A Bluestem Prairie

Thursday digest: intersection edition

A number of stories Bluestem has been following almost from our beginnings in the summer of 2006 are criss-crossing our reading today. First, we're overjoyed to read in VetVoice:: DoD Stop-Loss Press Release:

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 179-09
March 18, 2009

________________________________________________

End to Stop Loss Announced

The Department of Defense announced today a comprehensive plan to eliminate the current use of Stop Loss, while retaining the authority for future use under extraordinary circumstances.  This is an important step along the path in adapting the Army into an expeditionary force.  

The Army Reserve and Army National Guard will mobilize units without employing  Stop Loss beginning in August and September 2009, respectively.  The Regular (active duty) Army will deploy its first unit without Stop Loss by January 2010.  

For soldiers Stop Lossed during fiscal 2009, the department will provide a monthly payment of $500.   Until the department is able to eliminate Stop Loss altogether, this payment will serve as an interim measure to help mitigate its effects.

"Stop Loss disrupts the plans of those who have served their intended obligation.  As such, it is employed only when necessary to ensure minimal staffing in deploying units, when needed to ensure safe and effective unit performance," said Bill Carr, deputy under secretary of defense for military personnel policy.  "It is more easily rationalized in the early stages of conflict when events are most dynamic; but tempo changes in this war have frustrated our efforts to end it altogether."  

The department intends to provide Stop Loss Special Pay to eligible service members until the point of separation or retirement, to include that time spent on active duty in recovery following redeployment.  Stop Loss Special Pay will begin on the date of implementation, and will take effect for those impacted on or after Oct. 1, 2008.

Stop Loss Special Pay implements the authority granted by Section 8116 of the "Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriation Act, 2009."  The appropriation is available to secretaries of the military departments only to provide Special Pay during fiscal 2009.

Upgrading Highway 14 is an important goal for Southern Minnesotans, given the safety and economic factors involved. The Mankato Free Press reports today in H14-CR41 plan advances:

North Mankato may still have a long road ahead when it comes to accumulating nearly $30 million to construct a new interchange on Highway 14, along with related road work.

But city officials are sensing some momentum in the multi-year effort to build the infrastructure they say they need for economic and residential growth.

“I think there’s a meeting of the minds that we’re ready to move forward on this project,” said City Administrator Wendell Sande.

The minds meeting last week included those of Sande, Mayor Gary Zellmer, Nicollet County representatives and officials from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. MnDOT is looking to finish up environmental studies related to the proposed interchange of County Road 41 and Highway 14 in the next few months, Sande said.

And there was preliminary discussion of the interchange design, Sande said. Getting environmental and design work finished could make the project more attractive as a target for additional federal funding — either from a future economic stimulus package or from the upcoming federal transportation bill.

Congressman Tim Walz is expecting a five-year transportation bill of somewhere around $500 billion. Although the bill is to be completed by Oct. 1, Congress often misses its deadline on large multi-year funding bills — sometimes by as much as a year.

Walz said the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Minnesotan Jim Oberstar, is hoping to avoid a long delay in getting a bill passed.

“It won’t take a year,” said Walz, who serves on the committee. “Oberstar assures us of that.”

With the interchange itself projected to cost $23 million, supporting road construction totaling $6.3 million, and the project left out of MnDOT construction plan for the next 20 years, supporters of the project will probably need to rely on a substantial federal contribution to get the interchange in place in the foreseeable future. But even as they await congressional action, money is beginning to accumulate from a variety of sources.

Nearly $660,000 in federal funding acquired for the project by Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar — and matched by a 20 percent local share from the city and county — will be spent in coming months to acquire 40 to 50 acres of land for rightRich Text of way at the site of the proposed interchange. . .

Read the whole story at the MFP. The Austin Daily Herald picks up the news that Walz releases stimulus guide:

Congressman Tim Walz released a guidebook to help citizens understand the funding available under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R.1). The guidebook, which will be posted on Walz’s Web site (walz.house.gov), explains which types of projects can receive funding under the Recovery Act and provides contact information for the various federal, state and local agencies responsible for distributing the funding.

Call Walz’s Mankato office at (507) 388-2149 or (877) TIM-WALZ.

Or you can just download the pdf here.

Salon expose on Army mental health care

Salon led the way in exposing bad conditions at Walter Reed, and now it turns its investigative gaze on the suicide rate in the U.S. Army in Death in the USA: The Army's fatal neglect.  From the head note in the series:

Feb. 9, 2009 | FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Preventable suicides. Avoidable drug overdoses. Murders that never should have happened. Four years after Salon exposed medical neglect at Walter Reed Army Medical Center that ultimately grew into a national scandal, serious problems with the Army's healthcare system persist and the situation, at least at some Army posts, continues to deteriorate.

This story is no longer just about lack of medical care. It's far worse than sighting mold and mouse droppings in the barracks. Late last month the Army released data showing the highest suicide rate among soldiers in three decades. At least 128 soldiers committed suicide in 2008. Another 15 deaths are still under investigation as potential suicides. "Why do the numbers keep going up?" Army Secretary Pete Geren said at a Jan. 29 Pentagon news conference. "We can’t tell you." On Feb. 5, the Army announced it suspects 24 soldiers killed themselves last month, more than died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

But suicide is only one manifestation of the unaddressed madness and despair coming home with U.S. troops. Salon's close inspection of a rash of murders and suicides involving soldiers at just one base reveals that many of the deaths seem avoidable. Salon put together a sample of 25 suicides, prescription overdoses and murders among soldiers at Colorado's Fort Carson since 2004. Intensive study of 10 of those cases exposed a pattern of preventable deaths, meaning a suicide or murder might have been avoided if the Army had better handled the predictable, well-known symptoms of a malady rampant among combat veterans: combat-related stress and brain injuries. The results of Salon's investigation will be published in a weeklong series of articles that begins today with "The Death Dealers Took My Life!

 From that article:

The final page shows a mock Army document produced by an unknown person in Fort Carson's 3rd Brigade Combat Team . . .  apparently to poke fun at troops who seek medical attention. Stacks of the "Hurt Feelings Report" were found near a sheet where soldiers sign out to see a doctor. "Reasons for filing this report: Please circle Yes or No," the Hurt Feelings Report directs. Options include: I am thin skinned; I am a pussy; I have woman-like hormones; I am a queer; I am a little bitch; I am a cry baby; I want my mommy; All of the above.

We guess we missed the part where we're told to torment the sick in that famous passage in Matthew. And we don't know where to begin with the stereotyped equating of mental illness with "weakness," and "weakness" with women and gay men. Honestly, we can only wonder what the heck, since it's Congress's intent (and one that knows no partisan boundaries whatsoever) to adequately treat military personnel's mental maladies and brain injuries.

As the bloggers say, go read the whole thing.

From Salon, an Army mother paints over her son's suicide note. After the failed suicide attempt, the Army threatened to press charges of defacing government property against the soldier. His mother was able to charges dropped when she offered to paint the walls.

Thursday morning digest: vets and kids edition

The Washington Post reports in Shinseki Says He Would Modernize VA:

If confirmed, Shinseki said, he will confront the immediate tasks of formulating a "credible and adequate" 2010 budget request and implementing the new GI bill by August. "The overriding challenge, which I will begin to address on my first day in office, will be to make the Department of Veterans Affairs a 21st-century organization focused on the nation's veterans as its clients."

This sounds like great news for veterans--and a VA scretary who will be a partner with the House Veterans Affairs Committee, which has pushed for modernization. Congressman Walz serves on the committee.

