‘Commentary’ Archives
The “Food Chain” of Violence
BY FRANK ERICKSON Why do Whites get to use violence to fight terrorism, but Blacks do not get to use violence to fight racism? What is the difference between hurling bricks and bottles at police after what happened to Freddie Gray and hurling bombs at Afghanistan after what happened on 9-11? Who are the true rioters and looters? The crime is not racism. The crime is people of color responding to racism, in a manner that is viewed as unacceptable. The burden of ending racism is on those subjected to it and how they respond to it. The U.S. government having access to violence in the form of “War” as a vehicle for fighting terrorism does not come from the U.S. Constitution. Anyone can write up a constitution and claim it gives them the right to “war.” “War” is a very simple straight forward physical phenomenon. It comes from being on top of the violence “food chain.” Those with the most lethal violence have [...]
Fly the Friendly Skies
By Peter Molenaar Monday, May 18”¦ The Metropolitan Airports Commission was to convene its monthly meeting with a lengthy agenda. Star employees were to receive awards! Smile. However, the deeper concern was this: Should the low-wage classifications be bumped up $1.00 from the minimum wage? So rendezvous at the Lake Street Station for a light rail hop to Terminal I. Traverse the dark recesses”¦enter the light of day among red shirt activists. The gathering was lead by “15 Now” (Socialist Alternative) and SEIU Local 26. “Fight for $15/hour at MSP Airport” was the slogan. We were able to pass the security gauntlet (to mixed reviews) and entered momentarily the bourgeois market place. We did not dwell there, but ascended one flight to find the MAC meeting space. After much to-do, the time for public testimony did arrive. I had filled out a card requesting to speak on behalf of the Communist Party USA. To my [...]
