Notes on a Snowy Sunday

by Leigh Pomeroy

Less than two months ago Minnesotans were complaining about too warm a winter: "Yep, it's global warming, all right. Pass the schnapps."

Now we look outside all over the state, and a blanket of snow and ice peers back. A drift climbs nearly halfway up my office window in our 1970s vintage berm house. The cats stare out the large plate-glass windows in the sun porch. The fan on the gas furnace churns. All's right with the world.

Our local congressman, Tim Walz, continues to grab the media's attention. Today the Mankato Free Press editorial page complained that he hadn't signed on with the Blue Dog Coalition of self-defined fiscally conservative Democrats in the U.S. House. I say "self-defined" because fiscal conservatism is often the reflection that a politician wants to portray, rather than a reflection of reality.

Two cases in point: Rep. Collin Peterson (Minn.) and Rep. Stephanie Herseth (S.D.) are both members of the coalition, yet Peterson has stated publicly that he supports earmarks, "Otherwise, I couldn't get any roads for my district." And Herseth is an unabashed supporter of the proposed $2.3 billion loan to the DM&E railroad that billionaire financier Steve Forbes has termed a "highlight" in the "routine abuse in the congressional appropriations process."

In the long run, the true measure of "fiscal conservatism," "social progressivism," "free trade liberalism," "compassionate conservatism" or whatever politicians want to label themselves is in their voting records, not public statements or group affiliations.

Meanwhile, this past week the Minnesota legislature set a standard for the nation in passing a bill, with Gov. Tim Pawlenty signing, stipulating that the state's utilities use a minimum of 25% renewable fuels by the year 2025 — legislation so noteworthy that it has even captured headlines overseas.

Once a leader in progressive legislation for the country, Minnesota in the last eight years or so has fallen behind California and Massachusetts, for example, in terms of global warming initiatives, publicly funded stem cell research and universal health insurance. Another curiosity: Minnesota is still wrestling with statewide smoking ban legislation while 16 states have already mandated smoke-free workplaces. Even the New York Times has lamented Minnesota's withdrawal from progressive leadership, at least in terms of gun legislation.

That's why the 25% by 2025 legislation is good news for Minnesotans, as it once again boosts us towards the top of the forward-thinking pack. Next up: Tackling health care access and costs, improving the state's transportation systems (hopefully with a long overdue gas tax increase), giving our schools more money and fewer mandates, and figuring out ways to reach the 25% by 2025 goal, not just for utilities but for government, businesses, homes and transportation as well. And (finally!) passing the smoking ban, of course.

Meanwhile, although the temperatures outside are not as cold as they were two weeks ago, I'm sure glad we have heat. As for the schnapps, I'll pass, thank you. I gave up that stuff a long time ago, about the same time I gave up cigarettes.