Stars and Stripes reports 3 new lawmakers have experience in Iraq. Walz's service overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom is mentioned. He served in Italy with his National Guard unit, helping to supply troops in Afghanistan.

The Star Tribune reports House votes to expand health coverage for kids. S-CHIP now moves to the Senate.

Are Kids books in jeopardy? the Fairmont Sentinel asks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is weighing if and how books should be tested for lead, following new legislation prompted by dangerously high levels of lead in imported toys.  Walz's office is quoted:

Progress has been made in slowing the forward momentum of the requirement.

"From what we understand, they're still working on this with publishers," said Amanda Frie, press secretary for U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn. "There is an open meeting next week on what they're going to do about books. They haven't made a decision yet."

Book stores, particularly those selling used materials, also are concerned. Walz is seeking a "middle ground," saying the law was an important step in protecting the public and providing funds that testing laboratories need to upgrade their equipment and hire additional staff.

"However, we need to make sure that this law is not administered in a way that will be unnecessarily burdensome to small companies and mom-and-pop stores," Frie said.

We'll be back with more news later in the day.

Photo: Terry Throndson, Congressman Tim Walz, House VA Committee Chair Bob Filner and Wayne Stillman at the Soldiers Field Memorial in Rochester.

AP: Obama to name retired General Shinseki as VA head

We post a lot about veterans issues at BSP, so this national story deserves a spot here.

From the AP feed at KTTC:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democratic officials say President-elect Barack Obama has selected retired Gen. Eric K. Shinseki to be the next Veterans Affairs secretary.

The officials said Obama will announce his selection Sunday. They spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the official announcement.

Shinseki is the former Army chief of staff who upset his civilian bosses in 2003 when he testified to Congress that it might take several hundred thousand U.S. troops to control Iraq after the U.S. invasion. He was forced out of his job within months for being "wildly off the mark." But his words proved prophetic after President George W. Bush in early 2007 announced a "surge" of additional troops to Iraq after miscalculating.

Reuters reports that President-elect Obama will announce his VA secretary pick tomorrow:

Obama is scheduled to hold a news conference in Chicago at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) on Sunday to mark the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks.

Obama pledged during his presidential campaign to improve services for retired U.S. military men and women if he won the White House.

Rochester Obama Town Hall meeting: media coverage

From the looks of the audience in the clip at KAAL-TV, the Obama Town Hall Meeting at the Mayo Civic Center yesterday was well attended. Not bad for a gorgeous football Sunday.

In the first town hall meeting for Senator Barack Obama in Rochester national security experts took the stage stumping for the democratic hopeful. 

They unveiled Obama's foreign policy vision for national security.
    
It includes withdrawing troops from Iraq within 16 months and refocusing the fight towards Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

. . ."The currently policy under president bush supported by Senator McCain has been solely focused on Iraq that had nothing to do with 9-11 and had used our resources, our troops to the point where it's very difficult to focus on the greater need," said Walz.

We will hear more as Obama and McCain square off next Friday in Oxford, Mississippi, where the focus of their first presidential debate will be on national security and foreign policy.

The latest Gallup survey found 48% of registered voters support Obama while 44% preferred John McCain.  . . .

KTTC-TV reports in National security town hall meeting:

Our National Security is top of mind for many people and is one of the big issues in the presidential race.

Today some state leaders came to Rochester to discuss Barack Obama and Joe Biden's national security plans.

State representatives Tim Walz and Betty McCollum were among the participants.

The event was free and open to the public. 

The focus of the discussion was the country's situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, our diplomatic relations with countries around the world, as well as solutions for energy independence. 

Former Major General Paul Eaton says, "Militarily, we are in a less adventages position today than we were eight years ago and as a retired soldier and father of soldiers, I have a real problem with that." 

Representative Tim Walz says, "We've gotten ourselves in a situation where we don't have the allegiance and allies that were once there and I think Senator Obama's been talking about building those alliances for the 21st century, reconstituting this force and using all the tools of diplomacy of soft power, economic power as well as military to bring about true national security." 

The panel made their last stop of the day in St. Paul.

Strib: MN National Guard to receive benefits

As a statement from Congressman Walz's office noted yesterday, nearly National Guard members who had been deployed to Iraq will be getting  "Plus Up" educational benefits. Bottom line in the Strib's report:

The Minnesota congressional delegation, led by Democratic House members Keith Ellison and Tim Walz, urged Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake to fix the problem. In a recent letter to the lawmakers, he agreed to provide the retroactive benefits to the soldiers who had sought them.

Great to know that they will be getting what they--and their families' sacrifices during a long deployment--earned.

Thursday midday news digest: teeing up and off edition

The Marshall Independent reports DFL candidates gather to discuss pertinent issues at annual fundraiser:

Maybe it helped that it was an election year, or that Farmfest wasn't far away. But the people attending an annual DFL fund-raiser on Tuesday night said the main attraction was the chance to bring voters and candidates together.

A mix of national and state Democratic candidates spoke from the front porch of a farmhouse on the Ted Suss and Janet Marti farm south of Lucan, including U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken, and Minnesota House candidates Bob Skillings of New Ulm and Al Kruse of Marshall.

Some of the big issues that emerged in candidates' speeches included health care reform, education, and renewable energy.. . .

Senate District 21 straddles the First and Seventh Congressional Districts.

The Fairmont Sentinel looks at the Farmfest Forum in Candidates delve into ag issues. An excerpt:

. . .Common themes emerged in each candidate's answers. Such as the need for offshore drilling, the image of farmers as stewards of the land, and a general distaste for the Clean Water Bill.

Walz lauded the efforts of family farmers trying to "do the right thing but having 16 different organizations" trying to regulate their business. He focused his answers on finding a common middle ground, saying it is politics that makes people believe they have to choose a side when really the sides can work together to produce a mutually beneficial solution. . . .

Go read the rest at the Sentinel. Blueman Hal Kimball has some Farm Fest Ponderings. We weren't at the Senate candidate forum, so we don't have an informed opinion to share about it, but he's close on the Congressional forum. Tinklenberg was terrific when he talked about his background and vision, but he could have mentioned Bachmann's absence once and that would have been enough. Sarvi came off up-beat and personable. Peterson and Walz earned the audience's applause.

The Worthington Globe carries Forum reporter Don Davis's look at another Farmfest discussion, Debating the impact of biofuels on food, other prices. KEYC-TV reports on Amy Klobuchar and farm group leaders talking about Life After The Farm Bill. The Fairmont Sentinel reports that the Klobuchar-led Forum asks farmers to speak up.

Tim Walz and Brian Davis will be guests of Winona's Women in Business, according to this report from Winona Radio:

Four political candidates will be the special guests at this month's meeting of the Winona Women in Business group. 

The event will take place at noon on Thursday, August 21st, at Westfield Golf Club.

On hand will be First District Congressman Tim Walz and his Republican challenger Brian Davis. Also attending will be Minnesota State Representative Gene Pelowski and his Republican challenger, Rhett Zenke.

All four will address current campaign issues.

The cost is $12 a person and the reservation deadline is this Monday, August 11th.

For more information contact Tammy Kramer at 689-4552.

Too bad Senator Dick Day can't be there to add some life to the pachyderm party.

In Staff All-Star: Pat Ryan - Education Minnesota, Labor 2008 mistakenly puts activist Pat Ryan and Tim Walz in MN-06 (sorry Political Muse and Blueman). Both Ryan and Walz are based in Blue Earth County.  The post highlighting the volunteer notes:

. . . As a Speech teacher, Pat is naturally good at engaging people in conversation and his sense of humor is an asset in heated political situations. He admits that most of all, he enjoys Labor Walks because he gets to be outside walking.

