‘Raise Your Voice’ Archives
By the Way
By Peter Molenaar Just recently, while traveling north on Cedar Avenue, this writer was forced to slam his brakes near the tangled intersection known for its Taco Bell. A long-haired youth had stepped abruptly in front from the parallel traffic which had stalled for his benefit. My horn refrained, yet the youth approached with a finger on display. Note: Eventually, I did travel east on Riverside Avenue to pay a bill at an orthopedics clinic. Then, en route home, a stop at the Community Peace Garden was in order. (This oasis appears just west of Cedar and adjacent to east-bound Highway 94.) While watering a plot, to my astonishment, “Long Haired Youth” again approached, this time clutching one stolen luscious red heirloom tomato! Flight was not an option. Yet the hose kept running, flat upon the ground, as I presumed to block his path””at which point mutual recognition occurred. He kept coming. (more…)
A Wiff of Wilf
Rufus who, after “breaking wind,” is told by his owner, “Oh Rufus, pee-yew, you “stink like a Wilf”. Which begs the question: What is the origin of the phrase “stink like a Wilf”? By Peter Molenaar Rufus the dog belongs to girlfriend. I am pleased to say they both love me. Evidently, however, when left in the care of a family member, Rufus was misfed. A remarkable sequence of what is called “breaking wind” resulted. To which girlfriend exclaimed “Oh Rufus, pee-yew, you “stink like a Wilf”. Which begs the question: What is the origin of the phrase “stink like a Wilf”? A superficial inquiry suggests that variations of the phrase formed while passing mouth to mouth in South Minneapolis. But as always, we must pursue a deeper historical analysis. Let”'s have a look. Zygmunt Wilf was born in Germany on April 22, 1950. His parents are both Holocaust survivors from Nazi occupied Poland. The [...]
A Human President
By Peter Molenaar There are many among us whose spiritual outlook has been staked to the possibility of a successful Obama presidency. As for me, even in moments of disappointment, I have attempted to “walk in his shoes”. In truth, this column has several times made the point: It is the mean spirited politics of the dying capitalist system which fails us ”“ it is not the president who has failed. But what? The “left-sectarians” among us began their attacks the day after the first election. How nicely their words dove-tailed with the right-wing racists whose mission of sabotage commenced that day as well. Nevertheless, those who had not completely lost heart felt free to weep as the president spoke of Trayvon Martin. Yes, a moral complexity was alluded to, but more importantly, the response of African Americans and their supporters was understood within the historic context. The president saw his own face in the face of Trayvon. [...]
