The Dinner Table

Don't Delete My Blog!

2011-02-08T22:02:00.001-06:00

Not much here...just don't want Google to delete my blog!

Comcast Customer Service? FAIL!

2010-04-08T23:17:00.007-05:00

No politics...but I thought I'd share a chat conversation I had with Comcast... Good for a laugh if it wasn't so frustrating...

The setup: I ordered some equipment, and I noticed that they were sending the confirmation and shipping tracking emails to my work email. I prefer to get those at my personal email address. So, I emailed customer service asking them to make sure my personal email was active.

They replied saying that in order to change owners on the account, I had to completely cancel my Comcast account and re-start it. Otherwise, if I just needed to change the email address, I could contact them via chat. So, that's what I did:

ME: My email address may be wrong in the system for account notifications.

REP1: Hello Patrick, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is (REDACTED). Please give me one moment to review your information.
REP1: It's good to have you on chat. How are you today?

ME: frustrated

REP1: Oh, I am so sorry that you are feeling this way, Patrick. I see here that you have a concern or problem with your online login. I understand the trouble that this has caused you, and I want you to know how sorry I am for the inconvenience. As your service representative today, I want you to know that your satisfaction is of my topmost priority and I assure you that we can resolve this issue together on this chat.
REP1: Don't worry, I can help you with this now.

REP1: To ensure the integrity of your account information, kindly verify to me the last 4 digits of your SSN, please?
ME: 4 digits of my SSN=XXXX

ME: not a trouble with my online login

REP1: Oh, I am so sorry. It's about the email address then. Let me give you the primary email address now.
REP1: Patrick, may I know what email address are you using?

ME: it should be (CORRECT EMAIL)
ME: I am getting emails at (WRONG EMAIL)...that is wrong

REP1: Alright, I understand. Patrick, here at Comcast, information security is a major priority for us. To protect your personal information from unauthorized access, we recently changed the way you access your online account, and this is by using your Comcast email address.

ME: ok...my comcast address is (COMCAST EMAIL)

REP1: Patrick, kindly answer ther security question on your account, (REDACTED)

ME: (REDACTED)

REP1: Perfect! I checked here and the primary username is (COMCAST EMAIL).
REP1: Kindly use that whenever you want to login online.

ME: ok...why are you sending me emails at (WRONG EMAIL)?

REP1: Kindly disregard that, Patrick. It may have been sent wrongly.

ME: i know...but I want those notifications to be sent to the correct address

REP1: I can confirm that on your account here, the recognized email is only (COMCAST EMAIL).

ME: this is why I am frustrated...

REP1: Let me check here why this has happened.

ME: I know my comcast address
ME: but I get marketing emails to (CORRECT EMAIL)
ME: and shipment notification emails to (WRONG EMAIL)
ME: I WANT them to come to (CORRECT EMAIL)...that is the only one I regularly check

REP1: Again, I am so sorry for this. This is the first time that I have encountered this and I find this really weird.

ME: otherwise I am going to miss information

REP1: Yes, I understand. I am checking here now for this, Patrick.

ME: ok

REP1: Again, I am so so sorry for this.
REP1: Thank you for your patience. I really appreciate it.
REP1: Patrick, will it be alright if I transfer you now to our Email Department so that they can change the settings for this and make sure that your emails are directed exclusively to your Comcast.net email?
REP1: This will not take long.

ME: ok

REP1: Thank you so much.
REP1: I will transfer you now.
REP1: Kindly stay online.
REP1: Please wait, while the problem is escalated to another analyst

REP2: Hello Patrick_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is (REDACTED). Please give me one moment to review your information.
REP2: How are you doing today, Patrick ? Please allow me to assist you with your concern, and i do apologize for whatever concern that you have with your Comcast services.

ME: are you in the Email Department?

REP2: yes Patrick

ME: ok

REP2: I understand that you have problems regarding your email access, am i correct Patrick?

ME: no

REP2: I see. I am sorry to hear that, and i do apologize for the inconvenience this had caused you, Patrick.

ME: Can you see my chat transcript or am I going to have to go through this AGAIN...

REP2: I will be more than happy to assist you with your concern. Please give me a minute to pull up your account and look into it for resolutions. Rest assured i will assist and resolve your concern at the end of our chat for you to enjoy your Comcast services.
REP2: Patrick,before anything else, may I have the last 4 digts of your Social/SSN please for verification, to protect your privacy by ensuring that we do not discuss account information or make changes to your account without your knowledge and consent.

ME: (REDACTED)

REP2: Can you provide me as well your account number?

