actually has to want to go to the show.
If event promoters want to sell "'nontransferable paperless e-tickets'" at their events, the state shouldn't be interested in how the tickets are sold. The State should be neutral on this issue. This legislation would prohibit event promoters from selling e-tickets.
Here's the offensive language of SF425:
Sec. 2. [325E.70] FREE MARKET IN RESALE OF EVENT TICKETS.
Subdivision 1. Prohibition. It is unlawful for a ticket issuer to prohibit or restrict the resale or offering for resale of an event ticket by a lawful possessor of the ticket.
Subd. 2. Prohibited acts. Ticket issuers are prohibited from engaging in the following acts:
(1) purporting to impose license or contractual terms on the initial sale of event tickets including, but not limited to, terms printed on the back of a physical ticket that prohibit resale of the ticket, or that restrict the price or other terms and conditions under which a ticket may be resold or transferred;
(2) requiring the purchaser of a ticket, whether for a single event or for a series or season of events, to agree not to resell the ticket, or to resell the ticket only through a specific channel approved by the ticket issuer;
That language prohibits event planners and promoters from issuing e-tickets. The state, as near as I can determine, doesn't have an interest in how commerce is conducted. In fact, I don't know that the state has the authority to say that some contracts are legal while other types of contracts aren't legal.
Let's remember that tickets to events, whether it's to a Twins game or whether it's to a We Fest concert, are a contract between the event planner and the consumer. The consumer ordering the ticket online is telling the event planner that he's willing to spend money in exchange for a ticket to attend the event of his picking.
There's nothing complicated about that.
Posted Monday, May 2, 2011 12:15 PM
No comments.
Plenty of Credit to Go Around
President George W. Bush weighed in with this statement after being told of bin Laden's death by President Obama:
Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al-Qaida network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude.
This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.
President Bush's gracious congratulations to President Obama and to the American forces that ended UBL's reign of terrorism is typical of him and his family. It's also welcomed.
It's also time for people from across the political spectrum to thank President Bush for his commitment to protecting America while preventing another terrorist attack after 9-1-1. By no means does President Obama have it easy protecting this nation. Still, he's better off because many of the policies and procedures that President Bush put in place have made President Obama's job easier.
After 9/11, President Bush was operating in uncharted territory against an enemy unlike any other we'd dealt with before. An enemy that wasn't restricted by national boundaries. An enemy that didn't hesitate in using children in destroying innocent human lives. An enemy so technically well-trained that they carried out attacks with deadly precision.
President Obama deserves the praise tonight for acting on the intelligence the CIA had put together. President Bush deserves praise for keeping this nation safe for 7+ years while navigating totally uncharted waters.
Most importantly, our intelligence community and our military deserve credit for gathering the intel and for killing OBL respectively. Without them at the tip of the spear, OBL would still be alive.
Tonight, there's plenty of praise to be spread around. Let's momentarily enjoy the moment. Then let's return to vigilence.
Posted Monday, May 2, 2011 2:00 AM
Comment 1 by eric z. at 02-May-11 11:30 AM
Per comment on a later post on a different topic, I look forward to your expressing your thinking about how the bin Laden assassination will effect the big picture of politics and war and peace.
And I expect it wise to wait say until next Monday to see what further facts are made public about this. But I encourage you to think it over and do an analysis item, beyond the two - "this just in" - posts. I would hope some of the worse of the Patriot Act paranoia gets unwound.
Response 1.1 by Gary Gross at 02-May-11 12:00 PM
My initial reaction to killing bin Laden is purely one of joy. There's tons of time for politics later. Right now, I'm just happy UBL's assumed room temp.
Strawman Fields Forever
It isn't a secret that Sid Hartman doesn't have a clue. This column , however, proves that he's willing to play the strawman card without hesitation. Here's what I'm talking about:
The drafting of Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder in the first round was a big surprise to several draft analysts, so the Vikings weren't given a high draft grade by some of the so-called experts, most of whom look silly when some of the draftees they make fun of turn into stars.
