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John Eidel

St Paul, MN
Commenter for
4 years 33 weeks

Recent Comments

Posted on 03/15/12 at 11:04 am in response to Minneapolis upgrades will make 'forgotten' Brownie Lake more accessible

As a frequent canoist (canoer?) on the chain of lakes, I wish that they would keep Brownie Lake relatively difficult to access. There is something cool about canoeing through that access pipe; it makes it seem as if Brownie Lake is an unknown, secret space that at that moment is mine alone. It is unique among the Minneapolis Lakes in that is a remote space, uncrowded and peaceful. I think that there are ample opportunities to find bike and walking paths around the Minneapolis lakes, and...

Posted on 03/07/12 at 12:19 pm in response to Can electronic pull-tabs pull in enough stadium revenue?

Thank you for the article, Marlys. I have been wondering about that $72 million number since it was released. I would also like to know how the percentages break down as to how many current pull tab operators pay what tax rate. In my experience, most of the small town bars that have pull tabs are using the procedes to pay for hockey uniforms for the local high school and such. So I would assume that they would fall into that untaxed range.

Posted on 06/15/11 at 05:54 pm in response to Emmer sends checks from campaign fund to reimburse counties for recount expenses

I didn't vote for Tom Emmer, but this was a class move.

Posted on 01/07/11 at 04:02 pm in response to CBO: Repeal of Obamacare would be a budget buster

Peder DeFoer says: "Can we pause for a moment and remember that to get to these numbers we're having to pay taxes for ten years but only have benefits for the last six?"

This a complete canard that needs to die immediately. Look at the actual facts on the CBO website. In years 1,2 and 3 new benefits are larger than or matched by new taxes. In year 4, it is true that taxes exceed benefits but by a very small amount. In the subsequent 6 years covered by the CBO estimate the benefits...

Posted on 09/15/10 at 10:21 pm in response to Tom Emmer focuses on wide-ranging education 'redesign' in Humphrey Institute session

Great posts, Ray.

Posted on 09/10/10 at 04:08 pm in response to Vin Weber: 2011 will be a nasty year in Washington

As a thought experiment, let's assume a parallel universe where the Democrats pass health care reform, financial regulation and virtually all of their currently passed legislative agenda, but in this world the unemployment rate is 5-6% instead of 9.8%. In this world, to my mind, the electoral results of 2010 are significantly different. Mr. Weber, the electoral losses likely faced by the Democrats will not be a result of a "fundamental misreading" of the electorate. As James Carville said...

Posted on 09/09/10 at 12:17 pm in response to Is public opinion on Vikings stadium changing? Maybe a little, according to unscientific Fair surveys

How about posing the following question: "Would you support allowing slot machines at Canterbury Park in order to help pay for a new Vikings stadium?" My vote would be yes.

Posted on 09/02/10 at 02:21 pm in response to Minnesota Public Radio confronts ratings drop

I'm with Dean. News, the Current and KFAN with a little KSTP thrown in during Twins games.

In regard to MPR news, I have found that Midmorning and Kari Miller is and always has been excellent. I catch her show whenever I can. Unfortunately I can't say the same thing for Midday. I also like the Aspen and National Press Club speeches, but the coverage of state politics has really taken a downturn in my opinion.

Posted on 08/10/10 at 05:17 pm in response to Would knowing the DFL candidates' choice of iPod music alter your vote?

There is about a zero percent chance that Matt Entenza really likes Atmosphere.

Posted on 05/27/10 at 09:44 am in response to Michele Bachmann pushing measure to freeze federal salaries

This "fiscal restraint" posturing by the GOP is really starting to get ridiculous. If Republicans were truly serious about balancing the budget, they would be offering proposals to cut spending on the things that we really spend money on, namely Social Security, Defense and Medicare/Medicaid. Instead, when Congressional Democrats propose modest cuts to the Medicare Advantage program as part of the health care bill, Republicans tell seniors that Obama is gutting their healthcare. If...