70th St Traffic "Calming"

Don't you just love how people take terms like traffic jam, slowing traffic, stopping traffic, speed bumps, roundabouts and traffic divides and turn them into a gentle word like calming. Traffic calming that is. Traffic calming is just another way of saying, quit driving through MY neighborhood.

70th St in Edina has been there a long, long time. It's main function is connect Hwy 100 to the Southdale Mall business district and then onto York Avenue. Since Hwy 100 is one of the oldest freeways in the metro area and Southdale Mall was the first indoor mall in the United States, I would venture to guess that the connection between these two points dates back before any of the current residents on 70th St. That would mean that when they purchased their home, they would have been aware of the purpose of the road, it's speed limit (currently 30 mph) and all the surrounding development. Why buy a house on a street that does not fit your lifestyle and then try to get the city to work around your desires?

So why has the use of 70th St been OK for the last say 40 years and now it needs changing? Squeaky wheels get the grease. Enough neighbors have organized to become a thorn in the side of the Edina City Council. So they recently agreed to the following changes according to a recent Star Trib article:

• Designated left turn lanes
• Eliminate right turn no stop off of Hwy 100 south
• Consider a roundabout at the intersection of 70th St and Valley View Road

Other changes that look like nothing to do with traffic calming and everything to do with fashionable, aren't we the cool one updates, include bike lanes on both sides of the street. This will eliminate parking on one side of the street. I guess there's nothing to calm drivers down like bicyclists.

Now this could have been much worse. The speed limit reduction to 25 mph was not approved. Dividers down the center to make it a "parkway" were also rejected. So, all in all will this make the driver's on 70th St calmer? They can still drive the same speed, 30 miles an hour. The road will be now shared with bicyclists and people will probably have to use one of those roundabouts. What will the 70th St residents get? They say they can't back out of their driveways because of the amount of traffic. Perhaps, they can hop on their bicycles to get where they need to go.

Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

GOP Rally at State Capitol - Video

Governor Pawlenty held a rally at the State Capitol Rotunda this morning at 9:30. It was to launch his proposal for an amendment to the state Constitution to limit spending each year to the revenue generated in the previous year. Of course there is push back from Democrats who haven't seen a program they didn't want to create or fund. Coincidentally, you could have gotten in line at MOA today at 5:00 a.m. and received your wristband to see Sarah Palin, jumped in the car and went the rally at the State Capitol by 9:30 and then driven back to MOA to see Sarah at 11:30 p.m. All in a day's work for the conservative fight. However, most of us were on the job, trying to earn enough money to pay all those taxes to fund all those programs. Pawlenty's rally coincided with the Senate tax committee holding hearings today. But . . . did he also want to steal a little media thunder from Palin? After all, they could conceivably be rivals for the 2012 GOP nomination. Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

Great Local Coverage of the Palin Visit

I so wanted to be there this morning, but alas the chitlins needed tending. I lived vicariously through the following recounts of Palin's visit to the MOA this morning/afternoon. Also a shout out to my conservative ladies on the west side. You know who you are and I hope you had a wonderful time. Doug Grow, Minn Post Matt Abe, North Star Liberty Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

Dingy Harry Is Getting Desparate - Tries to Play The Race Card on Healthcare

Michelle Malkin dispels the lies that were told on the Senate floor today by Harry Reid. Looks like the desperation is getting to him. Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

Separated At Birth

So here's the inspiration. I was watching the press conference by DFL state legislatures on the budget forecast and watching Margaret Anderson Kelliher (2:37),who must be getting some style consulting. Something about her speech pattern reminded of someone. I'm just saying Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

The Majority DO NOT Want Health Care Reform as Proposed by Dems

You can keep repeating something over and over but it doesn't make it so. But that is exactly what media outlets like Daily Kos and MSNBC continue to do when it comes to the health care debate. They continue to assert that the majority of Americans are on their side and want health care reform as it is currently proposed by the Democratic congress.

Here's some facts:
Rasmussen today - 38% approve of the current plan by Dems
AP Poll last week put support at 41%
Gallup says More in U.S. Say Health Coverage Is Not Gov’t. Responsibility

Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

PIM Interviews Erhardt - Looks To Run As a Democrat?

Wow, just after my prediction, Politics in Minnesota scoops a phone interview with Erhardt. He verifies he is interested in running in 2010 for the SD41A seat. He also stirs the pot that he may run as a Democrat.

I still have a very hard time believing that Staunton would have announced his candidacy, and so early, if the powers that be in the SD41 DFL had not given their strong support already. I don't think the DFL is looking at all for a primary fight for this seat.

But, Erhardt is a wild card these days and time will tell.