Rob Rang is CBSSports.com's is their draft analyst. Here's his grade for the Vikings and Christian Ponder :
Minnesota Vikings: B+
Full disclosure: I am higher on Christian Ponder than most, so if you're thinking I'm going to knock them significantly for their perceived "reach" of him at No. 12, you're wrong. I will certainly admit that the No. 12 overall pick higher is higher than a quarterback coming off two arm surgeries should go, but the Vikings needed a passer who could play right away and Ponder is, in my opinion, the most pro-ready passer in this draft. If, and it's a big if, he can stay healthy, he'll prove worthy of this pick. Arm-strength, intelligence and mobility are not questions, in my mind. The Vikings found solid talent throughout the rest of the draft, as well. The selection of Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph was a surprise considering the emergence of Visanthe Shiancoe. Versatile defensive lineman Christian Ballard (4th round), competitive cornerback Brandon Burton (5th) and developmental center Brandon Fusco (6th) highlighted a busy Day Three for the Vikings.
It doesn't sound like Rang ripped the Vikings too hard, does it?
Here's ESPN's Todd McShay's take on Ponder:
What he brings: Ponder has had problems staying healthy and there are concerns about his durability going forward, but he has had the opportunity to show his toughness and there is a lot to like about his willingness to play through pain. He doesn't have the strongest arm and will have some trouble driving the ball downfield, but he does an excellent job of anticipating and delivering the ball in stride on short-to-intermediate routes. He is also light on his feet and can buy time within the pocket.
Video analysis: Todd McShay
How he fits: One of the big questions regarding the Vikings was whether they would go the veteran QB route or bite the bullet and start over with a rookie, and we still don't know the answer, despite this pick. Right now, with Tarvaris Jackson and Brett Favre gone and Joe Webb unproven this is an offense that simply can't line up at QB. Is Ponder the immediate answer? Will the Vikings still go out and try to get a veteran to bridge the gap? Bill Musgrave is the new coordinator and he will run a West Coast offense that emphasizes the run with Adrian Peterson and his philosophy will emphasize rollouts, bootlegs, half reads and play-action, all things Ponder can do well.
Here's McShay's take on Kyle Rudolph:
What he brings: Rudolph has an excellent combination of size and athleticism to become an every-down tight end in the NFL. His strength is catching passes. Rudolph has the speed and route-running ability to separate and he shows above-average ball skills to bring in balls outside his frame. He is an effective run blocker but could get better in that area. Durability issues kept him out of the first round.
How he fits: This is a pure value pick because on paper it is not a glaring need for the Vikings. Backup Jimmy Kleinsasser is primarily a blocker and Visanthe Shiancoe is an excellent pass catcher but his production dropped last year to two touchdowns in 2010. Rudolph is the most versatile TE coming into the draft and would have gone much higher, if not for injury. In an offense that loves to use the TE in the passing game it becomes even more important to give rookie QB Christian Ponder another target. Watch the Vikings use a lot more two tight end sets this year, much like the Patriots.
Finally, CBS Senior NFL Draft expert had this to say about Christian Ponder :
I love this pick. I think he will be the best in this class. Smart. Tough. Sees the field. Great move, Vikings.
PS- Prisco gave the Vikings an A for this pick. He also gave the Vikings a B+ for drafting Rudolph.
In other words, the "the so-called experts, most of whom look silly when some of the draftees they make fun of turn into stars" are mostly a figment of Sid's imagination. The national media, for the most part, gave the Vikings solid grades. The lone exception that I found was SI's Peter King.
It's time for Mr. Hartman to hang up his electric typewriter. It's time for smarter, more energetic people to start writing Sid's beat.
Posted Monday, May 2, 2011 3:55 AM
Comment 1 by eric z. at 02-May-11 11:42 AM
It should make Bachmann happy. The Vikings draft two Christians.
