Dave

We've all been watching coverage of the Republican National Convention. Waiting to hear what broadcasters, pundits, and the average Joe delegates think of us. It is important to us that people like us. We enjoy being known as "Minnesota Nice" people. We are more than a little embarrassed by the idiotic "anarchists" in the streets. Who invited them?

Whoever dubbed us Minnesota Nice has never been to a Lake Elmo, Mn city council meeting. Citizens there take their local government seriously. It is contentious and not unusual to hear some insulting words spoken loudly. This is a town of 7500. One of our best friends was mayor. The job consumed his life. Lots of interaction. Lots of battles. It was a difficult job that required all his skills. I still read local newspaper accounts of Lake Elmo politics occasionally and things haven't changed much since he way mayor in the 90's.

Experience as mayor has not always been properly appreciated. Rudy Guilliani reminded us about that last night at the convention. Sarah Palin reminded us being a small town mayor is "sort of like a community organizer, except you have responsibilities". Several speakers last night reminded detractors that she has executive experience as a small town mayor and governor. Executive experience neither Joe Biden or Barack Obama have. They have none. I scratched my head here, isn't John McCain in that group? 25 - 30 years in the senate for Biden and McCain, but no executive experience. Zero for Obama. Doesn't it logically flow that only Sarah Palin is qualified to be president? Well, that is too harsh. Maybe Sarah Palin and Dave. He is also a lifetime staunch Republican so he may have to wait four to eight years.