ME: i don't have my account number...

REP2: No problem with that Patrickif you don't have it handy at the moment.Can you provide me instead your phone number?

ME: (REDACTED)

REP2: Thank you for all these information you had given me,Patrick

(LONG DELAY)

ME: hello?

(LONG DELAY)

ME: is anyone there?

REP2: May i ask for the error message ?

ME: it's not an error message.
ME: I am getting shipping notification emails from Comcast to my email address (WRONG EMAIL)
ME: They need to go to my primary address, (COMCAST EMAIL)
ME: The person on before said all emails from Comcast should be going to (COMCAST EMAIL). I am telling you they aren't and I want it fixed.
ME: I can't believe how hard it is for you to understand it. I have to three different people now

REP2: I see. I am sorry to hear that, and i do apologize for the inconvenience this had caused you, PAtrick.
REP2: I will be more than happy to assist you with your concern. Please give me a minute to pull up your account and look into it for resolutions. Rest assured i will assist and resolve your concern at the end of our chat for you to enjoy your Comcast services.

REP2: Patrick,before anything else, may I have the last 4 digits of your Social/SSN please for verification, to protect your privacy by ensuring that we do not discuss account information or make changes to your account without your knowledge and consent.
REP2: Can you provide me as well your account number?

ME: I DON'T HAVE MY ACCOUNT NUMBER...

REP2: please disregard.
REP2: Yes, please disregard.
REP2: I do apologize

ME: You are about to win...I am about to give up
ME: I thought it was simple...I have now spent 30 minutes on this

(LONG DELAY)

ME: Hello?

REP2: I do apologize Patrick. Customers may experience connectivity issues accessing and login into the Comcast.net page. Microsoft has pushed a new code update that is causing this to occur. We are instructing customers to clear their browser cookies to resolve this issue. NSD has posted these instructions to the outage board. The clearing of the browser cookies has fixed 80% of the problems being reported by users. The remaining 20% are currently being investigated for resolution

ME: THIS IS NOT CONNECTIVITY!
ME: THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BROWSERS!
ME: Are you even reading what I am typing?
ME: I have no problem logging in to comcast.net

REP2: Patrick, i fully understand your sentiments, but please try to optimize your browser first.

ME: I don't even use Internet Explorer
ME: I use Firefox

REP2: After that, i have to refresh your account by resetting your password
REP2: please pull up a browser.
on top of your browser, please click on TOOLS
scroll dwon, click on INTERNET OPTIONS
click on DELETE FILES, click OK
click on DELETE COOKIES, check delete all offline content.
then click OK
finally, click on OK on the bottom of the page
please do these for five times.

ME: IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY BROWSER. WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT. YOU ARE THE ONE SENDING THE EMAIL TO THE WRONG ACCOUNT!
ME: You are not reading what I am typing
ME: I don't even use Internet Explorer

(LONG DELAY)

REP2: Okay then Patrick, i will be resetting your password now

ME: NOOOOOOOO"!

REP2: would this be okay with you?

ME: DO NOT RESET MY PASSWORD!
ME: DO NOT RESET MY PASSWORD
ME: DO NOT RESET MY PASSWORD

REP2: OKay

ME: I am not going to do the steps you outlined, because it has nothing to do with the problem I am reporting.
ME: You win...I give up.
ME: You won't listen to the description of the problem
ME: before giving a solution

REP2: that is why i was asking you earlier for the error message.

ME: There is no error message
ME: It is an email that comcast sent me

REP2: Okay?

ME: This has been the single worst customer service experience I have had.

REP2: what was the email?

ME: It was a shipping notification for some equipment. It was sent to the wrong address

REP2: Oh i see.
REP2: Im sorry for the misunderstanding

ME: I explained this now 5 times

REP2: you mean the shipping address?

ME: I think I will post this chat transcript to my blog so everyone can have a good chuckle
ME: no, the wrong email address

REP2: As i have said earlier Patrick, i do apologize fir this.

ME: not the shipment itself, but the emailed shipping notification and confirmation
ME: I don't accept your apology

REP2: OKay.

ME: I am tired of Comcast treating me like a complete moron.
ME: I know the difference between an email sent and a web connectivity error

REP2: Okay Patrick
REP2: I have noted here the corrections, and we will be sending all your emails for shipping notifications to your comcast email account now, which is (COMCAST EMAIL)
REP2: I do apologize if the emails were sent to your other account

ME: Are you able to test that? Or do I have to take your word for it?

REP2: I had it noted here in your account for the emails be reset to your comcast email account regarding the shipping details

ME: Ok... you did nothing but note it.