What amused me, in the window between the trial court injunction against the lockout, and the appellate overtruning of that, Frazier got a playbook into Pondrer's hands, and the coaching staff has not asked for it back.
Frazier, playing with Jim McMahon in Chicago, and being a defensive coach with the Colts; knows how having a smart quarterback - even if an obnoxious one like McMahon is, with Ponder seeming closer to Manning than McMahon.
Will he be a good quick read quarterback, or hold the ball too long as some "frachise" hopes end up doing too frequently?
We wait and see. Trent Dilfer was reported as unenthusiastic about him; and many analysts projected him as likely to be around in the second round so that the Vikings could have taken the cornerback from Nebraska, first round.
Could have ... Should have ... It is guesswork, and I think Joe Webb was quite credible finishing last season.
If you run a complicated offense, and unlike Childress encourage the quarterback to make calls from under center after seeing the defense - per Manning - then it is different than the smashmouth philosophy of we have a few plays we practice and hone to perfection, so that defenses know what we'll run but they still have to stop us.
Final thought, the Patriots taking Ryan Mallett of Arkansas. Any thoughts about that, Gary? Remember, Brady's been hurt before and the bench warmer at USC ended up starting and doing fine and now starts in KC.
Is Belichek really smarter than everyone else? If Mallett works miracles or even moderately prospers and Ponder falters, who coaches the Vikings next?
Real Reporting vs. MPP
Last week, I wrote about how MPP mischaracterized King's legislation on preparing fiscal notes. This morning, the St. Cloud Times' Mark Sommerhauser wrote a substantially different article on King's bill :
The current Management & Budget commissioner, Jim Schowalter, was appointed by Dayton, but also oversaw the state budget under Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
When asked if he believes the current fiscal-note process is independent and objective, Banaian said he believes it is. But Banaian said his bill would remove the appearance of bias in budgeting.
'It would build more trust and more respect for the people who actually have to write the numbers down,' Banaian said. 'They're not political. They're just a person doing a job.'
Under Banaian's proposal, the Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy would be made up of 12 legislators, or three members of both parties from both the House and Senate. Banaian said the commission then would hire nonpartisan staffers to do the analysis required for fiscal notes.
Banaian added that the Congressional Budget Office, the nonpartisan budget-analysis arm of Congress, is the federal model for what he wants the legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy to become at the state level.
Here's what I wrote in a post earlier on King's bill:
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.885, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Membership. The Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy consists of nine three members of the senate appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration and three members of the senate appointed by the senate minority leader, three members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker, and three members of the house of representatives appointed by the house of representatives minority leader. Vacancies on the commission are filled in the same manner as original appointments. The commission shall elect a chair and a vice-chair from among its members. The chair alternates between a member of the senate and a member of the house of representatives in January of each odd-numbered year.
How anyone could argue with a process that's modeled after the CBO is beyond me. Still, that's precisely what Gov. Dayton and Rep. Winkler have done. I'd love hearing which of these provisions Gov. Dayton or Rep. Winkler disagree with:
Subd. 5. Duties. (a) The commission shall:
(1) provide the legislature with research and analysis of current and projected state revenue, state expenditures, and state tax expenditures;
(2) provide the legislature with a report analyzing the governor's proposed levels of revenue and expenditures for biennial budgets submitted under section 16A.11 as well as other supplemental budget submittals to the legislature by the governor;
(3) provide an analysis of the impact of the governor's proposed revenue and expenditure plans for the next biennium;
(4) conduct research on matters of economic and fiscal policy and report to the legislature on the result of the research;
(5) provide economic reports and studies on the state of the state's economy, including trends and forecasts for consideration by the legislature;
(6) conduct budget and tax studies and provide general fiscal and budgetary information;
(7) review and make recommendations on the operation of state programs in order to appraise the implementation of state laws regarding the expenditure of funds and to recommend means of improving their efficiency;
(8) recommend to the legislature changes in the mix of revenue sources for programs, in the percentage of state expenditures devoted to major programs, and in the role of the legislature in overseeing state government expenditures and revenue projections;
(9) make a continuing study and investigation of the building needs of the
government of the state of Minnesota, including, but not limited to the following: the current and future requirements of new buildings, the maintenance of existing buildings, rehabilitating and remodeling of old buildings, the planning for administrative offices, and the exploring of methods of financing building and related costs; and
(10) conduct a continuing study of state-local finance, analyzing and making recommendations to the legislature on issues including levels of state support for political subdivisions, basic levels of local need, balances of local revenues and options, relationship of local taxes to individuals' ability to pay, and financial reporting by political subdivisions. In conducting this study, the commission shall consult with the governor, the staff of executive branch agencies, and the governor's Advisory Commission on State-Local Relations.
