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About The Author
BooMan
Martin Longman a contributing editor at the Washington Monthly. He is also the founder of Booman Tribune and Progress Pond. He has a degree in philosophy from Western Michigan University.
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Recent Posts
- Day 14: Louisiana Senator Approvingly Compares Trump to Stalin
- Day 13: Elon Musk Flexes His Muscles
- Day 12: While Elon Musk Takes Over, We Podcast With Driftglass and Blue Gal
- Day 11: Harm of Fascist Regime’s Foreign Aid Freeze Comes Into View
- Day 10: The Fascist Regime Blames a Plane Crash on Nonwhite People
did the thread just reset?
yeah, and we’re archiving the old ones soon.
Where are you?
I grew up in Michigan and my family is still there, but I moved away about 6 years ago. Where in Michigan are you from?
I grew up in Canton and now live in Windsor.
and there are more of us around than one might think given the news that comes out of our rabid red rectangle
http://www.ksprogressives.org
word to the kansans…
Where Republicans finish 4th
2002 Election for Governor:
Jim Doyle (D) 728
Ed Thompson (Libertarian)122
Jim Young (Green) 122
Scott McCallum (Republican) 85
Anybody in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area?
Yes, Minneapolis here. Just joined BooMan, via dKos.
But from outstate… SE Minn, about 60 miles SE of MSP on the river…
I’m outerstate, but same direction. about 90 miles SE of MSP on the river. I’m guessing you’re the from Red Wing/Frontenac area.
My grandparents lived in Wabasha. There are few places I like driving better than along the river, either side, in that region.
after a year at school in Crookston (NW corner) I’ve learned to appreciate just how beautiful this area is. I’ve taken a couple of photos that are probably better than post-card quality. My absolute favorite is a sunset photo I took 2 years ago from on top of the bluffs in Wisconsin.
Same here! I still go to dkos as well as coming here, but like it here better.
I was wondering if Minneapolis/St. Paul people want to keep track of each other and meet up sometime? We can plan/strategize over a pitcher or something.
If anyone is interested in this I can be reached at yahoo under the name sophiebugg.
I just signed up on Booman 5 minutes ago (also from dKos) and I’m from Mpls-St.Paul – grew up in Edina, now live in the poor side of Edina… the part that went for Kerry in November!
Uptown Minneapolis here. I also just joined from dkos…have heard good things!
Reporting in from district 6 – (northern suburbs of Mpls). Are you folks in the SE part of the state in Tim Penny country? (Just curious – I worked on his IP campaign for governor in 2002)
Hi Anomalous,
I’m in the northwest suburbs, Crystal to be exact.
Hey AngryOne –
Blaine here. Where the only diversity is the color of one’s SUV 😉 Have you been involved in any local meet-ups or campaigns?
Hey Anomalous,
No, I haven’t been to any meet-ups or campaigns. I’m very new to this. When shrub was “elected” the first time I was mad (I’m from Texas and knew that he is an idiot) but when he was “elected” a second time I just went ballistic and decided that I had to get involved. I’ve mainly been trying to learn as much as I can and share that knowledge. The latter being much harder than the former. NO ONE seems to want to take the effort to even read 3 pages or look at a flash presentation (the MoveOn.org social insecurity flash). I’m pretty frustrated with many of my fellow countrypeeps right now. I’d like to meet up with like-minded folks and learn more and do whatever it takes to save this country.
Ya know, there’s one election that still haunts me as much as the presidential elections in 2000 and 2004. Ann Richards losing to shrub. I absolutely adore that woman – and to lose to such a . . .a. . .(words fail me, because I try to keep my writing on this site free of profanity)
If you’ve already shared this, forgive me for asking – how did you end up moving from Texas to Crystal?
Have you looked into any of the meet-ups through Democracy for America? It sounds like some of them are doing good things with local races and community activities (if that’s up your alley).
I love Ann Richards too! I was very disappointed when she lost that election. She had an office in a building across the street from where I worked and I saw her a couple times. I even rode on an elevator with her once! I wanted to talk to her but she was talking with someone else. I got pretty PO’ed about how her alcoholism became such a big deal particularly that we know about the shrubs alcoholism.
