I arrived at Starring Lake Park in Eden Prairie for the AM 1280 “The Patriot” picnic and live broadcast at around 10:30 a.m. The weather was about as perfect as you could hope for; sunny, warm, with just enough breeze to keep people from overheating.
The Patriot began their day early with a live broadcast of The Taxpayers League and David Strom. Strom was gleefully enjoying a cigar during the broadcast, despite the smoking ban in effect at the park.
One of the hot button topics discussed by Strom was the recent report that funds from the Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club, a charitable organization to help poor children and Alzheimer’s patients was diverted to fund Air America. It looks as though this outrage is being ignored by the “main stream media” and once again left to Talk Radio and Bloggers to report on this serious allegation.
Strom had on the air with him Cheri Yecke, who has announced plans to run for the House of Representatives in Mark Kennedy’s district, which sounds like a good plan to me as Kennedy has announced plans to run for the U.S. Senate. This looks to be a good win-win scenario, as both are highly qualified people. The 2006 mid-terms are shaping up into something that should be quite a load of fun.
Yecke supports smaller government and individual rights. She also proclaimed “I love my country.” I can’t vote for her, as I am in a different district, however, she sounds pretty darn good to me.
She also pointed out the Senator Durbin’s recent tirade on the Senate floor about Guantanamo Bay has had a demoralizing effect on our troops.
At noon, the Northern Alliance Radio Network took the microphones, and continued the discourse on the Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club, now defunct, and the diverting of its funds to support Air America. They also mentioned that many non-profit organizations, some with partnership arrangements with a non-profit I will not name here for a very specific reason (however, next time you see me, you can ask) have purchased large amounts of advertising air time on Air America stations. You’ve got to ask yourself, do you want your pledge dollars going to support Air America?
This prompted me to mention to the NARN as well as David Strom that anyone pledging to aforementioned unnamed non-profit can designate the Tax Payers League (it’s a 501(c)3 so it qualifies) as the recipient of their pledge dollars. Strom liked the idea.
During the second segment, Congressman Mark Kennedy joined the NARN and discussed a number of issues, including focus on the Roberts nomination to the Supreme Court. IN reference to Ted Kennedy’s litmus test for judicial appointments, Kennedy said, “…it’s because he wants them to be legislatures, he thinks it’s some kind of an election for some kind of a super legislator. These aren’t legislators, these are judges…”
NARN with Mark Kennedy.
NARN with Mark Kennedy.
Okay, I admit it, I need to read the manual on my digital camera. I have no idea how I got the darn thing to shoot video for me, but it did. I didn’t even know I was recording when Kennedy made that statement.
As for the picnic itself, I’d say there was around 500 people present (glad I got there early as parking was challenging later), the food was darn good, featuring a pulled-chicken BBQ sandwiches, potato salad, chips and cookies, all provided by the Patriot, and plenty of give-away items, including frisbees. A good time was had by all, and I certainly hope this becomes an annual event. My thanks and many kudos to AM1280, the Patriot for hosting this event.
This is me with Congressman Mark Kennedy.
Patriot Water is helping to raise money to support our troops. They are giving 20% of their profits to send packages to our service men and women serving overseas.
The line for food. Another reason I am glad I got there early.
Later in the day, the crowd has thinned out some.
