Annette Meeks

World Car Free Day

Fri, 2, Oct 2009 14:45:47 CST

I hate to miss a world-wide celebration but apparently I did: September 22nd was “World Car-Free Day”. I hope there wasn’t cake.

All the News That Fits Their Bias

Thu, 17, Sep 2009 17:8:0 CST

For nearly two decades, Pew Research has conducted an annual scientific poll measuring Americans’ views of media accuracy and bias. The 2009 results were released this week and it comes as no surprise to most conservatives that just 29% of Americans “say that news organizations generally get the facts straight”. This compares to the results for the same question nearly 25 years ago when 55% said that “news stories were accurate”.

"The Good, The Bad, and The Hungry"

Fri, 10, Jul 2009 16:59:24 CST

Did you see the article in the Star Tribune this morning that alerted us to the discovery of a new fountain of youth? According to research published in the journal Science, there is conclusive evidence that if primates cut 1/3 of their daily caloric intake, we can severely slow the aging process and live longer and healthier lives. This research is based upon a 20-year study conducted on rhesus monkeys living at the Wisconsin National Primate Center which is located in Madison. (Many Minnesotans would question why anyone would want to live a longer life while stuck in Wisconsin but that’s another story.)

Cap and Trade Facts Every Minnesotan Should Know

Fri, 26, Jun 2009 12:18:0 CST

Today the U.S. House of Representatives will likely approve one of the most crushing tax increases to American consumers in history– a hidden energy tax called “Cap and Trade.” Its fundamental purpose is to impose higher costs on electricity and gasoline so that American consumers use less. But more likely this bill will create fewer jobs as the cost of doing business in the U.S. dramatically increases each year that this law is in effect.

Governor Pawlenty's Clean Sweep of the Legislative Session

Sun, 17, May 2009 18:45:3 CST

In politics as in professional sports, every now and then you witness what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime season. When you’re lucky enough to be in the stands for the entire season and see your team sweep the World Series, it’s a memory that lasts a lifetime. So it was for beleaguered Minnesota Republicans this week –thanks to the bold and strategic leadership provided by the GOP team’s general manager, Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Not Spending Taxpayer Dollars = Change You Can Believe In

Tue, 28, Apr 2009 18:9:32 CST

The next time a school district tells taxpayers that they need more of your money because they’re broke, remind yourself that their definition of “broke” isn’t the same as yours and mine. Here’s why.

A New Leaf

Mon, 20, Apr 2009 17:19:0 CST

It’s too bad the Minnesota Taxpayers Tea Parties were held last week instead of this. Why? Because after the House and Senate DFLers announce their new tax plans this week, the crowds last week would look like the warm up act for the gigantic group of tax protesters that would assemble all across the state.

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

Wed, 1, Apr 2009 17:26:13 CST

Give me a Break

Tue, 24, Mar 2009 16:34:1 CST

St. Paul, like many Minnesota cities this year, is facing a substantial budget deficit, amongst other problems. In light of these grim economic circumstances, I was surprised to read that the St. Paul City Council has set aside their serious business and established April 1 as the date for a public hearing to discuss a citywide ban on the sale of candy cigarettes. Really.

Drill Here, Drill Now!

Thu, 12, Mar 2009 17:7:24 CST

On February 10th, President Obama announced his most recent $787 billion dollar economic stimulus package. Congress willingly went along with this proposed solution and Wall Street and the American consumer responded. Since the plan’s inception, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has dropped almost 20%.

Real Housewives of Washington County

Wed, 25, Feb 2009 11:12:0 CST

Last Thursday evening, in an upscale cul-de-sac, I witnessed the beginning of a revolution. The basic training is being waged with intellectual ammunition and its soldiers are the unlikiest warriors – they are a group of determined Woodbury women who won’t be silent about their disagreements with their government any longer.

We're All in This Together

Tue, 10, Feb 2009 17:9:0 CST

I don’t know anyone who hasn’t suffered personally or financially as we ride out the current recession. We are living in unsettled financial times where many of us are just pleased to keep the jobs we enjoy. Yet everyone I talk with continues to tighten his or her personal financial belt another notch – no one seems to know what dismal economic news tomorrow will bring. And that proverbial belt-tightening is occurring in local governments, too.

It's Time to Cut Local Government Aid

Tue, 27, Jan 2009 17:8:18 CST

Governor Pawlenty released his proposal for a balanced budget earlier today. He encouraged Minnesotans to begin “looking forward, not back, and setting priorities that will deliver a better future.” That’s very good advice when you’re setting priorities on spending other peoples money – money that’s in short supply in many households these days.

More about Annette Meeks

Wed, 21, Jan 2009 8:45:0 CST