REP2: yes Patrick, since we have another department who sends out emails.

ME: I thought that is who you were.
ME: Fine...You win, I give up...
ME: What a waste of time...
ME: You fixed nothing...

REP2: I am not the one in charge for sending out emails to customers, so that is why i have it noted for the email representative to process the sending out of emails to your comcast email account regarding your shipping details

ME: ok

REP2: I am fixing everything for you Patrick

ME: fine... Who do I call if the problem still occurs?

REP2: as much as i want to do the email for your comcast account, but i do not have access to send out emails to customers since i am on chat support for technical support

ME: who should I be contacting...

REP2: You may call 1-800-COMCAST for follow up

ME: Do you have a case number and/or an operator number that I can reference?

(LONG DELAY)

ME: Hello?

REP2: Here is the chat /op ID: (REDACTED)

ME: Ok...

I Support Tom Emmer for Governor

2010-02-09T21:12:00.003-06:00

I caucused for Tom Emmer for Governor. Tonight, I was at my senate district BPOU meeting, and both Mr. Emmer and Marty Seifert spoke. All I can say is that my support for Mr. Emmer is stronger now.

Don't get me wrong. Marty Seifert would be an excellent choice. Should he win the nomination, I would be proud to support him and I am confident he would be able to win in November. But he is not the best candidate in the race as far as I am concerned.

Tom Emmer tonight said something that I have been waiting for a Republican to say. He took us back to the 1994 Contract with America, when Republicans took back the U.S. House. It happened by returning to the roots of fiscal, common sense conservatism.

The problem is that within a few years, Republicans broke that contract. And tonight, Tom Emmer said that. It's Republicans fault. Not because they acted like Republicans, but because they got away from the principles that got them elected.

Republicans cannot be afraid to "blame Bush". Not the knee-jerk, mean-spirited hatred that the left has (and continues) to pour on. But an honest (and respectful) evaluation of the mistakes that were made over the 8 years.

That's what I heard from Tom Emmer tonight. You don't often hear someone try to win by criticism of their own party. But it's what is needed.

And, that is why I am even more convinced that he is the person we need to represent our party in the 2010 Governor's race.

Is that all they got? (Tebow ad brouhaha)

2010-02-08T10:05:00.002-06:00

In response to the Tim Tebow ad during the Super Bowl, one group found something, uh... a bit strange to get up in arms about?

The Women's Media Center, which had objected to Focus on the Family advertising in the Super Bowl, said it was expecting a "benign" ad but not the humor. But the group's president, Jehmu Greene, said the tackle showed an undercurrent of violence against women. (Source CBS Sports)

Are you kidding me? So, the ad wasn't as overtly pro-life as they expected, so all of a sudden, the Women's Media Center found themselves without a controversy to spout off on.

I thought the ad was perfect, by the way. I don't think the Super Bowl was neccesarily the place to bludgeon the pro-life message, but the ad made a good starting point for someone to consider the miracle of life. I understand that there is some criticism from the pro-life side for the ad being a weak message. I understand that, but I think it was meant to simply plant a seed of the full message in the audience, so in my opinion, it was a great start.

Uh...is this still on?

2010-02-05T13:03:00.002-06:00

I think I should start posting again. I have been a little more active on Twitter lately (http://twitter.com/PatLorch), so you can follow me there, if you are so inclined.

I think I might start posting some stuff here again. Lots of things to watch this year. Things look hopeful for Republicans, both in Washington and Minnesota. Exciting Governor's race here in Minnesota, also exciting Senate races in lots of states (yes, even in Wisconsin)...

Anyways, I am going to try to post again some more... We'll see how long that lasts...

Cash For Clunkers: FAIL

2009-07-31T08:30:00.002-05:00

As you may have heard, the government has run out of money in its vaunted "Cash For Clunkers" program, where you turn in your old gas guzzler for a $4500 rebate on a new, fuel efficient car.

The money quote?

"If they can't administer a program like this, I'd be a little concerned about my health insurance," car salesman Rob Bojaryn said. (source)

Thank you, Governor Pawlenty

2009-05-15T11:20:00.002-05:00

Hat's off the Governor Pawlenty!

Some on the left are going to complain about his "go it alone approach", but, the DFL-controlled legislature passed tax increases that they KNEW the Governor wouldn't sign. The Governor has made a strong, principled stand. Government MUST live within its means, especially during a recession. Tax increases are not the answer. Cuts are not fun, but they are responsible.

Thank you, Governor Pawlenty!

(oh...and BOO to former RINO governor Arne Carlson)...