I moved from Texas for a lot of reasons, too hot, too many thuglicons, crazy family members…. (laugh!) I wanted to go to Alaska, but decided I couldn’t deal with 6 months of darkness every year so came to MN instead. I just happened to land in Crystal. It’s great, probably the best thing I’ve ever done.
I will have to check out the meetups with Democracy for America. That might be right up my alley. Is that something you do?
Yeah – the hypocrisy from shrub really ticked me off. (Along with all the subversive rumor spreading from his lackeys regarding Ms. Richards’ alleged sexual preferences.)
As far as participating in meetups. . .I’d have to say . . . no. While I’m quite outspoken, I’m an off-the-charts introvert, so I’m pretty uncomfortable in many of those settings. I have a low tolerance level for narcissism, power grabs and condescending behavior – and some of those groups tend to attract individuals of othat nature. (Please be assured – I’m NOT asserting that the members of any DFA meet-ups meet that criteria, that’s just been my general experience with other political groups)
I have a pretty cool arrangement with the MN Independence Party. They allow me to participate via e-mail. (After one meeting I knew I wouldn’t be able to tolerate some of the. . .um. . .”stronger” personalities in that group 🙂
Hah!! Yeah, that’s crazy-making, isn’t it, their stupid rumor mongering. And, not that there hasn’t been hints at the bush clan having sexual preference issues.
I also can’t stand the politics and egos that come with any kind of a group. I’m not sure how well I will fare in that situation. I’m outspoken and can be combative when treated with condescension.
Maybe it’ll work out though. Maybe I’ll have a stronger personality than they have! (laugh!)
Good morning! Yup – so much ugliness from people who live in glass houses. (I was beside myself during the attacks against Patty Wetterling)
So. . .you’re one of those group members. 😉 I should clarify that I’ve met some truly wonderful people through groups such as that. And I have no problem with outspoken members (being one myself) I just have no tolerance for the know-it-all, insensitive, dismissive types, who brush all other members and all other ideas aside in their quest for power and recognition. In those situations I typically align myself with others who give me the nod of understanding.
When working on a campaign in 2002, I happened to walk in the door at the same time as another woman, and we both volunteered to review campaign materials for typos and grammatical errors. Lo and behold, when we compared the results of our reviewing, we found that both of us had made the identical changes – dozens of them – to the poorly written materials. Instead of being praised for identifying so many errors before the documents went to print, we were loudly reprimanded for being nit pickers. (Yup – two strangers identifying the identical issues, and we’re nothing but trouble-making nit-pickers.) The angry field operations director immediately assigned us to stuffing envelopes where neither of us could cause any more problems. (But for the remainder of the day I had a snark buddy, so all was good :^)
Good morning to you too! Well, I certainly don’t think I’m a know-it-all. I’m very very new to this. I know nothing of strategy, little about everything else. All I am is ANGRY! I just want to stop these evil-doers in our country.
I just have, I think, a very strong working-class personality. I do not like rich people unless they prove themselves to be a “real” person. I didn’t finish college because I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I’ve continuously educated myself through my life on different subjects. I’ve managed to accomplish quite a lot considering, I even own my own home. So I just don’t give a rat’s butt what anyone thinks of me! (laugh!)
After quite a few tussles with family members and others I’ve come to realize that a lot of those “insensitive” and “dismissive” types are extremely insecure and DO place way too much importance on what other people think about them. That’s their Achilles heel. I’ve found that remaining calm and giving them a look (whether feigned surprise at their bruskness, squinting my eyes and leaning toward them, or an “are you stable?” eyebrow raise) can work wonders. Sometimes even silence can cause them to unravel.
I can’t imagine someone being so insecure about their mistakes as to call you guys “nitpickers”!!! Would she rather her documents go out looking like they were created by an illiterate? What a great impression that would make!
It seems like there always has to be a queen/king bee. For a brief period of time (a week?) I was an anarchist, but then I realized there are just too many power-hungry people. No matter how “lowly” the station actually may be. I’m a legal secretary, and we even have “Quad Queens”. To think that someone actually “needs” to feel like they are more powerful than 3 other secretaries that share their quad. Pathetic!
