Monday, April 7, 2003

Norm Coleman has no shame. For many of us living in Minnesota, a state with a great tradition of progressive politics, the last election was a particularly painful one. We lost Paul Wellstone in a tragic plane accident, had the national media scold us for not "properly" mourning him at his memorial (because ONE speaker was out of line), and then the hollow man that is Norm Coleman won his seat.  Just months after Wellstone's death, this is what Norm has to say about the big shoes he is filling, from Roll Call (requires subscription): "To be very blunt and God watch over Paul's soul, I am a 99 percent improvement over Paul Wellstone," Coleman said.  "Just about on every issue." The article is about how, for a freshman senator, Norm Coleman is getting an usual amount of attention from the Republican party.  He's being flown around the country to speak to Republican groups, introduced as "The Man Who Beat Mondale."  I won't deny the man a few victory laps, but could they at least be tasteful?  Does he really need to dance on someone else's grave?   These kind of nasty  DeLay-esque comment might play well in Nevada and Florida Republican fundraiser,  but Norm might want to remember that it's people here in Minnesota who will be keeping him in or voting him out of office.  And many Minnesotans, even those who may have disagreed with Wellstone's politics, respected the man and his integrity and will not take kindly to his memory being dishonored so. Shame on you Norm.  You owe Minnesota an apology. 11:49:33 PM    comment []

Humor for the Apocalypse So at least we're getting some good humor out of the Department of Homeland Security's attempts to scare the hell out of us.  Just saw this absolutely hilarious spoof of the Ready.gov new warning signs, with alternate interpretations for their meanings.  Among my favorites: Original caption:   "If your eyes are watering, your skin is stinging, you are having trouble breathing or you simply think you may have been exposed to a chemical, immediately strip and wash. Look for a hose, fountain, or any source of water." theboxset.com's improved rendition: "Be on the lookout for terrorists with pinkeye and leprosy. Also, they tend to rub their hands together manically." 2:32:27 PM    comment []