Doubt That Erhardt Will Run As A Democrat

I have speculated in a previous post that Ron Erhardt may run again this time as a Democrat and not an Independent. However, with the announcement that Staunton is running again for the DFL and this website I stumbled across, it doesn't look like Erhardt will not be welcomed by the Democrats in 2010. The Edina Moderates.org site has content primarily directed at the 2008 race. However it is interesting to note that the site continues to be updated, as recently as June 2009:

PoliticalModerates.org associated publications and website presentations are circulated as a matter of principle and are not circulated on behalf of or in cooperation with any candidate, political party, or ballot question. © 2009 All Rights Reserved Last Update: 06/23/09 08:59 PM -0700

Now maybe it is just wishful thinking on the part of Dick Novack that Erhardt will run again in 2010, but he continues to keep the infrustructure of the website updated and public. Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

Why You Should Obey Your Elder (Chad That Is)

Caught up with Chad the Elder on Fraters Libertas today. He had a good post on Sarah Palin and her latest media tour. Here's the post. All The Right Reasons

Caught a good bit of Rush's interview with Sarah Palin today over the lunch hour. I thought her performance was decent if a little uneven. She displayed the same down-home folksy Palin charm that we saw on the campaign trail last year. And there's no denying that there's a certain appeal to that. But she was also very vague (perhaps intentionally so) on most of the issues they discussed. She must have used the words "common sense" a dozen times, although exactly what that meant as far as policy solutions go was not clear. Northing in the interview really changed my existing impression of her. While I'm far from Palin's biggest fan, I am willing to listen to what she has to say (as I did today) and I remain open to the possibility that she has a significant role to play in the conservative movement (did I really just use the "m" word?). However, I am going to judge her on the merits of her words and actions. Just because liberals and the media exhibit open disdain for Palin does not automatically mean that conservatives should embrace her. That's one of the painful lessons that conservatives (myself included) should have learned after eight years of George W. Bush in the White House. Too often we were willing to give Bush a pass in areas where he deserved criticism for fear of doing anything to aid and abet the left (and the media) in their relentless quest to destroy his presidency. When we witnessed the incessant and often unfair attacks on Bush on almost a daily basis, our reaction was to circle the wagons around him and close ranks. There's nothing wrong with defending a politician whom you generally agree with when they're under assault, especially when that assault is being mounted by forces that you adamantly oppose. But that defense should not extend to a blanket of support of all the actions that a politician undertakes or policies they espouse. Again, I think that on too many occasions conservatives fell into that trap with President Bush. And I think that some degree of the conservative backing that Palin enjoys is similarly founded. If the Democrats, feminists, media elites, and Beltway insiders despise her so, then she must deserve our full-fledged support. While that sentiment is understandable, it's one that conservatives should resist this time around. Let Sarah Palin earn our support. And let her earn it for all the right reasons. Labels: Politics-National (08-10) Posted by Chad--Link

I totally agree with Chad. It is easy to support something because you know people on the other end of your ideology are for it. I have liked Sarah Palin from her first speech at the Republican convention. I heard someone espousing beliefs that I shared and they weren't old or male. Her delivery was pretty good, too, considering her recent elevation to the national stage. We have had over a year to get to know her better. The media informed us on her personal life but didn't really delve into any substantive issues that she not only stands for and acted on as Governor of Alaska. I'm looking forward to see if she shines on this book tour for the issues she supports and is able to get that message across. I don't even necessarily wish she would run for public office ever again. I think she could possibly be an even more effective force for conservatives not being a politician. She certainly gets that politicians and government don't have all the answers and that bureacracy may not be the best place for her. Whatever she decides to do, she is breath of fresh air on the political stage and certainly doesn't fit any molds. Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

Retailers Who Still Support Christmas

Thank you to Stella Borealis for a link to American Family Association's 2009 listing of top retailers and how they recognize Christmas as of November 10. Thankfully Target is not on the naughty list. Companies FOR "Christmas" updated 11-10-09 Amazon.com Bass Pro Shops Bath & Body Works Bed Bath & Beyond Belk Big Lots Collective Brands Costco Dollar Tree Family Dollar Dollar General Hallmark Hobby Lobby Home Depot JC Penney Kmart Lowe's Macy's Meijer Menard's Michael's Stores Neiman Marcus Petsmart Rite Aid Sears Super D Drug Stores Target Toys R Us Walgreens Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Companies marginalizing "Christmas" updated 11-10-09 Best Buy Hy-Vee Stores Kohl's QVC Safeway Companies against "Christmas" updated 11-10-09 Advance Auto Parts Aldi Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Braum's Ice Cream CVS Pharmacy Dick's Sporting Goods Gap Stores Harris Teeter Stores H.E.B. Stores Home Shopping Network Kroger Limited Brands McDonald's Nordstrom Office Depot Olive Garden Outback Steakhouse Publix Radio Shack Staples SUPERVALU Victoria's Sec Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

Sarah Palin on Oprah

I had hoped to live blog while Oprah was on today. But alas, conservative baby had other plans. I was able to watch though and have the following impressions:

• So proud of her speaking her values on protection of life and abstinence.
• As a fellow Mom of a special needs child, I so identify with Palin and her son. Talk about someone walking the walk. She was provided a perfect situation in which to stand up for what she believes and not abort her Downs Syndrome baby, as 90% of people do nowadays. Yes, 90% of Downs Syndrome kids are aborted, which is why you see very few of them under the age of 15.
• She also struck a chord when she described her husband's reaction to their baby being born with Downs Syndrome. Instead of saying why us, he said why not us. I never thought of it that way before. But, what better situation to bring a child like to the world than in a two parent, loving Christian family.

The interview with Oprah of course covered mostly Palin's personal life and tabloid like topics, i.e. Levi Johnston. No real substantive political policy talk, which is what I hear the crux of the book is really about. I can't wait to buy my copy and read all Sarah has to say.

Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

The Dash

So, as you can see with the last post, I am somewhat discouraged with the tone of things in the political blogging world. It occurred to me that most of what I write is for myself. I don't really expect that anyone else will be much interested in what I have to say. Now that I have some experience with my posts, I find the blog is a useful tool for me to remember where I was and what I was thinking at certain moments as it relates to politics. Or, maybe an archive of links and articles I can refer to later. Well here is one I'd like to save and refer to when life gets me down. How will you live your 'dash'?? http://www.dashpoemmovie.com/ Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

Blogger Ethics or Just Decency

In my almost two years of blogging, surfing and posting on blogs, I have come across many liberal and conservative Minnesota blogs. Some I've read consistently and some I just check in from time to time or stumble upon. But, the actions recently of a few liberal bloggers has gone over the line and is unlike anything else I have seen out there. In recent months, one liberal blogger put out a call to boycott my employer because of my views. I know many bloggers who are self-employed and whose businesses have never been targeted in such a way. The NARN guys in particular are pretty high profile and I have never heard of such an attack on them. I guess I always admired that there were at least some kind of blogger ethics or unwritten rules. Last week, another liberal blogger used the name of one of my children in a response in his comment section. Upon request of his mistaken information, he has refused to delete the post and therefore do the right thing and protect the privacy of a minor child. I choose to use Conservative Cravings as my pen name when blogging. I'm not trying to hide who I am nor am I ashamed of my views. I simply don't think my identity provides any real significance to my posts. And, I have children and a husband who should in no way be held to account for my views. These are MY thoughts, words and feelings. I guess my paranoia has been proven in that if someone knows your identity they will use it to spread falsities. I WILL NOT LET THESE TACTICS KEEP ME FROM BLOGGING. That, after all, is what they want. I must be saying some things that hit pretty close to home to be such a center of attention. So, I will continue to purport my beliefs, provide facts and try to educate and persuade people about conservative ideals. Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

Murder Does Not Need A Label

The shootings at Fort Hood this week again brings up a debate on how to label this tragedy. Some argue that it should be called a terrorist attack because of the Muslim ties of the assailant. I find it interesting that the same people who would argue that we not use the the word terrorism or terrorist are usually the same people who support the recent legislation for hate crimes. Murder has been segmented in recent years. While we have had 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree, manslaughter etc categories for some time now, the rise of minority voices has created a new category called hate crimes. When someone is murdered because of a minority status (race or sexual preference are the most common), it can be categorized as a hate crime and the punishment can be more severe than just a run of the mill murder. I do not support the labeling of murder in any form. But I would argue that if you want to label some murders as hate crimes than you should also be OK with calling the Fort Hood incident a terrorist attack. Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.

Why I Am Glad the Health Insurance Bill Passed in the House Tonight

It was a squeaker folks with 219 Democratic votes and 1 Republican with 215 others opposing. Listening to the analysis leading up to the vote earlier today, it was very unlikely they would vote if they Dems didn't have a more substantial majority in support. But a W (win) is more important for Pelosi and the Democrats than to save face. With only a simple majority 50% plus 1 needed to pass any legislation in the House, the battle that has been waged since the spring within the Democrats own caucus has shown how weak their caucus is and how much opposition there is to the solutions they have offered. But let's get down to why I am glad tonight that it passed:

• The 220 legislators who voted for this bill now have a vote they have to support when they begin campaigning in two months or so. The physical vote counts alot for the opposition when advertising against them.
• The close vote as mentioned shows the weakness of the Democratic coalition
• This was an inevitable outcome with the huge majority Dems have in the House so the fight that was waged in recent months by the voters and the light shed on substance of the bill(s) and the ugly process involved in passing it will come to haunt the Dems in less than 12 months.
• The Senate will now be watching the reaction of the voting public over the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks and will see how much public opposition there really is to the Democratic solutions.
• It looked very unlikely the Senate, with their varying rules and culture, would be able to arm twist a victory like their House colleagues, and the close vote has sealed the fate of the movement to die by the end of 2009.

So in the end the socialized heath insurance agenda of the Democrats has been fully exposed. The tactics they will resort to get the votes has seen the light of day and in the end, the current liberal movement for health care will die in 2009. My hope is that in 2010, we can start over, let Republicans come to the table and get some real reform solutions to lower health insurance costs for all.

Conservative Cravings blog represents the individual and personal thoughts and opinions of its authors.