The goal for Republicans is not simply to avoid raising taxes. They want to starve the government of revenue and thereby shrink it until they achieve Grover Norquist's goal of making it small enough "to drown in a bathtub." If the government has no money, among other things, it can't enforce or regulate...well, you get the picture.

There is no doubt some fiscal restraint is in order in this anxious and uncertain time. It would be a miracle if politicians of all stripes - in Washington...

The Republican move to cut Legacy Amendment funding is nothing more than another typically cynical move to eliminate, silence, or neutralize another media outlet that their wealthy corporate backers don't control.

Rep. Gerlach's comments above notwithstanding, the legislature's moves against MRP and Congress' recent assault on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting sure LOOK like a vast right-wing conspiracy.

"If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck..."

Renewing community singing could just be the most important contribution to musical life in the Twin Cities in many years. You, GO, Betty!

I can think of one reason the majority in the legislature like to talk about Indiana and Texas: If they mentioned Mississippi, they might reveal their real motives too clearly. They would prefer we not pay too much attention as they lead us to the bottom.