I agree with my father's assessment of Minnesota politics: the politicians think everyone else isn't worthy or making decisions. The Republicans and Democrats treat the public like children and feel people should only elect them based on political philosophy, not on how a legislator might vote. Granted, our representatives are supposed to be people we trust enough to make the right decision. However, we also need to "audit" our lawmakers decisions. (For example, I will never vote for anyone who voted for the Patriot Act: those leaders failed to protect our basic civil rights.) I spent five years in the Minnesota Youth in Government program; even as high school students, the "future leaders" felt the common man had no idea how to run their life. And god help you if you weren't from the metro area, you were just another yokel from "Greater Minnesota."

That's one reason why Jesse was elected: he wasn't a pompus airbag saying he was a better choice just because his philosophy was a little different than the next guy. He "told it like it is." Quite a refreshing change from Perprich (sp) and Carlson. The only other politician I remember being outside the system like that is Tim Penny. It's a shame he started his campaign so late. I hope he runs again once I move back, I'd be more than happy to give him all the help I can.

I'd be delighted to tell you exactly what I think about the morons on all sides of this California deal at TARCon. The list of people involved I'd love to slap is long and vicious.

I'm here in San Francisco, and the whole recall business makes me feel physically ill. I detest Gray Davis, but he won fair and square. There is no allegation that he has misappropriated funds, engaged in improper conduct, or violated any law, just an unpersuasive claim that he lied about the size of California's deficit when he campaigned last year. That hardly seems to be worth a recall.

For me, discovering that a Republican with $1 million to buy signatures can force California into this circus would be funny, if the costs and consequences for my state weren't so high. Not to mention that the whole business seems to be designed to hijack the results of an otherwise valid, uncontested election.

Since we're stuck with the recall, what I wish would happen is that Gray Davis would have the courage to resign. Cruz Bustamante, the Lt. Governor would become governor, keeping California in Democratic hands, and allowing Davis to earn some respect for once. But Davis won't resign, and we have to watch this train wreck happen for the next two months.

I'm praying that my next Governor isn't Conan the Republican.

A cyborg is going to be my governor. Save me!