Top o’ the afternoon to you! Sounds like we have several commonalities. . .
My roots are in northern MN – the Mesabi Iron Range – where the primary industry is iron ore mining. So. . . I too, have a strong working-class background/personality/ethics, and have always felt most comfortable in regions such as MI, OH and PA. I don’t have any issues with rich people, unless they engage in self-serving behaviors – such as supporting Tim Pawlenty because he promised not to raise taxes – and sitting around while the state’s social programs are slashed and burned. (What the Republicans have done to this formerly wonderful, progressive state makes me want to cry)
It also sounds like we both work off the same playbook in dealing with those people. (I have sooooo much fun engaging in the various facial expressions you’ve identified. My personal favorite is a half-cocked puppy dog pose, leaning in with the utmost interest and a look of complete enthrallment. (Oh yeah – along with the cricket-chirping silence – which I honed to perfection in the corporate world)
You’re absolutely right about the insecurity issue. A former colleague hit the nail on the head, when she said, “Wouldn’t the world be a much nicer place if insecure people just acted insecure?” Priceless. There’s some really great information on the subject at: http://www.bullyonline.org – including both the traits of the bullies, and the traits of the targets they seek out.
Your work comments are hitting really, really close to home :^). You don’t happen to work for a large corporation in downtown Minneapolis, do you? It’s so funny that you mention the legal staff issues. Because aside from politics, the queen/king bee syndrome is so damn prevalent in the legal industry in general (in which I also work) or legal divisions of corporations. The alpha females run wild. . . and the alpha males. . .good Lord the testosterone! The pushing and shoving to gain that one extra ounce of power. (Just think if all that energy was used for good rather than evil)
Going back to the campaign experience – that was the really funny part – both the other woman and I are legal professionals from different industry sectors, and the issues we identified were not only sloppy typos – we both identified issues we viewed as blatant misrepresentations that could land the campaign in court. Identical issues, identified by two strangers, working separately, for the good of the campaign. But hey – I’ll go stuff envelopes and snark about someone if they’re going to dismiss my contributions and send me to the corner :-). And yes – the materials ended up being so illiterate I was ashamed to be affiliated with the campaign (because the queen bee chose not to accept our suggestions. Our identical suggestions, in case I neglected to mention that ;^). I have to admit it was really touching to experience the kindness and support from others who had witnessed our public tongue lashing. (Unknowing that the other woman and I were in the midst of amusing ourselves by planning subversive, evil actions to dethrone the queen ;^) But heck – if you ever need an envelope stuffed, I’m your woman – I picked up some damn useful skills that day. (Which is not to say that the envelopes didn’t need stuffing, but they already had a fully staffed crew working on that task.)
Sounds like you and I could be quite dangerous together in a group such as that.
I don’t know how I missed this before Angry One, but I’m from Texas too. Don’t know if you’ll see this since its so old, but maybe I’ll try to catch you somewhere else here in the pond.
I grew up mostly in Longview (east Texas) but now my family has all settled in Dallas. I could write volumes about my experiences every time I go for a visit (usually once a year) since the family is not only right wingers all – but fundamentalist Christians as well. Last time I went I called it my trip to red state hell.
We’ll have to compare notes some time. Where in Texas are you from?
Hi NLin StPaul! I’m glad you escaped too! My family isn’t fundamentalist Christian, but they are right wingers. My father actually believes that Christianity is under attack in our country because “you can’t even say “God” in school”. sheeesh. He’s 78 years old, what does he know of school?!
I lived in Houston for about 7 years and Austin for about 21 years. I really miss the Tex Mex food and the South Padre Island, but I can’t make myself go back!
How long have you been in MN? I was driving up here during the 2000 election.
I don’t know much about Austin, but I do know that most of us who have escaped Texas would challenge that Austin qualifies as Texan. It just seems like such an oasis in a really big desert. Is that what you experienced?