Pat is one of many dedicated Release Staffers for Education Minnesota. He successfully recruits and engages union members on working family issues this year. Pat taught with Tim Walz at West High School and supports Walz’s run in Congressional District 6 [sic]. Pat also pulls for union-endorsed Franken and Obama. 

MPR mentioned Walz's NCLB recess act in in Fewer Minnesota students hit yearly progress goals. The Post Bulletin reports in Another 200 schools statewide don't meet yearly goals :

State and national legislative leaders, notably former teacher 1st District Rep. Tim Walz, have previously called for No Child Left Behind reform. Still, no changes have been made.

"The kids are fighting it, and the pressures are there," Kelly said. "It's an unbelievable situation."

Republican primary contenders Davis and Day both favor scrapping NCLB completely. The Worthington Globe reprints the Pioneer Editorial: NCLB will soon fail all schools.

In a letter, Minnesotans for Immigration Reduction head Paul Westrum argues for reducing legal immigration in Immigration policy needs major reform.  Perhaps now the media will quit identifying the group as being only "anti-illegal" immigration. Westrum clearly supports drastic reductions in the number of people who are willing to play by the rules when seeking to live in America.

The Albert Lea Tribune reports Bent Tree is big investment. Some economic development morsels:

. . .The first phase of 200-megawatt wind farm is set to begin construction as early as 2009, and it has the potential to be a 400-megawatt wind farm. If fully completed, the Bent Tree Wind Farm would be the largest stand-alone wind farm in Minnesota.. . .

. . .According to Schultz, 400 megawatts is about enough to power 100,000 homes over the course of a year. Schultz said Alliant Energy has not yet made a decision to build or not build the second 200 megawatts.. . .

. . .According to Dorman, both phases of the project being completed would add a tax base equal to adding about six malls or about 40 industrial buildings. . . .

Some of those Bohemians in New Ulm talked funny.

Southern Minnesota's dutiful Sock Puppet Republicans have faithfully repeated the NRCC's whining points about Congress going on "vacation." Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports Boehner Golfing, McCain Absent During GOP Revolt (more on the Minority Leader's golf games in Boehner and the Bunker Mentality). Okay then.

Not that we have anything against golf. Blueman and former MSUSA sultan Hal Kimball, for instance, is taking the day off to participate in the golf scramble to raise money for the Penny Fellowship for MNSCU students. Now, that's a fine reason to work on a tan while spoiling a good walk.

Oh-- and good luck and congratulations to Joe, Liz and baby Bodell; our prayers also go out to Sgt. Zach Juhnke and the 2700 National Guard members from around the country who will be heading to Kuwait and who will begin serving in Iraq in September. Seven hundred of the soldiers are from Minnesota.

Photos:  (Top) It will be a great day when our schools get all the money they need and only the House Republicans have to have a golf tournament to fund their campaigns. Actually, Boehner held one of those those golf tournaments while a delegated group of his members whined about Democrats adjourning for "vacation."  We haven't seen such genius from Boehner since he came to Minnesota State in 2006 to help Gil Gutknecht  as a higher education leader--despite the fact he'd taken all those PAC funds from student lenders and had a voting record like this.  (Bottom) NRCC sock puppet alert.

Saturday afternoon news digest: horse apple moonshine edition

Horse apple fans can head over to the PB and check out the new batch cooked up by the Brian Davis campaign, then wrap up their total meadow muffin experience with an interview at the Fillmore County Journal.

The Political Party blog has posted a press release containing Brian Davis's ag policy statement. We have commented there. With the exception of "Columbia" and "Columbian", the paper graciously left out the parts riddled with typos (how ironic is it to misspell "Heartland" in a press release about ag policy?).  Davis himself left out any direct discussion of the Farm Bill, though he does mention returning land that is "not environmentally sensitive"  to production as CRP contracts expire.

He may have a fight on his hands from local papers unless he clarifies that position.  The Mankato Free Press editorial board says Don't gut, improve CRP.  The Red Wing Eagle Republican editorial board says If anything, add CRP acreage, concluding:

. . .More than 9 million acres of CRP contracts expire in the next two years. The 2008 farm bill has a CRP cap, and acreage could drop from the current 39.2 million acres previously authorized to 32 million authorized in the new bill.

The program is also at risk because cropland rental rates have spiked because of rising farm commodity prices, thus making CRP less attractive to farmers. One way to preserve as many CRP acres as possible would be to raise payments to landowners.

CRP is arguably the most successful, most popular farm/conservation program in the nation's history. It has accomplished what it was designed to do: protect marginal land, reduce soil erosion, restore grasses and other native plants, increase wildlife populations and provide farmers with a fair price for using their lands for conservation.

Long-term contracts have been crucial to its remarkable success. It would be a monumental mistake to diminish CRP by making it less financially viable for landowners. The program works. If anything, it should be expanded.

In other ag-related news, Congressman Walz will be a panelist at the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition's Annual Meeting and 20th Anniversary Celebration in Farmington on Wednesday, August 13. The topic will be Farm Bill politics & perspectives.

Walz and the two GOP primary contenders will meet for the first time at the congressional forum at Farmfest, August 5, 1:30 p.m.

The Rochester Democrat notes that Tim Walz is out doorknocking today; the Post Bulletin says he'll also be helping to open the Obama office in Rochester.

The Minnesota Hospital Association reports Coleman, Klobuchar, Ellison, McCollum, Walz reject proposal to cut indirect medical education.

Here's a worthy cause: Lake City family builds a legacy for son killed in Iraq. The Hebert family has created scholarships for student athletes and a fund for Lake City area children who need medical care. There's a golf tournament tomorrow.

Hill Heat, a science policy legislation  action blog, says National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act introduced in US House: oil drilling, coal-to-liquid, Renewable Energy Reserve Fund planned.

The Cottonwood County Citizen tells another scary dangerous road tale in Comfrey Fire Chief experiences 'near miss' on Highway 60.  The paper's editorial says MnDOT Commissioner Sorel should have no doubts about the road's lack of safety after hearing citizen testimony at a recent meeting.

Congressman Walz and other representatives have asked Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to

act to help stop the forced repatriation of Hmong political refugee from Thailand back to the authoritarian regime in Laos where they face torture, persecution and imprisonment in reeducation camps.

The Oshkosh (WI) Northwestern has more:

Twenty-one House members, including Wisconsin Republican Tom Petri and Democrats Tammy Baldwin, Steve Kagen, Ron Kind and Gwen Moore, sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice outlining their concerns about 6,000 Hmong refugees in a Petchabun, Thailand, camp. In June, the Thai government sent 800 Hmong refugees who fled persecution in Laos back to their home country.

The lawmakers said it is "imperative" that the forced removals be stopped and that the Thai government give the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees access to the Hmong.

They argued that the United States has an obligation to aid the Hmong who were U.S. allies during the Vietnam conflict. That assistance earned the minority ethnic group the enmity of the Communist government now in Laos.

Thousands of Hmong fled Southeast Asia for the United States after the war. Wisconsin has the nation's largest Hmong population.

House members were not the only ones calling for action Friday. Several human rights organizations and Laotian and Hmong groups met in Washington and condemned the Laotian government for its treatment of Laotian dissidents and Hmong.

The Rothenberg Political Report looks at spending in some House races. After building a field operation, Walz had $1.2 million cash on hand at the end of the Q2 reporting period.