Michael Savage banned by the UK...what does it really mean?

2009-05-05T19:26:00.004-05:00

I was going to write something about the UK banning conservative radio talk-show host Michael Savage... I am not a fan of Savage. I don't think his over-the-top approach does the conservative movement more harm than good. That's my opinion anyways. However, to lump him in with terrorists and murderers is an absurd move by the British government.

However, the thing that made me more concerned is the reaction of some people back here in the U.S. I was looking over an article about the banning on the web site of the San Francisco Chronicle, and was somewhat appalled at the user comments. Not surprised, but appalled nonetheless.

"Ban him from in this country too..."
"He should be banned from taking up space on Planet Earth! Three cheers for England!"
"Good, it's time these far-right pundits realize they are no different than the Taliban, white supremacists and other hate groups."

Comment after comment. There were a few that expressed disappointment or anger with the UK, but by far, most of them APPLAUDED the UK for its action.

APPLAUDED...

This is what concerns me. I believe that there is a general lack of understanding about what freedom of speech is about. There is NO appreciation for it, which is why it will be easy to take it away. I don't care if you are a left-wing tree-hugger or a right-wing facist or anything in between, as long as you respect the rule of law, you have a right to say what you want. If a government, foreign or domestic, targets individuals for THOUGHTS (as opposed to actions), that freedom is threatened.

If the action of the UK doesn't send a chill down the spine of Americans, right or left, that is scary. If the comments on that web site are even marginally representative of the population, then we may be in real trouble here. Because, if we only care about rights if they agree with me, that is the key indegredient of totalitarianism. Whether that comes from the right or the left, it doesn't matter.

The Great Recession...

2009-05-01T10:56:00.004-05:00

CNN Money offers a look at the current recession as compared to the Great Depression...

Despite the fact that the Great Depression dwarfs what we are going through (in every way), pay particular close attention to the stimulus response:

1934 - 1.5% of GDP increase in spending over 1 year
2009 - 3% of GDP increase in spending over 2 years (and that is just the stimulus package. We have yet to see how much the budget will increase).

Can we say massive over-reaction? But it gets worse...

1933 - Fed increases money supply by 17%
2009 - Fed increase money supply by 140%

Uhh...I am speechless...

So, if I wanted to visit New York...

2009-04-30T23:13:00.002-05:00

Should I fly there?

How about a train?

Once I get there, should I use public transit?

How about cabs?

I guess if I was Vice President, I could fly there in a private jet and be chauffeured in a safe, sterile limo. Then, I would not worry about chatting with Matt Lauer on the Today show and scaring the nation about the safety of air travel and trains and subways...

Scary stuff

2009-03-18T16:09:00.002-05:00

Set aside the anger about the AIG bonuses for a second...

Does anyone get scared when Senators start talking about punitive taxes of 90% or more? So, if that precedent is sent, what is next?

For the record, I do believe that the bonuses need to be investigated. And, if laws were broken, those who broke the laws need to be punished (which to me seems to be more likely those who PAID the bonuses rather than those who GOT them). And, if the bonuses are paid due to short sighted public policy, those who were responsible for that need to own up as well.

But, my first reaction to this is deep concern over punitive taxation, especially if it comes from ex post facto legislation (anyone read Article I, section 9 of the U.S. Constitution?).

Consider this scenario...

...Let's say General Motors comes back and says that unless the UAW accepts a 30% pay-cut across the board, GM will have to close. The UAW says no way. Congress, seeing it's bailout failing at a huge loss the the taxpayers, issues an ultimatum to the UAW, accept the cut or we will double the income tax rates on all UAW employees...

Scary?

Why haven't I been posting?

2009-03-03T18:32:00.003-06:00

I haven't really posted lately... I am sure the three people who stumbled across this blog have missed it.

To tell the truth, I have been a little down. But, a post over at Fraters Libertas has lifted my spirites a little. Chad lets reminds us that all is not lost.

Allow me to play the starry-eyed optimist for a moment and provide some advice and perspective. If you can step back from the day to day for a moment and expand your timeframe, you might see that things aren't as bad or as hopeless as they may now appear.

First, some advice. As conservatives we like to consider ourselves to be more realistic about the circumstances of the world and more mature in our outlook (funny that liberals think the same about themselves). So let's not act like petulant teenagers and pout because we didn't get our way. We lost a couple of elections. But it's not the end of the world as we know. Don't repeat the hysteria of the left during the Bush years. No one "stole" your country. This is still America. Still the best country in the world and still the last best hope for mankind.

Go read the whole thing...

