‘Raise Your Voice’ Archives
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. [...]
Skunk and Racoon
By Peter Molenaar It is now forty years since I held title to 16 acres near Lake Milac. Many of us had chosen to go “back to the land”, in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. We all had our share of sublime moments, but survival became an issue for most of us. Was it the full moon and stars which heightened awareness as he walked the dead end gravel road to “the farm” that night? Bloop, bloop, bloop, the sound echoed from the flooded culvert below. What the ”¦ the fight or flight response was intense but instantly suppressed as Skunk emerged and approached directly. The young achieved enlightenment while she sniffed his feet. Many moons later, while sitting upon a beach in Powderhorn Park, he was visited by Racoon. The warm breath touched the calves of his legs lightly beneath. Serenity and wisdom prevailed. Yet two Native youth came forth to issue stern warning against such composure. Ironic? (more…)
Hip Replacement Time
By Peter Molenaar Ever have trouble engaging the medical system in this country? Try growing up in a medical family as I did. It was my father who examined all the private parts”¦mine as well as those of all my classmates. It followed that for years I returned to Cannon Falls for the free service, but did so only when the course of household remedy proved to be inadequate. It was just within the past year that I entered one of the local clinics to find a primary physician outside my family. Although it was a painful left hip which demanded attention, I would submit to a gamut of tests and probes. Cholesterol “somewhat elevated”, thyroid “needs help”, prostate “no problem”. As for the hip, x-rays revealed lost cartilage, the left hip being bone on bone. They call it arthritis. Turns out you get only so much cartilage to begin with. Wear it out and the deal is done. Moving on”¦ (more…)