At the Fillmore County Journal, John Torgrimson interviews the endorsed GOP candidate in Brian Davis campaigns for Congress on conservative values.  Davis cites the source for his climate change denying, noting that he met with MIT prof Richard Lindzen (a typo in the article spells his name "Lidzen"). Lindzen--whom Davis notes is an member of the National Academy of Sciences--has been criticized for his funding sources, his self- promotion as an underdog, his science and his views that:

the risks of smoking, including passive smoking, are overstated. In 2001,^[24] Newsweek journalist Fred Guterl reported, after an interview with Lindzen

He'll even expound on how weakly lung cancer is linked to cigarette smoking. He speaks in full, impeccably logical paragraphs, and he punctuates his measured cadences with thoughtful drags on a cigarette.^[24]

We find it fascinating that an oncologist (albeit one who works most with those afflicted by prostate rather than lung cancer) should have sought out Lindzen's company.

But our fav moment in the interview is this exchange:

Journal: When I say George Bush, what does that mean to you? Positive, negative? Good legacy?

Davis: I think we'll leave that to the historians to determine. I think some of the analogies with Harry Truman being resolute, and sometimes people even say "inflexible," but there may come a time down the road when people will look back and he [Bush] will have a stronger public perception than he does now. . . .

We were curious where Davis got that idea, since he doesn't seem to be to good at having original political thoughts.  The principle advocate for the notion--when we traced it back--appears to be George W. Bush himself. 

In a separate commentary, editor Torgrimson weighs in on the Truman-Bush analogy:

And finally, for all those revisionists out there who think George Bush has Truman-esque virtues for playing tough in Iraq in the face of adversity - to quote the man, himself, "you're drunk."

In honor of Harry Truman and Torgrimson, we proffer up this 1992 YouTube of Uncle Tupelo covering Bob Dylan's Moonshiner.

 

Early evening news digest: firecracker edition

Transportation and energy issues dominate today's congressional news in the First. Federal grants that will assist in the improvement of Highway captured much attention. The Waseca County News reports Walz presents Highway 14 grant:

Funding for the expansion of Highway 14 got a boost Thursday morning when First District Congressman Tim Walz and members of the Highway 14 Partnership met in Waseca. They stood on the grass across from Kiesler’s Campground, their backs to the highway they all want to see converted to a four-lane.

Walz, a Mankato Democrat, was in town to announce federal grants for two sections of Highway 14. Joining him were the mayors of Waseca, Owatonna, North Mankato and Courtland and officials from Waseca and Owatonna.

Walz said the highway is a major artery in the First District, used by 80 percent of the area’s largest employers.

He said the Federal Highway Administration grant is the result of the financial commitment the state of Minnesota has made to the finish the project.

The grant was also made possible, Walz said, because of the commitment of the partnership members who understood the need to band together to get a new highway built. The new highway will improve safety and the economy and infrastructure for the future, he said.

The Mankato Free Press wrote that Grant funding moves highway plan ahead and KEYC-TV says Walz Announces Grant Money for Highway 14 Repairs. Video is included. Winona Radio picks up on the story as well.

Congressman Walz continues to talk about energy issues with small business owners and consumers in the district. The Albert Lea Tribune observes that Walz blasts Bush over gas prices. MPR reports Politicians offer plenty of gas prices fixes; Walz is mentioned.

Robert Emary writes to the Worthington Globe to say Walz made right vote on energy act. Richard Robbins supports Walz's approach in Energy policies should put middle class first.

In The Carbon Footprint Trail, Tom Driscoll at the Fillmore County Journal takes a long look at ways in which local power co-ops are trying to reduce CO2 emissions. Both Congressman Walz and Davis were interviewed for the story.

Davis's global warming denial looks to be pretty light-weight in context of the rest of the story, especially when contrasted with Governor Pawlenty's efforts for conservation and energy efficiency. Guess that's what happens when you touts slim credentials (one year of work after receiving his undergraduate degree) from an industry Davis hasn't worked in for nearly 25 years (Davis began working on his mechanical engineering degrees in 1983, after graduating from college in 1982).

The Rochester Post Bulletin writes that GOP leader outlines strategy during speech at Mayo Civic Center. The strategy talk was about how to defeat Walz, not how to devise long-term energy policy. No word in the article as to whom Cole delivered his strategy pep talk.  We suppose it's nice that Tom Cole's visit resulted in one or two pieces of earned  mainstream media for the Davis campaign.

The Open Enrollment blog at the Winona Daily News' River Valley blogs looks at Walz vs. NCLB.

The Houston County News reports Houston County amongst those declared federal disaster area; the article mentions Congressman Walz's efforts, working with Senators Coleman and Klobuchar and Governor Pawlenty, to help secure the federal disaster declaration by the president.

The Pioneer Press looks at how Returning veterans take lessons to political battles. The article begins:

The Iraq and Afghanistan wars linger on, but they already are producing a new generation of politicians looking to represent Minnesota in Congress.

In the 3rd Congressional District, Marine veteran Ashwin Madia, the surprise Democratic challenger, is seeking the open seat. In the 2nd District, Steve Sarvi, a National Guard member who served in Kosovo and Iraq, is taking on a Vietnam veteran. And the 1st District is represented by Tim Walz, a 24-year National Guard veteran, in his first term running for re-election.

The three are part of an emerging trend nationally — veterans of the two wars eager to take their concerns and the lessons they've learned to Washington. . . .

It's important to note that Tim Walz served in a support operation in Italy for Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) but is not a combat veteran of OEF. Both Madia and Sarvi served in country in Iraq. Here's the new chart on competitive races from the Cook Political Report. 

We had posted yesterday how MN-02, once considered completely safe for John Kline, was moved into the more competitive "likely Republican" from "solid Republican." Those pesks at IDHA note that Sarvi, Madia and Tinklenberg have just been endorsed by the Minnesota Nurses Association.  Looks like the Republican Party of Minnesota will be playing defense in all three of its remaining congressional seats.

In Welcome Home for Minnesota Soldiers, KAAL TV reports that 400 Minnesota National Guard members  from Mankato-based 2nd Battalion who had been serving in Kosovo will return to the USA by the end of next weekend. The Albert Lea Tribune says they're coming back between July 10 and 14 in  Albert Lea troops returning from Kosovo.

Happy Birthday, America!

Fanfare for the Common Man Update: We spoke too soon about earned media for Brian Davis's campaign; the Grand Forks Herald has published an AP reports about Brian Davis's self-funding of his campaign. In 1st District candidate says spending won't change, we learn:

A doctor running for Congress in southern Minnesota says he won't increase spending of his own money despite the new freedom he got with a recent Supreme Court ruling.

The high court ruled against campaign finance laws that allowed higher contribution limits for opponents of candidates using more than $350,000 of their own money. But Dr. Brian Davis, who is running for Congress in the First District, says he never planned to hit that limit anyway. He has loaned or contributed nearly $200,000 to his campaign so far.

Davis says he does agree with the decision.

He's running in the Republican primary against longtime state Senator Dick Day. The winner of that primary will run against first-term Democratic Representative Tim Walz.

That $200,000 figure is quite interesting. At the end of Q1, Davis had contributed $58543.76 to his campaign and loaned his committee $24,000, for a total of $82,543.76.  If the amount has escalated up to nearly $200,000, he tapped into his own reserves at a greater pace in the quarter that just ended--perhaps to the tune of $100,000 or more.

That should punch the Q2 report up a bit.

Walz statement on passage of GI Bill for the 21st Century

Our friend McPherson Hall of Minnesota Central gently chided us for neglecting to discussion the inclusion of the new G.I. Bill as an amendment to the war supplemental:

With all the hub-bub last week about the FISA bill, there was another notable bill that the House passed.

The House approved amendments to the Supplemental Appropriations Act 2008.

Since your column has addressed veterans issues, you might be interested to know that by a vote of 416 to 12 Roll Call 432 was approved.

He is correct. Fortunately, Congressman Walz's office just came out with a statement about the passage:

WALZ RECOGNIZES GI BILL ANNIVERSARY AND PRAISES PASSAGE OF 21ST CENTURY GI BILL

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Tim Walz marked the anniversary of the original GI Bill and lauded the passage of the 21st Century GI Bill:

"This past Sunday marked the 64th anniversary of the historic GI Bill that President Franklin Roosevelt signed into law on June 22, 1944.  On that day, President Roosevelt observed that the GI Bill 'gives emphatic notice to the men and women in our Armed Forces that the American people do not intend to let them down.'  I am very pleased that last week the House of Representatives renewed that commitment to our nation's Armed Forces by passing a new GI Bill for the 21st Century.

"The new GI Bill significantly expands the educational benefits our country offers to the men and women who have served so courageously since the attacks of September 11, 2001.  It is designed to restore the promise of the original GI Bill, offering support for a full higher education for our veterans, a pathway to prosperity to them, and the foundation of a post-war economic recovery.

"I was proud to vote for this bill, and I am hopeful that the Senate will pass the legislation soon and the President will sign it into law.

We have a moral obligation and a national security interest to stand with our veterans, not just on the battlefield, but also when they return.  This bill demonstrates our commitment to our young men and women.

"Under the bill, increased educational benefits would be available to members of the military - including activated reservists and National Guard - who have served at least three months on active duty since September 11, 2001.  The amount of educational assistance veterans receive is linked to the amount of time they've served on active duty since September 11, 2001, up to three years.

"For those who have served three years, they will get support that would cover full tuition and associated costs at the most expensive public university in their state, though they can use their educational assistance essentially at any institution of higher education.  The bill also provides for the federal government to match dollar-for-dollar any private assistance veterans receive at more expensive institutions as well.  There is also provision for school costs like books, and a housing stipend appropriate for where the veteran is going to school.

"In short, this is a significant expansion of the benefit that is designed to keep pace with the real-life costs of education in the 21st century.

"Finally, a new provision has been added to the bill that would allow veterans who have served six years and who sign up for another four to transfer their educational benefits to their spouses and dependents.

"The original GI Bill was one of the greatest achievements of the 20th Century in America.  I believe this new GI Bill can be an equally great achievement of this Century."

Like the final passage of the increase in the federal minimum wage, final approval of the New G. I. Bill came--eventually--at the cost of continuing to fund the war in Iraq. Those who feel that Congress should quit funding the war and pull out immediately will be disappointed with Walz's vote for another amendment to the bill that continued money for the war in Iraq.

VA satellite clinic opens in Mankato

One issue facing rural veterans is the need for more VA satellite clinics that spare them the time and expense (partially reimbursed) of traveling to the medical center in Minneapolis. While most vets advocates see a need for the hospitals because of the special care needs of vets, decentralizing some of the services makes sense.

Mankato has just gotten a VA clinic, one that will at first offer mental health care. KEYC-TV reports:

Vietnam and Desert Storm Veteran Warren Taylor says, ''Veterans can talk to other Veterans, but they're not gonna talk to anybody else about these things, so that's why we need this.''

Vietnam Veteran Owen Painter says, ''This mental awareness is something that we really need for these guys coming back now. We probably needed it for us, there are a lot of younger guys, the ones coming back now, and it's hard for older people to accept the adjustments they got now.''

Adjustments made as troops return from war and readjust to society...With a new clinic in town that hopes to positively combat feelings of post-war alienation.Mary Olson, Minneapolis VA Mental Health Services Chief Nurse says, ''Absolutely a positive thing. The goal is to make mental health services very easy and accessible for people.'

Congressman Walz, who sits on the House Veterans Affairs committee, was at the opening on Monday:

Tim Walz says, ''There was always a desire to have it done, the Veterans knew there was a need for it, but it was very hard to mesh up the public will, the political will, and the funding that was needed to get it, so this is a testament that people stuck with it.''...A testament that will bring some much-needed peace of mind to local Veterans...

. . .Walz says, ''It's a good thing. This should serve both our older Veterans and our returning Veterans as well.''

There's video at the link.

The Mankato Free Press reported on the logic of opening a clinic in the Key City:

“There is an increased demand for services and Mankato is centrally located,” said Ralph Heussner, public affairs officer with the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Demand on the VA overall is driven by two factors, he said. “The Vietnam era veteran is approaching 60, retiring and qualifying for the VA benefits. And the Iraq veterans are returning home and seeking care.”

There's already a VA community clinic in St. James and Rochester in the First. The Mankato Free Press praised the opening in Our View — New Vets clinic a welcome addition:

Getting veterans the assistance and care they need is a country’s obligation to its armed forces.

So it’s positive news that today a veterans clinic is opening in Mankato. At first the Veterans Affairs clinic in the Nichols Office building will see patients only for mental health care, but services eventually will be expanded to full primary medical care.

That’s good news for area veterans and their communities. As Vietnam vets age and more vets return home from Iraq and Afghanistan, medical services need to be available where they live — not a two-hour car ride away.

Vets still will need to travel to the VA in Minneapolis for specialized care, but the goal is to have medical facilities for vets within one hour’s drive of them.

Not only is the plan more cost-effective, but it is a sign the VA recognizes it needs to step up the care of veterans. A Washington Post article in 2007 received national attention when unsafe and unsanitary conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center were described in detail. Since then, veterans groups have sued the VA alleging its mental health care and benefits system are flawed.

There have been incidents in Minnesota, and in this region, involving vets suffering from stress disorders that have resulted in erratic behavior, including standoffs with authorities. A CBS probe that examined death records in all 50 states found that veterans were twice as likely to commit suicide. . . .

. . . This new clinic in Mankato is a sign the system recognizes that offering vets care close to home can be part of the healing process, and giving vets convenient care is the least the government can do.

Image: The Nichols Building, home to the new VA clinic in Mankato. Directions here.

Freedom's Watch skips over MN-01 with latest batch of robocalls

Conservative Washington DC based 501(c)4 lobbying organization Freedom's Watch is having to fill in the money gap for the NRCC; the latest volley is a robocall.

A friend sent us to a post naming the 30 House districts being hit by Freedom's Watch's calls. MN-01 isn't  on the list. This omission suggests that Congressman Walz is indeed an ex-GOP target.

The post begins:

Freedom's Watch is targetting 30 congressional districts held by Democrats with robocalls attacking Democrats record on military issues.. . . .

The districts are:

AZ-05,   AZ-08, CA-51, CA-11, CT-2, FL-16, GA-08, IL-08, KS-02, LA-06, MD-05, MD-08,   MS-01, NH-01, NV-01, NY-20, OH-18, PA-07, PA-10, PA-08, PA-12, TX-22, TX-23,   CT-05, KY-03, NH-02, PA-04, WI-08, NY-19, IL-14

With the exception of MD-08 (Rep. Van Hollen, the DCCC Chair), these are districts that many analysts think that the GOP can apply pressure and/or seats that the Dems took in 2006.

Want to make sure the robocalls stay away? Contribute to Tim Walz's re-election committee or sign up to volunteer here.