Not much to say

2009-02-18T22:09:00.002-06:00

Haven't blogged in a while... in a little funk about the last few weeks...

Well, stimulus is upon us. I don't think that there was much doubt it was going to happen. Thanks to those GOP House members who stayed united to oppose this bad bill. Thanks to the 7 Democrats who did the right thing, especially Minnesota's own Rep. Colin Peterson (MN 7th). Thanks the those GOP Senators who stayed opposed as well, I wish I could say the same for Sen. Collins, Snowe, and Specter.

Make no mistake, this is a bad bill. We are embarking on an spending spree not seen since World War II. We have no way to pay for it. My kids and grandchildren will be paying for it, much like we are still paying for FDR's New Deal today. Democrats who were critical (rightfully so) of expanding deficits under President Bush are proposing deficits 3 or 4 or more TIMES the worst of President Bush's deficits.

We'll see how this pans out, I guess. And, that's all I gotta say 'bout that...

Stimulating ramblings

2009-02-11T20:53:00.003-06:00

I haven't posted much in the last few days. I actually have had a hard time coming to grips with what has been going on in Washington over the stimulus package...

On Monday, I watched President Obama's speech/press conference. I went in with an open mind (as open as possible, I guess). I wanted to hear how this stimulus package was going to help. I wanted specifics. I wanted to hear about measures for success.

According to the President, the only measure he is using is to "save or create 4,000,000 jobs". That sounds like a laudable goal, even if totally unmeasurable. Even if the economy loses jobs over the next year, there will always be the claim that "had it not been for stimulus, it could have been worse."

Second of all, why does it cost $800 billion for 4 million jobs. The government could hire 4,000,000 people to sweep streets at 50,000 per year and it would cost $200 billion a year. Of course...I am no economist...but, if that really was the only measure of success, wouldn't that have been cheaper?

Now, I know its not as simple as that. But, without the transparency that the Obama administration promised, what are we to think? Does anyone even know what is in this bill? Rep. Charlie Rangel, chairman of the House Ways and Means committee says that Senate Democrats "don't even know everything that's in this bill".

Don't get me wrong. I WANT this to work. I WANT the economy to turn around. I not going to be one of these people who secretly (or openly) hope for failure so that the Democrats get defeated in 2 years. I have concerns about the freedoms we are losing here. I have concerns about the liberal interests that are going to get a boost. But, more so, I have a concern that in 3 months, just like the TARP financials bailout, we are going to wondering where the stimulus is.

Happy Reagan Day!

2009-02-06T07:49:00.003-06:00

Today, Ronald Reagan would be 98 years old.

I was only 8 years old when Ronald Reagan was elected in 1980, and I was only 16 wen he left office in 1989. I wasn't what you would call an astute political observer in those days. In fact, I can't really say I was too political until the early 2000's. So much of what I know and admire of Ronald Reagan comes not from first-hand experience, but after the fact.

I guess for me what typifies Ronald Reagan is his ability to separate opposition from enemy. In the 1980's, the Soviets were the enemy, the Democrats were the opposition. Regardless of the issues, Reagan seemed to project a calm air about debate. He stood by his principles, he didn't cave to public opinion polls, but he did so without the rancor that pollutes modern public debate.

Thank you, President Reagan!

The Salary Cap

2009-02-04T19:17:00.002-06:00

Today, President Obama announced a salary cap on senior executives of companies that take government assistance: $500,000 per year.

On first glance, it's easy to say that this makes sense. First of all, they take government money, shouldn't there be some strings attached? And, come on, 500K? I don't think many CEO's will go hungry. And it seems to make good fiscal sense, right?

Well, let's look further into it. Let's say Mary is a CEO of a tech company. She's successful, and has a reputation of turning struggling companies around. She's make a cool $5M salary plus bonuses. Now we have A1 Financial Management, and large financial company that is fighting for survival. They have taken TARP money, and their board decides they need a talented CEO to turn things around. They want Mary to for the position...

Does Mary take a 90%+ pay cut? Or do they have to settle for a second tier CEO, maybe an untried talent. Maybe they get lucky, but when a company is fighting for its survival, won't they want the best they can get?

Now comes Rep. Barney Frank, who suggests that maybe President Obama didn't go far enough, how about extending salary restrictions to every financial company, or even every company in America.

Doesn't that scare anyone a little bit? I know defending high-earners isn't popular, but where does it end? Raise minimum wage, lower "maximum wage", from each according to their ability, to each according to their need?

Protect the Vote

2009-01-29T16:32:00.002-06:00

State Rep. Tom Emmer had a great editorial in the St. Paul Pioneer Press this morning on the issue of require photo ID's to vote:

Definitely worth a read.

