Senator Franken

Dear Friends,

While I am very upset with the senior Senator from Minnesota (Senator Klobuchar), I am quite pleased with the performance of the junior Senator from Minnesota (Senator Franken).  When Al Franken ran for the Senate many people did not think that a comedian would make a good Senator and that he was not serious enough to be a Senator.  Fortunately, those of us that had an opportunity to hear candidate Franken speak or to meet with him knew that he was very smart, very thoughtful and very passionate about what he was doing.

Senator Franken is making his mark in the Senate.  If ever there was an institution that needed some shaking up it is the United States Senate, and that is what he is doing.  Unfortunately, it is late and I do not have enough time to chronicle all of his achievements in the Senate in the short time that he has been there. But see this list on his website.  Here are some recent examples. 

While the leadership of the Democratic party has been talking about needing a jobs bill, Senator Franken has introduced the Cash for Jobs bill.  A bill that has won praise from many economists.  Senator Franken is not waiting around for leadership from Senator Reid or President Obama.

While most Democratic Senators are waiting for some leadership, Senator Franken is speaking truth to power when he tells President Obama and David Axelrod that they blew it on health care reform by failing to lead.  (here).

While most Congressional hearings have the feel that our elected representatives give a speech, the witnesses give a speech and nobody demands answers, Senator Franken actually uses Congressional hearings to get answers to questions and call out lies. (here)

If we had a Senate full of people like Senator Franken, we would be a lot better off.

Thanks for reading and please comment,

The Unabashed Liberal