(b) In performing its duties under paragraph (a), the commission shall consider, among other things:
(1) the relative dependence on state tax revenues, federal funds, and user fees to support state-funded programs, and whether the existing mix of revenue sources is appropriate, given the purposes of the programs;
(2) the relative percentages of state expenditures that are devoted to major programs such as education, assistance to local government, aid to individuals, state agencies and institutions, and debt service; and
(3) the role of the legislature in overseeing state government expenditures, including legislative appropriation of money from the general fund, legislative appropriation of money from funds other than the general fund, state agency receipt of money into revolving and other dedicated funds and expenditure of money from these funds, and state agency expenditure of federal funds.
(c) The commission's recommendations must consider the long-term needs of the state. The recommendations must not duplicate work done by standing committees of the senate and house of representatives.
(d) The commission shall:
(1) prepare fiscal notes and revenue notes on pending legislation;
(2) prepare local government impact notes on pending legislation; and
(3) prepare a forecast of state revenues and expenditures.
(e) The commission shall report to the legislature on its activities and
recommendations by January 15 of each odd-numbered year.
(f) The commission shall provide the public with printed and electronic copies of reports and information for the legislature. Copies must be provided at the actual cost of furnishing each copy.
I'm betting that Gov. Dayton's and Rep. Winkler's complaints are partisan in nature, not substantive. That just proves the importance of King's legislation.
Posted Monday, May 2, 2011 4:33 AM
Comment 1 by eric z. at 02-May-11 11:25 AM
A prince marries; a former Pope is beautified; and bin Laden is snuffed. It is not exactly a slow-news May Day. I love the rock solid stability of FreedomRings, in not being distracted from local events - all politics being local.
Seriously, Gary, it would be interesting to see, and I guess you are working on writing your viewpoint of the bin Laden assassination, and whether it will affect Patriot Act evolution; etc.
I realize the topic is important. I am just curious about what you're thinking about the bin Laden situation and how it shakes out. I see wisdom to waiting a few days for dust to settle.
What They're Saying, Foreign Edition
Reactions by foreign officials to bin Laden's death run an interesting gamut :
In Yemen, a member of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula described bin Laden's death as a "catastrophe," Agence-France Presse reported.
"At first we did not believe it, but we got in touch with our brothers in Pakistan who have confirmed it," the member said.
I'd totally agree with that opinion. It's an unmitigated catastrophe for terrorists.
In Yemen one official, who declined to be named, welcomed the announcement and described it to to CNN as "a truly historic moment," adding: "We welcome the news...millions of people will sleep in peace tonight."
Those statements provide a stark contrast between the terrorists' perspectives and those who've been oppressed by the jihadists. I can't find a halfway point between those opinions.
In Kenya, families of victims of the al Qaeda attack on the U.S. embassy in Nairobi in 1998 were quietly celebrating, said CNN's David McKenzie. Charles Muriuki, who was 15 when his mother was killed by the blast, told McKenzie: "Finally the day has come, justice will always prevail."