Interesting to note.

A 2007 study by the Institute for Public Policy at the University of Missouri found that when a photo ID requirement was instituted before that state's 2006 elections, not only did voter turnout increase by two percentage points compared with a similar off-year election in 2002, but that there was "no consistent evidence" that counties with higher percentages of minorities, poor, elderly or less-educated population suffered "any reduction in voter turnout relative to other counties." To me, an increase in voter turnout and no undue burden on voters seems to be a goal that everyone, regardless of political ideology or party affiliation, should be willing to support.

I still say this is one issue where I can't really fathom the opposition.

Bipartisian opposition

2009-01-29T16:23:00.002-06:00

11 Democrats joined the unanimous GOP opposition to the President's stimulus package. Included in those 11 is Rep. Colin Peterson from the Minnesota 7th. Thanks, Congressman, for putting principle ahead of your party's wishes. Rep. Peterson's vote is what makes him difficult to beat in an election (the Minnesota 7th is a pretty conservative district), but when he votes like this, I am glad he's there.

Of course, I'd also like to thank Reps. Bachmann, Kline, and Paulsen for their opposition as well.

Also, I am happy to see Minority Leader Boehner offer a clear alternative, including tax cuts. The House GOP seems to be working well together as a team.

Now on to the Senate...

The "Spirit" of Bipartisianship

2009-01-27T22:54:00.005-06:00

One of the things we here a lot of from our elected officials today are grandiose claims of bipartisanship. It seems politicians can't stop crowing about how they come together to solve all of our problems.

Of course, they are feeding off the perceived sentiment that the public wants answers, and wish for nothing more than their elected officials to cave to the opposition in the spirit of getting things done. Is that really what the public wants?

My thought is that the people in fact want their elected officials to STAND UP for what they were sent to Washington or St. Paul for. Debate is not bad. Disagreement is not bad. A bill that passes the Senate 51-49 is no less effective than one that passes 99-1. In a odd way, maybe I would have more trust in the bill that passes 51-49. At least I can be somewhat assured that the bill was vetted and thought through, and the opposition had its chance to oppose it.

I say this as debate over the massive stimulus spending bill in Congress continues. Each day, we hear about how President Obama is reaching out to Congressional Republicans in the spirit of bipartisanship.

Republicans should oppose this bill. They should do so respectfully, while offering a clear alternative (including decreasing out of control spending, and tax cuts to stimulate investment). The Democrats' plan will probably pass in some form with or without GOP support. So, there is little gain in a "bipartisan" approach.

Work together, sure. Meet, discuss, debate, of course. But in the end (assuming no miraculous change in the Democrats' approach), GOP lawmakers should avoid the easy, feel-good high of bipartisanship and take the principled approach and vote NAY.

Should ID be required to vote?

2009-01-26T21:25:00.002-06:00

I have often wondered what the arguments are against requiring a state-issued photo ID for voting. I saw today that State Reps. Tom Emmer and Mary Kiffmeyer have introduced a bill in Minnesota to require photo IDs to vote.

The most common argument I hear against is "disenfranchising the voter". I don't understand how one additional action on the part of the voter would disenfranchise them.

I also hear the racial argument. Minorities are less likely to have a drivers license. The same is said about the poor.

Couldn't these issues be addressed? Perhaps a state-issued photo ID that is issued during registration? Of course, that probably pre-supposes an end to same-day registration...is that another topic?

But in the end, perhaps the greatest right (and, for that matter, one of our greatest responsibilities) as a citizen of our Republic is voting. Shouldn't the protection of that right, and protection of the validity of elections, be a primary concern?

"I won"...

2009-01-24T17:35:00.003-06:00

It's been an historic and busy week for President Obama. Of course, on Monday, there were the celebrations of Martin Luther King, Jr. Tuesday was THE DAY...HopeNChange™ was finally here.

Wednesday and Thursday it was about reversing the damage that the Bush administration did. Close Gitmo. Punt on a decision as to what to do with the prisoners there. End the Mexico City policy.

On Friday, President Obama, meeting with Democrat and Republican Congressional leaders on the $1 trillion+ bailout reminded us all about the new post-partisan world he has ushered us in. In response to Republicans who expressed concern about spending in the bill, President Obama delivered a simple message:

"I won."

How much truth there is in those words. Perhaps those two words say more about the upcoming Obama administration than his 20 minute inauguration speech, or even the two-plus years of campaigning...

What not to do...