The names and districts from Roll Call:

The targeted Democrats are: Reps. Harry Mitchell (Ariz.), Gabrielle Giffords (Ariz.), Jerry McNerney (Calif.), Bob Filner (Calif.), Joe Courtney (Conn.), Christopher Murphy (Conn.), Tim Mahoney (Fla.), Jim Marshall (Ga.), Melissa Bean (Ill.), Bill Foster (Ill.), Nancy Boyda (Kan.), Dennis Moore (Kan.), Don Cazayoux (La.), Steny Hoyer (Md.), Chris Van Hollen (Md.), Travis Childers (Miss.), Carol Shea-Porter (N.H.), Paul Hodes (N.H.), Shelley Berkley (Nev.), John Hall (N.Y.), Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.), Zack Space (Ohio), Jason Altmire (Pa.), Joe Sestak (Pa.), Patrick Murphy (Pa.), Christopher Carney (Pa.), Paul Kanjorski (Pa.), John Murtha (Pa.), Nick Lampson (Texas), Ciro Rodriguez (Texas) and Steve Kagen (Wis.).

Worthington Globe: Ray Crippen on PTSD

In a post earlier in the week, Will VA Secretary Peake apologize to veterans?, we noted how some are trying to minimize or marginalize post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a veterans concern. In today's column in the Worthing GLobe, former editor Ray Crippen fills in some historical blanks about post traumatic stress disorder in The story of Old Pete, and a 'real and cruel' wound.  The column begins:

For nearly as long as I can remember I have received unsigned letters now and again. Anonymous mail. Sometimes a letter may be a suggestion for a column or for a story. Sometimes a letter will be — well, not flattering. That is a part of this business.

An anonymous letter came through the week past which I think needs a reply even though, in fact, it requires this column to take an untypical form.

The writer claims service in Iraq from a year gone by. There is reference to PTSD and then these sentences: “My uncle laughs at this. He says soldiers in the Korea war never claimed anything like PTSD.”

Crippen goes on to note how PTSD isn't something uncles should laugh about, citing an example:

I remember a long-ago friend of my dad for only one thing. The man had a tic in one cheek; there was a twinge every few seconds in either the left cheek or the right cheek. Rather often the man would squeeze his eyes closed tightly. I asked my dad about this. The surprising thing is I waited with my question until the man was gone.

I was told the man was a veteran of World War I. He had “shell shock.” I don’t know if there was any more to that conversation. “War veteran, shell shock.” This explains itself.

. . .I am saying this to the laughing uncle. I know something about the war in Korea. Very brave soldiers and Marines in Korea sometimes came to experience trauma - cruel mental suffering.

That word/ acronym PTSD is (I believe) of recent origin. What it describes is ancient.

Crippen shares an account from seventy years before of a Civil War veteran, Old Pete, whose mind was injured by a "cruel and real injury."

PTSD denial is distressing stuff, not only as a vets issue, but for the understanding and treatment of mental illness as well.   The bipartisan battle to get mental illness covered on an equal  footing by insurance companies was a long and winding road. To promote denial about PTSD in vets is more of the same--with the added shamefulness of abetting whose who would nickel and dime those who serve our country.

Like many news outlets, CNN reported this week that Army suicides [were] highest in nearly 2 decades. The cable news show also reported that Reports of stress disorder leap in military:

The number of U.S. military personnel diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder jumped 47 percent in 2007 according to new statistics -- a change the Pentagon attributed to greater awareness and better record-keeping.

The story notes that the stigma still remains, and some speculate that the military is much more eager to diagnose  PTSD when traumatic brain injuries may also be in  play.

We're proud to call veterans from the Korean War to present conflicts our friends; nearly all of our uncles who served in World War II have now passed. We've noticed that their stories aren't all that different, but perhaps we've been blessed not to know many people who think like the anonymous letter writer's uncle.   

Our understanding has been shaped by far different tales. One vivid memory from our childhood was of Uncle Stan, who returned to the United States a year after WWII because his combat injuries kept him in a European hospital for many months. Our father and Stan were talking in the backyard about the psychological troubles plaguing many soldiers returning from Vietnam.

Dad said something about younger soldiers being whiners, and his brother, who taught shop classes in Southern California, unloaded with a story about having to shoot extremely young German soldiers in the waning days of the war.  The boys he shot reminded him of his own little brother back home, he said, then he broke down weeping about his experience nearly thirty years before. It was the first time we'd ever seen a grown man cry outside of funerals.

And that ended any sort of talk of slackers in our house.

Photo: The dead at Gettysburg.

Walz votes for GI Bill expansion

We were out working in our vegetable garden (finally!) and come home to find this press release from Congressman Walz's office in our inbox:

WALZ VOTES FOR HISTORIC EXPANSION OF GI BILL

Says legislation will give today's service members benefits on par with those WWII veterans received

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Tim Walz announced that he voted to support an emergency spending bill to provide funding for on-going military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, which includes a historic expansion of the GI Bill. 

Walz said that the spending bill, which provides funding to meet the needs of soldiers serving in Iraq as well as Americans hit hardest by the recent economic downturn, incorporates what is commonly called the "21st Century GI Bill," which will offer the 1.7 million brave men and women who have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan educational benefits on par with those provided to veterans of the World War II era.

"The legislation will give our returning troops the tools they need to continue their success in their civilian lives, will make military service more attractive, and will pay future dividends as it strengthens our sagging economy," said Rep. Tim Walz.  "I think it is fitting that this restoration of GI Bill benefits is included in a supplemental war spending bill because we often forget that caring for our soldiers and veterans after they return from the battlefield is a real, measurable cost of war."

Under the new GI Bill, qualified service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, who have served 3 years on active duty, would receive benefits to cover the costs of a four-year education up to the level of the most expensive in-state public school, along with a stipend for housing, books and other expenses.  Education benefits would be available to troops who have served at least 3 months of active duty service since September 11, 2001, including members of the National Guard and Reserve.  Right now, veterans' education benefits cover only about 60 percent of the cost of a public-school education.

The supplemental spending bill was considered as three separate amendments:

Amendment #1: Provides $162.5 billion for the Department of Defense, funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through the summer of 2009. Congressman Walz voted in favor of this amendment, which was not adopted.

Amendment #2: This amendment includes restrictions on the deployment of our Armed Forces in Iraq, by requiring that American troops begin to redeploy within 30 days, with the redeployment completed by December of 2009.  It also requires that Iraqis match US reconstruction funding dollar for dollar and that the President reach an agreement with Iraq to subsidize fuel costs for the US Armed Forces so that our military pays what the Iraqis pay for their fuel.  The amendment also prohibits torture and the construction of permanent military bases in Iraq.  The House passed this amendment 227 - 196.  Congressman Walz voted in favor.

Amendment #3: This amendment restores GI Bill benefits for veterans to WWII levels, extends unemployment benefits for workers who've exhausted their benefits and funds efforts to strengthen New Orleans levees. Amendment #3 passed with a vote of 256 - 166.  Congressman Walz voted in favor.

Truth about Vet Suicides hearing: Walz speaks up for vets, county service officers

We're not entirely comfortable with the headline chosen for a post at Minnesota Central, since we're somewhat old school in believing that all Americans should take an interest in doing what's best for veterans, leaving partisanship behind.

Still, it's hard not to share some of our friend's conclusions when we read the Stars & Stripes article that's the springboard for his analysis and conclusion. Go read what MC has to say.