It's important that we not forget that there were hundreds of victims of terrorism long before 9/11. Mr. Muriuki's reaction is an apt reminder of that.
In Israel, the news dominated television and radio coverage on Holocaust Memorial Day, an occasion normally devoted to somber programming that reflects on the deaths of millions of Jews. CNN's Phil Black, reporting from Jerusalem, said Israelis there had expressed a sense of satisfaction that bin Laden had finally been captured.
"The reaction from Israel is: 'It's about time. This has taken far too long,'" Black said. He added that Israeli leaders would be monitoring reaction from the Palestinian territories to bin Laden's death.
That's a sobering perspective from Israel. It isn't difficult to forget that they deal daily with the possibility of another terrorist attack. Each day is marked with reminders that this might be their last day on Earth.
Benjamin Netanyahu's reaction is quite appropriate:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated the killing of Osama bin Laden by U.S. forces on Sunday as a triumph for Washington and its allies in their "war on terror".
"This is a resounding triumph for justice, freedom and the values shared by all democratic nations fighting shoulder to shoulder in determination against terrorism," Netanyahu said in a statement early on Monday.
Shimon Peres' reaction is captivating:
President Shimon Peres, Israel's elder statesman and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, said Bin Laden had "met his end at the gallows". Peres described the death as a lesson about the self-destructiveness of violent extremism.
"Look at all of the murderers, all of those dictators and terrorists. They end up murdering themselves, the real verdict of history, which to my regret takes a lot a time and exacts a lot of victims," he told Israel Radio.
I'll put this succinctly: Good riddance. I just wish I could've been the one pulling the trigger.
Posted Monday, May 2, 2011 2:38 PM
Comment 1 by eric z. at 03-May-11 07:34 AM
That "at the gallows" quote has to be in error. Often mistranslations happen, but bin Laden was killed in action. However you judge him, this was not carrying out a judicial sentence.
Comment 2 by eric z. at 03-May-11 08:24 AM
A quick question for Gary and other Freedom Rings followers:
Do you anticipate bipartisan unity in confronting some of the questions about internal situations within Pakistan raised by the circumstances of this bin Laden encampment within Pakistan's top Garrison town, near the disputed Kashmir region?
Also, what level and kinds of accountability should be expected from the Pakistani military, given their virtual "ownership" of Abbottabad?
Just curious. The questions are obvious ones. The GOP position on them, however, is I guess the primary question.
Response 2.1 by Gary Gross at 03-May-11 08:31 AM
Eric, There appears to be bipartisan support for putting more pressure on Pakistan. It requires a deft touch because the potential for disaster is so great. The thought of a nuclear-armed ISI aligning with Iran is the world's worst nightmare. Pushing too hard isn't the best way to stabilize the region.
As far as Abbottobad, the military is thoroughly corrupt. That operation must be taken down & handed over to more honorable people.
What They're Saying
Chip Cravaack issued this statement following the killing of Osama bin Laden:
I applaud the amazing men and women of our military and our intelligence agencies who have worked for almost 10 years to make sure Osama bin Laden, the perpetrator of the worst terrorist attack in American history, was finally brought to justice for his heinous crimes. This may not end the threat posed to us by global terrorism, but it is a clear victory for America and freedom loving people throughout the world.
Michele Bachmann issued this statement after UBL was killed by US troops:
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the men and women of the U.S. military and intelligence community. Their persistence and dedicated service has yielded success in a mission that has gripped our nation since the terrible events of 9/11. Tonight's news does not bring back the lives of the thousands of innocent people who were killed that day by Osama bin Laden's horrific plan, and it does not end the threat posed by terrorists, but it is my hope that this is the beginning of the end of Sharia-compliant terrorism.
Paul Ryan issued this statement on the Navy SEAL's killing UBL:
The President's announcement that Osama Bin Laden has been found and killed is simply fantastic news. After ten years of dedicated effort across two administrations, we have struck a major blow against al-Qaeda and achieved a momentous turning point in our nation's ongoing War on Terrorism.
