‘Raise Your Voice’ Archives
Two Faces
By Peter Molenaar I must be loosing it. Damn rabbit ears”¦maybe this way”¦no, nothing. What is up with this new thin screen HD television? No more political attack ads? Arrghh. Seriously, many of these ads have the effect of splashing acid on the opponent”'s face. An ugly caricature is created. T.P.- G.O.P. types appear to be more proficient in the art. The series of ads produced by Mark Dayton”'s people were more positive. They included visual-bites of an industrial scenario set at Smith Foundry (located in East Phillips). My co-workers are now dubbed “movie-stars” by the Teamsters Union! (more…)
On The FBI Raids
by Peter Molenaar The basic facts: The FBI raided five homes and an anti-war office on September 24, 2010. Federal grand jury subpoenas were handed to nine local activists. The activists include eight women and one man ranging in age from 29 to 71. Four are parents of children ranging in age from 18 months to 6 years of age. One is a great-grandmother. Six are members of labor unions. All have been involved in international solidarity and peace work for many years. They are friends and neighbors to each and every one of us. So, now they all face jail time for refusing the initial subpoena. Conceivably, the period of incarceration might be extended “indefinitely” in the event the grand jury reconvenes with this in mind. Representative Clark and Senator Berglin have received praise for resolving against this intrusion. (more…)
State Fair Angst
By Peter Molenaar “Angst” is a German word which has achieved vernacular status in the contemporary English. It means: anxiety with a little depression thrown in. For our purposes, the word connotes an omnipresent but less than full-blown anxiety, which normally remains repressed by the requirements of daily living. To the discerning eye, an under-current of angst was revealed among the gathered “masses” at this year”'s State Fair. We are the masses. Unfortunately, our angst has become a playground for dishonest politicians. So, the annual reaffirmation of Minnesotan identity has passed. The cow barn displayed again the Jersey Cow with beautiful eyes and baby face. The sheep were proudly groomed, snow-white and alert. Even the hogs were giddy. (more…)
