Talk radio and the blogosphere united on Saturday, in a grand alliance of even grander promise. History was made in Eagan, Minnesota, as Twin Cities radio station WWTC hosted the first—ever all—blogger talk radio show, 'Northern Alliance Radio,' with the participation of Power Line, SCSU Scholars, and Captain's Quarters personnel. Naturally, the event was live—blogged simultaneously on Captain's Quarters.

Minnesota used to be one of the most liberal states in the nation. In recent years, it has been trending strongly conservative, in no small part due to the efforts of outstanding citizens who have dared to question the liberal orthodoxy of the formerly—dominant Democratic Farmer—Labor (DFL) Party and its allied media, especially the notoriously—biased Minneapolis Star—Tribune. The conservative blogs in Minnesota have united under the banner of 'The Northern Alliance,' and work together to promote intelligent inquiry into questions of public policy. Additionally, local think tank The Center for the American Experiement provides brainpower and a forum for critical examination of important issues. 

Minnesota is a place which prides itself on intelligent, enlightened civil discourse, and which holds itself to a higher standard of public administration, at least in the abstract. It is no coincidence that as the bankruptcy of liberal/left social policy has become self—evident, Minnesota has moved toward rational and skeptical conservatism in its electoral behavior.

The Grand Alliance between talk radio and the blogosphere holds great promise for the quality of political discourse all over America. The American Thinker enthusiastically salutes the pioneers of the prairie, Northern Alliance Radio,  who have accomplished 'one small step' which may lead to giant strides. We only hope that a web feed of their radio program will be available soon, so that people all across America will be able listen in.

Posted by Thomas  03 07 04

NB: The Northern Alliance, I am reliably informed, is even grander than imagined. Other blog members of this regional powerhouse include Lileks.com, Shot in the Dark, Spitbull, and Fraters Libertas. While chagrinned at having short—changed worthy members, I am delighted to discover how extensive and intellectual forceful this critical mass of critical thinkers actually is.

An even bigger salute goes out to our bretheren in the Upper Midwest. The forces of reactionary liberalism have even greater cause for worry.

Posted by Thomas   03 08 04