While we must remain vigilant in defense of freedom and democracy in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and on other fronts, we can rest assured that the murderer who orchestrated the deaths of thousands of our countrymen has finally met justice at the hands of the brave men and women of our military and intelligence community.
Speaker Boehner issued this statement after being briefed about bin Laden's demise:
This is great news for the security of the American people and a victory in our continued fight against al Qaeda and radical extremism around the world. We continue to face a complex and evolving terrorist threat, and it is important that we remain vigilant in our efforts to confront and defeat the terrorist enemy and protect the American people.
I want to congratulate, and thank, the hard-working men and women of our Armed Forces and intelligence community for their tireless efforts and perseverance that led to this success. I also want to commend President Obama and his team, as well as President Bush, for all of their efforts to bring Osama bin Laden to justice.
This is a big accomplishment in the global war against the jihadists. Still, as these elected officials rightly note, this isn't the end of the fight. It's just a welcome victory in this life and death fight.
Posted Monday, May 2, 2011 12:53 PM
No comments.
I Thought Waterboarding Didn't Work
H/T: Gatewaypundit
For years, Democrats have said that torture didn't give intelligence officials actionable intelligence. These same Democrats classified waterboarding as torture. This Strib article actually proves that waterboarding works in getting actionable intelligence:
Current and former U.S. officials say that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, provided the nom de guerre of one of bin Laden's most trusted aides . The CIA got similar information from Mohammed's successor, Abu Faraj al-Libi. Both were subjected to harsh interrogation tactics inside CIA prisons in Poland and Romania.
This isn't my attempt to ridicule Democrats. Rather, it's my attempt to persuade them into re-thinking their position on torture as part of the United States' intelligence-gathering operation.
When it comes to dismantling the terrorists' networks, there isn't room for partisanship. There's only room for doing the things that quickly dismantle the terrorists' networks. After all, we're talking about an existential struggle, possibly even the difference between life and death of innocents.
Posted Monday, May 2, 2011 1:49 PM
Comment 1 by Bruce at 03-May-11 07:05 AM
It didn't work, KMS, lied and his intel; was worthless.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/MadamDeal/osama-bin-laden-dead-one-phone-call_n_856674_86718945.html
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/01/26/cia_man_retracts_claim_on_waterboarding
http://harpers.org/archive/2010/01/hbc-90006434
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/03/29/politics/washingtonpost/main4901154.shtml
Response 1.1 by Gary Gross at 03-May-11 07:45 AM
Michael Isikoff isn't a right wing bombthrower. He's earned a reputation of being one of the best investigative journalists in DC. What'll your excuse be after you read this article that says harsh interrogation techniques led to the information that eventually produced bin Laden's lifeless corpse? Will you then say that you trust no one that doesn't write for Kos or the Huffington Post?
PS- Go back to 4th grade & learn how to spell.
Comment 2 by Bruce at 03-May-11 07:24 AM
This knee Jerk: give Bush & Cheney Credit is crap. These two, took our Nations eye off the Ball and off of a RIGHTEOUS war, for murders, who darkened our sky's and made that fateful hard turn left, and into Iraq, a folly of monumental proportions. Bush & Cheney, left Ben Laden to swing as a boogie man, for the world and the American people, as they wanted him to be.
While they dithered in Iraq and fed the Contractors Billions.
Comment 3 by Bruce at 03-May-11 07:57 AM
Insults, are a mark of weak intellect, I have a job and need too get to work. I don't have the time for intellectual calisthenics with ideological drones.
PS, Have a good day
Response 3.1 by Gary Gross at 03-May-11 08:26 AM
Actually, using sarcarsm to highlight the absurdity of a foolish position is the signature of wit.
PS- I hope you get the spelling & grammar lessons you so badly need.
PSS- Have a nice day, too.
