Archive for March, 2015
Frank Reflections-March 2015
By Frank Erickson “Prove to me that sarcasm and ridicule are unjustifiable if they break the crust of prejudice, roused a conscience or shammed a sinner! Our aim is to alter public opinion.” ...Wendell Phillips I wonder how often Wendell Phillips used sarcasm and ridicule to change the behaviors of loved ones or co-workers, and if he did use it, how well it worked. They have a “fighting season” in Afganistan that goes from spring to fall. Every year for the past fifteen years both “sides” have taken a break from the fighting for five months during the harsh winter months. For as long as the “war” has been going on, that”'s a total of 75 months, just over six years. If a 15 year “war” can have six years of no “warring”””is that not evidence that they can stop fighting? I”'m not quite sure what is more disturbing, a man being burned alive in a cage, or millions of people flocking to theaters to [...]
Our Planet Spins
By Peter Molenaar Numerous Ward 9 activists will recall the elongated moment which delivered the DFL endorsement to Alondra Cano on her initial bid for a City Council seat. The democratic spirit had prevailed in recognition of her competence”¦or so it seemed. Ty Moore and the Socialist Alternative were then determined to mount a vigorous challenge. Note: The local Communists wondered why a “socialist” would oppose the ascendancy of a progressive Mexican-American. Moreover, Ty”'s call for a $15/hour minimum wage appeared (at the time) as “easier said than done,” to put it mildly. But things change. On February 16th of this year, it was Ty who held center stage, with Alondra as his guest. Well over 100 activists had gathered at the United Labor Centre for a “$15 now” rally. In turn, Alondra spoke of her family background and then, speaking directly to the master of ceremonies , she reconciled the past and committed her support. As [...]
