‘Raise Your Voice’ Archives
Chicago and Back
By Peter Molenaar In early mid March, the big ice off Chicago extended not quite indefinitely to the east. While there, I was to learn that an elder comrade from the Steel Workers Union had passed away. So, the handshake received at the last Party convention had been a warm farewell. Will the sparkle of eroding snowpack be gone by April 1st? The CPUSA Labor Commission has for many years convened in the “Windy City”. This time around we took a fresh look at our industrial concentration policy””the very policy which led to my employment at Smith Foundry and my connection to this community. But, in this modern world, it appears the high-tech sector and the crisis of low wage workers have emerged relative to the old emphasis on “core industries”. It”'s hard to believe that I must now play role model before the Young Communist League! My turn to speak”¦ “Regarding the elevation of low wage workers, allow me to reflect from a [...]
Look Back Forward Beyond
By Peter Molenaar Amid the raging turbulence of the early 1970s, the dropped-out guru peddled his book: BE HERE NOW. The ancient mysticism did so readily combine with the chemistry of the period. We were happy to inhale the tear gas. However, this reliance upon sensory inputs proved to be inadequate. Luckily, as was later discovered, everything exists in motion owing to the interpenetration of opposing forces. To know the essence of a thing, one must reveal by analysis the main contradiction within it. Yes, APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING, especially the appearance of permanence. One example: (more…)
No Need to Whisper
By Peter Molenaar When the brown-eyed children were exclusively praised in class, the blue-eyed children receded. Thus, many years ago, the connection between self-esteem and learning capacity was demonstrated. Moreover one”'s self-image is a refection of an historically determined social context. So, when we talk about the racial achievement gap in math and reading, there is no need for hushed whispers. Research shows that children facing hardships in their first five years of life are prone to developmental delays and long-term deficits. Hardships might include: poor access to healthcare and proper nutrition, lack of stable nurturing relationships, and little or no exposure to age-appropriate learning activities. The ongoing economic crisis exacerbates all the negative factors. Does anyone doubt that child development is a foundation for a prosperous and sustainable society? Prioritizing in-need children should then be high on Minnesota”'s to-do list. Here [...]
