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Gary Peterson

Minneapolis, MN
Commenter for
5 years 24 weeks

Recent Comments

Posted on 03/30/12 at 05:06 pm in response to First-ever public process for Minneapolis redistricting gets positive reaction

Good to have the process out in the public's gaze. However, Gerry Mander would be proud of these results; those working on this process should have mixed feelings about feeling so.

Posted on 03/22/12 at 11:31 am in response to Michael Brodkorb’s legal filing caps wild week of political drama, ups ante with Senate

Can't recall reading a single, positive thing about this guy. Even in the political world, how did someone who sounds like such an ornery cuss get hired?

Posted on 12/14/11 at 12:49 pm in response to Banning drivers' cell-phone use appears a non-starter in Minnesota

Cell phone use impairs its users as much as alcohol does, but let's not impair one's privileges to operate a multi-ton vehicle on public streets when the rights of a relationship between one person and his phone are threatened. We could even enshrine that in the constitution.

I resonate with commenters #1 and #2, and would add that it also is moronic for a legislator to oppose something just because the feds suggested it.

Posted on 11/21/11 at 02:47 pm in response to Two Dem pollsters suggest Obama drop out in favor of Hillary Clinton

Folks positioned above or outside the partisan fray, in either party, usually poll above and beyond those mired in the day-to-day. Recall how high Hubert Humphrey's polls climbed in 1975/76 - the longer he stayed out, the more popular he was. He stayed out, and Jimmy-who? went on to win election.

Posted on 10/21/11 at 12:28 am in response to Truth about parking: Nothing comes for free

Where is the logic in the Minneapolis (and St. Paul) "event" parking fees of $9-$13 for a few hours in the evening when the downtown workforce has vacated? These rates are an abomination to the consuming public of shopping, culture, and the arts.

Posted on 10/21/11 at 12:19 am in response to Redesigned Peavey Plaza includes massive waterfalls, multimedia features

You mean it? Pools a quarter of an inch deep?

A huge YAWN to that and the whole make-over.

Posted on 10/06/11 at 12:29 pm in response to The new fundraising norms: More money, less timely disclosure than ever

I won't hold my breath, but anytime - and as soon as - any kind of fundraising committee is formed, there should be disclosure every 30 days, regardless of election or caucus cycles.

Posted on 09/21/11 at 12:56 pm in response to Court hearing to revisit Minnesota corporate campaign finance law

We don't allow folks to shout "fire" in a theater, nor the operators of motor vehicles to engage in hit-and-run tactics without tracking them down and generally disclosing their identities. Similar disclosure should apply for all who want to fund free speech - but most especially those who want to fund hit-and-run free speech. Seems to me the burden should be on those who argue that disclosure impedes or places a burden on free speech. In other words, fund and speak whatever you like -...

Posted on 09/07/11 at 11:42 am in response to Erik Paulsen's usual 'Opie' charm doesn't play well at town hall meeting

Mr. Olson (#6): Just wondering if you attended this Town Hall. If so, did the event progress differently and did Paulsen answer questions other than how Grow characterized them here?

Posted on 08/08/11 at 11:45 am in response to 'What Happened to Obama?' Provocative NYT essay offers skewed view

Read both pieces, Eric, and I tend toward Westin's view. Although his intent is not to cement a perception of disappointment about Obama, there may be some such effect.

Many elements make for a successful presidency. One of the most important is the EFFECTIVE use of an incumbent's power to persuade. It is here that Obama has fallen very short.

Westin does not say it in so many words, but he understands that for most of us, perception is reality. Marketers certainly understand...