Corrected past to remain “just” a story, replaced by “ trying to live a just life.”
by Frederick Fisher
Dear Editor in Charge:
Months ago I read an article in your paper from an ex-offender, who was maintaining his “Survival” in this world. [See June, July, and August, 2009 The Alley, “Starting Anew” and “Changing your life means hard work and no excuses.” all by James Davis] Upon reading these, I was inspired to Continue my Journey in this world. Upon my walk I have been forced to deal with harassment from cops, since they”'ve discovered my status as an ex-offender and being Native American. I moved out of the city and into the suburbs of Minnetonka, hoping for a better life and free from the troubles of the inner city; only to discover scrutiny and racial profiling from these officers.
What I am hoping for is that your paper will print this and give me some exposure, so that I can connect with people in the Community who may be able to help me with this problem.
Because I do not live within the city limits of Mpls., the Police Review Authority will not investigate my complaints and the Chief of Police disposed of my written complaints. Please believe me, I am not one to “cry wolf” and I am exhausted and very distressed.… Read the rest “Corrected past to remain “just” a story, replaced by “ trying to live a just life.””
Young Leaders”' Program
Young Leaders Carmen Salviidar (left) and Sami Pineda (right) painting a mural in the 2800 alley between 14th and 15th Avenues during Summer of 2010”'s Young Leaders”' program.
The Young Leaders program was begun in 2006 by St. Paul”'s Lutheran on 15th Ave and 28th Street. After talking with hundreds of people in the area, one of the issues that rose to the top was the lack of programs for youth in the critical ages of 11 to 15. Based on successful programs in Milwaukee and Philadelphia, St. Paul”'s designed the program as a way to build job and leadership skills in youth. Each youth goes through an application, interview and probation process that is similar to the real world of work. If accepted, they are placed in a career team that does work to benefit the community, for which youth receive a stipend. They also receive training in such skills as interview techniques, oral and written reports and workplace safety, and make career day visits to workers in different fields. This summer”'s career days included discussions with Becky George of Mercado Central and Inspector Lucy Gerold of the 3rd Precinct of the Minneapolis Police Department.
The Young Leaders”' work will be on display at the third annual “A Taste of Phillips” at St.… Read the rest “Young Leaders”' Program”
Pull Together
By Peter Molenaar
Given the unprecedented economic, political and military power of the U.S. ruling class, it may seem like a pipedream to believe that we “ordinary” folks can advance socially even by small increments. But when the foundations of this colossal power are examined, definite weaknesses are revealed.
First, the system of corporate-capitalism is malfunctioning big time. Witness: the Wall Street meltdown, massive unemployment, stagnant wages, fruitless wars, and the developing life-threatening environmental crisis.
Second, only 1% of the population now owns over half of all stocks and bonds and the richest 5% holds 60% of all our country”'s wealth. In reality, there are a few thousand families with hundreds of billions in assets who control the main financial, manufacturing, extraction, media, communications, transport, aerospace and real estate corporations. Clearly, the wealth behind the power is concentrated in the hands of an extremely tiny group.
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