I always laugh that in one of Molly Ivins most humorous stories about crazy Texas politicians, she tells the story of someone from Longview. In case you might remember this story, its the one about a conservative running for the state leg who flames all the time about the “left-wing pinko commies.” He gets shot in the arm during the campaign and blames it on the “lwpc” but eventually its discovered that he paid his cousin to shoot him. Molly talks about the foresight of the Texas legislature to have passed a law that it is a crime to have yourself shot. Well, thats my hometown of Longview for ya!!
I was here in MN from 1974-1979 going to Bethel (before awakening) and my first job. Left from 1980-1985 to go to graduate school and have been back since. So if my math is right, thats a total of 25 years here. I came back in 1985 specifically because I liked the progressiveness of the state and the way people here have always understood that we are our brother’s keeper. I actually cried the night Ventura was elected governor and for the first time wondered if I wanted to stay. Now with Mr. “No taxes” for governor – I despair for our state. But I do know that I have a community of like-minded people that I would have a hard time replicating elsewhere – and certainly not in Texas!!
I am from SE Minn… in fact Tim’s niece taught my youngest son a number of years ago (4th grade I believe)… she had Tim come in and speak to his class… a really fun day.
We were in the 1st district but were ‘redrawn’ into the second district… we got to exchange one crazy wing nut representative for another. Who said we don’t have ‘choices’ in America…
As you can see from my sig, I’m in St. Paul, MN. Also recently new to the frog pond. I lurked at kos for almost a year. Came over here to check out where everyone was going after “pie.” I felt so comfortable, I wrote my first ever diary.
Hi! I was at kos too, and posted one diary there and then the pie wars started. I still go visit over there but am liking it here better. It does feel more comfortable.
Sorry I missed your diary – and I’m glad you both landed on this site!
For those of you who live in MN, anyone in Rep. Sabo’s district? I looked at the diary on the house bill to repeal the 22nd ammendment and linked to the bill. Looks like Sabo is a sponsor. I looked at his web site and couldn’t find anything about it? Anyone know something about this?
I heard that also and did a double-take. Alas, I haven’t been able to find out any particulars either but, it is puzzling to say the least. Let me know if you hear anything (and I shall do the same).
Midwest Renewable Energy Fair 7 miles west of Stevens Point.
on US 10
Woe is me, stuck in the land of such rabid repugs as Henry Hyde. :o(
But alas! he departeth soon, and ye SHALL replace him with a progressive democrat!
</shakespeare schtick>
More specifically, I’m in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, known as DuPage County…One of the most Republican Counties in the nation. :o(
But we’re making serious inroads! :o(
Any other Iowans here at BooTrib?
Not me, but I wanted to send you my greetings, nonetheless. With that. . .
Happy Friday, dear Iowan! (From a Minneapolis gal)
Hooray! Other Iowans. I am East aways from CR. Glad to hear from you.
I am originally from Marion.
I grew up in CR many years ago. Have some relatives in Marion. Also know some people in Marshalltown as my brother-en-law is from there. Haven’t been in Marshalltown in many many moons. Lived a couple of years on the East coast and ten years in New Mexico. Lovely place visit didn’t want to live there. Now live out in the country surrounded by corn and soybeans and very happy. How do you feel about Jim Nussel for governor? I really dislike him and he is a good friend of Tom Delay and I hope it comes back to haunt him. This is the guy who got into office on the term limit thing and then totally forgot he said that. Put the bag back on his head.
I spent a week there one day….
Seriously, I grew up in Western IL, so I “crossed the river” on occasion.
I went through paramedic training at University of Iowa hospitals & clinics, then did field training in Davenport area.
Sorry, I seem to spend more time trying to sort of defend Iowa. Well, you know what I mean. When we lived closer to Iowa City spent more time there enjoying some culture. Now rarely get there. Have many relatives in Illinois somewhere around Normal. Parents lived in Chicago for many years. Came back to Iowa when father joined up in WWII. University Hospital is really a great place. Saved my sons life there. Are you still paramedic? How do you do it? Cousin finally burnt out doing it. He was medic in Nam and did it when he got home. He was lucky to get home. Ah, the days of youth and crossing over to drink in Illinois.
I am always late to a Minnesota conversation. I am about 40-45 miles west of Minneapolis in Carver County: Young America. Anyone from this area or have a clue where it is?
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