‘Commentary’ Archives
“Liberty and justice for all” demands history of all
By Jim Graham Yes, we SHOULD look in depth at the history of Ft. Snelling. And then pray no one ever comes to “Re-Develop” us, our culture, and our children. Another advocate of unrevised history recently said, “What I learned from that experience with the state-hired historians, is that their information is hugely biased and not to be [...]
Bow to Rwanda
by Peter Molenaar At the corner of 31st Street and 16th Avenue exists a modest reddish brown brick structure –- home to United Methodist Walker Community Church. For decades, the Peace and Justice Community has used this facility for planning meetings and public forums. It is a proud church. About early April of this year, the pews were [...]
Thoughts From Smith Foundry
by Peter Molenaar Folks driving 28th Street en route to Hiawatha Avenue and perhaps to Lake Street shopping are asked to glance right just east of Cedar Avenue. The rather unattractive dirty brown building seen there is home to Smith Foundry. Molten iron is sand cast within. This writer has survived 31 years of employment with [...]
“Thoughts From Powderhorn Lake”
by Peter Molenaar At every mid-month, contributors to The Alley are pressed into duty (or are otherwise moved by a profound love). Consequently, this writer missed ice-out day at Powderhorn—so be it. Now, at mid-April, a nice start towards a summer tan has been achieved thanks to the early spring warm-up. Folks who descend each year to [...]
Against Finger Pointing
by Peter Molenaar Scientific reminder: The totality of existence (i.e. ‘matter’) is in motion…this is true because all phenomena are a manifestation of a self-contradictory unity of opposing forces (i.e. matter is ‘dialectical’). So then, to understand something one must begin by uncovering the main contradiction within it. [...]
Guacamole Dip
by Peter Molenaar With considerable frequency, the convenient Lake Street Latin food offerings prevail as the most satisfying answer as to what to eat next. A fat burrito with a side of guacamole does the trick. Invariably, it is observed, a corn chip with a lush dollop of the guacamole enters the mouth first. Savored with eyes closed, it is [...]