2009-01-22T20:40:00.002-06:00

For the past 8 years, we have seen some good examples of "what not to do" as the party out of power. We have likewise some examples of what not to do as the party IN power, but we can discuss that later.

I came across an article by Andy Levy at Big Hollywood that offers some advice to the political minority. There are some really good points, and it actually hits on some of what I hoped would be recurring themes in this blog. Some points in particular:

DON’T question the motives - question the policy. When you disagree with Obama’s policies, say so, and make it clear why. But remember that President Obama is doing what he thinks is best for the country, as President Bush did. Both men love America and want what’s best for her. End of story.
DON’T make it personal. We don’t need another Derangement Syndrome. We don’t need people doing things like emphasizing Obama’s middle name in a derogatory fashion. How anyone would think that’s beneficial to their cause, or to the country as a whole, is beyond me. Also, it’s not even clever. Neither are smushwords like BusHitler, or sillywords like Rethuglicans and Dhimmicrats.
...
DON’T apologize to foreigners and say things to them like, “I didn’t vote for Obama,” or “He’s not MY president.”

DON’T say or do everything in your power to drive this country apart and then claim you want unity when it’s your guy in power. This is like the convicted felon who conveniently finds God when he’s up for parole
...
And finally, DON’T use the fact that many on the left behaved abominably for the past eight years as an excuse to behave the same way. America needs adults. And if it bothered you when they did it, it’s a good sign that you shouldn’t do it.

It's worth a full read.

I'd like to add that we need to avoid excuses. Conservatives have simply not been able to articulate their message in a way the American people could accept. As conservatives, we believe in free markets, and the market will correct itself. The same is true for the marketplace of ideas. Instead of blaming the liberal media, we need to change the venue. Coming across as the victim will not get us anywhere.

Blog Comment Policy

2009-01-22T11:27:00.005-06:00

This blog has open comments. For now, I will not be moderating comments. However, it is my request that comments follow the following standards:

1. Comments should be on-topic to the post.
2. I will delete obvious SPAM comments
3. I will not allow comments that simply link to another site or blog without comment
4. I respectfully request that comments refrain from using obscene language. I reserve the right to determine what is obscene.
5. Please refrain from name calling

I certainly welcome commentary which disagrees with me, as long as it is respectful. One of my goals for this blog is to be a respectful discussion. (Is that possible on the Internet?)

In the end, this is my blog. I reserve the right to remove comments at any time, and/or change the comment policy at any time.

Thank you, Mr. President...

2009-01-20T22:00:00.002-06:00

I want to offer my thanks to President George W. Bush. Since 9/11, he has taken the steps to keep us safe, often at the expense of his popularity or legacy. Only time will tell how history judges his presidency, but hopefully in the days and weeks to come, America will realize that, policy aside, Mr. Bush is a decent, honorable person who did what he thought was right.

In his time occupying 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Mr. Bush has taken more than his fair share of criticism; from the press, from Democrats, and even from his own party members. Some was probably deserved, but unfortunately, much was not. And some, went beyond criticism and crossed into classless bashing.

During the inauguration ceremonies today, when President Bush was introduced, a chorus of boos was heard from the crowd. During his final rendition of "Hail To The Chief", some members of the crowd decided a chorus of "Na na na na, hey hey, good bye!" was more fitting. The President, as he has for 8 years, seemed to let this insult slide off his shoulder like so many raindrops, but I imagine it was a particularly painful moment for this man. All he wanted was the best for America. Nobody deserved that type of reaction.

Not all of America is like that, Mr. President. Many of us, of every political stripe, can look beyond policy differences and appreaciate what you have sacrificed in service to our country. As a citizen of these United States, I extend my thanks for the part you have played, the sacrifice you have played, and the honorable way you have conducted yourself as our President.

Thank you, sir.

Our new President...

2009-01-17T19:26:00.002-06:00

In a few days, we swear in a new President. It's not the guy I voted for.

As a conservative, it seems like I don't have a lot to be happy about politically these days. It seems the door is open for all of those scary, socialist, enviro-nutty ideas to become the law of the land. Taxes are going up. Freedom is going down. My values are no longer represented. How should I respond?

I am going to use my first "real" post on my new blog to say this:

May God bless our new President, Barack Obama. May He grant President Obama the wisdom to carry our his task.

I am a citizen of the United States, and as of Tuesday, Barack Obama will be my president. I celebrate with my fellow citizens for the peaceful transfer of power that we enjoy in the United States. I recognize and celebrate the historic nature of Barack Obama's election.

I support our new President. Regardless of how critical I may be of our new President's policy decisions, and despite the fact that I will likely support his opponent in re-election in 2012, I pledge to give our President the support and respect he deserves as our leader.

Welcome to the Dinner Table

2009-01-16T15:30:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the Dinner Table.

After years of watching on the sidelines of the blogosphere, enjoying the work of some of my favorite bloggers, I decided to tip-toe in.

The name "Dinner Table" refers to a great quote by my personal hero, President Reagan, "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." We need a change in America. Now, I don't presume to think that I (through this blog) have the "solutions for America". But, it's time to discuss... and that's what I hope to write about here (The quote comes from President Reagan's Farewell Address to the Nation, January 11, 1989.)

We need a change in America. And, I am not talking about the same change as President Obama. I think that the change does not necessarily have to do with (pick your favorite issue) economic policy;immigration;earmark reform;gay marriage;abortion;war;peace;corruption;special interests;gun control;global warming;energy independence;social security reform. I think the bigger change is how we talk about it, and how we can actually effect change and solutions.

I am a conservative. I generally vote Republican. I have been active in local politics, serving as an officer in my BPOU. I have volunteered with several campaigns, most extensively for Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

I hear lots of talk about how the "Democrats are crazy/wrong/evil", and I admit I sometimes allow myself to be whipped into that frenzy. I also hear the frustration and infighting on our side of the spectrum...RINO's, "ineffective" party leadership... and once again, I admit that I am frustrated why, despite the hard work of the grass roots, we are a court decision away from sending Al Franken to the Senate. Why elected Republicans appear to be abandoning conservative principles to attempt to hold on to what power they have left.

It's a tempting thing to blame them all. But, the last thing I want is to write another blog in which all of these sentiments are echo'd over and over. It's time to talk about positive steps.

Anyways, that's a start to what this blog is all about. I can't promise much, how often will I write? I don't know, never did it before. But hopefully, someone will find something worth talking about here. If not, oh well.

About Me

2009-01-14T08:52:00.003-06:00

My name is Patrick Lorch.

Personal and Professional

I am a married with two young children.
I am more than 30 years old, less than 40.
I am a Bible-believing Christian.
I work as a software developer and executive for a business-to-business marketing company.
I live in Andover, MN, which is an outer-ring suburb of the Twin Cities, Minnesota

Political Activities

I have identified myself as a Republican as far back as 2000. Before that, I was pretty much non-political.
More recently, I have identified myself as a conservative-first-Republican.
In 2004, I started actively participating in politics (besides voting).

My Political Concerns/Interests

I believe in small government. The more government gets involved in matters of private citizens, the more fouled it becomes.
I believe that the Constitution limits government. That which is not explicitly allowed is denied to the Federal government. Likewise, the Constitution does not grant rights to citizens. It enumerates rights to be protected.
Over-regulation of business kills jobs and slows the economy. Over-taxation kills jobs and slows the economy. Regulation and taxation, despite sometimes good intentions, always have unintended, negative consequences.
Our country was founded on a basic set of moral values. These moral values are necessary for a strong nation, and should not be negotiated away. I believe that if we allow those values to decline, our American society will decline.
The government of the United States of America is responsible for protecting the United States of America. We cannot abdicate our responsibility, nor relinquish our right to protect our country. Our government's responsibility is to the legal citizens of the United States only.
Political discourse in this country has devolved to a point that we have lost the line between "opposition" and "enemy". Too often, we paint the opposition as the enemy in the arena of public debate. Personal attacks, embarrassment, and "gotcha" politics has replaced honest policy debate. Winning has become more important than principle. This applies EQUALLY to both Democrats and Republicans.
Generally, I believe that most candidates and elected officials (from any party, at any level) begin as honest, hard-working public servants who serve their country/state/county/city with a legitimate desire to do what they think is right. However, the desire to do good is sometimes overwhelmed by a belief that sometimes, deception is neccessary to continue to do good. (Win at all costs, never admit a mistake). This breeds corruption.

In the interest of full disclosures and disclaimers

This blog is the private work of Patrick Lorch. I do not write this blog on behalf of any political party, candidate, or other interest group. My writings reflect my views, and my views alone.

I have been active in Republican politics, as well as involved with several campaigns:

I have been a volunteer for the campaign of Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.
I have served as an officer my former Republican BPOU (MN Senate District 52). I also been a delegate at various levels of the Minnesota GOP.
I do not nor have I ever been a paid staff member for a campaign or party.

At this time, I have no formal or official position in any political party unit or campaign. If that should change, I will update this page.

You may contact me at dinnertableblog (at) gmail (dot) com.