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PCR EditorialWe are living in a dark time of history. Many Minnesotans do not even vote anymore. We used to be one of the most envied states in the nation for:* *Innovation in Technology and Manufacturing * *Great Health Care * *Educational Integrity and Achievement * *Progressive (not to be equated necessarily with “Liberal”) Politics * *Near the top of the list for livability * *A model for Election and Campaign Principles Now all because of a tax pledge Governor Pawlenty made during the Campaign of 2004, the middle class and those in abject poverty have been left to fend for themselves on table scraps left from this administration. Yesterday on my way to work, I heard a report on the radio that now Governor Pawlenty in addition to tinkering with Federal Tribal Treaties, is on the verge of striking a severe blow to the election process statewide. Nothing appears to be sacred to this administration. A time-honored program called the Political Contribution Refund (PCR) program is in danger of being raided to straighten out the burgeoning deficit. Democracy as we have known it in Minnesota is on life support. This campaign fund is the lifeblood of the third party movement, as well as lesser-known candidates. With this fund in place Minnesotans have alternative choices in state elections. Most third party candidates are against taking special interest money used to fund traditional campaigns. I guess there is nothing like knocking off any would be competition in 2006 with the excuse of paying off the deficit. Wake up Minnesota! Let your voice be heard at the Legislature and at the Governor’s office! Tell them all that the Democratic process is too important to tinker with. Wake up Governor Pawlenty! Your mean-spirited, substandard ideas are not winning the day. Wake up Legislature, keep tabs on this Governor, and vote your conscience as you see fit, but remember you are there at the citizen’s pleasure. Do what we expect of you, because there is always another election around the corner. |