Pawlenty e-mailed me for $$ today
I just got an e-mail from Tim Pawlenty with the subject, “Will You Help Me Defend Myself?”
Here’s how the e-mail starts:
As we have learned so many times over in recent years, politics is becoming an increasingly nasty venture. While politics has never been as polite as we might hope it could be, it is clear that in this new year, we are headed for a new low. The name-calling and personal attacks are already flying. I will stand up for myself, but I need your help.
Please click here to contribute today.
C’mon! What ever happened to being a man when called names or only raising campaign funds to campaign? While I don’t agree with name-calling, I also don’t agree with politicians with their hands out all the time. This e-mail struck me as a little trite.
…P.S. I hope you agree that Minnesotans deserve an honest debate, not vicious name-calling. Please contribute today to help me defend against these attacks.
[by giving him money]
Related posts:
Shameless! I understand politicians have to raise money, but I’ve seen very few fundraising attempts that didn’t somehow feel dirty.
I really believe Minnesota is a great state — and that, with the assets and talent we have
here, we should be able to solve our public problems. Traffic congestion, school and student
success, environment degradation — those are all tough — but not impossibly so.
Maybe the last few years have made you question: Do we have the public will to tackle tough
problems? And does our public sector have the organizational preparedness and resources? Do we
have public officials who can bring the results — rather than just deferring maintenance til
another day (or another generation)?
The public systems we have should be useful, forpetessake!
In my own wander for answers, I’ve come across the “Declaration” copy/pasted below. It’s a
powerful statement — and maybe even encouragement: If you believe in this, you’re not alone.
The “Declaration” is being circulated by Peter Hutchinson. Check it out. It’s online at
http://www.openupmn.com/declaration.html
The Declaration of Independents of the State of Minnesota
When in the course of Minnesota events it becomes necessary to break the bonds of extreme
partisanship, special interests and divisive politics that have closed off our government to
both innovation and common sense, practical solutions, it is the Right and Duty of the People
to claim their Independence and Open Up Minnesota to the principles and values that have long
defined Minnesota as a state that works.
WE THEREFORE DECLARE THAT WE ARE INDEPENDENT MINNESOTANS - free from the extremism,
polarization and political paralysis that have hijacked our civic life, and do mutually pledge
to focus first on the practical things that matter most to the future prosperity of Minnesota.
These are the Main Things: education, health care, transportation, and environment/energy. Our
government will keep these main things the main thing. We will not have our attention diverted
by extremist rhetoric on issues intended to frighten and divide us. We know that Minnesotans
care less about whether our state moves left or right than they do about moving forward.
We will earn the trust of our fellow Minnesotans through open-minded, responsible leadership
and common sense values that will allow our state to prosper.
Our Government will be honest. We will be open with Minnesotans, telling the truth, even when
it hurts. We will use the truth to help us improve. We will honestly balance the budget and
invest in the future, not mortgage it. We will not resort to tax shifts nor push today’s bills
onto tomorrow’s taxpayers, in order to evade the difficult choices. We will live within our
means to protect our children’s future.
Our Government will be accountable. The price of government will be acceptable and adequate to
pay for the results our citizens value. We will not ask taxpayers to pay more for the same
services, nor to pay the same amount for fewer services. We will expect people to live up to
their commitments and learn from their mistakes. We will deliver more value for their money by
paying for results, not good intentions.
Our Government will be fair. People will pay their share for the level of services and benefits
they expect. Minnesotans do not turn our backs on our neighbors. We will help people while
expecting them to help themselves.
Our Government will be open. We will open our minds to honest debate, and will seek out the
best ideas and practical solutions from every party and elected official. We recognize the
integrity of Minnesotans who might not agree with us. We will honor the shared dedication to
Minnesota of people from every political perspective.
We Claim our Independence.
We will Open Up Minnesota.
We will make Minnesota work for Minnesotans.
Sign the declaration at http://www.openupmn.com/declaration.html