The Stars and Stripes article was headlined Democrats press VA on suicide rate. McPherson Hall  adds to the story by sharing his reflections on the hearings available on the webcast of the full committee hearing, “The Truth About Veteran Suicides”. 

It's a must watch for those interested in veterans issues.

Walz's questions, referenced by Minnesota Central and media accounts, start around 1:59. Walz is passionate and non-partisan, as MC points out, drawing attention to the successes the Minnesota National Guard and Pawlenty administration have enjoyed in the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campaign.

And as he promised veterans at the roundtable at the Veterans Medical Center on April 21, he's bringing their stories forward in Washington.

He also praises the professionalism and understanding of county veteran service officers. For rural vets, contact with county service officers is often crucial, given their distance from the main hospital in Minneapolis

It's all about the veterans, Walz says, and ranking Republican member Steve Buyer follows up on Walz's questions and supports his mission. This is what we want to see in Washington DC.

Today's New York Times editorial, The Suffering of Soldiers, reviews the problems. It concludes:

. . .Fortunately, the solutions are clear: more money for mental health services, closer tracking of suicides and more aggressive preventive efforts, more efficiency at managing veterans’ treatment and more help for their families. If this country gave back to wounded troops even a fraction of the commitment and service that it has received from them, they will be well cared for.

That's pretty much the sentiment in the circles we run in.  Let's hope all of America's new veterans get the level of service the Minnesota National Guard and the State of Minnesota have provided.

Post-Bulletin: Pay up, Walz tells Iraq government

In Walz calls for Iraq to pay up, the PB's Washington bureau reporter Ed Felker reports:

Rep. Tim Walz joined fellow freshmen Democrats on Tuesday to demand that any new reconstruction money spent in Iraq be in the form of loans.

At a news conference, Walz, D-Mankato, and others said Iraq must begin spending its oil revenues on national reconstruction and the fuel used by American forces.

"We're losing our treasure, we're losing our youth, we're losing our military, we're eroding our readiness. The least the Iraqis can do is pay their fair share, fulfill their commitment, and let us move forward with the true fight, and that's in Afghanistan," he said.

The issue will come to a head this week when the House is expected to take up a $183.7 billion supplemental war spending bill for the rest of this fiscal year and part of next year. Walz and other freshmen Democrats late last month joined in a unanimous call that reconstruction aid, training and fuel costs be paid out of Iraqi oil revenues. . . .

Felker notes that the President and many in the Senate object to the proposal, according to the ranking member of the House Appropriations committee, Ray LaHood.

Last week, CQ Politics reported in Senators Want Iraq to Shoulder Costs:

The Senate bill’s details were still being finalized, with most lawmakers and aides declining to discuss them. Still, some of the bill’s elements are taking shape.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are the first order of business. With the costs of the conflicts rising and the U.S. economy taking a downturn, members from both parties are increasingly talking about the need for the Iraqis, now awash in oil wealth, to spend more to help their country rebound.

Several members of the Senate Armed Services panel would like to shift the burden of funding Iraq’s reconstruction to the Maliki government. Several also want A-Iraqis to pay the U.S. military’s fuel costs, as well as the salaries of former Sunni insurgents who are now helping U.S. forces fight al Qaeda in Iraq.

Those senators, who include Democrats Ben Nelson  of Nebraska and Evan Bayh  of Indiana and Republican Susan Collins  of Maine, would like to see U.S. funds for such purposes be provided to the Iraqis in the form of loans instead of grants. . . .

On April 15, the Star Tribune reported that Coleman joins effort to reduce reconstruction costs in Iraq:

The Minnesota Republican, facing what could be a tough reelection battle this year, joined a bipartisan group of senators Tuesday who are drafting a "sense of the Senate" resolution that would restrict future reconstruction dollars to loans instead of grants.

"I do think it's important with the changing circumstances in Iraq," he said. "This is something that needs to be done."

Coleman, who visited Iraq in January, said the nation currently produces 2.3 million barrels of oil a day. At $100 a barrel, he said, "that's close to a quarter billion dollars a day."

The move reflects a growing consensus in Congress in reaction to the recent reports by U.S. Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker about the fragile military and political gains of the past year's U.S. troop "surge."

Members of Congress in both parties, eyeing Iraq's rising oil income five years after the U.S.-led invasion, are now seeking to minimize U.S. war reconstruction costs, which have totaled $47.5 billion since 2003. . . .

Looks like there's some interest in the concept in the Senate, regardless of what LaHood may have said yesterday.

Update: Here's a letter the 47 freshmen Democrats sent to House leaders asking that U.S. funding for reconstruction, training and fuel in Iraq be required to be repaid out of Iraqi oil revenues, via the Miami Herald:

Dear Chairman Obey and Chairman Murtha,

As you work with our colleagues to craft upcoming spending bills, we ask you to consider language emphasizing the government of Iraq’s cost-sharing responsibility.

With so many competing priorities, from emergency domestic spending to funding for our national security, it is clear that taxpayer dollars will be stretched thin. As you know, with the amount of money that we have spent in Iraq, we could fund virtually every emergency domestic priority in this country, as well as fully fund the war against terrorism in Afghanistan. As new Members of Congress, we hope to be able to return to our districts with news that Congress is asking the Iraqi government to stand up for itself. 

Specifically, we hope that you will consider language in upcoming spending bills that requires the Government of Iraq to take more ownership over the reconstruction projects and training for security forces. Additionally, the Iraqi government should take responsibility for the $153 million per month that the United States Government spends on fuel in Iraq. Both the American and Iraqi people will gain from increased involvement of the Iraqi government in these endeavors.

Whether our colleagues support or oppose the Iraq war strategy, we can all agree that when it comes to the $600 billion in American taxpayer dollars that we have spent over the last five years, we must find another way.  American taxpayers are spending $339 million a day in Iraq. The amount of money we spend in Iraq each day could house 48,000 homeless veterans, hire over 2,000 new Border Patrol guards for a year or give 2.6 million uninsured Americans access to health care. We write to you in the hopes that you will agree that it is time for us to pursue this issue in a more fiscally responsible manner.

Sincerely,

Ron Klein (FL-22), Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), Chris Murphy (CT-05), John Yarmuth (KY-03),Hank Johnson (GA-04), Keith Ellison (MN-05), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01),Harry Mitchell (AZ-05), Albio Sires (NJ-13), Paul Hodes (NH-02),Steve Kagen (WI-08),Mazie Hirono (HI-02),Kathy Castor (FL-11),Kirstin Gillibrand (NY-20),Joe Sestak (PA-07),Jason Altmire (PA -04),Tim Mahoney (FL- 16),Brad Ellsworth (IN-08),Bruce Braley (IA-01), Ciro Rodriguez (TX-23), Phil Hare (IL-17), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Nancy Boyda (KS-02), Steve Cohen (TN-09), John Sarbanes (MD-03), Laura Richardson (CA-37), Nick Lampson (TX-22), Tim Walz (MN-01), Patrick Murphy (PA-08), Chris Carney (PA-10), Mike Arcuri (NY-24), Andre Carson (IN-07) Betty Sutton (OH-13), Charlie Wilson (OH-06), Bill Foster (IL-14), Jackie Speier (CA-12), Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Yvette Clarke (NY-11), Heath Shuler (NC-11), John Hall (NY-19), Jerry McNerney (CA-11), Peter Welch (VT-AL), Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-08), Zach Space (OH-18), Nikki Tsongas (MA-05), Joe Donnelly (IN-02) Baron Hill (IN-09).

