The 8th District repubs candidate.

For the 8th District, of course, James Oberstar is the candidate. Two years ago, Rod Grams rose from his political grave to yet again create noise pollution. Hopefully he is buried for good now. This time, no such known name came forth. Instead we have this guy . So one needs to ask, what is he for actually for and what is he against? My first impression, and this not partisan, is he thinks in a standard talk radio repub way. The way out of the oil crisis ( really a crisis of transportation and production) is to drill more in the Arctic, North Dakota and offshore. Like most who believe this, he has no clue about the amount the U.S uses everyday or how it is used. His other solutions include tax breaks for higher mpg vehicles ( oh my) and nuclear power. In short, more of the same bull which assumes we can continue on with what we do.

On social issues, we have the same small religious based thinking on abortion and marriage. Marriage is somehow sacred, rather than the legally defined contract which it is. As usual, he claims to be for individuals, but wants the state to define who a person can marry. He says nothing about divorce, of course.

There is a beep about property rights, and a link to a nutball property rights group. These people believe that you should be able to do what you want regardless of the consequences to the environment and everyone downstream or downwind.

As in the last go round, we have the criticism of Oberstar's address. Do these people even study just how much time congress is in session? Or what being head of a major congressional committee entails? The time it requires, or the complexity of the issues involved? Obviously not. You might need to have a house or apartment rather than charging up hotel bills.

I won't even comment on the criticism for refusing to save a fire hazard riverboat

This is precisely what I mean by a "talk radio view of the world". Like many who do not know the extent of their own ignorance, he assumes the world is simple place, and that all problems are quickly solved. I am sorry, but problems involving complex systems such as energy, transportation and social policy aren't resolved by decree and appeals to the local pastor.

It reminds me of this: