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RB Holbrook

Minneapolis, MN
Commenter for
2 years 45 weeks

Recent Comments

Posted on 06/05/13 at 10:38 am in response to Frustrated Olympia Snowe left the Senate — but not politics — to crusade for bipartisanship

There have always been huge disagreements on the issues of the day. The difference between most past disagreements and the disagreements of right now is how they are handled. Within my memory, disagreements were acknowledged and discussed, but were tempered by the desire to work for the common good. Right now, there is no putting aside of differences: Partisans dig in their heels like recalcitrant toddlers, and count preventing action as their legislative accomplishments (while chiding...

Posted on 06/05/13 at 05:28 pm in response to Frustrated Olympia Snowe left the Senate — but not politics — to crusade for bipartisanship

"People on the left think that we can spend even more and be fine if we could only get more money from the rich." Not entirely. We can spend even more, as a temporary means of stimulating demand, if you follow Keynesian economics. I don't know anyone who thinks everything will be fine by "only" increasing taxes on the rich.

Right and left are not mirrors of each other. The right believes in small government as an end in itself. The left believes in big government not as a goal,...

Posted on 06/06/13 at 09:40 am in response to Frustrated Olympia Snowe left the Senate — but not politics — to crusade for bipartisanship

"Obama promised not to raise taxes on anyone below the $250k line. " Yes, but that was not the complete solution. I still don't know of anyone who thinks that's all that needs to be done to fix the federal budget (the deficit is no longer the imminent crisis it was supposed to be). I do know plenty of people who think that, as a matter of principle, the very wealthy are not paying a fair share of taxes (fair meaning in proportion to the benefits they receive).

"Oh and by the way,...

Posted on 06/04/13 at 10:21 am in response to Somalis and DFL candidates at odds on gay-rights issues

The old "neener, neener, what about your guy" retort. Devastating.

If Emmer runs, any of his supporters with any shame left will keep their mouths shut about civility.

Posted on 05/29/13 at 02:46 pm in response to Reaction: Bachmann is emblematic of today's politics

Has any of the local right wing ventured a defense of Rep. Bachmann? Or said that they truly are sorry to see her go? Of course not--the best they can muster is snipes about e-mails from Democratic campaign staff, or Mitch Berg's "Who are you going to pick on now?" huffing.

It's a combination of relief at being rid of one of the premier loonies in government today, and an inability to articulate any thought that is not venom directed at their opponents.

Posted on 05/29/13 at 04:12 pm in response to Reaction: Bachmann is emblematic of today's politics

Conservatives don't want to hear about her anymore. They are ashamed that she was/is one of them.

Denial is fooling no one.

Posted on 05/29/13 at 09:16 am in response to Bachmann 'surprise' leaves door open to her political return

It seems an elected official just can't go off on factually-challenged rants while promoting retrograde social policies and accomplishing nothing of note without the liberal lamestream media getting on their case about it. How unfair!

Once again, there is no one in America with a greater sense of victimization than a conservative

Posted on 05/29/13 at 09:44 am in response to Michele Bachmann announces she will not run for re-election

The investigations of her presidential campaign were certainly one factor in her decision not to run again. Her close race against Jim Graves was another factor. She is no longer seen as unbeatable, and her reelection this time around was looking far more competitive.

I'm guessing that there were a couple of other factors at work. More Republicans are making noises about how the party is not being helped by the vociferous extremists Bachmann personifies. her congressional career...

Posted on 05/28/13 at 02:51 pm in response to Dan Cohen, former Minneapolis council member, says he may run for mayor

So Mr. Cohen intends to build his campaign around a downtown casino (very bad idea) and a hissy fit against the Strib.

It's hard to imagine two worse bases for a mayoral campaign. Does he plan on finishing behind Dick Franson and Ole Savior?

Posted on 05/28/13 at 02:44 pm in response to Minnesota gas prices slide back from peak

How is one "technically" not affected by tax increases? You either are or aren't. There are people who will not be affected, technically or not. What you are saying is that the GOP claim is accurate if we disregard the fact that it isn't true.

It's a pretty convoluted way to get in a dig at MPR.