Second update: A kind friend just forwarded a statement from Nancy Pelosi that looks as if the concept of Iraq helping to pay for its reconstruction will be included in the supplemental funding bill

Pelosi Statement on Supplemental Funding Bill for Iraq and Afghanistan 

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement in advance of the House's consideration of a supplemental funding bill for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan later this week:

"President Bush insists on war without end in Iraq, but Democrats in Congress stand with Americans who want to bring our troops home responsibly, safely and soon, and with taxpayers who believe that the Iraqi government must begin to pay its fair share for the reconstruction of their country. 

"With Americans confronting an economy teetering on the brink of recession and struggling to afford rising prices, we are extending unemployment benefits for those searching for work and supporting a new GI Bill to help make the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan part of our economic recovery.

"Democrats are putting rebuilding America on par with the President's priorities.  We have crafted an Iraq plan the President should sign-and one that makes the economic needs of the American people a priority once again."

Update #3: The Washington Post has more on the supplemental in Democrats Link Wishes to War Funding: Proposal Includes Troop-Withdrawal Timeline and Money for Veterans' Education.

Cool: Mayo teams with others to heal soldiers' injuries

Having heard disabled Vietnam Vet Tom McDonald talk yesterday at the VA about his prosthetic device, seeing a story like Mayo teams with others to heal soldiers' injuries in the Rochester Post Bulletin is welcome news indeed:

By Jeff Hansel
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN 

Researchers at medical centers nationwide, including Mayo Clinic, will collaborate to build biological bridges to help injured GIs heal.

Scientists will use $85 million to develop new medical treatments for wounded soldiers.

The national consortium includes 15 academic medical centers, a statement from Mayo says.

What scientists learn will be "translated" for use in the field and in the medical setting. Private companies are ready to develop new technologies based on the research findings.

"Our team at Mayo will be responsible for nerve regeneration, as the lead organization," said Dr. Michael Yaszemski, a Mayo orthopedic surgeon and biomedical engineer, who also serves as a brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Bone regeneration will be Mayo's secondary role. Other institutions will focus on brain injury, burns and transplants.

The collaboration, called the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine, or AFIRM, will search for ways to help "repair, replace, restore and regenerate damaged tissues and organs" for soldiers whose bodies otherwise might be unable to heal properly.

"If one breaks a bone, most of the time nature does a good job. We put the bones together, hold them in place and it heals," Yaszemski said. But war injuries often include damage that's not easily repaired normally. Too large a gap in a bone or nerve, can prevent regrowth. . . .

. . .Yaszemski, a spinal surgery specialist, said some spinal injuries lack what's necessary for healing and return-of-function. Or the nature of the injury itself precludes healing. Researchers want to change that.

AFIRM's money comes from the Army Medical Research and Material Command, the Office of Naval Research, and the National Institutes of Health.

"The great motivation is these very significant injuries that our men and women in service are experiencing," Yaszemski said.

Thanks General Yaszemski!  MPR reports Mayo Clinic joins group battling war injuries.

Fox News: Pelosi hears from Minnesota Veterans

My Fox News Twin Cities reports in Pelosi Hears Praise, Concerns From Minnesota Veterans:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined Rep. Tim Walz at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center today for a roundtable discussion with  Minnesota vets.

The event hosted by 1st Dist. Congressman Walz raised issues faced by veterans in the state. Vets told Pelosi the care at the Minneapolis VA has been good and the National Guard has done a good job ensuring its veterans get their benefits.

But veterans told Pelosi that servicemen from other military branches have fallen through the cracks, and mentioned the need for financial aid for veterans traveling from outstate to the VA. Walz's district does not have a VA medical center, and most of the veterans there are treated in Minneapolis.

The panel included a range of veterans from the Iraq War to World War II. Pelosi said she will take concerns raised in the discussion back to Washington.

This was a pretty impressive panel that included veterans who are county service officers. Walz and Pelosi met with leaders of service orgainzations as well.  We had heard many people in the Guard and  MnSCU system praise General Shellito for his leadership in integrating soldiers back into civikian life.  In person, his commitment to Minnesota's soldiers was tangible as he spoke. Very impressive leader.

Photo: (left to right) MN Dept of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clark Dyrud, Congressman Tim Walz, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Larry Shellito take part in a roundtable with veterans from Minnesota's 1st Congressional District.  Photo by Terry Gydesen

Live blogging Speaker Pelosi's visit with veterans at the VA Medical Center

9:10 Walz has just finished introducing Speaker Pelosi, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clark Dyrud, and Minnesota National Guard Major General Larry W. Shellito. Pelosi is reviewing the 110th Congress's veterans' legislation, and the need to revise the GI Bill to accommodate veterans' needs today. She thanks General Shellito for his leadership and the great service of the Minnesota National Guard.    She brings up Walz's work for vets, and welcomes everyone.

9:39  Luke Weinandt talks about the delays ingetting his GI Bill education benefits to go to college. He was able to connect with Tom McLaughlin. Many of his fellow soldiers dropped out.  Greg Peterson, Brown County's service officer, speaks about the vets' needs, and introduces Allen  Huhn, a WWII vet who was a POW. Huhn speaks briefly, thanking the VA for the care. Lisa Jaeger of Wabasha talks about the needs of a noncombat vet and the need to connect all vets with the system, local care, and the needs of women vets. 

9:15 Now Ken Delano from Albert Lea is talking about the great care he gets at the medical center but notes that the drive is long and expensive. Couldn't VA clinics be set up in rural areas?

9:20 Mike McLaughlin, a Marine who served in Iraq, talks about how when a service member comes home alone, rather than with a unit,  he or she will feel isolated and not connect with the service clubs, county service officers, and benefits system.  A uniformed man (Darrin Janisch?) talks about the Yellow Ribbon program.  This segues to Commissioner Dyrud and General Shellito talking about the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. Shellito asks Pelosi to ask DoD about how porgrams will be implemented in Minnesota, which has no military bases.

9:27  A former state commander of the VFW from Srping Valley talks about medical needs of rural vets. A county service officer talks about their needs.  Hank Sadler of the DAV and a resident of Madison Lake, talks about his concerns about funding the Independent Budget.  He's also concerned about the needs of caregivers for seriously disabled vets.

9:33  Rob Gross, Houston County's Service Officer, talks about the need to recognize the link between Parkinson's Disease and Agent Orange. He echoes the issues with local provision of VA system care. Gerard Marking of Lake City talks about the need to connect vets with the system.

9:44 Tom Mclaughlin, a disabled Vietnam Vet and father of Michael, who served in Iraq, speaks about the new technology of prosthetic devices. He talks about the need to upgrade grant programs for disabled vets.  Grants for amputees to adapt homes shouldn't be a one time thing. After all, a 20-year-old vet probably isn't going to stay in the same house all his or her life.

9  Pelosi is wrapping up, before she'll be meeting with leadership of the service groups like the VFW, DAV, and Legion.  She notes that much of what she heard about outreach. She notes how veterans have been bringing up the needs of rural vets; she mentions how Walz brings up their issues in Washington. She thanks the vets for making personal the issue of outreach. She thanks General Shellito for the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. She adresses the efforts with Parkinson Disease. 

9:55:  Speaker Pelosi's  closing remarks: "Everything that is wonderful about this country, we owe to your courage...".

YouTube: Walz response to the Petraeus Report on Iraq War

The Political Muse stopped by and left a comment pointing us to the video below. We had posted a transcription of the remarks from the Congressional Record.

Over at the state DFL web site, state chair Brian Melendez asked a few questions in DFL Party to Brian Davis: Are Recession and Quagmire the Right Decisions?